Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

social media

TikTok

MCMC

YouTube

regulations

WeChat

compliance

licensing

word press freedom

enforcement

Malaysia has implemented a significant regulatory shift for social media and messaging platforms. As of January 1, 2025, all platforms with more than 8 million Malaysian users must secure an Applications Service Providers Class (ASPC) Licence to operate legally. This measure, enforced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), aims to ensure a safer digital environment but has also sparked debates over its broader implications.
Leading the Compliance Effort
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e87a265422603687a9d59da9a6ad9d971cc9aa0be9d24dabf49750b17f0615e4" />
Tencent&rsquo;s WeChat and ByteDance&rsquo;s TikTok are the first platforms to obtain the ASPC licence, positioning themselves as pioneers under the new framework. Tencent led the way, securing its licence well before the January deadline, followed by ByteDance. Telegram is in the final stages of its licensing process and is expected to comply soon.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has initiated its application, signalling progress toward compliance. However, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube have yet to secure licences. X Corp. claims its Malaysian user base does not meet the 8-million-user threshold, a claim under review by the MCMC. Meanwhile, Google, which operates YouTube, is in discussions with the MCMC over the classification of its video-sharing platform under the new regulations.
Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98665cde79ecc2b33c818d6b31a9d0fee08953407cf4a21bebcbdb81b11b54ad" />
MCMC has warned that platforms operating without a licence face significant penalties under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. These include fines of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Non-compliant platforms could also incur daily fines of RM1,000 for continued violations after conviction.
Despite these penalties, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that the government has no immediate plans to block access to non-compliant platforms. Instead, the focus will be on regulatory actions and financial penalties. The MCMC has not yet set a strict timeline for non-compliant platforms to address harmful content, leaving room for further negotiations.
The Malaysian government has framed the licensing requirement as a proactive measure to combat increasing online threats, such as scams, sexual crimes, bullying, and financial fraud. The licensing system is designed to make platforms more accountable for harmful content, ensuring better protection for users, particularly minors.
On December 20, 2024, the MCMC released a code of conduct for licensed platforms, detailing best practices to mitigate harmful content. Licensed platforms are expected to proactively prevent and address issues such as cyberbullying, misleading advertisements, and illegal content.
Resistance and Criticism
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cf79feb3d2e88b9e7a7f538a6573c2374f37f246c9540e16cc1200cc82b080a0" />
Despite its stated intentions, the framework has faced criticism from civil society, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders. Concerns centre on provisions that allow for warrantless arrests and compel platforms to share user data with authorities, which critics argue could be misused to stifle dissent or curtail free speech.
Malaysia&rsquo;s drop in the World Press Freedom Index&mdash;from 73rd place in 2023 to 107th in 2024&mdash;has heightened fears of government overreach. Critics argue that ambiguous definitions of objectionable content could be exploited to suppress criticism or unpopular opinions.
Another contentious point is the requirement for platforms to establish local representation and contribute 6% of their Malaysian revenue to the Universal Service Provision Fund. While the fund supports digital infrastructure in rural areas, some argue it unfairly targets social media companies without requiring similar contributions from other digital entities, such as data centres or cloud service providers.
The Role of International Platforms
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7e6f57350558d0c8aca84d4d528587cdec4c6b92c91700400fa05b4096de3ab7" />
The reluctance of major platforms like Google and X to comply reflects broader concerns about the framework's practicality and fairness. Google has contested the classification of YouTube as a social media platform, arguing that its primary function as a video-sharing service falls outside the framework&rsquo;s scope. Meanwhile, X&rsquo;s claim of not meeting the user threshold has prompted the MCMC to verify its validity.
Negotiations between the government and platform operators are ongoing, with discussions focusing on easing some of the more stringent requirements. Key issues include reducing criminal liability for international platforms, refining content regulation criteria, and reassessing financial contribution mandates.
A Regional and Global Perspective
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/836b50e45c5d028064dbd77509ebd9f5f51a092fc29624cd3e3c1bbf77bbf772" />
Malaysia&rsquo;s licensing framework is part of a growing trend among governments seeking to regulate digital platforms. For example, Indonesia requires platform operators to take down harmful content within strict time frames&mdash;four hours for urgent cases and 24 hours for other requests. Malaysia&rsquo;s regulations, while stringent, stop short of imposing such rapid takedown mandates.
The framework also mirrors global discussions about the responsibilities of tech companies in addressing online harms. As digital platforms become increasingly influential, governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of balancing innovation and free expression with the need for accountability and user safety.
The success of Malaysia&rsquo;s licensing framework will depend on its ability to strike a balance between safeguarding users and supporting digital innovation. While compliance efforts are underway, the government&rsquo;s willingness to address industry concerns could shape the framework&rsquo;s long-term effectiveness.
As the debate continues, Malaysia&rsquo;s approach may serve as a case study for other nations considering similar regulations. For now, the country finds itself at the crossroads of digital governance, where the promise of a safer online ecosystem must be weighed against the risks of overregulation and censorship.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Some platforms have yet to apply, raising concerns of potential fines and legal consequences.

