Migrant smuggling syndicates switch MO due to tightened checks on Sg Golok, says GOF
KOTA BARU: Illegal immigrant smuggling syndicates operating along the Malaysia-Thai border in Kelantan have been detected to have shifted their tactics, using the sea route and landing along the Kelantan River after security measures at the Golok River were tightened. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the change was detected following intensified enforcement along the Golok River, which was previously the main route for clandestine crossings. “The syndicates no longer rely on the usual Sungai Golok route. They now use boats to transport illegal immigrants through tributaries of the Kelantan River, landing in less populated areas far from GOF posts,” he said when contacted by reporters on Saturday (Feb 14). He added that the PGA would continue to strengthen land and maritime patrols and step up intelligence operations to prevent syndicates from exploiting new routes.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 17:38 UTC
NATO's Rutte says Russians suffering 'crazy losses' in Ukraine
BERLIN, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Russia is suffering "crazy losses" in Ukraine, tallying around 65,000 soldiers over the last two months, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Separately, he told a media roundtable that the NATO alliance was strong enough that Russia would not currently try to attack it. "We will win every fight with Russia if they attack us now, and we have to make sure in two, four, six years that same is still the case," he said. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Writing by Sarah MarshEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 16:40 UTC
Ringgit set to trade higher next week on strong growth momentum
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade firmer and remain around the 3.90 level against the US dollar next week, supported by the strong domestic economic growth momentum that continues to influence market sentiment. "The euphoria on strong growth will continue to shape traders’ sentiment next week, which will benefit the ringgit in the near term,” he told Bernama. Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) noted that the greenback weakness remained the primary driver of the ringgit gains. A sustained US dollar recovery would require firmer inflation and higher real yields,” it said in a note. On a week-on-week basis, the ringgit ended the week firmer against the US dollar to close at 3.9060/9115 compared with 3.9440/9525 last Friday.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 16:10 UTC
Nova confirms Tang Jie-Ee Wei to bypass German test for All-England push
PETALING JAYA: National mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto hopes a little extra preparation time will benefit Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei for their charge at the All-England next month. "We have spoken to the players and decided that we would head straight for the All-England." Tang Jie-Ee Wei did not go far at last year’s All-England at the Utilita Arena as the second seeds crashed out in the opening round after losing to Indonesia’s Rehan Kusharjanto-Gloria Widjaja. Nova hopes to see Tang Jie and Ee Wei go further this time. "We just don’t want a situation where we start well in the first round, then fall to a lower-ranked pair in the second round.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 15:55 UTC
Ten-man West Ham survive Burton battle to reach FA Cup fifth round
West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville (left) celebrates scoring their first goal with Ezra Mayers during Saturday’s FA Cup match against Burton Albion at Pirelli Stadium, Burton-on-Trent. - Action Images via Reuters PICLONDON: Ten-man West Ham edged into the FA Cup fifth round as Crysencio Summerville clinched a 1-0 win at third tier Burton on Saturday. They were under duress through Tyrese Shade's low strike, which forced a good stop from West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola. Soungoutou Magassa was denied by Collins but West Ham made the breakthrough five minutes into extra-time. West Ham substitute Potts was dismissed for a reckless lunge on Julian Larsson in the 101st minute.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 15:25 UTC
Traffic flow on major highways under control amid increasing vehicle volume, says LLM
KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic flow on several major highways has been reported to be under control despite an increase in the number of vehicles as of 6.30pm Saturday (Feb 14), ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays on Tuesday (Feb 17) and the upcoming Ramadan. She said there was an increase in traffic from Gombak to Genting Sempah and at entry routes into the capital, namely from the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza to the city centre, and from Senai to Kulai. "Slow-moving traffic has been reported from the Menora Tunnel to the Sungai Perak Rest and Service Area, from Bandar Baharu to Jawi, and from Permatang Pauh to the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza. LLM expects the number of vehicles to increase tonight, but the situation remains under control," she said. The public can obtain the latest traffic information via the PLUSLine toll-free line at 1-800-88-0000 and X page @plustrafik, or the LLM line at 1-800-88-7752 as well as the X page @llmtrafik.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 15:19 UTC
New high for China's festive travel rush
People preparing to board a train at a railway station in Nanjing, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, on Friday, ahead of the Lunar New Year. - AFP PICASPIRING physical education teacher Gao Yemiao missed his 30-second window to buy a train ticket home for China's biggest holiday — but he was lucky. "I got put on the waiting list and managed to snag a ticket," the 19-year-old said on Friday at the train station in Baoding, in northern Hebei province. Though the public holiday spans a record nine days this year, Gao said he would not be going out to travel with family. Hua, like others interviewed at the Baoding station, had no travel plans beyond returning home.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 15:18 UTC
Several roads in George Town closed for Miaohui celebration
GEORGE TOWN: Several roads around the city here will be closed in conjunction with the Chinese New Year or "Miaohui” celebration organised by the Penang Chinese Clan Council and the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society. It said the next phase of the closure involves Lebuh Light to Lebuh Pasar, Lebuh Pasar to Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Union to Lebuh Pasar, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to Lebuh Pantai, Lorong Pitt, Lebuh Ah Quee, Lorong Soo Hong, Jalan Kampung Kolam to Lebuh Acheh and Lebuh Armenian. "The closure of all these roads will begin at 7pm on Feb 20 (Friday) until 1.59pm the following day, Saturday (Feb 21),” it said. The third phase of the closure involves Lebuh Chulia from Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to Lebuh Pantai and Gat Lebuh Chulia from Lebuh Victoria to Lebuh Pantai, which will take place from 2pm until 11.59pm on Feb 21. The public is also encouraged to use public transport to attend the event and help reduce traffic congestion in these areas.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 15:17 UTC
