As the haze situation continues to worsen in Malaysia, all schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, and Putrajaya will be closed on Oct. 13.

Schools in several districts in Selangor and Pahang will also be closed, joining Johor, whose state government earlier ordered the closure of all schools until Oct. 16, 2026.

In all other unaffected states — Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak — schools will operate as usual that day.

This announcement was made by Malaysia's education minister Fadhlina Sidek in a Oct. 12 Facebook post on Oct. 12.

She added that schools that remain open are advised to monitor outdoor activities in accordance with current air quality conditions.

She also urged parents, students, and school faculty to wear protective face masks when outdoors.

Unhealthy air quality

Schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, and Putrajaya, had just reopened and resumed normal operations on the morning of Oct. 12 after a previous mandatory closure.

The decision was made after Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in these areas declined to moderate levels for three consecutive days over the weekend, The New Straits Times reported.

But on Oct. 12, 22 of 68 national monitoring stations in Malaysia recorded unhealthy API readings, prompting a new order for school closures, according to Malay Mail.

Under the API that the country follows, the unhealthy range is between 101 and 200.

Johor had the worst pollution as eight areas in the state logged unhealthy readings. Kota Tinggi district in Johor topped the country with the highest API reading of 170.

Previously, Johor's state government announced that all Johor schools would be closed due to the haze on Oct. 8 and 9, then extended the closure on Oct. 12 to 16.

Putrajaya, which hit 146 on Oct. 12, is also known as Malaysia’s federal administrative capital as it is home to the Prime Minister’s Office and several government buildings.

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After finding a baby parakeet abandoned at his door and in bad shape, a 54-year-old private-hire driver nursed it back to health.

Now, the parakeet, which he named Bao Bei (or Baby in Mandarin), rides in the passenger seat of his car, to the delight of his customers.

Injured and abandoned

Speaking to Mothership, the driver, Low Chee How, 54, shared that Baby was found abandoned at his door one day.

He does not know who left it there, but surmised that the person must have noticed that he kept birds at home.

It was injured and one of its eyes was transparent, Low recalled.

"It was very weak," he said.

Its nose was also bleeding.

Low nursed the parakeet back to health, treating it with medicine bought from a shop.

However, Baby's injured eye never recovered.

Work companion

Three months later, the green parakeet rides in Low's passenger seat, accompanying him and his passengers on their journeys.

Baby calmly perches on the rim of a white bin, placed inside a paper bag on the passenger seat of Low's Honda Shuttle Hybrid.

During the car ride with Low, the parakeet shuffled left and right in order to keep his balance.

Occasionally, it would chirp.

Low shared that Baby's intention could be discerned through its tone.

When it wants attention or affection, its chirp would sound friendlier.

When it needs its space, it would make it clear, Low pointed out.

Parakeets tend to get lonely

When asked why, out of all his birds, Baby gets to tag along for work, Low explained that parakeets tend to need more companionship.

"Unlike the birds that sing, parakeets get lonely when they are left alone," the 54-year-old said.

Low's passengers are generally receptive to Baby being in the car as well, and most would ask if they can take a video of the bird.

Low has been a cab driver for over 10 years, since before the advent of ride-hailing apps.

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The National Environment Agency (NEA) will begin a two-year pilot programme for ferry services to facilitate sea burials from the second half of 2027.

According to an Oct. 12 press statement by NEA, the pilot ferry service will operate weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal.

The service, to be managed by an operator appointed by NEA, will accommodate multiple groups on a single vessel.

It aims to offer a cost-effective alternative for families seeking more accessible sea scattering options.

A fee of S$50 per application applies.

Changing demographics and demand

NEA said that the pilot comes in response to the growing demand for ash scattering as the cremation numbers in Singapore increase — about 82 per cent of those who pass away in Singapore are cremated.

These numbers are bolstered by Singapore's ageing population and subsequently a greater need for after-death services.

Notably, annual deaths are projected to increase from about 26,500 in 2025 to about 40,000 by 2040.

In 2021, inland ash scattering (IAS) was introduced.

Its prevalence has grown over time, with NEA stating that the proportion of cremations where ashes were scattered at IAS facilities rose from about 7 per cent in 2022 to about 12 per cent in 2025.

This growing preference for ash scattering has led NEA to explore additional options to meet public needs.

NEA also cited a study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) which found that 42 per cent of respondents indicated a preference for ash scattering as opposed to storing their cremated remains.

Of these respondents, 15 per cent preferred IAS while 27 per cent preferred sea scattering.

Chew Ming Fai, the Deputy CEO and Director-General of Public Health for NEA, said that the agency is committed to providing more options for people making after-death arrangements for their loved ones. 

