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.

A prominent family is said to be behind an alleged plot to overthrow the government, according to a police report made at the Brickfields station. In the police report, the family, currently embroiled in a lawsuit, had allegedly engaged a media consulting firm based in England to launch a smear campaign against the government and the Prime Minister. The complainant claimed that the discussion involved a proposed book and documentary project as well as matters concerning the Prime Minister and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). However, he said he was ­invited to a Zoom meeting where the issue of using the international media to bear pressure on the government and the Prime Minister was discussed. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when asked about the claims after Friday prayers yesterday, sidestepped the issue.

It said airspace restrictions in certain parts of the region may result in delays, rerouting or cancellations based on airline safety assessments. Passengers intending to travel to affected destinations in the Middle East should note that disruptions are not limited to direct services from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). “Even if travelling via alternative transit points outside the region, onward services into affected destinations may be suspended or restricted. Travellers are therefore advised to verify the status of their entire journey, including connecting sectors, before making travel arrangements,” MAHB said. MAHB encouraged passengers to update their airlines with their contact details and to monitor official airline and airport channels for timely updates.

The event earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for its celebration of Peranakan heritage and cultural unity. He noted it strengthened efforts to promote Malaysia as a destination rich in unique cultural heritage. He said the event was a clear example of how cultural heritage can unite Malaysians. Such initiatives demonstrate the vital role of the private sector in supporting the government agenda to empower cultural heritage as a driver of the creative economy. He added that cultural heritage is an asset for the future that can generate income and foster national pride.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s campaign at the German Open came to an end after men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie fell to their respective opponents in the quarter-finals on Friday (Feb 28). The last eight action at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim saw third seeds Sze Fei-Izzuddin go down 21-16, 16-21, 18-21 to Taiwan’s Chiu Hsiang Chieh-Wang Chi Lin in a 50-minute battle. Soon Huat-Shevon suffered the same fate when they lost 17-21, 13-21 to Singapore-Indonesia combination Terry Hee-Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja in 30 minutes. All the national players will now turn their attention to the All-England, which begins next Tuesday (March 3).

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the United States and Iran to pursue a diplomatic off-ramp, rather than further escalation, following the Israeli strikes on Iran accompanied by American military action reported earlier on Saturday (Feb 28). The Prime Minister has also called for the international community to act with urgency and without double standards. He points to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state. “We call upon the United States and Israel to cease hostilities and choose the path of diplomacy and peaceful coexistence,” said Maszlee. This comes after it was reported earlier today that Israel had launched an attack on Iran’s capital, while a US official confirmed the United States was also participating in the strikes.

MBPJ now conducting soil investigation, prioritising site repairsA retaining wall that collapsed at the Astaka field in Section 52 was built without a prior land study or suitability assessment, says Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). “The residents asked for a wall to be built and there was an urgency to carry out this project,” he said. “When the collapse happened, we acknowledged that we did not actually study the land or the suitability for building a wall there before construction.”StarMetro report on Feb 27. Despite the site’s precarious nature, with houses situated directly atop the slope, MBPJ opted for a segmental retaining wall built using interlocking concrete blocks. Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon confirmed that MBPJ’s Engineering Department had already met with affected residents to address safety concerns.