KUALA LUMPUR: The plight of two families who lost their homes in a fire at Jalan Nuri, Kampung Seri Cheeding, Banting, two weeks ago has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a Facebook post Friday (Feb 20), Anwar said that, prior to performing Friday prayers, he had visited both families to present them with contributions. "This incident is truly heartbreaking, especially as one of the families also lost a loved one - a three-year-old son - who died after being trapped in the fire. "May this small contribution help ease their burden, and I pray that both families are granted perseverance, strength, and that all their affairs are made easier as they face this very heavy test," he said. In the incident, in the early hours of Feb 6, a boy died after being trapped in a fire which destroyed three houses in the village.

PETALING JAYA: Police are searching for 36 wanted individuals to assist in investigations into various criminal offences. Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters is actively working to locate the individuals. “The Kuala Lumpur CID is currently tracking down 36 wanted persons to assist investigations into several criminal cases,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 20). Comm Fadil urged that members of the public who have any information or recognise the individuals are urged to come forward. Those with information can contact DSP K. Rajkumar of the D4 Division, Kuala Lumpur CID, at 03-2146 0613 or lodge a report at the nearest police station.

KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood evacuees in Kota Marudu and Pitas districts has risen to more than 406 people, involving 124 families from 24 villages. The figure increased from 336 displaced victims from 111 families recorded at 12pm. Earlier, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government, through the State Disaster Management Committee, is taking action to assist those affected. Meanwhile, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) informed its customers in Pitas, Beluran, Paitan, Kota Marudu and Sandakan that power supply has been disrupted due to the floods. It urged those in flooded areas to stay away from electric poles and other power infrastructure, and to report any incidents of fallen poles, power cuts or other related issues to 15444 or 088-515000.

The Paris Olympic bronze medallist turned up at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Feb 20 (Friday) to meet Chong Wei and discuss his participation in the Finals. Drawing from his own experience as a former player, Chong Wei said he understood the nature of Zii Jia’s injury, describing it as something that would flare up from time to time. I think it is on and off issue with his injury and we hope he can recover well," said Chong Wei. Apart from the injury, several other matters were discussed, although Chong Wei declined to elaborate. "I told Zii Jia I hope he understands that we now have new management and a new president.

Kanyon is getting fat: since someone stole his basket, this white cat with grey markings who lives at an Istanbul shopping centre has been showered with snacks, love and affection. News of his stolen basket brought out countless well-wishers, who have handed him endless supplies of food, toys and a comfortable cat house. But in Istanbul, you can see the rats eating the food alongside the cats. “In Germany, we have many rats, but here, with so many cats, they must be afraid,” she smiled. Without its cats, Istanbul just would not be the same, she said.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): YTL Live, YTL Corporation Bhd's (KL:YTL) operating company for a new live entertainment complex in Bristol, has announced that Aviva, a diversified UK insurer, has been named the partner of Bristol’s 20,000-capacity indoor arena under a long-term sponsorship agreement. They said an estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend live music, sports and entertainment at Aviva Arena each year. “Work has commenced to transform the iconic Brabazon Hangars, the birthplace of all the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets, into a live entertainment destination. The Aviva Arena is expected to host more than 120 major events every year, establishing the venue as a leading international "must-play arena" for artists, they said. “Demolition work has finished and construction by our own company, YTL Construction UK, is beginning.

Muslim children under the age of puberty are not obliged to fast during Ramadan, but many of them are eager to start fasting. While she does not encourage Hawa to fast, she wants to educate her on Ramadan. Rozaihan Abdul Rahim (centre) said her children, Muhammad Arefi (left) and Afiyya Medinah, both started fasting when they were six-years-old. Rozaihan said every Muslim mother should encourage her children to fast from a young age so it is easier for them as they grow older. “I enjoy the moments and I want my children to keep these memories of fasting when young,” she added.