He added that the pilot will not only make the scattering of ashes at sea more accessible, but also allow NEA to better understand demand and shape the service to meet the public's needs.

While the two-year pilot runs, NEA will look at uptake and gather feedback to assess the long-term viability of the service.

More details will be made available ahead of the commencement of operations in 2027.

Despite a recent hand injury from a fall, 90-year-old Lee Song Kun runs his Toa Payoh hawker stall single-handedly for about nine hours daily.

He reportedly opened his noodle stall at Block 183 Toa Payoh Central just three months ago to keep himself active, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Before opening his stall, Lee fell at an MRT station and injured his hand.

He took seven months to recover.

Hawking experience

Lee told Shin Min that he had started working as a hawker since he was 17 and used to sell bak kut teh, prawn noodles, laksa, and mixed rice.

He had decided to open a stall again after his wife passed away.

Feeling that most of his time spent at home was "aimless" without her, he reportedly decided to return to being a hawker to keep himself active.

Lee’s daughter was reluctant about him setting up a stall, worried about his health at an old age, Shin Min reported.

However, he explained that he was not opening a stall for the money, but to keep himself occupied.

Understanding her father’s point of view, Lee’s daughter reportedly agreed and helped him rent the hawker stall just three months ago.

Lee currently sells laksa and minced meat fish ball noodles.

The stall is open every day from 7am to 2:30pm, and from 5pm to 7pm.

He personally prepares all the ingredients and cooks the dishes himself.

Lee also told Shin Min that his hand has healed.

A tiger was apparently spotted near Fraser’s Hill in Malaysia.

The sighting was shared on social media.

The big cat was seen standing by the road near a forest.

The road leads to Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), Selangor.

The area is around the Gus Gap Chorocco Trek area, about 1km from Simpang Bukit Fraser.

Some social media posts warned travellers to take precautions while in the area.

"Do not stop, do not wind down your windows, and do not get out of your vehicle. This tiger has been spotted roaming along the roadside," one post read, Berita Harian reported.

Many comments pointed out that the tiger appeared emaciated.

The Pahang Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said it installed four camera traps to monitor the presence of the animal after receiving reports of the Malayan tiger on Oct. 9 at around 9am.

On July 18, fans who had gone to pay respects to the singer noticed her urn was missing and alerted her family as well as the police.

About three months later, Mui’s family has yet to receive any news regarding the investigation. Mui's fanclub made a public appeal for any information on what would have been her 63rd birthday.

Mui died in 2003 at 40 years old due to cervical cancer.

According to The Standard, no ransom demand has been made, and no other urns have been reported missing.

Mui’s brother, Mui Kai Ming, faced public accusations that he stole her urn. He refuted these claims in an interview with Hong Kong media, emphasising his love for his sister and saying that he would never do such a thing, as reported by Lianhe Zaobao.

He has since offered a reward of HK$50,000 (S$8,152) in exchange for information that may lead to the discovery of his sister’s ashes.

Kai Ming had originally intended to host a memorial for his mother on Oct. 10. But after hearing about Mui's ashes, he decided to turn the event into a memorial for his sister instead.

He was reportedly in tears at the event, condemning the thieves for their cruel acts.

One person was killed and 11 injured after an attack was launched at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's international airport on Oct. 11.

This attack comes just one day after a similar strike at the same location killed at least 12 people.

Both attacks were claimed by the Houthis in Yemen.

According to Reuters, Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said that an unidentified projectile targeted King Khalid International Airport's Terminal 4, causing a fire.

They also claimed that Saudi air defences had intercepted a cruise missile near the airport, as well as a drone in the country's Eastern province and a ballistic missile launched towards Khamis Mushait.

Emergency alerts were also issued in the southern city of Abha, but Saudi authorities have stated that the danger has passed.

Houthis claim responsibility

In a televised speech on Oct. 11, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for Oct. 10's attack.

He added that the group had also struck the airport in Dammam, a port city in Saudi Arabia, and two more facilities of Saudi oil company Saudi Aramco.

Saree also made a separate statement warning against using Saudi airports, announcing that the group considers Saudi airspace and airports as "potential targets and a theatre of military operations".

He also stated that they would make exceptions for airports in Mecca and Medina, the two holiest sites in Islam.

The statements were broadcast on Al-Masirah, a TV channel run by the Houthis.

An eyewitness on board an aircraft at Dammam said that they saw a projectile strike the tarmac besides several parked aircraft, which caused a fire.

The witness said that the aircraft returned to the gate and passengers were told to disembark and evacuate.

"Worse is yet to come"

The two strikes come as part of a military campaign waged by Saudi Arabia on the Houthis, who are fighting a civil war in Yemen against the Saudi-backed government.

The Houthis captured the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in 2014.

