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2025 has been a long year marked by shocking, celebratory, tragic, joyful, and nation-changing moments.
As the year draws to a close, here are the nine most viral stories on SAYS:
1. The Putra Heights pipeline fire that shocked the nation on the second day of Hari Raya
On 1 April, a gas pipeline leak triggered an explosion that displaced more than 538 residents and injured 145 people.
Following the incident, PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB) confirmed that its main pipeline had exploded. Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim later said that the contractor responsible for works at the site had obtained the necessary approvals from Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and PETRONAS.
Harrowing accounts of residents escaping the explosion and extreme heat surfaced a few days later, and amid the crisis, businesses, from an automotive company to clinics and Airbnb, stepped forward to offer assistance to affected victims.
Three months after the incident, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan announced that the case had been classified as no further action (NFA) after a criminal investigation found no evidence of negligence or sabotage.
In October, 36 residents filed a lawsuit against Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) over the incident. The suit is being led by former attorney-general Tommy Thomas.
Earlier this month, 18 affected families received newly built homes in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru. The housing assistance was led by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Learn more about the incident here.
2. Bully allegations surrounded the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina
On 16 July, 13-year-old female student Zara Qairina Mahathir was found unconscious in a drain near the girls' dormitory of a secondary religious school in Papar, Sabah. She died in hospital the next day.
Within days, news of her death spread on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForZara, accompanied by allegations of bullying and calls for accountability.
As public attention grew, false information and rumours about the circumstances surrounding Zara's death began circulating online. One claim alleged that she had been forced into a washing machine, a rumour that was later found to have been spread by a teacher.
Another allegation that gained significant traction claimed that six individuals were involved in bullying Zara, including the children of VVIPs. The claim was even raised in Parliament by Indera Mahkota member of parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.
In response, protests were held nationwide to demand justice for Zara. An inquest has since been initiated to determine the cause of her death, with multiple witnesses testifying before the Coroner's Court.
It may take time before the full truth is established and justice is served for the late student.
Learn more about the case here.
3. #FureverFriends campaign raises awareness on animal abuse and welfare
According to the Department of Veterinary Services, over 7,600 cases of animal abuse were reported between 2021 and 2024, with Selangor recording the highest number of incidents. Of those cases, dogs were the most abused, followed by cats.
To raise awareness about the issue, SAYS partnered with JUICE, Fly FM, and Lumi News to launch a campaign that ran from 13 May to 31 July.
The more-than two-month initiative was supported by several respected animal welfare organisations, including A Dog's Life, Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor, and Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Malaysia (TNRM Malaysia).
In addition to building a dedicated microsite for animal-related news, SAYS also organised a cat adoption drive at Pavilion Damansara Heights on 20 July.
Throughout the campaign, SAYS highlighted numerous animal welfare issues and took part directly in related efforts, including joining a demonstration, participating in a trap-and-neuter operation, and visiting multiple animal shelters to better understand the challenges they face and the motivation driving their work.
Among the stories featured was that of TNRM Malaysia co-founder Stuart Tan, who told SAYS that a property tycoon had once paid off his RM150,000 mortgage so he could continue TNRM's work.
SAYS also filmed many of the interviews, with several videos going viral on social media and collectively garnering millions of views.
Learn more about the campaign here.
4. RM6,000 starting salary for fresh graduates sends shockwaves across the nation
In July, Datuk Pua Khein-Seng, the man credited with inventing the USB flash drive, returned to Malaysia to launch a high-tech company.
While his homecoming was warmly welcomed after more than two decades in Taiwan, where he co-founded and ran the multi-billion-dollar Phison Electronics Corp, it was his bold commitment to talent development that truly captured national attention.
Pua announced starting salaries of RM6,000 for fresh graduates and five-figure pay packages for experienced engineers, sparking widespread discussion in Malaysia.
Two years earlier, during a lunch meeting, Pua told PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar that he hoped to give back to Malaysia and aspired to help the country become a "digital tiger in the ASEAN region".
He committed to RM100 million in investments and RM1 billion worth of technology transfer to help build the necessary infrastructure and talent pool.
With support from Nurul Izzah and the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), Pua was connected to the right ecosystem players to help realise this goal.
Learn about the story here, and read this piece to understand the history behind the invention of the USB flash drive.
5. Debunking a photographer who inaccurately claimed to be selected as one of National Geographic's Explorers
In early July, Malaysia celebrated Tinesh Sritharan for reportedly being selected as one of National Geographic's Explorers, a global community of scientists, storytellers, and change-makers.
