Malaysia's happiness scored jumped to 81% this year!  

According to a new IPSOS survey, this is an improvement from last year's score, meaning Malaysians are feeling significantly happier in 2026.  

The biggest driver of their wellbeing is feeling appreciated and loved, cited by 56%.  

Our score also puts us comfortably above the global average of 74%.  

Most Southeast Asian nations recorded similar gains, with Indonesia topping the global charts at 85%, the highest happiness score of any country measured.  

Meanwhile, Singapore was the sole ASEAN exception, holding steady at 73% without recording any year-on-year improvement.  

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A man in Melaka has been sentenced to 9 months in prison for stepping on the Quran and uploading footage of the act online last month.  

The court adds that the offence was serious as it touched on religious sensitivities and could disrupt harmony in society.  

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In a related development, the IGP is urging the public to refrain from making provocative statements on race and religion.  

He explained that that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country...meaning sensitivities must be respected.  

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