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Malaysia’s New Social Media Licensing Framework: Which Platforms Have Applied? 

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Scentify

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Oatside

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Rohto

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In a striking example of how appearances can be deceiving, two luxury car drivers were recently caught by the Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) for driving without valid road tax and insurance. Despite being behind the wheel of a BMW X5 and a Ford Mustang, both drivers claimed they were unable to renew their documents due to financial hardship.
The enforcement operation, Ops Harian, was held on Thursday, 12 June 2025, along the Kajang&ndash;Cheras Expressway, and ran from 2pm to 11pm. The two high-end vehicles were stopped during routine checks, and further inspection revealed they were in breach of road regulations.
Excuses Don&rsquo;t Match the Lifestyle: &ldquo;We Couldn&rsquo;t Afford It&rdquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fbdee992811e8e304b4b807275173071cf379ce939ded5c2df829dcc2ce96d9a" />
According to Selangor JPJ Director Azrin Borhan, the Ford Mustang, driven by a man in his early 30s, was flagged for not having a valid Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) or insurance. The driver claimed he was unable to renew his road tax due to being blacklisted as a result of multiple outstanding traffic summonses.
The driver of the BMW X5, a man in his 40s, was found to be in even more serious violation &mdash; his vehicle had been driven with an expired road tax for more than a year and without any valid insurance coverage. When asked for an explanation, he too cited financial difficulties as the reason.
Both men stated that although they could afford to purchase luxury cars, they were struggling to maintain legal compliance with basic motoring requirements, such as road tax and insurance.
JPJ: &ldquo;Owning a Luxury Car Does Not Make You Above the Law&rdquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3666431d0bb6eb807001f1a2e8c0b508bf2620364e59dc4118eb5f0be08654f8" />
In response to the violations, both vehicles were immediately seized and taken to the JPJ Shah Alam branch for further investigation and enforcement action.
Azrin Borhan delivered a strong message to the public:
&ldquo;Driving an expensive vehicle is not a licence to break the law. Regardless of income or status, all road users must follow the same regulations. There will be no exceptions for those who own luxury cars.&rdquo;
He also stressed that stern action would be taken against individuals who are found to be negligent or who intentionally ignore their responsibilities as drivers.
A Recurring Issue: Expensive Cars, Missing Paperwork
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/14bcfaebe83b3ae2209ebd9e72a5d502e43cbf2333cd4335b7ded6cc83aaa8cc" />
Cases like this are not new. Authorities have seen a growing number of incidents where owners of high-end vehicles neglect to maintain the basic legal requirements. According to JPJ, many such offenders prioritise luxury aesthetics and brand image over legal compliance and safety obligations &mdash; often at the cost of other road users.
The two vehicles involved in this latest case &mdash; a Ford Mustang and a BMW X5 &mdash; are each worth hundreds of thousands of ringgit in the Malaysian market. The discrepancy between such valuable assets and the drivers&rsquo; claimed inability to pay for legal documents has reignited public concern over irresponsible ownership practices.
JPJ Urges Public to Stay Vigilant and Report Violations
JPJ also encouraged members of the public to report traffic offences through official channels. Those who witness violations or suspect similar offences can lodge a report by emailing aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my or by using the e-Aduan JPJ mobile app. Reports should include sufficient detail and the complainant&rsquo;s contact information to allow for proper follow-up.
Azrin concluded his statement by calling on all motorists to take responsibility for their vehicles and comply with national road safety laws at all times.
&ldquo;Road safety is a shared responsibility. We urge everyone to ensure their vehicles are properly taxed, insured, and maintained. Anyone found to be negligent will face legal consequences.&rdquo;
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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What’s the point of owning a luxury car when you know you can’t afford it?