PUTRAJAYA (Feb 20): The Registrar of Societies (ROS) has stressed that it does not intervene in the internal affairs of any political party or registered organisation. In a statement on Friday, the ROS said that any internal disputes are the responsibility of the organisations themselves and should be resolved in accordance with their respective constitutions. “Accordingly, the ROS refutes allegations by the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) of misconduct regarding the department’s decision on the organisation’s internal issues. The ROS emphasised that any allegations of abuse of power or undue influence are unfounded and affirmed its willingness to fully cooperate with the authorities if required. However, Mohd Zulfikar was reported on Friday as denying the allegations, saying that the ROS’ actions were based on the results of investigations and the evidence submitted to the department.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Velocity Capital Partner Bhd (KL:VELOCITY), which has been in the spotlight recently, announced the resignation of executive director See Toh Kean Yaw on Friday, effective immediately. See had been on the board of Velocity Capital, then known as CSH Alliance Bhd, since December 2023. In that same month, Velocity Capital emerged as a substantial shareholder in MMAG with a 6.46% stake. See also currently holds directorship in Harvest Miracle Capital Bhd (KL:HM), where he serves as executive director. Both Velocity Capital and Farhash sold their stakes at a loss.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, nudged slightly higher on Friday and was last set for a weekly rise of about 1.1%. Earlier in the week, minutes from the Fed's most recent meeting showed policymakers were divided on the outlook for rates, given the persistence of inflation. Sterling last languished near a one-month low at US$1.3455 and was heading for a weekly drop of 1.4%, its biggest since January 2025. Rates, rates, ratesMarkets on Friday also awaited the release of the US core PCE price index and advance fourth quarter GDP figures later in the day, which could drive the next move in currencies. Elsewhere, the New Zealand dollar headed for a weekly fall of 1.3%, affected by a dovish outlook on rates from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): CIMB Securities said foreign investors remain underweight on Malaysian equities due to concerns over corporate earnings delivery, but it is maintaining its FBM KLCI target of 1,772. In a note on Friday, the research house said the earnings concerns — following past disappointments — continue to weigh on foreign investors' sentiment, amid higher operating costs, increased taxes, US import tariffs and ongoing industry challenges. “Overall, domestic investors are more positive on the market than foreign investors, who remain underweight on Malaysian equities,” CIMB said. It noted that the KLCI delivered positive 12-month returns ahead of elections in three of the past four polls, with banks, consumer and industrial stocks typically benefiting. CIMB added that there had been no significant pushback on its 'overweight' call on banks.

BANGKOK (Feb 20): Quentin Griffiths, who co-founded British fast-fashion retailer Asos, has died after a fall from a balcony in Thailand, Thai police said on Friday. Police told Reuters that Griffiths, 58, had fallen from the 17th floor of an apartment block in the seaside resort city of Pattaya on Feb 9. The police went to the scene and found the body of a British national, whom they identified as Quentin John Griffiths, on the ground directly below the balcony, they said. The police also quoted a Thai friend of Griffiths as saying the Briton had been worried about lawsuits from his former wife, a Thai national. Griffiths was marketing director at Asos before he left the firm in 2004.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Foreign investor participation in the Malaysian bond market continued to grow for the fourth straight month in January 2026, with net foreign inflows reaching RM951.9 million, said RAM Rating Services Bhd (RAM Ratings). In a statement, the rating agency said the net inflows were driven primarily by continued demand for Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and Government Investment Issues, which saw inflows of RM2.1 billion. “This was partly offset by outflows from Malaysian Treasury Bills and Malaysian Islamic Treasury Bills and corporate bonds, amounting to RM480.0 million and RM709.3 million respectively,” it said. In contrast, it said, the 10‑year MGS yield declined 1.4 basis points m‑o‑m to 3.52%, supported by resilient domestic demand and stable policy expectations. “The resulting wider yield differential of 74.4 basis points (end-December 2025: 65 basis points) likely reduced the attractiveness of Malaysian bonds to foreign investors,” it said.

SEREMBAN (Feb 20): The new Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA), costing over RM200 million, will strengthen water supply in this district and ensure steady treated water for future growth, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said. “The new facility is important as the existing Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 1 plant in Sungai Terib is already operating at full capacity with little reserve. The project also helps the state meet key performance indicators set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), including maintaining at least a 15% water reserve margin to ensure supply security. Despite the current dry season affecting parts of the country, he said Sepri Dam and Sungai Beringin Dam are at full capacity. Sungai Terip, Talang, Gemencheh and Teriang dams are above 90%, while Kelinchi Dam stands at 68% and supports Sungai Terip Dam.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): The Madani government on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing social development and advancing social justice to ensure inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all Malaysians, in conjunction with the World Day of Social Justice. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year’s theme, “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice,” reflects the government’s determination to leave no one behind as the nation progresses. He also cited the National Social Policy 2030, which coordinates 44 social policies across 19 ministries, focusing on basic needs, individual potential, social support systems and social responsibility. Aaron said initiatives such as the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, the People’s Residency Programme (PPR) and the Zero Abandoned Project 2030 further demonstrate the government’s commitment to social justice. “Let us together renew our commitment to strengthening social justice, building citizens' welfare, and strengthening national unity.