As local media outlets reported on Tinesh's achievement, SAYS reached out to National Geographic to verify the selection. The organisation later confirmed that the claim was fraudulent.
In an email to SAYS, Natasha Daly, a senior manager and editor at National Geographic, stated, "Tinesh Sritharan is not an Explorer. The letter you've attached is a fraudulent letter that is not genuine."
In response, Tinesh expressed confusion over the situation, suggesting that he might have been the victim of a "prank".
A few days later, the photographer issued a public apology, admitting that he had been careless, which left him "vulnerable to being misled".
The photographer also promised transparency moving forward, pledging to share a sequence of events and a detailed breakdown of the funding he received and how it was spent.
Tinesh had previously been backed by several sponsors, including the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Wedding Professionals Alliance Malaysia (WPAM), Sony Malaysia, and Affinity Realty.
Learn more about the issue here.
6. The one-off RM100 SARA aid rollout that got the whole nation excited
On 31 July, the government rolled out the one-off RM100 credit distribution under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.
It marked a significant moment for the nation, as, for the first time, the MyKad of any Malaysian aged 18 and above gained a new function: purchasing home essentials.
The distribution came after more than a week of teasing when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted at a special gesture of appreciation for all Malaysians.
To ensure a smooth rollout, the National Registration Department (JPN) urged Malaysians to check if their MyKad is working ahead of the credit distribution.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching also reminded the public not to rush to spend the credit, as it would remain valid until 31 December.
Some Malaysians have used the aid to start businesses, including Farraheeda, who launched a kek batik business.
Learn more about the rollout here.
7. The BUDI95 rollout that rationalises fuel subsidies
In the same announcement on 23 July, the prime minister also revealed that the price of RON95 would be reduced by 6 sen, bringing it down to RM1.99 per litre.
The initiative, later named BUDI95, allows Malaysians with valid driving licences to purchase subsidised fuel at the reduced price using their MyKad.
The programme is part of the government's effort to ensure subsidies benefit only Malaysians, while freeing up savings for other public priorities, such as the SARA programme.
BUDI95 was officially rolled out on 30 September. With MyKad taking on additional functions this year, the National Registration Department (JPN) offered free MyKad replacements to those with faulty cards.
During the rollout, viral tips also emerged, including one suggesting that using an eraser could remove dust, grime, or oxidised residue from the MyKad chip.
As with any nationwide rollout, some Malaysians were confused or unaware of the new system. A woman was reportedly shocked to learn she had to pay for petrol under BUDI95, likely confusing it with the one-off RM100 credit handout from the SARA programme.
Learn more about the rollout here.
8. US President Donald Trump's eventful attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit
The ASEAN Summit was undoubtedly one of the most memorable news events in Malaysia in 2025.
Not only did it prompt road closures on three occasions, in May, July and October, it also saw world leaders from across the globe visiting Kuala Lumpur.
One of the most talked-about moments was the attendance of US President Donald Trump at the summit.
He had glowing praise for Malaysia and Anwar's leadership, describing the prime minister as a "spectacular man" before telling a room full of leaders, "Everything you touch turns to gold."
Trump also broke standard security protocol when he invited Anwar to ride with him in the heavily armoured presidential limousine, famously known as The Beast.
The two leaders travelled together from KLIA to the ASEAN Summit venue at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, a gesture seen as a symbol of their warm rapport.
At the same time, Anwar's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, hosted a gathering of spouses of heads of state from various countries at the heritage landmark Carcosa Seri Negara, describing it as an exercise in "soft diplomacy".
Learn more about the summit here.
9. The fatal school stabbing case that gripped the nation
Perhaps the most shocking news of the year was the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen by a student two years her junior.
The stabbing occurred at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) on 14 October.
According to a student, the suspect allegedly said "you see later, what happen (sic)" shortly before the attack. Witnesses at the school saw him carrying a weapon on school grounds.
The case had a profound impact not only on the public but also on national policy. In the aftermath, the Education Ministry announced a series of new measures to strengthen safety and tackle disciplinary issues in schools.
Among the measures announced were the installation of more CCTV cameras in schools, as well as the introduction of character development lessons.
At the time, public discourse surrounding the case shifted to video games after the suspect's "final note" was leaked online, which included a reference to NPCs.
In a statement issued last month, Yap's mother pleaded for justice over her daughter's death, describing her as "an obedient, kind, and loving daughter".
Today, 19 December, the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court fixed 16 January 2026 for a review of the suspect's psychiatric report, following his charge for murder on 22 October.
Read more about the case here.