7914018692b6e251c906d046bc6ad1e11ceb5b25eb61073dea19269dbb03f470

Luxury Car Owners Caught Driving Without Road Tax Blame ‘Financial Issues’

1Fit, once celebrated for revolutionising the fitness scene in Malaysia with its flexible and affordable class offerings, has officially announced the end of its operations in the country. The abrupt closure has left users reeling, particularly those who had invested in long-term memberships.
The platform allowed members to access a wide range of workout options&mdash;from Pilates and bouldering to swimming and gym sessions&mdash;under a single subscription plan. For many, it was a cost-effective way to enjoy variety and convenience in their fitness routine. However, in a sudden statement shared via their official social media accounts, 1Fit revealed that it has entered a formal liquidation process due to inadequate funding.
No More Bookings or Membership Access
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In the announcement, the company stated that all services had been suspended with immediate effect. Users would no longer be able to make new bookings or purchases, and all existing memberships were now void. The platform also posted a video featuring 1Fit CEO Murat Alikhanov, who confirmed the company&rsquo;s inability to maintain operations despite numerous efforts to sustain the business. He added that users could request refunds via a link provided in their bio, though many have since voiced concerns about the lack of clarity and transparency surrounding the refund timeline.
Consumers Express Frustration Over Timing and Communication
The timing of the announcement and the lack of early warnings have stirred considerable backlash online. Users questioned why 1Fit continued to promote and sell memberships&mdash;some costing upwards of RM2,000&mdash;even in the days leading up to the shutdown. There were also criticisms regarding the platform&rsquo;s use of influencers and fitness ambassadors (KOLs) to attract new sign-ups, potentially while knowing the company was no longer financially viable.
One user commented, &ldquo;It is unacceptable that 1Fit was still pushing RM2K annual plans and asking KOLs to get more people to sign up, while knowing full well they were going to shut down. It shows a complete lack of respect for paying customers.&rdquo;
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cde8a10d1910a40587d9398ad6681015ee982c955f8940c3f4343104bfa0ca8f" />
Personal Stories of Loss
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/196038c8de1ae310a78bac92b35671e6d636ec4ed5d76e44e33731161d331982" />
Several members have come forward to share their frustrations and financial losses. A recent subscriber, told that she paid RM2,500 for a 15-month membership after being introduced to 1Fit by a friend. Unfortunately, she only managed to use the platform for 2.5 months before it was shut down.
&ldquo;I was really enjoying the flexibility and the variety of classes. It fit my schedule and lifestyle perfectly. To see it all disappear so suddenly is heartbreaking&mdash;and unfair,&rdquo; she said.
Her friend, a longer-term member, is also affected and has already submitted a refund request, but has yet to receive any confirmation.
The Fitness Community Steps Up
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a0a3b2837f993a99a76d24f30689097f1769ea7eb475b2d2841e711a1dfce350" />
Amid the fallout, many of 1Fit&rsquo;s former partner gyms and studios have chosen to support the affected users rather than turn them away. A growing number of businesses are now offering free trial classes or heavily discounted packages to ex-1Fit members, with some even honouring active memberships for a limited time.
This compassionate response from the fitness industry highlights its resilience and customer-first mindset. It has been especially encouraging for users who suddenly find themselves without access to workouts they had come to rely on.
Lessons in Accountability and Consumer Protection
While 1Fit&rsquo;s liquidation may have been a business decision driven by economic realities, the manner in which it was handled has raised serious questions about consumer protection, transparency, and corporate responsibility. Many are now calling for stronger regulations on subscription-based platforms and more robust safeguards to prevent consumers from being left in the lurch.
With fitness increasingly moving into the digital and app-based space, the 1Fit incident may serve as a cautionary tale for startups and users alike. It underscores the importance of transparency, timely communication, and fair treatment of paying customers&mdash;especially when things go wrong.
What Happens Next?
As affected users wait for further updates on the refund process, the full scale of the impact is still unfolding. Whether refunds will be processed promptly remains unclear, and questions linger about whether legal action may be taken by disgruntled members.
For now, many are left disappointed, financially affected, and wary of future fitness tech offerings. The hope is that this experience will lead to better consumer protections in the digital wellness industry going forward.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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All memberships cancelled, and users left waiting for refund updates.

