8 Controversial Stories That Made Our Jaws Drop & Sparked Heated Debates in 2024

Before we end this year, let's look back at some of the most controversial or shocking issues that have shaken us to the core.

1. Datuk Seri Najib's reduced prison sentence and discounted fine

In February, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reduced his 12-year jail sentence by half. He is set to be released on 28th August 2028. Additionally, his fine was also reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.

Previously, Datuk Seri Najib was sent to Kajang Prison in August 2022, following a corruption case in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

2. KK Mart ‘Allah’ socks

KK Super Mart came under heavy scrutiny in March after white socks with the word ‘Allah’ were discovered for sale at one of their outlets in Petaling Jaya.

Following the issue, KK Super Mart and its supplier publicly apologised and removed the socks from their shelves. Despite that, both the convenience store and the supplier pleaded guilty and were fined RM60,000.

3. Faisal Halim’s acid attack

Malaysian footballer Faisal Halim became a victim of an acid attack early in May, which resulted in fourth-degree burns on his shoulder, chest and arms. The violent incident reportedly happened at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara.

Faisal's incident was part of a string of attacks targeting Malaysian footballers like Akhyar Rashid, who was assaulted outside his residence and Safiq Rahim, whose car was attacked.

4. GISB Holdings exposed

GISB Holdings came under investigation after the company was accused of child abuse, human trafficking and promoting Islamic deviancy. As of October, over 400 arrests have been made with 60 individuals detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

A total of 392 children had been rescued from welfare homes linked to the company. Reports stated that not only were the children allegedly sodomised by the caretakers, but they were also taught to perform similar acts on other kids residing there.

Additionally, the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affair Malaysia (MKI) had declared the teachings, beliefs and ideology practised by GISB Holdings are deviant and stray from Islamic teachings.

5. UPNM bullying case

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) made headlines in October after reporting three bullying incidents.

As a result, five cadet officers involved in the three separate incidents were expelled and must pay the government compensation ranging from RM19,481.70 to RM48,452.75.

6. FashionValet controversy

Vivy Yusof and her husband, Fadzaruddin Anuar, were investigated for financial mismanagement and corruption in the FashionValet case.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized 11 designer bags and a luxury wristwatch worth RM200,000 in a raid at the couple's home.

Previously, FashionValet was backed by government-linked investment companies Khazanah Nasional and Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), which saw its stake drop from RM47 million to RM3.1 million.

7. Shooting of stray dog in Terengganu

The heartbreaking death of a stray dog named Kopi went viral on social media early in October. The dog was reportedly shot by the local council. Besut District Council president later said that the shooting was carried out following standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The case has not only caused heated debate among netizens about how strays should be handled, but it also caused quite a stir in the Dewan Rakyat.

8. Gruesome multiple cat murders in UM

Several stray cats had been found dead throughout University Malaya (UM), with their limbs severed and abdomens mutilated. The case sparked heated debate after the police said the cats’ deaths were attributed to the attacks from wild dogs in the area.

In a press conference, an animal activist, Shima Aris disclosed a medical report of one of the cats, known affectionately as Lily from a veterinarian. The report and x-ray indicated that Lily's injuries were not caused by dogs, but indicated that she was cut up using a sharp weapon.

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