(Feb 20): UK retail sales started the year with the fastest growth in 20 months, an unexpected surge that could boost the Labour government’s efforts to revive the economy. The numbers were lifted by fuel sales, while the ONS also pointed to strong sales of artwork and antiques, alongside continued high numbers from online jewellers. “Online sales have been a particular bright spot, likely boosted by the wet weather,” said Sandra Prince at Lloyds, a bank. Interest rate cuts and falling inflation are also likely to have improved the mood in British shopping districts. Still, Paul Dales from Capital Economics warned: “With employment growth weak and wage growth slowing, households won’t be able to maintain this rate of spending.”

These problems were linked to soil movement and sinking caused by climate change. The SSGP case shows that climate risk is now a real and physical threat to infrastructure in Malaysia’s upstream oil and gas (O&G) industry. Reality of exposureThe O&G industry operates in an exposed industrial landscape. The National Climate Change Policy 2.0 is the main plan to include climate action in government and move the country towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Article 7 of the Paris Agreement requires countries to prepare for climate change and build resilience in key sectors of the economy.

(Feb 20): Jollibee Foods Corp, the Philippines’ largest restaurant operator, said it signed a definitive agreement to acquire a Korean hot pot brand for around US$87 million (RM339.92 million). A subsidiary will buy All Day Fresh Co Ltd, which is behind Seoul-based hot pot and eat-all-you-can chain Shabu All Day, Jollibee said in a statement on Friday. The purchase “reinforces the company’s commitment to its Chinese cuisine segment and franchising initiatives, while providing entry into the global hot pot category,” Jollibee said. It generates annual system-wide sales of US$285 million, Jollibee said. Private equity firm Elevation will retain its 30% stake in All Day Fresh and remain as a strategic partner, Jollibee said.

(Feb 20): India formally joined a US-led initiative to protect supply chains, including on critical minerals, in another sign that both sides are resetting ties after a turbulent year. “India joins Pax Silica, the coalition that will define the 21st century economic and technological order,” Gor said in remarks before the signing. The alliance aims to strengthen critical minerals supply chains and deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence. The signing comes days after Helberg said the US is discussing a critical minerals price floor system with allies and partners. Modi has invited Trump to visit India, Gor told reporters after the ceremony, though no date has yet been announced.

(Feb 20): The Trump administration is planning a new Peace Corps initiative that would send thousands of US science and math graduates abroad to boost foreign countries’ reliance on American technology and reduce global adoption of competing products from China, according to a US official. Called the Tech Corps, the programme would deploy as many as 5,000 American volunteers and advisers over the next five years to Peace Corps partner nations, the official said. Adding the tech initiative would mark a significant expansion of its mandate. The administration is now trying to jump start a previously announced effort, dubbed the American AI Exports Program, offering nations bundles of chips, servers, AI models, cloud services and networking. The Tech Corps aims to build on that plan by providing volunteers to countries that lack national AI strategies or operational capacity to adopt AI solutions.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described the Madani government’s move to restore the dignity of the nation’s history by strengthening history education through the National Education Blueprint (RPN) as timely. “Feb 20, 1956, is more than just a date in the nation’s history. It marks the rise of a nation, uniting the hopes of its people and beginning the journey to true independence,” he said. Aaron said the National Unity Ministry set up the National Historians Council last year to pool expertise, preserve accurate historical narratives, and keep the nation’s history alive among the people. “History is the foundation of unity, and unity is the safeguard of the nation’s future.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): MBSB Investment Bank Bhd maintained its full-year total industry volume (TIV) forecast at 788,000 units for 2026, implying a 4.0% decline from last year’s 821,000 units, which had grown 0.2% year-on-year (y-o-y). “This represents 8% of our full-year TIV forecast and is in line with expectations. Sales are expected to remain subdued this month due to a shorter working period,” the note added. Meanwhile, momentum is building in completely knocked-down battery electric vehicle assembly, with a growing number of investments expected among non-national marques this year. MBSB said the trend is supported by tax exemptions through end-2027, although it remains uncertain whether the relatively short window will sufficiently incentivise long-term local assembly plans.

