(Feb 20): Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed to repeatedly “hit the button” on economic growth and adopt a bolder diplomatic stance without spooking markets during a speech setting out her policy vision. “We will ensure the pace of increase in our debt is within the range of Japan’s growth and steadily lower the ratio of public debt to gross domestic product. Takaichi also said that Japan’s growth would be spurred by two key pillars — risk management industries that include energy and cybersecurity, and growth industries that span artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. Takaichi also called for a bold stance not only on the economy, but also in diplomacy and defence as well. Revisions are already underway for the three security documents underpinning Japan’s defence posture that pertain to security strategy, defence strategy and a programme for building defence capabilities.

KUANTAN: Three Vietnamese, including two siblings, were slapped with a whopping RM128.9mil fine for having 1,000 wildlife parts without valid permits. They had been found in possession of nearly 1,000 parts of various animal species, including pangolins, sun bears, striped leopards, black leopards, clouded leopards, Asian elephants, hogs, wild boars, wolves, porcupines, deer and snakes. All these animals are protected under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). Sessions Court Judge Maimoonah Aid handed down the sentences on Bui Thi Ngan, 56, her brother Bui Van Noi, 48, and a male friend, Bui Van Anh, 38, after finding them guilty of the offences yesterday. The charges were framed under Section 68(1)(b) and Section 60(1)(b) of the Wildlife Conser­vation Act, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

SINGAPORE: A crew member has been reported dead after a fire on a cruise en route to Singapore early on Friday (Feb 20). Out of 224 passengers on board, there were 185 Singaporeans, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a statement at about 8.40am. The fire on board World Legacy – a Liberia-registered passenger vessel – happened at about 4am, it said. The World Legacy vessel has more than 300 cabins. Later in the day, World Legacy was expected to arrive in Harbourfront at 6pm and depart at 10.30pm.

PETALING JAYA: National squash player Rachel Arnold secured her spot in the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup quarter-finals after dispatching Egypt’s Menna Hamed in straight games on Thursday (Feb 19). 53 Hamed in the second round at the Cincinnati Country Club in Ohio. Sixth seed Rachel will now take on top seed Georgina Kennedy of England in the quarter-finals. Rachel has lost to Kennedy in both their previous meetings, the most recent coming at the Silicon Valley Open last October. 57 Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 in 24 minutes in the second round.

The Malaysia ESG Skills Readiness Report 2026, on a survey of 347 industry leaders, identifies an average 15-point national skills gap across 30 core sustainability competencies. Governance: The critical blind spotAmong the three pillars of sustainability, governance emerges as Malaysia’s most pressing vulnerability. A shared responsibilityThe research reveals that barriers to ESG talent development are distributed across the entire ecosystem. A coordinated path forwardMalaysia’s ESG talent challenge arrives at a critical juncture. Malaysia’s response to its ESG talent gap will shape not just its environmental future, but its economic trajectory for decades to come.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a severe and alert-level continuous rain warning in several areas in Sabah on Friday (Feb 20). In a statement on Friday (Feb 20) morning, department director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that a severe-level warning has been issued for the Sandakan (Beluran) and Kudat (Kota Marudu and Pitas) areas. Meanwhile, an alert-level continuous rain warning has been issued for the West Coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), Sandakan (Telupid and Sandakan) and Kudat. The public can obtain the latest weather information through the department's official website, the myCuaca mobile application and its official social media pages or by contacting 1-300-22-1638 for any enquiries.

ILLEGAL banners placed on decorative arches at Brickfields’ Little India have turned the cultural landmarks into advertising spaces. Some banners were also tied to lamp posts designed in the style of the traditional Indian oil lamps. Alagarsamy questions the inaction over the unlawful banners hung around Little India. Checks showed that some of the bunting were also promotions for events outside Kuala Lumpur, including Perak. Such advertisements fall under the Advertisement By-laws (Federal Territory) 1982 and the Vandalism By-laws (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) 1991.