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1Fit Shuts Down Operations In Malaysia, Sparking Outrage And Concern Among Users

Japanese pop-rock legends SEKAI NO OWARI&mdash;also known internationally as End of the World&mdash;have officially announced their return to Southeast Asia with their brand-new Phoenix Asia Tour. The tour, slated for October 2025, marks their first full-scale live shows in the region since their 2015 performance at MTV World Stage in Malaysia.
The band will perform in Singapore on 4 October 2025 (Saturday), followed by a show in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 8 October 2025 (Wednesday). Fans in other major Asian cities&mdash;Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai&mdash;will also be treated to performances as part of the tour.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
【NEWS📢】 SEKAI NO OWARI ASIA TOUR 2025「Phoenix」の開催が決定いたしました！ ▶ASIA TOUR 2025「Phoenix」特設サイト<a href="https://t.co/wBcr8khPEJ">https://t.co/wBcr8khPEJ</a> 《スケジュール》 ■ソウル / Seoul 2025.09.20 [SAT] ■台北 / Taipei 2025.09.27 [SAT] ■香港 / Hong Kong 2025.09.30 [TUE] ■シンガポール&hellip;
&mdash; SEKAI NO OWARI OFC (@SekaiNoOwariOFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SekaiNoOwariOFC/status/1932411189084258471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote>

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While details about the concert venues and ticketing have yet to be released, anticipation is already running high, with longtime fans eager to secure their spots once ticket sales open.
Who are SEKAI NO OWARI?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f6ea9c97865babb502415da9a43fccfd5a117e07069b11d6bd8a61e6db1d798c" />
SEKAI NO OWARI&mdash;literally &ldquo;End of the World&rdquo; in Japanese&mdash;is a four-piece pop-rock band whose kaleidoscopic sound and whimsical aesthetics have made them one of Japan&rsquo;s most influential contemporary groups. Formed in Tokyo and major-label&ndash;debuted in 2011, the line-up has remained unchanged: enigmatic front man Fukase (vocals, lyrics), multi-instrumentalist and band leader Nakajin (guitar), classically trained Saori (piano, stage design) and the ever-masked DJ LOVE (turntables, sampling). Their break-through single &ldquo;Starlight Parade&rdquo; lit up domestic charts, but it was 2013&rsquo;s anthemic &ldquo;RPG&rdquo;&mdash;theme for Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-grade Gourmet Survival!!&mdash;that catapulted them into mainstream popularity, earning double-platinum certification and establishing their trademark blend of fairy-tale lyricism and stadium-sized hooks.
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The quartet&rsquo;s catalogue is now packed with era-defining hits: the folk-EDM crossover &ldquo;Dragon Night,&rdquo; orchestral ballad &ldquo;Sazanka,&rdquo; and 2022&rsquo;s TikTok-fuelled &ldquo;Habit,&rdquo; which dominated the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for eleven consecutive weeks and captured the Grand Prix (Song of the Year) at the 64th Japan Record Awards. Their music frequently crosses into film and anime: &ldquo;Anti-Hero&rdquo; and &ldquo;SOS&rdquo; bookended the live-action Attack on Titan movies, while &ldquo;RAIN&rdquo; served as the end-theme for Studio Ponoc&rsquo;s animated feature Mary and the Witch&rsquo;s Flower.
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/1NF6OvO7LcY8f7m5rVxU1T?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>&nbsp;
