PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s latest move to fight online fraud by limiting users to five SIM cards per telco provider is a “necessary step” but it will not stop criminals from scamming the public, say cyber security experts. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on Thursday that each person may only register up to five SIM cards per telco, while tourist-registered SIM cards will be automatically deactivated after three months. However, he questioned whether limiting individuals to five SIM cards per telco would significantly reduce scam activities. Many syndicates bulk-purchase SIM cards using different names,” he said. “But when these SIM cards are used for scams, they are not taking aggressive moves to block them,” he claimed.

Betting rhythm, to paraphrase the late Johnny Cash, is not something we learn, but is “part of our biological toolkit.”That’s according to researchers who played Bach to dozens of babies who appeared uncannily attuned to the Baroque-era composer’s piano virtuosity. “Newborns come into the world already tuned in to rhythm,” according to the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Rome, Italy. The babies’ reactions were tracked using electroencephalography, a “non-invasive technique in which electrodes are placed on the infants’ heads to measure their brain waves,” the team explained. Not melodyWhile the tests showed babies have rhythm, the same cannot be said for other aspects of music. The responses offered “no evidence that the newborns tracked melody or were surprised by unexpected melodic change,” the researchers found.

ABU DHABI: "I thought it was sand being poured from lorries at a construction site near our house... turned out they were missiles," shared a Malaysian citizen living in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The missiles were believed to be targeted at the Al Dhafra Air Base in southern Abu Dhabi, which has become a key United States Air Force (USAF) hub. During the course of this interview, loud noises from passing missiles could be heard in the background. As tensions in the region boiled over into open conflict, the United States (US) and Israel on Saturday began hitting sites across Iran, including in the capital Tehran. Targets included Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US naval fleet in Bahrain, according to Iran's Fars News Agency.

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is stepping up its fight against corruption and is determined to protect public wealth, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the government would also ensure that no one, regardless of rank, was above the law. This is why, for the first time in history, enforcement agencies have taken action against corruption regardless of rank, whether Tun, Tan Sri, Datuk or anyone else,” he said. Yet those affected often try to resist, using their resources, social media and political influence to attack. “When they resist, they use the large funds they had amassed and their social media or political networks to criticise.

ISTANBUL: Cyberattacks have targeted multiple news sites and local apps in Iran, Anadolu Ajansi reported the IRNA news agency, which was also affected, said on Saturday, as the US and Israel launched attacks on the Islamic republic. While IRNA's website was inaccessible, others reported disruptions and there were internet outages. Internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed "Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4%”, according to the report.- Bernama

A total of 11,808 individuals in that age group were declared bankrupt during the five-year period, underscoring growing financial strain during what should be peak earning years. Data shows personal loans were the main cause of bankruptcy, making up 46.63% of all cases between 2021 and 2025. Because personal loans are unsecured and carry higher interest rates, repayments can quickly consume monthly income. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the figures lend weight to concerns about the so-called sandwich generation. Even moderate economic shocks such as job disruption, health expenses or interest rate adjustments can quickly strain cash flow and push financially stretched households into insolvency,” he said.

PETALING JAYA: A total of 107 foreign nationals were detained in a late-night raid on two elite entertainment outlets in Kepong after they were found to be without valid travel documents or passes. He said 224 individuals were inspected during the operation, comprising 171 foreign nationals and 53 locals. The operation was conducted following two weeks of intelligence gathering and public tip-offs by the Special Tactical Team (PASTAK). He said all the foreign nationals have been detained at the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for further action and are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966 and Immigration Regulations 1963. Meanwhile, seven locals were issued notices to appear at the Immigration office to assist in investigations.

Rafizi lit the spark and DAP leaders have jumped onboard to press for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption in the MACCTAN Sri Azam Baki is used to going after those suspected of corruption but he is now the target of a fierce campaign to subject him and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which he leads, to a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian embassies in both Jordan and Bahrain have urged Malaysians in those countries to stay calm and take shelter in safe locations in the wake of recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran. In a consular notice posted on Facebook, the Malaysian Embassy in Amman, Jordan, also advised Malaysians to always refer to official sources and follow instructions from local authorities. "Malaysians are further advised to remain in safe locations, avoid military facilities, and steer clear of any falling debris,” the statement said. It urged Malaysians to remain indoors or in a safe location as well as keep away from windows. For consular assistance, Malaysians in Bahrain can contact the embassy at +973 3899 0749 (emergencies only) or email: mwmanama@kln.gov.my.- Bernama

> With the RTS Link set to be a game-changer for cross-border travel, has the fare been decided? Since the RTS is a joint venture, the fare must be jointly agreed upon. However, immediately after the RTS completes next year, our solution for dispersal is to enlarge our stage bus system. Recently in Parliament, we passed a new law to allow Singapore immigration to be stationed on the Malaysian side and vice versa. We are even talking about using Kuantan Port to ship cars to Sabah and Sarawak by utilising the ECRL.

PETALING JAYA: The early exit of Malaysia’s men’s doubles pairs at the German Open has raised fears of a repeat at next week’s All-England. The biggest shock came when top seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik crashed out in Mulheim after going down 15-21, 22-24 to world No. Last year, Malaysia had six men’s doubles pairs in the All-England and were seen as strong contenders to end the title drought since Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong last lifted the crown in 2007. In the mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie will face Singaporean-Indonesian pair Terry Hee-Gloria Emanuelle. Women’ singles: Wong Ling Ching bt Pornpawee Chochuwong (Tha) 21-14, 21-19.

ISTANBUL: Hospitals in the Iranian capital Tehran declared a state of emergency on Saturday after United States and Israeli strikes shook the city, Iran’s Health Ministry said, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing a local daily. Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanipour told the official IRNA news agency that emergency measures were activated following explosions across parts of the capital. He said ambulances were dispatched to locations where blasts were reported, adding that casualty figures would be announced later. While Israel launched a "preventive" attack, dubbed as "Lion's Roar", US President Donald Trump said his forces launched "major combat operations in Iran" aimed at "eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime". He reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.- Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s campaign at the prestigious All-England has received a timely boost with Man Wei Chong and Cheng Su Yin cleared to compete in the tournament starting on Tuesday in Birmingham. Wei Chong, who partners Tee Kai Wun in men’s doubles, had been a fitness concern after sustaining a knee injury. Su Yin, meanwhile, had been nursing a right calf injury suffered during training two weeks ago. "Wei Chong and Su Yin are ready for the All-England. Skipping the German Open gave Wei Chong time to fully recover.

BEIRUT, Feb ⁠28 (Reuters) - Lebanese Prime Minister ⁠Nawaf Salam on Saturday ‌said he would not accept anyone dragging "the country into adventures that ​threaten its security ⁠and unity", in ⁠an indirect message to the ⁠Iran-backed ‌Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. “In light of ⁠the serious developments unfolding in ​the ‌region, I once again call ⁠on ​all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing ⁠Lebanon and the Lebanese ​people’s interests above any other consideration," Salam said in ⁠a statement sent to Reuters. "I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging ​the country into ⁠adventures that threaten its ​security and unity." (Reporting ‌by Maya Gebeily; ​Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Aidan Lewis)

PETALING JAYA: G25 has joined calls to strengthen and reconstitute the task force formed to investigate the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). G25 questioned whether a task force without statutory investigative powers is sufficient. The group noted that, unlike an RCI, a task force lacks the legal authority to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents. G25 noted that controversy surrounding the MACC leadership has intensified, with allegations expanding from share ownership to claims that the agency operated like a "corporate mafia". A special committee led by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar was established in mid-Feb to investigate the controversy.