Reuters had previously reported that the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi-led coalition forces, announced an offensive on Oct. 4 to retake lost territory from the Houthis along the Red Sea.

The Houthis claimed in their Oct. 11 statement that Saudi Arabia had carried out 124 air strikes on Yemen in the 24 hours prior.

They also warned that unless Saudi Arabia halts its military operations in Yemen, "worse is yet to come".

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is considering joining the Saudis in launching strikes on the Houthis.

More footage of the Oct. 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport has surfaced, with security camera videos being shared online.

Many of the travellers at the site of the attack were pilgrims, preparing to travel to Islamic holy sites.

It was the deadliest attack on the kingdom in more than a decade.

CCTV footage shows the moment an Ansar Allah (Houthi) missile struck Terminal 3 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh yesterday. https://t.co/2UsvBW2CRA

— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) October 11, 2026

Saudis going ahead with major events, but schools switch to remote learning

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is still moving forward with major events, such as the World Petroleum Council (WPC) Energy Congress.

The five-day energy conference opened on Oct. 11 as planned at a convention centre just 10km away from Riyadh's airport.

A ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum also went ahead. 

However, representatives from major oil companies such as BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil have withdrew from attending the WPC conference, reported Reuters.

According to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, nearly all flights at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled on Oct. 11.

Another 457 flights have been cancelled as of Oct. 12.

Al-Jazeera also reported that all schools in Riyadh will switch to remote learning for a week.

Schools in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, will switch to remote learning for a week following a deadly attack on the city's airport, reports AFP, citing an email sent to parents.

🔴 More on https://t.co/MbrRGkFd1I https://t.co/j1JzC9ccLc

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 11, 2026

In Singapore, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad has urged Singaporeans to be careful during travel, especially for those making pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.

A 50-year-old Singaporean man who supposedly moved to the Philippines to get married is now "stranded" and was staying at a mosque after alleging that his marriage turned out to be a sham.

The man, Hasbi, was staying at a mosque in Bohol, an island province in the Philippines.

His supposed plight was first revealed by 24-year-old TikToker @imcarrielaine04, whose real name is Carrie Laine Abad.

She is known for helping foreigners and travellers in the Philippines who are stranded to return to their home countries.

Realised marriage was fake

In her first video about Hasbi on Sep. 20, she explained how he believed his supposed marriage with his Filipina partner was real, but later discovered that it was fake.

He then supposedly stayed in a mosque to avoid becoming homeless, and became stranded in the country.

Since he wanted to return to Singapore, Abad said in the video that she would do her best to help bring him home.

Marriage plans

In the next video, Hasbi told Abad that since the process of getting married was supposedly "so long", the couple allegedly got married in the Philippines first.

They then planned to get married a second time in Singapore.

Noting that his partner allegedly left him, Hasbi added that he does not have a marriage certificate.

3 foreigners

In view of his situation, Abad told Hasbi over WhatsApp that she would pay for his flight from Bohol to Manila so they could approach immigration officials and the embassy to address the issue.

Another video showed her at the Bureau of Immigration to resolve this issue for Hasbi, as well as a Nigerian and American.

Abad also took Hasbi out to dine at a restaurant.

Immigration issues

Responding to Mothership's queries, Abad said Hasbi first arrived in the Philippines on Dec. 17, 2023.

She first met him in Bohol, Philippines, where he was staying in a mosque because he apparently had nowhere else to go and was at risk of becoming homeless.

"After learning about his situation, I booked a flight from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to Bohol to visit him, understand his circumstances, and learn more about the challenges he was facing."

"I wanted to find out how I could help him return to Singapore."

Abad said she arranged and paid for his flight to Manila so that he could address his immigration issues and work towards resolving his situation.

"I am currently helping him with his daily necessities and accommodation while he goes through this difficult period," she said.

Passport

Abad added that though Hasbi supposedly still has a valid Singaporean passport, he had reportedly been pursuing an indigency (extreme poverty) process for a foreign national due to serious financial difficulties.

He also can apparently no longer afford to pay the fines required to resolve his immigration situation.

"I have been helping him with the indigency application in the hope that he can obtain the necessary consideration and clearance to leave the Philippines and return to Singapore," she said.

"The process has been challenging because of his financial circumstances, but I am supporting him as much as I can while he works through the necessary procedures with the immigration authorities."

Daily needs

Abad pointed out that Hasbi is doing better and less stressed than when he was staying at the mosque in Bohol.

"At that time, he rarely expressed himself, and I was concerned about his situation and well-being," she said.

On top of helping him meet his daily needs, including providing food and a place to stay, Abad said she also accompanies him whenever he needs to visit the immigration authorities.

She said: "As he is experiencing significant financial difficulties, I continue to support him as much as I can while he works towards resolving his immigration issues and returning to Singapore."

