KUALA LUMPUR: Visiting Ramadan bazaars is no longer exclusive to Muslims, having become an annual tradition for Malaysians of various races, who enjoy diverse food offerings and a festive, harmonious atmosphere. Visitor, Rogini Rasanya, 33, said the presence of people from diverse backgrounds at Ramadan bazaars reflects the true concept of unity. "Every year I make it a point to visit Ramadan bazaars, although the location may differ. The private-sector employee also described visits to Ramadan bazaars as an annual tradition for Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. So there is no issue for me in introducing an Indian dish at the Ramadan bazaar,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysians flock to Ramadan bazaars and breaking fast gatherings, the Health Ministry is reminding the public to observe tuberculosis (TB) precautions, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces. In a statement issued on Saturday (Feb 21), the ministry said a total of 596 new tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported nationwide during the sixth epidemiological week. The statement said the latest detections brought the cumulative number of tuberculosis cases to 3,161across the country. “Ramadan itself is not a cause of TB transmission. Kelantan recorded 121 cases, Pahang with 103 cases, Terengganu with 74 cases, and Negeri Sembilan, which recorded 62 cases.

PETALING JAYA: DAP’s assurance to support the government even if its leaders step down from government positions is crucial for political stability, says Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh. “As a partner in Pakatan Harapan, DAP emphasised its unwavering support for the unity government. This affirmation is the most important element in ensuring the country’s political stability,” the PKR secretary-general told The Star on Saturday (Feb 21). “In some coalitions, a component party may support the government but will not want to be part of the executive government to maintain its distinctive identity and preserve its ideology. “It is a question whether some form of reform is better than none, or the supporters would prefer no reform at all to preserve their ideology,” he added.

PHNOM PENH: Leng Kimleang, a 45-year-old mother, has described how her youngest son Khum Khim, 13, was killed by a Thai artillery round during the December fighting. Her eldest son was away, but her husband and youngest son, Khim, wanted to stay near their crops. I was hit by a fragment from the shell, and one of my earrings was torn off. My husband, who was standing in front of the house, ran in, grabbed me, and pulled me into the bunker. I dream that he is looking for his phone,” Kimleang said.

JOHOR BARU: The government has improved procurement procedures involving the Armed Forces, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The Defence Minister said this was among the matters agreed upon in discussions between his ministry and the Finance Ministry regarding the release of funds following the freeze on ATM procurement. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Armed Forces’ top leadership would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to seek the release of funds. On Feb 16, Mohamed Khaled said the Defence Ministry had been summoned by the Finance Ministry for talks on operational expenditure following the government’s temporary freeze on defence procurement. On Jan 16, Anwar ordered an immediate freeze on all military and police procurement decisions to restore integrity and ensure full compliance with procedures following corruption allegations involving the armed forces.

GEORGE TOWN: Tengku Panglima Perang Pahang Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu'adzam Shah visited the family of the late soldier, Trooper K. Indiran, at the family's residence in Taman Sri Nibong here. The royal, who arrived at 12.55pm Saturday (Feb 21), was received by Indiran's family members as well as Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) senior officers. Indiran's mother, S. Usha, 52, said that Tengku Ahmad's presence at their home helped provide strength and encouragement to the family in facing the loss. Meanwhile, the body of the deceased, accompanied by family members, arrived at the Batu Lanchang Indian Cemetery here at around 4.15pm Saturday. About 100 people attended Indiran's funeral.

KUALA LUMPUR: The special congress of DAP slated to be held on July 12 is part of the party’s internal process to ensure organisational decisions are upheld, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said DAP had informed its partners in the Government in advance about the congress. "This is DAP’s internal process to ensure that decisions taken are complied with within the party. According to Fahmi, the Government’s primary focus is to strengthen the national economy and advance institutional reforms. I believe the Government’s efforts are on the right track, and all component parties understand the initiatives being undertaken, including our colleagues from DAP,” he said.

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks during the launch of the Malaysia Education Plan 2026–2035 (pic) reflect a clear and forward-looking vision for the nation’s education system. His emphasis on strengthening English proficiency while continuing to uphold Bahasa Malaysia (BM) as the national language is both timely and necessary in today’s globalised and digitally-driven world.

