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What to do and see in the charming Negri Sembilan
With Visit Negri Sembilan 2026 in full swing, what better time than now to check out some of the state’s attractions. When people think of Negri Sembilan, Port Dickson’s sandy beaches often come to mind. Throughout the year, Negri Sembilan hosts a variety of events and festivals that celebrate its diverse culture and communities. The complex comprises three main buildings, namely Teratak Perpatih (which is also the State Museum), Ampang Tinggi Palace and the Negri Sembilan House. — FilepicJust a stone’s throw from here is the historic Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse (Cape Rachado Lighthouse) in the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 16:46 UTC
Coach Hafiz shines in Saudi as his player Amer beat M'sian for title
Amer Mohammed emerged as the boys’ Under-19 singles champion after defeating Malaysia’s independent shuttler Lee Shawn 21-12, 23-21 in the final. Coach Hafiz Hashim posing with Amer Mohammed and Nabiha Shariff after the mixed doubles event. We are preparing for the Asian Junior in Japan and also the World Junior in Indonesia. One for the album: Coach Hafiz Hashim posing with his Arab Saudi team. “The Saudi team is positive, realistic and steadily improving.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 16:45 UTC
Digital banks at turning point
MALAYSIA’S digital banking sector entered 2026 with a level of scrutiny it has not faced before. Once hailed as catalysts for financial transformation, the five digital bank licensees find themselves defending their relevance amid leadership reshuffles, measured customer growth and a tightly regulated environment that prioritises prudential safeguards over rapid experimentation. The departure of several senior executives such as those from AEON Bank, Ryt Bank and KAF Digital Bank in recent months has done more than just raise eyebrows.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 16:40 UTC
Five SIM cards per telco provider
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s latest move to fight online fraud by limiting users to five SIM cards per telco provider is a “necessary step” but it will not stop criminals from scamming the public, say cyber security experts. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on Thursday that each person may only register up to five SIM cards per telco, while tourist-registered SIM cards will be automatically deactivated after three months. However, he questioned whether limiting individuals to five SIM cards per telco would significantly reduce scam activities. Many syndicates bulk-purchase SIM cards using different names,” he said. “But when these SIM cards are used for scams, they are not taking aggressive moves to block them,” he claimed.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 16:06 UTC
Babies are born with a sense of rhythm
Betting rhythm, to paraphrase the late Johnny Cash, is not something we learn, but is “part of our biological toolkit.”That’s according to researchers who played Bach to dozens of babies who appeared uncannily attuned to the Baroque-era composer’s piano virtuosity. “Newborns come into the world already tuned in to rhythm,” according to the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Rome, Italy. The babies’ reactions were tracked using electroencephalography, a “non-invasive technique in which electrodes are placed on the infants’ heads to measure their brain waves,” the team explained. Not melodyWhile the tests showed babies have rhythm, the same cannot be said for other aspects of music. The responses offered “no evidence that the newborns tracked melody or were surprised by unexpected melodic change,” the researchers found.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 16:01 UTC
It wasn't sand, it was missiles: Malaysian housewife recounts airstrike in UAE
ABU DHABI: "I thought it was sand being poured from lorries at a construction site near our house... turned out they were missiles," shared a Malaysian citizen living in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The missiles were believed to be targeted at the Al Dhafra Air Base in southern Abu Dhabi, which has become a key United States Air Force (USAF) hub. During the course of this interview, loud noises from passing missiles could be heard in the background. As tensions in the region boiled over into open conflict, the United States (US) and Israel on Saturday began hitting sites across Iran, including in the capital Tehran. Targets included Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US naval fleet in Bahrain, according to Iran's Fars News Agency.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:59 UTC
Malaysia stepping fight against corruption, says PM Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is stepping up its fight against corruption and is determined to protect public wealth, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the government would also ensure that no one, regardless of rank, was above the law. This is why, for the first time in history, enforcement agencies have taken action against corruption regardless of rank, whether Tun, Tan Sri, Datuk or anyone else,” he said. Yet those affected often try to resist, using their resources, social media and political influence to attack. “When they resist, they use the large funds they had amassed and their social media or political networks to criticise.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:40 UTC
Cyberattacks hit Iranian news sites, including IRNA
