Chinese netizens have praised Malaysia as the country with the strongest Chinese New Year atmos­phere – even more than in China. Malaysia-China Friendship Asso­­ciation deputy secretary- general Ng Chin Long commen­ded the local Chinese community for preserving its traditions through strong social cohesion. Ng noted that local Chinese culture is not a replica of China’s, but a localised evolution shaped by Malaysia’s plural society. She said many of China’s netizens not only praised Malaysia’s strong Chinese-language education, but also the emphasis on teaching children etiquette and courtesy. She added that while the Lan­tern Festival in China typically centres on solving lantern riddles and eating tangyuan, Chap Goh Meh in Malaysia is more varied and lively.

PETALING JAYA: National mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin is determined to cast aside fear and self-doubt as she targets a stronger showing in her second All-England appearance, which begins today. The mental battle has previously hampered her partnership with Hoo Pang Ron, particularly in closing out tight matches, but Su Yin said steady encouragement from coach Nova Widianto and her teammates has helped rebuild her confidence. Coach Nova has helped me a lot and keeps reminding me that I can do it – until I truly believe it,” she said. 20 Pang Ron-Su Yin prepare to face India’s Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto in the opening round. Su Yin also dismissed concerns over her recent right calf injury, insisting she is fully fit.

PETALING JAYA: An anti-human smuggling operation by the police led to the arrest of 49 people. “Initial investigations found that the migrants were traveling from the Sabak Bernam coastline to Tanjung Balai using the boat. All those arrested have been brought to the Sabak Bernam district police headquarters for further investigation. “The police stress that it will continue strengthening security within national waters and will not compromise with any parties involved in migrant smuggling activities. “The public is urged to channel any information related to such crimes to their nearest police station,” he said.

Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing has drawn mixed reactions for her performance in the micro-drama Jin Xiu An Ran. According to reports, the 75-year-old portrays a woman in her 20s seeking a fresh start after being abandoned by her husband and child. Following the drama's release, the significant age gap quickly became a trending topic, with many netizens expressing shock at the casting. This isn't the first time Liu has sparked discussion for playing characters much younger than her. In a past interview with Chinese media, Liu said she enjoys trying various roles, refusing to be "fixed on a certain image".

Schoolchildren subjected to the strain of competition are at risk of blunting their inventiveness and imagination compared to peers who are allowed to develop without the pressure of overbearing parents pushing for top-of-the-class results. Psychologists at Hong Kong’s Lingnan University and Baptist University have found that stress arising from factors such as "competition, noise, confined environments, and engaging in challenging tasks" could be behind reduced "creative performance." In a paper published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, the researchers found that strains related to exams and pushy parents bent on beating the neighbours "trigger anxiety" and leave children less inclined to "express creativity." Everyone feels the effects of such stress, the team said, explaining that it can "increase cognitive load, which reduces the cognitive resources available for creative thinking." Teenagers are primed by least “moderate” competitive pressure and in turn show some improvements in their “innovative ability,” the team asserted.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a weather warning, with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast in seven states and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until 9pm Monday (March 2). In a statement Monday, MetMalaysia said the areas affected include Kedah (Sik, Baling and Kulim), Perak (Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim), Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Jerantut and Kuantan) Selangor (Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Petaling, Hulu Langat and Sepang), Negri Sembilan (Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Rembau and Tampin), Melaka and Johor (Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru. The public is advised to visit www.met.gov.my or MetMalaysia’s official social media channels or download the myCuaca application for the latest accurate information.

PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) MyTax portal, which experienced a technical outage since Monday (March 2) morning, is now fully restored and operating as usual. LHDN, in a statement Monday, said that during the outage period, the MyTax portal was still accessible but a number of users experienced system access delays. ALSO READ: Technical disruption hits MyTax portal as income tax e-Filing for 2025 begins"LHDN is committed to continuing to ensure that the service system is at an optimal level for the convenience of all taxpayers," according to the statement. "This amount reflects the level of compliance and continued commitment of taxpayers in fulfilling their tax obligations voluntarily. "LHDN expresses its highest appreciation and thanks for the patience and cooperation of all taxpayers," according to the statement.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department must take enforcement action against tourists who do not leave Malaysia within the specified period, stresses Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said this was crucial to ensure that the number of tourists entering Malaysia equaled the number leaving the country. Visitors come to Malaysia not only through tourism agents, but there are also individuals who come on their own from various countries. Tiong said his ministry has also asked the embassies of several countries, including China, to provide lists of names and passport numbers of tourists who have overstayed to ensure more effective management. "The embassies will conduct investigations, while the Immigration Department will compile the list of tourists who overstayed, and the ministry will identify the agents involved so that action can be taken,” he said.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid (PKR) arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office here at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. It is uncertain why he was at the state office but it is believed to be in connection with the investigation of the alleged abuse of state zakat funds. Last month an MACC investigation team visited several offices suspected of being involved to obtain relevant documents, and statements from two individuals believed to be connected to the case have been recorded by the MACC. The allegations are being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to abuse of office for gratification. The alleged abuse was first raised by an Opposition assemblyman during the state assembly sitting at the end of last year.