CHINA’S largest jewellery retailer, Chow Tai Fook, which competes with Tiffany and Cartier and is in the middle of its biggest makeover in decades, is introducing new products and store formats as it moves into overseas markets. As its 100th anniversary looms in 2029, Hong Kong-listed Chow Tai Fook is setting its sights on China’s fickle younger spenders as it seeks to retain its traditional higher-end customers.

Having swept the film, television and video game industries, it is also a winning formula in the world of comics. "The benefit of the horror genre is that there are stories in which there are actual monsters. "I think a lot of American horror comics are quite dreary in terms of their aesthetic," said Walsh. Multi-mediaTynion previously worked at DC Comics, which owns the Batman and Superman superhero franchises that are the bedrock of the American comics industry, alongside Marvel characters such as Spider-Man and Captain America. He is also franchising his intellectual property, creating other products such as a card game inspired by Exquisite Corpses while holding talks with video game developers.

JOHOR BARU: No element of abuse or bullying has been found in the death of Trooper K. Indiran, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The Defence Minister said this was based on the conclusion of a post-mortem conducted on Saturday (Feb 21) morning. "I have not received the report yet, but there are no elements of abuse or bullying," he said after handing over aid during a back-to-school programme here Saturday. Mohamed Khaled said this at a press conference when asked to comment on the death of 22-year-old Indiran, who reportedly died while attending a specialist armour course. Earlier, Penang MIC chairman J. Dhinagaran urged a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Indiran’s death.

(Feb 21): Brazil and India sealed a framework pact on critical minerals with the two countries agreeing to work closely on processing in a move aimed at securing rare earth supplies at a time of global disruption. The deal comes soon after India joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative to build resilient supply chains in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Beijing’s grip on the supply of critical minerals required for high-end manufacturing and defence is a growing concern for countries around the world, especially developing economies such as India. India and Brazil want to move into processing of critical minerals rather than remain suppliers of raw materials. “Increasing investments and cooperation in matters of renewable energy and critical minerals is at the core of a pioneering agreement that we have signed today,” Lula said.

JOHOR BARU: Those exiting Bersatu amid the party's recent internal crisis are welcome to join Umno, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. "As Rumah Bangsa chairman, I welcome any application from them (former Bersatu members) to join Umno. Mohamed Khaled said this at a press conference when asked to comment on the internal crisis that had embroiled Bersatu. "It gives the impression that we cannot place high hopes or strong confidence in a party like this. On Feb 13, Bersatu sacked 17 members, including several supreme council members and its deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

JOHOR BAHRU (Feb 21): Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the party has always kept its doors open for members and leaders of Bersatu to return, in order to strengthen and reinforce Malay unity. As chairman of the Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa Committee, Mohamed Khaled welcomed the move, and stressed that there is no need for the formation of another new party. I hope that the Malays can reunite under one platform, as continued division does not serve Malay interests. Previously, Bersatu had expelled 17 members, including several leaders from its Supreme Leadership Council, among them four Members of Parliament and two assemblymen, for violating Clause 9.1.4 of the party’s constitution. On Friday, the media reported that Umno Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said applications from Bersatu members seeking to rejoin Umno must first be referred to the MKT before any decision is made.

PETALING JAYA: Around 2.9 million vehicles are expected to use major highways nationwide this weekend as the Chinese New Year holidays wind down and holidaymakers return to the Klang Valley, according to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). The heaviest return traffic is expected between Feb 20 and 22, with Feb 21 projected to record the highest vehicle volume, said LLM. Of the 2.9 million vehicles expected, highways operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) are forecast to carry the largest share of traffic during today’s and tomorrow’s peak period. PLUS said it expects return traffic to peak on Feb 21 and 22 at up to 2.2 million vehicles on a day, with the volume rising from midday until late evening. However, return traffic to the Klang Valley is expected to be heavier over the weekend due to the overlap of the Chinese New Year holidays, Ramadan and the reopening of schools.