Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan extend CNY greetings
KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has conveyed Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese community in Pahang and across the country. Also extending the greetings was the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. In a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16), the Pahang Sultanate said Their Royal Highnesses expressed hope that the Chinese New Year celebrations would be observed in a spirit of joy, prosperity and happiness with family and friends. "May this Chinese New Year bring cheer, lasting good health and further strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony among the multiracial people of Pahang Darul Makmur in particular and Malaysia in general. Gong Xi Fa Cai,"Their Royal Highnesses said in the post.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:49 UTC
Bersatu’s internal split ‘karma’ for Umno rift, says Mohd Hairi
JOHOR BARU: The current turmoil in Bersatu reflects the consequences of political decisions made in the past, says Umno party Youth deputy chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah. The Umno supreme council member, who is also the Larkin assemblyman, added that the internal split within Bersatu is “karma” for what it has done to Umno“Actually, I am not bothered about other parties. Mohd Hairi said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had introduced the concept of a “rumah bangsa”, signalling the party’s openness to uniting Malays under one roof. He added that the president had opened the “door of the house”, reflecting Umno’s willingness to embrace other Malay leaders and parties. Mohd Hairi also said the Umno Youth wing was open to accepting former members of other parties who wished to join.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:45 UTC
Company loses RM137,600 after paying for non-existent tender
KULAI: A company lost RM137,600 after being duped into paying for a non-existent tender involving the supply of electric generator machines to an industrial training institute located in Tangkak. He said the victim claimed her company suffered losses amounting to RM137,600 after being deceived by an individual offering a tender to supply generator machines to the institute. “The company had agreed to purchase six portable generator machines along with four battery units worth RM137,600. “She was informed that there was no tender at present for the supply of generator machines and electric cables,” he said. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating involving a non-existent project tender.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:44 UTC
Pitch to court – German stars Mueller, Hummels try their hand at badminton
Moving from agile and powerful play on the pitch, two German football stars, Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels, took an intriguing detour by not only trying their hand at badminton, but also challenging former European men’s doubles champion Marvin Seidel. Although this was part of their social media content for the #ThoMats Challenge, Mueller and Hummels showed that they actually have some potential in the sport. Mueller and Hummels then faced off in a friendly match up to 11 points, with Hummels narrowly winning 11-9. Mueller, Seidel and Hummels chatting after a game. “Your footwork was excellent, and you showed great fighting spirit throughout,” said Seidel, clearly impressed by the badminton potential of both Mueller and Hummels.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:41 UTC
Canada says ties with China renewed after visa-free travel announcement
ISTANBUL: (Bernama-Anadolu) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday (Feb 16) that Canada is "renewing” its relationship with China after Beijing announced visa-free travel for Canadian citizens, calling the move a key outcome of a new phase in bilateral engagement, Anadolu Ajansi reported. As part of our new strategic partnership, China is granting visa-free travel for Canadians,” Carney wrote on the social media platform X, describing the policy as a tangible sign of improving ties. China’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday that ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK will be allowed visa-free entry starting Feb 17, 2026. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached agreements on people-to-people exchanges during a separate visit. China has expanded visa-free entry to several Western nations in recent years as part of efforts to revive tourism and international travel following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:26 UTC
PM: Celebrating Chinese New Year together shows unity, togetherness
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Chinese New Year is celebrated together as a symbol of unity and cooperation among Malaysians. “This celebration we celebrate together shows our unity and togetherness,” he said during his speech at Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on Tuesday (Feb 17). Anwar greeted the crowd with “Ta jia hao” and extended his wishes to the Chinese community by saying “Gong Xi Fa Cai, xin nian kuai le dan nian nian hao”, wishing the celebrant that every year should be good. He thanked the Chinese community celebrating the Chinese New Year for working together with the government. In conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration at the KLSCAH, he said the building and the Chinese business community have long been intertwined with the country’s independence and development.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 10:21 UTC
Proposal underway to fit dashcams in police cars
BAGAN SERAI: A proposal to equip every police vehicle with dashboard cameras (dashcams) will soon be submitted to the Inspector-General of Police. Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the initiative aims to enhance monitoring and allow the police to record and assess incidents in greater detail. On the operation, Muhammed Hasbullah said 3,609 personnel from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department and 6,132 officers from the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department had been deployed from Feb 15 until 20. He said that the department would conduct focused monitoring at 25 hotspots and 46 blackspots along major highways, in addition to 407 hotspots and 76 blackspots on federal, state and municipal roads nationwide. "This operation is being carried out in cooperation with the Health Ministry, the Road Transport Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, and other agencies," he added.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:49 UTC
#NSTviral: Factory worker, 21, killed after motorcycle skids [WATCH]
Screengrab of the incident along the Sungai Petani–Kuala Ketil trunk road. -- Pic from socmedKUALA MUDA: A 21-year-old factory worker was killed after the motorcycle she was riding is believed to have skidded and crashed along the Sungai Petani–Kuala Ketil trunk road on Saturday. Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said the incident occurred at about 7.50pm while she was travelling from Kuala Ketil towards Sungai Petani. He said the motorcycle is believed to have lost control, veered to the right and fell. Police have urged witnesses or motorists with information to come forward to assist investigations.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:39 UTC