A man who jumped into an enclosure at a zoo in Yorkshire, UK, died after a tiger attacked him.

The incident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 10, The Guardian and CNN reported.

Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1:30pm to attend to the incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire police said.

Video circulated online

Videos online showed the man being pawed at and grappled by a tiger in an enclosure.

A police spokesperson said the tiger inflicted “serious injury” on the man.

“Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” they added.

The animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public, the police added.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said on Sunday that the tiger, named Altai, will not be euthanised.

The park later shut for the weekend.

The British zoo had said a “serious incident” occurred inside the enclosure and is working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.

I’m not part of the sandwich generation. Not yet.

At 29, I’m living my best DINK (Double Income No Kids) life. I have yet to have kids; my parents are mobile and independent, and my biggest daily struggle is deciding what to have for lunch.

It’s a far cry from the reality of Grab’s new microdrama series. The main character, Emily (Regina Lim), is a widowed mum of two. She works a demanding job and cares for her aging mum, all while dealing with the myriad stresses of Singapore life.

Presumably, this is where the mysterious private-hire vehicle driver, Henry (Glenn Yong), arrives to save the day.

A glimpse into the future

Absurdly attractive cast aside, the show felt like a prescient glimpse of my own future.

I do intend, eventually, to have kids. My parents probably will lose bits and pieces of their independence as the years go by and the myriad stresses that accompany these things, along with daily living, well, they will never really go away in the end.

In fast-paced Singapore, there’s always something new to worry about.

Already, I rely on convenience services like Grab to play catch-up. By the time I reach home at the end of a busy work day, most days I can’t find the energy to cook.

Some days, I find myself booking a ride to the office just to get a precious few more minutes of sleep.

As my parents age, I can also see myself using the Grab for Family Account to book rides for them and track them as well to ensure they reach their destinations safely, or ordering in food and groceries on their behalf. Just to make their day a little easier.

Cheesy drama, real problems

It’s a Grab micro-drama, so naturally, mentions of the app are plenty too.

Emily takes a ride home after work, where her fateful meeting with the mysterious Henry occurs. When her son falls sick, she orders medicine via GrabMart .

When she arrives home, she orders dinner for her family via GrabFood. When she’s forced to work over time, she uses Grab for Family — which allows parents to check that the passenger arrives safely — to order a ride to tuition class for her daughter. And so on.

Obviously, the idea is to show how the app is convenient and reliable, particularly for busy people juggling multiple day-to-day responsibilities.

But the other side of the narrative is this: How exhausting such an existence can get, having to care for everyone but yourself.

How awful it can be, surrounded by loved ones, yet constantly swallowing your resentment over their relentless needs.

Even with the convenience of a Grab for Family account, which allows you to check that the passenger you’re booking for arrives safely at their destination, I can still predict the mental load of constantly having to worry about your loved ones.

I’ve watched the show, and while I won’t spoil it for you, Emily and Henry (obviously) end up together.

As for what happens post-credits, we can only guess, but here’s mine: he sweeps her off her feet Cinderella-style, and they all live together as a big happy family. The end, happily ever after.

The important things change over time

But that’s where the drama ends, and we start looking at our own lives.

With a dearth of mysterious handsome knights-in-shining-armour to go around — sadly — most of us will have to find other ways of problem-solving.

I come from a solidly working-class background, so the idea of splurging on convenience isn’t always easy to stomach. Why would I book a Grab ride when I can take the bus for a fraction of the price?

Why would I order delivery when I can cook for the cost of the delivery fee alone?

But as I grow older, and every minute of my time becomes more precious, it becomes less a question of how much I can save — and more about what I can do.

If I have to pay for a Grab after work, but it means I can make it to a family dinner with my parents, isn’t it worth it?

If I am hosting a dinner and I order in bundles through Grab, but it allows me to save on the hassle of having to clean up after, isn’t that OK?

It’s a balance I’m still struggling to strike.

Be kind to thyself

The whole meet-cutie trope with Henry the driver, in true microdrama style, is full of corny one-liners and cheesy K-drama tropes.

At one point, Emily runs out to the lift lobby to give Henry a snack and a bottle of water.

“I guess you’ve earned your five stars now,” he quips. “I just like taking care of people,” she replies in her magnanimity.

It is, of course, fine to admire Emily for the capable and big-hearted mum/daughter/ employee she is. But I hope we don’t turn her into a heroine.

There is nothing aspirational about being a burnt-out caregiver. Nothing to romanticise about it.

For me, I hope the message we take away is not to wait for kindness from the outside, but to make the conscious choice to offer it to ourselves.

You can watch Grab’s new microdrama here to find out more.

This Grab-branded article reminded me that it’s OK to be kind to myself, too.