SEKAI NO OWARI&rsquo;s albums&mdash;Tree (2015), the twin releases Eye and Lip (2019), and 2023&rsquo;s Habit&mdash;have each topped the Oricon charts, and the group&rsquo;s imaginative arena productions (complete with circus sets and giant inflatable creatures) are regarded as some of the most immersive live experiences in J-pop. Alongside multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards and MTV VMAJ wins, the band has collaborated with Western acts such as Owl City and Epik High and even released English material under the name End of the World, underscoring their global ambitions. With genre-bending singles, award-winning visuals and a devoted fandom that spans generations, SEKAI NO OWARI continue to re-define what a Japanese pop band can be on&mdash;and beyond&mdash;the world stage.
A Full-Sensory Experience: Not Just a Concert
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ace1a03a2e87263a32b170753433d0eac311233b22b9134661e423a7a93eaade" />
Those familiar with SEKAI NO OWARI&rsquo;s previous shows know to expect more than just a musical performance. Renowned for their cinematic visuals, immersive stage designs, and emotionally charged atmospheres, the band creates a multisensory journey that resonates long after the final encore.
Their setlists typically blend heartfelt ballads with electrifying anthems, driven by their unique fusion of J-pop, alternative rock, and electronica. Songs like SOS and Anti-Hero, which featured in the Attack on Titan films, are fan favourites that showcase their emotional storytelling and genre-defying sound.
This tour promises the same dramatic energy and breathtaking visuals that have become synonymous with the group&rsquo;s identity, making it a must-see event for fans across Asia.
A Decade in the Making
SEKAI NO OWARI&rsquo;s return to Southeast Asia has been a long time coming. Their last performance in Malaysia dates back nearly a decade, and fans have waited patiently for another chance to experience their powerful live presence. Since their MTV World Stage appearance, the band has gained international attention under their English moniker End of the World, collaborating with global artists and appearing at major music festivals.
With this tour, they are bringing their global momentum back to Asia, igniting excitement among their dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as S.N.O.W.S.
Stay Tuned for Ticket Sales
&nbsp;<img src="https://media.tenor.com/Azuy9B8e13gAAAAM/sekai-no-owari-snow.gif" />
Currently, concert venues, ticket pricing, seating plans, and possible VIP perks have yet to be announced. However, the official tour announcement was shared via the band&rsquo;s social media channels, and further updates are expected soon.
Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on official platforms for more information and to prepare in advance&mdash;because tickets are expected to sell out fast.
Whether you're a longtime follower or new to their music, SEKAI NO OWARI&rsquo;s Phoenix Asia Tour promises an unmissable experience. With their emotionally resonant performances, genre-spanning sound, and breathtaking visuals, their return to Southeast Asia is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Japanese live tours of 2025.
So mark your calendars:
<ul>
<li>Singapore &ndash; 4 October 2025 (Saturday)</li>
<li>Kuala Lumpur &ndash; 8 October 2025 (Wednesday)</li>
</ul>
Let the countdown begin.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Live in Malaysia on 8 October 2025 — don’t miss their long-awaited return!