Over 10,000 celebrate Penang CNY open house in festive harmony
Chow described the event as a resounding success, adding that the strong turnout of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and foreign tourists reflected the social harmony that underpins stability in the state. Chow described the event as a resounding success, adding that the strong turnout of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and foreign tourists reflected the social harmony that underpins stability in the state. "I hope Penang can continue to serve as a model in promoting unity, harmony and the well-being of its people," he told reporters. Also present were Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. A highlight of the event was the Yee Sang tossing ceremony, symbolising prosperity and well-being for all in Penang in 2026.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:30 UTC
Illegal e-waste rings hide, exploit foreign workers, dodge raids
General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander senior assistant commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the makeshift factories, often in inaccessible locations, frequently changed operations and sites, posing major challenges for enforcement agencies. STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAHKOTA BARU: Many illegal e-waste processing sites on the East Coast are hidden in remote plantations and employ foreign workers, making them difficult for authorities to detect and raid. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander senior assistant commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the makeshift factories, often in inaccessible locations, frequently changed operations and sites, posing major challenges for enforcement agencies. Since last year, the GOF Southeast Brigade has recorded 41 cases involving e-waste, minerals, and other illegal extraction activities, with seizures valued at more than RM413 million. Sources said local operators favoured foreign workers because they accepted lower wages, harsh and unsafe conditions, and were less likely to report abuses, while their isolation in remote locations made them easier to control.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:19 UTC
One dead, two critically injured in stabbing attack in Australia
ISTANBUL: (Bernama-Anadolu) A man was killed and two people were critically injured in a stabbing attack Tuesday (Feb 17) along a busy shopping strip in western Sydney in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media. A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s died at the scene despite emergency efforts. Police confirmed that two of the stabbings took place inside a business premises, while a third occurred on the footpath outside. Police arrested a man behind a nearby house on Smythe Street and he was taken to Granville Police Station. A crime scene has been established as police continue investigations into the motive behind the attack.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 08:59 UTC
PM calls for KLSCAH conservation, heritage recognition [WATCH]
According to the Department of National Heritage website, construction of the KLSCAH building began in 1910 and was fully completed in 1923 - KLSCAH WEBSITEKUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for conservation efforts to be carried out on the 100-year-old Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) building in Jalan Maharajalela. He said this is to facilitate the requirements for the building to be recognised as a historic building and national heritage. The prime minister also instructed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, along with all relevant committees, to sit together to discuss so that the recognition efforts can be achieved. "We treat this building as a historic building, as heritage. According to the Department of National Heritage website, construction of the KLSCAH building began in 1910 and was fully completed in 1923.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 08:46 UTC
Regional flashpoints set to test Philippines leadership as Asean Chair
The maritime domain is widely seen as the earliest test of credibility, given the Philippines' dual role as Asean Chair and a claimant state in the South China Sea - a position that demands both diplomatic restraint and regional leadership. Rahul added that Manila would need to exercise caution in managing developments in the South China Sea to ensure disputes do not spill over into wider regional tensions. "The South China Sea is a sensitive issue, but as the chair, the Philippines must take up tasks that previous presidencies have not. "Progress on the COC is likely to be incremental at best; the real test will be preventing escalation while preserving Asean unity and relevance," he said. Siti Darwinda said the approach dovetails with the Philippines' 2026 Asean Chairmanship theme, 'Navigating Our Future, Together' which underscores collective efforts to strengthen peace and security, enhance prosperity, and empower communities across the region.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 08:36 UTC
Automotive sales up by 27% in January
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s automotive sector total industry volume (TIV) increased 27% to 64,298 units in January 2026 from 50,449 units in the same month last year, mainly contributed by the spill-over effect from new model launches towards the end of 2025. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said sales of passenger vehicles improved 28% to 60,369 units from 47,019 units a year earlier, while commercial vehicle sales rose 15% to 3,929 units from 3,430 units previously. Meanwhile, production gained 6% to 60,866 units last month from 57,450 units a year earlier, it said in a statement yesterday. Passenger vehicle production grew to 57,367 units from 54,345 units previously, while commercial vehicle output rose to 3,499 units from 3,105 units previously, it said. However, MAA said TIV in January 2026 was 29% lower than December 2025, mainly due to advance purchase in December 2025 of 90,716 units – the highest monthly TIV ever.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 08:35 UTC
Kuantan murder-suicide: Neighbours say suspect, a security guard, was a 'nice person' [WATCH]
In what is believed to be a murder-suicide case that has shaken the settlement, residents shared their shock over the horrific incident, saying the family had never displayed any unusual behaviour. "He was friendly with the neighbours and two days ago he spoke to my husband, asking about his health. Saripah, whose house shares the same wall as the suspect's, said she only learnt about the incident after realising huge police presence along the road near the victim's house. "I saw one of the victims' family members sitting outside the house when I went to feed the chickens at 7.30am. He said that the victim's family had been living in Taman Cherating Damai since the settlement was opened in 2009, although he did not know them well.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 08:01 UTC