KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 12): GDB Holdings Bhd (KL:GDB) said its wholly-owned subsidiary Grand Dynamic Builders Sdn Bhd has obtained a favourable High Court judgment against KSK Land Sdn Bhd, which is in liquidation, to recover amounts owed for works on the 8 Conlay project. In a bourse filing, GDB said the court awarded Grand Dynamic Builders RM102.08 million, together with interest of 5% annum on RM93.39 million until full settlement and RM80,000 in costs. The dispute traces back to late payments under a RM1.25 billion contract for the 8 Conlay mixed development, where Grand Dynamic Builders was the main contractor. Damai City Sdn Bhd subsequently terminated the contract, leading Grand Dynamic Builders to file a fresh suit in May 2023 to recover RM102.08 million and initiate adjudication proceedings. Grand Dynamic Builders’ adjudication proceedings against Damai City commenced in October 2024, while it had earlier filed a winding-up petition against KSK Land in January 2024.

AMPANG: With Malaysia facing an ageing population crisis, increased investment into sports facilities and programmes could be key to keeping ageing Malaysians healthy for generations to come, says Ling Tian Soon. The MCA Youth chief said increasing overall accessibility to sports was key to ensuring Malaysians are able to exercise whenever they are able to. “We need to start planning and building more sports and healthcare facilities before the crisis becomes too serious. “By doing this, we can prepare our youth to be healthier by the time they start to get older. The pickleball event, organised by MCA Youth, saw over 10 pairs of teams from various media agencies take part in a casual mini-tournament, with the winner earning a small prize and certificate.

Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) unit PC Oman Ventures Ltd has inked an deal with the Oman government and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore LLC (OQEP) to explore oil and gas in Block 18. KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) unit PC Oman Ventures Ltd has inked an deal with the Oman government and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore LLC (OQEP) to explore oil and gas in Block 18. PC Oman has been active in the Middle Eastern country since 2018 and currently holds a participating interest in Block 61. "The addition of Block 18 aligns with our commitment to disciplined portfolio expansion, providing strategic optionality across our international portfolio," he said. The collaboration combines Petronas' offshore exploration strengths with OQEP's regional expertise, reinforcing its drive to build a more competitive upstream portfolio.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) remain resolute in their mission to bring home the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, brushing aside concerns over the inconsistent form of the men’s singles department. BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stressed that the governing body must continue to aim high, with winning the Thomas Cup listed as one of the five key targets under the Tangkis Juara 2030 blueprint introduced last October. At the moment, the situation does not look very promising for the national squad to win the Thomas Cup, with the men’s singles players’ performances at the Asia Team Championships in Qingdao falling short of expectations. During the meeting, Zafrul briefed Wan Azizah on the national team’s mission and received her full support for their bid to win the Thomas Cup. “She agreed with our target to go all out to win the Thomas Cup.

PETALING JAYA: A domestic dispute turned deadly when a man allegedly stabbed his wife to death before taking his own life in a double tragedy at a house in Kepong on Wednesday (Feb 11). “Upon arrival, police found a 54-year-old man with stab wounds to the neck and a 52-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds, including injuries to the neck, hand and body,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 12). He said both victims were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies were sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital Forensic Unit for a post-mortem. It is believed that the husband stabbed his wife before taking his own life,” he said. ACP Ahmad Sukarno urged those with information to contact the Sentul district police headquarters operations room at 03-40482222.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said bilateral ties are now more dynamic and candid. "Any visit by a President is a very big deal for an ambassador," he said, describing the visit as recognition of Malaysia's importance within Asean. "It's been a tremendous privilege to be able to represent the United States here," he said. He said that having served in Malaysia on two separate tours made leaving the country particularly difficult. Kagan will conclude his tour of duty in Malaysia on Feb 15, bringing to a close a remarkable 35-year career as a diplomat.

Siew Mun (not her real name), seven, has known only one mother-figure in her life: her maternal grandmother whom she affectionately calls “ammah”. Au has raised Siew Mun since she was an infant, after her daughter died in an accident in 2022. However, three years later, Au’s daughter died in an accident, leaving her to raise Siew Mun alone. The state government provided Au and Siew Mun with a flat at the Public Housing Project (PPR) in Jalan Sungai. “We want Siew Mun to stay with her grandmother for as long as possible,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: About two million Malaysians have redeemed the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash assistance, involving nearly RM200mil in funds as of Feb 10, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said the figure shows the positive reception for Sara as well as the system's smooth operation, with long queues reported. "When we first launched it last year, there were some minor system issues but this time it is smooth. Jana MyPesara is a micro-financing initiative to help retirees manage and run their businesses in a more structured manner. More than 22 million MyKad holders aged 18 and above are eligible to benefit from the RM100 one-off Sara credit, which is valid from Feb 9 to Dec 31, 2026.