2016e43495510e5c032aaebd909c41c49c6d7b2f0469cfa5d2308fca9fde011e

SEKAI NO OWARI Returns To Southeast Asia With “Phoenix Asia Tour”

A catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded on Thursday, 12 June, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The crash, which occurred at approximately 1.39pm local time, claimed the lives of more than 240 people, making it the world&rsquo;s worst commercial aviation tragedy in over a decade.
Read: <a href="https://next.myc.my/articles/4026/muan-airport-tragedy-jeju-air-boeing-737-800-crash-sparks-urgent-aviation-safety-review">Muan Airport Tragedy: Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 Crash Sparks Urgent Aviation Safety Review</a>
Flight AI171, bound for Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 individuals, including 217 adults, 11 children, two infants, and a crew of 12. The aircraft plummeted into a residential area, crashing directly into a hostel attached to a medical college in the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood during lunchtime. Among the deceased were hostel residents, including medical students, doctors, and their families.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
2024: Just before &ldquo;committing suicide&rdquo;, Boeing whistleblower John Barnett warned of major quality issues in the company's 787 aircraft that could lead to a fatal crash. 👀 Today: Air India Boeing 787 bound for London crashes shortly after takeoff killing 242 people. RIP 😢 <a href="https://t.co/NwGtpqpKLR">pic.twitter.com/NwGtpqpKLR</a>
&mdash; James Li (@5149jamesli) <a href="https://twitter.com/5149jamesli/status/1933146204067774837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Only One Survivor Pulled from the Wreckage
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b488dbfb511beb6542ec5caffbe4e1aaeab481af14dfbcb2486a70a84b289dce" />
In a rare miracle, one passenger survived: a British national of Indian origin named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Seated in seat 11A, next to an emergency exit, Ramesh was able to escape the burning wreckage. He sustained multiple injuries but remained conscious and coherent when transported to hospital.
&ldquo;Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,&rdquo; Ramesh told the Hindustan Times from his hospital bed. &ldquo;When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance.&rdquo;
Footage taken after the crash showed Ramesh bloodied and limping as he was helped into an ambulance. Police later confirmed he had managed to jump from the aircraft through the emergency exit, and that he remains the only known survivor.
Devastation on the Ground
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The destruction was not limited to those on board. At least 24 people on the ground perished when the aircraft struck the building. Many others were injured. Witnesses described the crash as sounding like a bomb explosion, and some felt the ground shake as if during an earthquake.
&ldquo;My son is safe, and I have spoken to him,&rdquo; said a woman named Ramila, whose son had just returned to the hostel for lunch. &ldquo;He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries.&rdquo; Another local, Poonam Patni, recounted the horror: &ldquo;When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames. Many of the bodies were burned.&rdquo;
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the victims. Authorities have asked families of the deceased to provide DNA samples for identification due to the severe burns suffered by many victims.
Cause of Crash Still Unknown
The aircraft had only just departed Ahmedabad&rsquo;s runway when it issued a Mayday call. Moments later, it vanished from radar. CCTV footage showed the plane struggling to climb before falling rapidly and disappearing from view, followed by a massive fireball rising from behind residential buildings.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The full sequence from take-off to crash&mdash;final moments of Air India 171 captured on CCTV. Clear catastrophic lack of lift just seconds after liftoff. <a href="https://t.co/l6UAzZ3wtJ">pic.twitter.com/l6UAzZ3wtJ</a>
&mdash; Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/1933165937399648447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Air traffic control confirmed the Dreamliner took off at 1.39pm and lost contact shortly after. The flight tracking website Flightradar24 reported that the plane&rsquo;s signal was lost less than a minute after take-off. Notably, video analysis suggested the landing gear was still down, which aviation experts noted as unusual for that stage of flight.
US aerospace safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse remarked: &ldquo;If you didn&rsquo;t know what was happening, you&rsquo;d think the plane was on approach, not take-off.&rdquo; The exact cause remains unknown, but mechanical failure or pilot error has not been ruled out.
First Crash for Boeing 787 Dreamliner
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This crash marks the first-ever fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011. The specific aircraft involved, registered as VT-ANB, had been delivered to Air India in January 2014 and first flown in 2013.
The Dreamliner had a reputation for being one of the safest wide-body jets, adding further shock to the tragedy. Boeing has since dispatched a team of experts to assist with the investigation, which is being led by India&rsquo;s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Worldwide Response and Support
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2cd490d60a3b48ab94fde26bbdc156ea79cd5bafa6245d7d5ffc1f24fe980ef" /> Left: Campbell Wilson ; Right: Narendra Modi
In the aftermath, Air India and its parent company Tata Group expressed deep sorrow. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson called it a &ldquo;devastating incident,&rdquo; while Tata pledged ₹1 crore (approximately &pound;86,000) in compensation for each victim&rsquo;s family. They also committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured and pledged support in rebuilding the medical college hostel.
International leaders extended condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as &ldquo;heartbreaking beyond words.&rdquo; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the images &ldquo;devastating,&rdquo; and King Charles was said to be closely following developments. US President Donald Trump described the incident as &ldquo;terrible,&rdquo; while British authorities confirmed they were working with Indian counterparts to support affected families.
Three of the British victims were identified as Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, and their young daughter, Sara. Gatwick Airport has set up a special reception centre for relatives of passengers.
Investigation Underway
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India&rsquo;s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced that a high-level committee of experts has been formed to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The aircraft&rsquo;s black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered, and data from these will be crucial in determining the crash's cause.
GE Aerospace, the maker of the plane&rsquo;s engines, has also sent a team to India to assist in analysing the flight and cockpit data. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working closely with Boeing and GE, while the UK&rsquo;s Foreign Office is providing consular support to affected families.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the city of Ahmedabad in mourning, with vigils being held outside hospitals and homes of the deceased. Scenes of relatives awaiting news or identification at the city&rsquo;s morgues underscore the profound human cost of the crash.
The incident has also reignited scrutiny over aircraft safety and airline maintenance standards, as many families question how such a devastating failure could occur so soon after take-off.
As investigators begin the difficult task of piecing together what went wrong, the sole survivor&rsquo;s story remains a haunting testament to the tragedy&mdash;and a symbol of hope amidst overwhelming loss.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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This marks one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in over a decade.

