Malaysians offer prayers, support as Middle East tensions escalate
- REUTERS PICKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians at home and abroad have taken to social media to offer prayers and support for those in the Middle East following an escalation in regional tensions on Saturday. On the Threads platform, user addyyyy urged Malaysians in the affected areas to stay safe and take necessary precautions. "To all Malaysians in the Middle East, please know that we back home are praying for your safety. Another user, jmhaffiz, posted: May Allah protect the Malaysians in the Middle East. Iran reportedly retaliated by attacking the United States' interests in several countries in the Middle East.
Source:New Strait Times
March 01, 2026 00:58 UTC
'A good moment': Red-hot Kane eyes Bundesliga goals record
Bayern Munich players including Harry Kane celebrate with their fans after the match against Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund. -AFP PICDORTMUND: Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane feels Robert Lewandowski's single-season Bundesliga goals record is within his reach after the England captain scored twice more in Saturday's 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund. Kane tucked away a smart finish and then converted a penalty as Bayern came from behind to effectively put an end to Dortmund's Bundesliga title challenge. Some considered Mueller's mark of 40 goals in a league campaign from 1971-72 as unbeatable until Lewandowski's record run. The 32-year-old Kane now has 45 goals in all competitions this term, the best mark in his career, with a third of the season remaining.
Source:New Strait Times
March 01, 2026 00:45 UTC
Liverpool's set play transformation a return to 'normal' for Slot
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot celebrates on the pitch after the match against West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool. -AFP PICLIVERPOOL: Liverpool boss Arne Slot said his side have played better this season and lost, but underlined the impact of set pieces after Saturday's 5-2 win over West Ham. Liverpool sacked set piece coach Aaron Briggs at the end of last year, but Slot played down the difference that change had made. Victory lifted Liverpool to fifth in the table and back in pole position for a return to the Champions League next season. A place in the top five is almost certain to secure Champions League football next season thanks to the strong results of English sides in European competition this season.--AFP
Source:New Strait Times
February 28, 2026 23:47 UTC
A plan for Wisma Putra
BEFORE Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the Foreign Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 in Putrajaya last Monday, the Foreign Minister held a mini townhall with the ministry’s top management, department heads and undersecretaries. Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has been meeting his diplomats in smaller, separate groups, but last year was extremely busy due to the Asean chairmanship, in addition to working visits abroad with the Prime Minister.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 23:36 UTC
A ‘Sandiwara’ to sell Malaysia
Yeoh’s short film, Sandiwara, does just that. She has continuously put Malaysia on the world map and made us proud. Instead, Sandiwara opted for back lanes, hawker stalls, pre-war houses and the lived-in textures of George Town. The writer says he is delighted to see Yeoh featured on his childhood haunt Love Lane in ‘Sandiwara’.— Sandiwara/Self-PortraitThe much-hyped short Sandiwara is directed by Oscar award-winning director Sean Baker. Sandiwara tells of five characters, all played by Yeoh, with a 24-hour narrative in the life of these five persons.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 23:30 UTC
Guardiola expects short absence for injured Haaland
Haaland was a surprise absence from the City line-up at Elland Road following the minor knock he suffered in training on Thursday. City coped without Haaland as Antoine Semenyo's first half goal sealed their fourth successive Premier League victory. Losing the prolific Haaland for a prolonged period would be a hammer blow for City, but Guardiola does not believe the Norway star will be out for long. Complete game, in a tough, tough place and 10 games left in the Premier league. The Premier League is better than ever," Guardiola said.
Source:New Strait Times
February 28, 2026 23:25 UTC
Ongoing global conflicts deeply concerning, says PM Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep concern over ongoing global conflicts, describing them as a test for world peace. The Prime Minister said that while the suffering of the Palestinian people remains unresolved, new attacks by Israel and its ally, the United States, on Iran have further escalated tensions in the region. “What deeply troubles me is that the situation in Gaza remains unresolved. Now it is made even worse by the decision of Israel and its ally, the US, to attack Iran today. The Prime Minister said Malaysia can manage its economy and political stability.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 19:59 UTC
Form Six students were overlooked, says PM Anwar on reclassification
PUTRAJAYA: The reclassification of Form Six students under the higher education framework was made because the programme had been overlooked compared with matriculation and other pre-university pathways, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar made the remarks during the breaking of fast event at Seri Perdana with the Higher Education Ministry and Education Ministry on Saturday (Feb 28). He added that the move was part of a broader effort to categorise all pre-university programmes as post-secondary education, ensuring students are better prepared for university. In January, Anwar said the Higher Education Ministry would take over the entire pre-university education system, including Form Six and matriculation programmes, starting next year. The move will reclassify Form Six and matriculation students under the higher education framework rather than the school system, similar to how the Education Ministry oversees the pre-school sector.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 18:36 UTC
Cricket-Jammu and Kashmir win India's Ranji Trophy for first time
Feb 28 (Reuters) - Jammu and Kashmir claimed their maiden Ranji Trophy on Saturday after a draw with eight-times champions Karnataka in the final of India's premier domestic first-class competition, securing the win on the basis of their first-innings lead. It was the first title in 67 years for Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian state that shares a border with neighbouring Pakistan. It is the biggest thing in my life," Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra said. "I have been lucky to be with JKCA (Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association). "From the beginning, they were 100% sure we would win this Ranji Trophy."
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 18:10 UTC
High five as all pros, including Jin Wei, rejoin BAM for training
BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh said women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei, who had earlier requested a week to decide, has since responded. Zii Jia and Sze Fei-Izzuddin are sponsored by Victor, while Jin Wei is currently with Li-Ning and Aidil is backed by Apacs. From the start, when it comes to attire, if they represent the country in tournaments like this, they must wear the national team jersey. At the time, BAM had to provide plain training shirts without sponsor logos to all players, including the invited professionals, to avoid any issues. Apart from the attire issue, BAM are also finalising the training arrangements for the professional players.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 17:28 UTC
EPF investment assets grew 12.8% to RM1.409 trillion in 2025
SHAH ALAM: The Employees Provident Fund recorded a total investment income of RM79.2bil for 2025, up from the RM74.46bil reported in 2024. Its investment assets grew to RM1.409 trillion, which is a 12.8% increase from the RM1.250 trillion recorded in the previous year. ALSO READ: EPF declares 6.15% dividend for conventional savings for 2025Domestic investments continued to provide steady income, with 61.7% of the RM1.409 trillion worth of assets invested domestically– generating investment income of RM39.3bil and accounting for 49.6% of total investment income. Global investments, representing 38.3% of the portfolio, generated RM39.9bil and accounted for 50.4% of total investment income. Mohd Zuki said EPF remains cautious in its outlook for 2026 as global uncertainties persist.
Source:The Star
February 28, 2026 17:20 UTC
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