(Feb 12): Markets are complacent on the outlook for US inflation, making trades that pay out if price pressures climb look attractive, according to the rates desk at Citigroup Inc.Investors may be underestimating the resilience of the US consumer and market expectations for inflation are likely to be revised slightly higher, said Benjamin Wiltshire, a rates trading desk strategist at the US bank. “Markets seem to have this conviction that inflation is going to come down,” Wiltshire said in an interview. “We’re still in a structurally higher inflation environment.”Wiltshire recommends buying five-year inflation forwards, which he reckons look too low at around 2.5%. Current inflation is still running hotter than that — the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of underlying inflation remains sticky at just under 3%. “The vigor to go and price inflation premium is not there,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry has announced the Vetri Madani programme with increased funding to expand career opportunities for the Indian community, particularly those in the B40 group. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said this year's Vetri Madani programme will be implemented in collaboration with Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) and Perbadanan Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (HRDCorp). Ramanan said registration would open to gauge public response before the final allocation is announced and more skills training can be provided to meet current industry demands. "I hope Vetri Madani can help graduates obtain higher salary offers, especially in engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors," he said. "Through the Dharma Madani programme, the government allocated RM20mil to more than 1,000 temples, while RM3.5mil was allocated to houses of worship last year through the Prime Minister's special allocation," he said.

MUAR: A 73-year-old motorcyclist was killed after his motorcycle was struck by a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at Bukit Naning here on Tuesday (Feb 10). Muar OCPD Asst Comm Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the accident occurred at about 7.36am. Initial investigations found that the MPV was travelling straight when the motorcycle cut across its path, leaving the driver with no time to avoid a collision. “The victim suffered severe head and bodily injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene,” he added. ACP Raiz Mukhliz urged anyone with information to contact investigating officer Insp Noor Khairun Izham Noor at 013-9121508 or report to the traffic division at the Muar police headquarters to assist with investigations.

MELAKA: A 50-year-old e-hailing driver claimed trial at the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh to two charges of possessing a knife without lawful authority and using it to instil fear in a young female shopper. The accused, Lim Toh Seng, entered the plea before Judge Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin on Thursday (Feb 12). For the second charge, he is accused of intentionally causing fear to a 21-year-old woman by chasing her while armed with a knife. Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Asri Abd Rahman Sidik prosecuted while the accused was represented by lawyer Ishak Mohd Kari. The court granted bail of RM8,000 for the first charge and RM3,000 for the second, each with one surety.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has noted a report published by an international media outlet which it says contains allegations aimed at damaging the commission’s good name and reputation. The commission said it will not comment on allegations that are defamatory, speculative, or involve matters that are sub judice or subject to ongoing legal proceedings. All investigations undertaken by MACC are conducted strictly in accordance with the law, guided by evidence, and carried out independently, without fear or favour," it said. As an enforcement agency, the MACC’s functions and roles are governed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and are subject to oversight by five independent bodies. "Allegations of misconduct cannot be adjudicated through media narratives but must be assessed through the established legal system and due process of justice," it said.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 12): Hextar Industries Bhd (KL:HEXIND) said it is acquiring a 51% stake in food and beverage retail firm Woodpeckers Group for RM177.5 million in cash. The acquisition will provide Hextar Industries a footprint in the frozen dessert market, the company said in a statement, noting that Woodpeckers is the master franchisee of the llaollao frozen yogurt chain in Malaysia with 131 outlets. The acquisition includes an average annual profit guarantee of RM29 million over three years, the company added. Hextar Industries group managing director Benny Ang said the acquisition will help to “accelerate scale, enhance operational efficiencies and unlock sustainable long-term value in Malaysia’s dynamic food and beverage landscape.”Woodpeckers chairman Tan Kai Young concurred with Ang. According to the statement, Woodpeckers Group posted a net profit of RM30.3 million in the financial year ended 2024 (FY2024), on revenue of RM150.64 million.

"What’s Galentine’s Day? A man walks holding flowers and balloons on Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in New York. Wolf takes care to schedule Galentine’s-themed retreats near Valentine’s Day because some women don’t have someone to spend Feb. 14 with. O’Sullivan is a social media strategist for businesses but appreciates that her bestie Valentine’s Day was without cellphones. You might go with a group of women friends to a play or museum, or take a hike or a workout class.