BENGALURU (Feb 20): The Philippine peso fell to a one-week low on Friday on higher oil prices and cautious comments from the central bank governor, while South Korean and Singapore stocks hit record highs. The peso was still up 0.4% for the week, set to snap a four-week losing streak. Analysts also pointed out that the rise in oil prices could impact Asian currencies, especially the peso, as most economies in the region are net oil importers. Singapore stocks rose as much as 0.5% to hit a record high as well. Thailand stocks shed 1%, but were set to rise 3.4% this week, its sixth consecutive week of gains.

: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee have risen to No. PETALING JAYA: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee may well be Malaysia’s next big hope in women’s doubles, but the 19-year-olds must stay patient as they work their way towards the world elite. “From the junior level, they (Carmen-Xing Yee) are now competing against stronger and more experienced players. Rosman added that the success enjoyed by Pearly-Thinaah has made it easier for him to guide Carmen-Xin Yee, as the formula for success has already proven effective. Carmen-Xin Yee will next make their debut in the All-England from March 3-8 in Birmingham.

PETALING JAYA: Former national squash player Low Wee Wern may have been away from her hometown in Penang during Chinese New Year, but her players in the Philippines made sure she felt right at home. Wee Wern, who will mark two years as head coach of the Philippines national team next month, was touched when her players surprised her with a makeshift lion dance using their jerseys at the National Squash Centre in Manila. It is gestures like these that have strengthened her resolve to make her mark abroad.

KOTA KINABALU: Three places in rural Sabah have been declared disaster zones following floods that hit the areas early Friday (Feb 20). The affected areas are Kota Marudu, Pitas and Paitan, reported the Civil Defence Force. As of 9am, assessments for evacuation are still being carried out with preparations to rescue badly affected victims ongoing, especially in Kota Marudu and Pitas. Flooding and cases of fallen trees have also been reported in Sandakan.

KOTA KINABALU: Thousands of villagers in Sabah’s rural Paitan district have been affected by floods following continuous overnight rain. A villager, Sunita Rahman from Kg Lubang Buaya, said the downpour was like a typical thunderstorm. “However, when we woke up early in the morning, we saw what looked like a sea,” she said. Civil Defence officials are working to assist and locate affected victims for evacuation. It was learnt that those who own speedboats have started evacuating and helping others do the same.

Since their Hong Kong listings in January, both stocks have risen more than fourfold. Meanwhile, tech giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd fell as much as 4.3% and 2.8% respectively, despite reporting strong holiday results. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that Alibaba and Meituan would offer about US$870 million in consumer incentives over the holiday as they competed for engagement. Chinese authorities summoned major online platform companies last week, directing them to rein in promotional practices and eliminate “involution-style” competition. Among consumer stocks, Laopu Gold Co tumbled as much as 5.2% and China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp lost 4.5%.

RTPJ 2035 (Replacement) combines RTPJ 1 and RTPJ 2 together with several past amendments. If plot ratio is meant to limit how big developments can be, residents deserve to clearly understand what that number now really allows. RTPJ 2035 (Replacement) includes areas that are covered by special area plans, but the detailed rules for those areas are not shown in the document itself. Section 12A of Act 172 requires the planning authority to allow the public to give informed feedback before a local plan is finalised. RTPJ 2035 (Replacement), existing special area plans for Sec­tions 13, 19, 51 and 51, as well as redevelopment initiatives such as that for Section 52 must operate as one coherent framework.

More people have died on the slopes of Mount Everest but by ratio of number of climbers to number of deaths, K2 is the undisputed leader. Khafiz is aiming for the ultimate trophy – Mount Everest (his third 8,000m+) – in May. Undeniably, trekking and mountain climbing involve significant risks. Climbers face the possibility of falls, injuries, hypothermia, depleting oxygen supply, avalanches, rock falls, and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is natural progression for someone who has made mountain climbing an obsession.