ASIA (Bloomberg): Countries including the US, UK and China evacuated embassy staff in the Middle East and issued travel advisories amid concerns about a regional conflict, as President Donald Trump sounded downbeat about diplomatic talks meant to avert airstrikes on Iran. The UK, China, India and others have also advised citizens or diplomats to leave some parts of the Middle East. The UK also said it’s temporarily withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iran. Trump on Friday downplayed concerns about the likelihood that oil prices will spike if he attacks Iran, saying, "I’m concerned about people’s lives. Even with the US saying the door to further diplomacy remains open, Trump continues to gather forces in the Middle East.

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendments to limit the prime minister's term do not undermine the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "So, the proposed term limits are not a denial of leadership opportunities, but rather an effort to ensure that this country continues to be guided by institutions that function and are not tied to any individual. It does not change the basis of parliamentary democracy, does not affect the prerogative powers of the King and does not reduce the role of the Dewan Rakyat in determining confidence in the government," he said. Anwar said the proposed Bill has eight phases as stated in the blue copy that was distributed to the Members of Parliament on Feb 23. "We are amending the Federal Constitution to provide for a term limit for the prime minister, including the method of calculating the term, the term of office and related matters," he added.

GEORGE TOWN: An elderly man suspected of attacking an individual at a restaurant was later found dead at a house here on Monday (March 2). Penang police chief Comm Datuk Azizee Ismail said earlier a 58-year-old man had gone to the Pulau Tikus Police Station at 6.30am with blood on his head after being slashed by a known individual at a restaurant near the Pulau Tikus Market. "However, upon arrival, police found a man estimated to be 68 years old, suspected to be the individual in the case, deceased in the kitchen area of the house. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident is believed to have stemmed from financial issues between the victim and the suspect. Alternatively, Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia also offers a 24-hour crisis helpline at 1-800-180-066 and WhatsApp support line at 03-9765 6088 manned by trained volunteers.- Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: PTT Synergy Group Bhd has appointed Dan Then Ikh Choo as its new group CEO from March 2, 2026. Then was previously appointed the CEO of PTT Logistics Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PTT Synergy, on May 2, 2023, and served as a director of several subsidiaries within PTT group. With his new appointment, he succeeds Tang Choi Peng, who has been redesignated to group chief strategic officer-cum-executive director. According to PTT's announcement, Then has more than 19 years of expertise and experience in intralogistics consultation and planning across distribution operations, spare parts centres and third-party warehousing, ranging from conventional facilities to fully automated warehouses, distribution centres and eCommerce fulfilment hubs. His experience spans intralogistics automation solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, automotive and retail, alongside solutions involving warehouse management systems (WMS) and third-party warehouse services.

PETALING JAYA: Lynas Malaysia has secured a 10-year renewal of its operating licence. Lynas Rare Earths Ltd said the Malaysian Atomic Energy Department has confirmed that the company’s operating licence for Lynas Malaysia has been renewed for a further 10 years, effective March 3, 2026. Commenting on the renewal, Lynas Rare Earths chief executive officer and managing director Amanda Lacaze welcomed the extension and thanked the government. “Lynas welcomes the longer licence term, which provides greater investment certainty for Lynas and for our rare earths supply chain partners and customers. “On behalf of all Lynas employees, we thank the Malaysian government for its attention to this matter and its support for the rare earths industry in Malaysia,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat observed a moment of silence over the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his people. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed condolences while condemning the barbaric and violent attack on Iran by Israel with the backing of the US. Anwar said this when tabling an emergency motion to address the barbaric and violent attack on Iran by Israel with the backing of the US. On Sunday (March 1), Iranian state media announced that Ali Khamenei was dead following wide-ranging strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. The attack reportedly killed more than 200 people according to the Red Crescent, triggering retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military forces based in the Middle East.