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Tragedy In Ahmedabad: Over 240 Dead In Air India Crash, British Man Sole Survivor

What began as a suspected break-in at a family home in Bukit Rambai, Melaka, during the early hours of 12 June, has now been confirmed as a deeply troubling domestic tragedy. A 51-year-old single mother, Vernita Boon (also reported as Wen Qiu Yan in some sources), and her 21-year-old eldest son, Lim Boon Kai, were found brutally stabbed to death in the living room of their home in Taman Rambai Mutiara.
Initial reports suggested a robbery, but police have since revealed that the perpetrator was not an external intruder. Instead, the horrific attack was allegedly carried out by Boon&rsquo;s second son, a 17-year-old schoolboy, who is believed to have been driven by pent-up resentment stemming from constant academic pressure.
Early Morning Horror: From Bedroom to Bloodshed
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f412e8a2c5472e6049fd21e585a15cad2bd4013b9304166c4d587d3e8955ee54" />
According to police, the suspect&mdash;who is due to sit for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations later this year&mdash;used a 20cm folding knife, concealed in his school bag, to stab his mother multiple times while she was asleep in her bedroom. When his elder brother entered the room in an attempt to intervene, he too was fatally attacked, sustaining stab wounds to the neck, waist, and back.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar stated that the youngest of the three siblings, a 13-year-old boy, witnessed the bloody aftermath. When he refused the suspect&rsquo;s command to leave the house, he was also stabbed but managed to escape. He was later found bleeding outside the home and is currently in stable condition in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Melaka Hospital.
Premeditated Violence, Not a Crime of Passion
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/364276571779dc2fd30154acbb15445fee9787c3b1315329bbf6681a97f69b0b" />
Forensic teams and officers from the Batang Tiga police station arrived at the scene around 6am. They discovered bloodied clothes discarded in nearby bushes and recovered the murder weapon&mdash;still in the suspect&rsquo;s school bag&mdash;indicating an attempt to destroy evidence.
Police believe the attack was not spontaneous but carefully premeditated. CCTV footage from the neighbourhood reportedly captured the suspect&rsquo;s movements, including his efforts to dispose of evidence. The 17-year-old is said to have purchased the folding knife several days prior to the attack.
When officers arrived, the teenager was found sitting outside the house in a dazed state. He has since confessed to the killings and is currently in custody, facing two counts of murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code. Investigations confirm he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
Underlying Motive: Academic Pressure and Emotional Distress
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At a press conference, Dzulkhairi disclosed that the motive behind the murders appears to be revenge triggered by emotional distress and unresolved resentment. The suspect reportedly struggled with his mother&rsquo;s strict academic expectations and felt overwhelmed by her frequent scolding, especially in the months leading up to his national examinations.
Neighbours told police that arguments between Boon and her children were a regular occurrence and had grown more intense in recent weeks. It is believed the older brother also contributed to the pressure, urging the suspect to focus more on his studies.
&ldquo;This is a tragic case of a child who felt trapped under academic expectations,&rdquo; said Dzulkhairi. &ldquo;The suspect claimed he was forced to study late into the night and was frequently reprimanded for not meeting expectations.&rdquo;
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A Family Already in Mourning
The family had already suffered a significant loss just six months earlier, when Boon&rsquo;s husband&mdash;reportedly a chef&mdash;passed away from illness. Left to raise three sons on her own, Boon worked as a primary school teacher in a Chinese school in Melaka and was known for her dedication to education.
The tragedy has now left two members of the family dead, one seriously injured, and the surviving son facing the possibility of a death sentence if convicted. The home, which had been a place of familial rebuilding, is now a crime scene etched with trauma and irreversible loss.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Melaka deputy police chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Jefferi Abdullah and Melaka Criminal Investigation Department chief Assistant Commissioner Leow Kian Heong were among the officials at the crime scene as forensic teams gathered evidence.
The bodies of the victims have been sent to the forensics department at Melaka Hospital for post-mortem examination. The suspect is expected to be remanded for further investigation.
Police have classified the case as murder and believe the matter is resolved in terms of identifying the suspect. However, the tragedy has reignited wider conversations about mental health, emotional support, and the pressures placed on students within Malaysia&rsquo;s high-stakes academic culture.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Driven by emotional distress and mounting family conflict, the SPM student’s outburst ended in tragedy.

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