PETALING JAYA: Twelve policemen have been arrested following investigations into the alleged extortion of foreigners. It is believed that they were arrested after they were involved in the theft of around RM200,000 in cryptocurrency during a supposed raid in Kajang, where the suspects were told to transfer the funds to be released. “Immediate action was then taken, leading to the arrest of 12 policemen to assist in investigations. “We will not compromise on any wrongdoing from officers and personnel involved in criminal matters. “The public is urged to give space to the police to complete investigations and not speculate on the matter,” he said.

1 singles player Roslin Hashim has already tasted success with Egypt despite being in charge for less than three months. Roslin, who took over the Egyptian badminton squad in December, admitted that their bid to qualify for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals fell short at the All-Africa Championships in Gaborone, Botswana, from Feb 9-12. “Egypt did not qualify for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals because only the champions earn the slot. Unlike Asia and Europe, which are allocated four slots each to the world team meet, Africa is granted only one berth, reserved for the champions. “Winning the men’s singles title was big.

SINCE its inception over three decades ago, Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival has evolved into much more than a mere spectator event for the thousands who attend. Yao sees Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival as a place to reunite with friends he has made over 15 years of visits. A kite lover for over three decades, Lau considers the Pasir Gudang event a highlight of his calendar. Newbies Kassler (right) and Nagy now ensnared by the magic of a kite festival. “This is the first ever kite festival I have attended and it turns out to be a lot more fun than I had anticipated.

PETALING JAYA: Drive times from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru stretched to more than five hours at the peak of the Chinese New Year and Ramadan balik kampung exodus, according to checks on Google Maps. The KL-Penang stretch took nearly five hours, while KL-Kota Baru via the East Coast Expressway (ECE) took seven hours and 33 minutes. Motorists who departed at 10pm instead of 10am saved between 45 minutes and nearly two hours, depending on the route. The KL–Johor Baru stretch saw the greatest fluctuation. The KL–Kota Baru leg via the ECE peaked at seven hours and 33 minutes on Saturday morning, while the Central Spine Road route hit six hours and 53 minutes during the same period.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Malaysia’s Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is expected to announce a new political platform next week, alongside 16 Members of Parliament from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), according to a report by Utusan Malaysia. Citing Bersatu MP for Padang Rengas, Azahari Hassan, the report said Hamzah and several lawmakers will be joining what has been described as a “new home” or alternative political party. “Based on the information I have received, God willing, it will be announced next week,” Azahari was quoted as saying. Hamzah, who is also MP for Larut, was expelled from Bersatu on Feb 14 for allegedly breaching the party constitution. According to the report, Yunus said Hamzah had hinted at the identity of the party but has yet to publicly disclose its name.

According to Kosmo, many of these women share a similar ­trajectory – falling into financial ruin after marrying local men in Lombok and finding themselves trapped by the high costs of returning home. Norida’s own journey began nearly two decades ago when she moved to Lombok with her then two-year-old daughter, Nur Fateen Akmadiana. Though she returned with her daughter – now 20 – her son remains in Lombok. “I am happy to celebrate Ramadan in my hometown with my family after living so long in Lombok,” she said. > Newly divorced actor Kamal Adli conceded that living alone was not easy as he missed his sahur this year, Harian Metro online reported.

WITH mere days between completing my two-week trip across five cities in India and then travelling to Germany, my train of thought was interrupted. I was just scratching the surface of how India’s huge diversity – of language, culture, religion, caste, class and ethnicity – is managed and tempered (or sometimes fomented) by state institutions and civil society.

Prized catch: Marwardi Hendry is drawing crowds at the Satok Ramadan bazaar with his grilled terubuk, a seasonal favourite among Kuching folk during the fasting month. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The StarFeast for the senses: The Presint 3 Ramadan bazaar in Putrajaya, which hosts over 200 stalls, began to be flooded with visitors from as early as 4pm. — BernamaSEREMBAN, 19 Feb -- Peniaga Muhd Mirza Hairunnizam tekun menyiapkan pesanan pelanggan untuk berbuka puasa pada hari pertama Ramadan di Bazar Ramadan Paroi, hari ini. --fotoBERNAMA (2026) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARAEndless variety: A wide array of traditional and modern kuih on display at the Satok Ramadan bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star