ISTANBUL: Cyberattacks have targeted multiple news sites and local apps in Iran, Anadolu Ajansi reported the IRNA news agency, which was also affected, said on Saturday, as the US and Israel launched attacks on the Islamic republic. While IRNA's website was inaccessible, others reported disruptions and there were internet outages. Internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed "Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4%”, according to the report.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:39 UTC
So-called sandwich generation face growing financial strain
A total of 11,808 individuals in that age group were declared bankrupt during the five-year period, underscoring growing financial strain during what should be peak earning years. Data shows personal loans were the main cause of bankruptcy, making up 46.63% of all cases between 2021 and 2025. Because personal loans are unsecured and carry higher interest rates, repayments can quickly consume monthly income. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the figures lend weight to concerns about the so-called sandwich generation. Even moderate economic shocks such as job disruption, health expenses or interest rate adjustments can quickly strain cash flow and push financially stretched households into insolvency,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:36 UTC
Over 100 foreigners nabbed in late night immigration raid in Kepong
PETALING JAYA: A total of 107 foreign nationals were detained in a late-night raid on two elite entertainment outlets in Kepong after they were found to be without valid travel documents or passes. He said 224 individuals were inspected during the operation, comprising 171 foreign nationals and 53 locals. The operation was conducted following two weeks of intelligence gathering and public tip-offs by the Special Tactical Team (PASTAK). He said all the foreign nationals have been detained at the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for further action and are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966 and Immigration Regulations 1963. Meanwhile, seven locals were issued notices to appear at the Immigration office to assist in investigations.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:24 UTC
Politicians go after MACC chief
Rafizi lit the spark and DAP leaders have jumped onboard to press for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption in the MACCTAN Sri Azam Baki is used to going after those suspected of corruption but he is now the target of a fierce campaign to subject him and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which he leads, to a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:09 UTC
Malaysians in Jordan, Bahrain urged to stay in safe locations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian embassies in both Jordan and Bahrain have urged Malaysians in those countries to stay calm and take shelter in safe locations in the wake of recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran. In a consular notice posted on Facebook, the Malaysian Embassy in Amman, Jordan, also advised Malaysians to always refer to official sources and follow instructions from local authorities. "Malaysians are further advised to remain in safe locations, avoid military facilities, and steer clear of any falling debris,” the statement said. It urged Malaysians to remain indoors or in a safe location as well as keep away from windows. For consular assistance, Malaysians in Bahrain can contact the embassy at +973 3899 0749 (emergencies only) or email: mwmanama@kln.gov.my.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 15:08 UTC
On track for the future with RTS, HSR and ECRL
> With the RTS Link set to be a game-changer for cross-border travel, has the fare been decided? Since the RTS is a joint venture, the fare must be jointly agreed upon. However, immediately after the RTS completes next year, our solution for dispersal is to enlarge our stage bus system. Recently in Parliament, we passed a new law to allow Singapore immigration to be stationed on the Malaysian side and vice versa. We are even talking about using Kuantan Port to ship cars to Sabah and Sarawak by utilising the ECRL.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 14:57 UTC
Razif has faith in Aaron-Soh to rise up at All-England after German Open shock
PETALING JAYA: The early exit of Malaysia’s men’s doubles pairs at the German Open has raised fears of a repeat at next week’s All-England. The biggest shock came when top seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik crashed out in Mulheim after going down 15-21, 22-24 to world No. Last year, Malaysia had six men’s doubles pairs in the All-England and were seen as strong contenders to end the title drought since Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong last lifted the crown in 2007. In the mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie will face Singaporean-Indonesian pair Terry Hee-Gloria Emanuelle. Women’ singles: Wong Ling Ching bt Pornpawee Chochuwong (Tha) 21-14, 21-19.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 14:33 UTC
Tehran hospitals declare emergency after US, Israel strikes
ISTANBUL: Hospitals in the Iranian capital Tehran declared a state of emergency on Saturday after United States and Israeli strikes shook the city, Iran’s Health Ministry said, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing a local daily. Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanipour told the official IRNA news agency that emergency measures were activated following explosions across parts of the capital. He said ambulances were dispatched to locations where blasts were reported, adding that casualty figures would be announced later. While Israel launched a "preventive" attack, dubbed as "Lion's Roar", US President Donald Trump said his forces launched "major combat operations in Iran" aimed at "eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime". He reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 14:05 UTC