Traffic flow on all major expressways reported smooth tonight
Traffic flow on all major expressways nationwide is reported to be smooth and under control as of 9.30pm today, following minor congestion during the afternoon and early evening. - NSTP/FAIZ ANUARKUALA LUMPUR: Traffic flow on all major expressways nationwide is reported to be smooth and under control as of 9.30pm today, following minor congestion during the afternoon and early evening. However, we expect the number of vehicles to increase again after midnight tonight," said a spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). In addition, LLM also informed of the increase in traffic in several hotspot areas, but the overall situation is still under control. The public is advised to obtain the latest traffic information via the toll-free PLUSLine at 1-800-88-0000 and the X website @plustrafik or the LLM line at 1-800-88-7752 and the X website @llmtrafik.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 15:06 UTC
Reforms key to Malaysia's improved CPI rankings, says Chief Secretary
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s improved position in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is not solely the result of policy implementation and reforms, but also driven by strategic, consistent and high-impact communication, says Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Shamsul Azri said the improvement reflects the government’s seriousness and ongoing commitment in strengthening governance, integrity and the national anti-corruption agenda. The meeting also reviewed a presentation by Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram on Malaysia’s 2025 CPI performance, survey findings and the implementation direction of each CPI Focus Group (FG) for 2026. He also congratulated the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) for improvements recorded in several key CPI-related assessments. “The improvement in Malaysia’s CPI score and ranking is not merely about numbers, but reflects the level of confidence the global community has in our governance system.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 15:05 UTC
Selangor records 65% drop in water source pollution cases
SHAH ALAM: Selangor has recorded a 65% drop in water source pollution emergency cases last year compared with 2024, reflecting the effectiveness of the Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP) in curbing pollution from industrial activities. “Since the implementation of the ZDP initiative under the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), no major water treatment plant shutdowns due to water source pollution were recorded, reducing the risk of supply disruptions to domestic users and the economic sector. She added that the policy’s implementation also resulted in a consistent downward trend, with only 28 water source pollution cases reported in 2025 compared with 80 cases in 2024, 76 cases in 2023, 71 cases in 2022 and 64 cases in 2021. “This 65% reduction proved that the ZDP was effective in reducing the risk of water source pollution and improving effluent management discipline among industries. Enforcement action would be taken if standard limits were not complied with to ensure water source quality was not compromised,” she said.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 14:51 UTC
Exercise Desert Tiger strengthens Malaysia-UAE defence cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: The army's participation in Exercise Desert Tiger marks a significant step in enhancing the readiness, professionalism and capabilities of its personnel, while also strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that 15 officers and 86 personnel from the 7th Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment have successfully completed the exercise in Ajman, UAE. "Well done and congratulations to all officers and personnel involved for their dedication, discipline and remarkable spirits throughout the 13-day bilateral exercise. "This exercise offers direct experience in conducting operations in built-up areas (OBUA) within a desert environment, while also serving as a platform to exchange doctrines and tactics, techniques and procedures with the UAE Army," he said in a Facebook post today.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 13:50 UTC
Russia 'poisoned' Putin critic Navalny in prison with 'rare toxin'
(FILES) Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands near law enforcement agents in a hallway of a business centre, which houses the office of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), in Moscow on Dec 26, 2019. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)MUNICH: Five European countries including Britain, France and Germany accused Russia of "poisoning" opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison in 2024 using a "rare toxin", on Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "We know the Russian state now used this lethal toxin to target Navalny in fear of his opposition," the UK foreign office said in a statement alongside Sweden, France, the Netherlands and Germany, ahead of the second anniversary of the death of the staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Britain also said it had reported Russia to the world's chemical weapons watchdog.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 13:37 UTC
PM: Ensure prompt implementation, early completion of 13MP development projects
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all ministries and implementing agencies to ensure development projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) are carried out promptly and completed ahead of schedule. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said cost savings from these projects could be channelled to more urgent projects, especially in the health and education sectors. "I also stressed that the Federal Government and state governments must plan better and think more strategically about using suitable methods to resolve problems in development projects under the 13MP. Anwar said he was also grateful that the district had no "sick” projects. The Prime Minister also wants the information delivery strategy to be improved so that the government's success in carrying out projects for the people can be delivered more effectively.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 12:56 UTC
Nvidia CEO Huang won't attend India AI summit next week, company says
(Adds dropped letter in headline.) NEW DELHI, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will not be travelling to India next week for a India AI Impact Summit, which global technology industry and political leaders are likely to attend, the company said on Saturday. Huang was expected to be one of the biggest attractions at the summit, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. While Huang was due to address the media in New Delhi on Wednesday, the company's media agency in India, MSL, said in an email that he would not be traveling due to "unforseen circumstances." (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil and Aditya KalraEditing by Bernadette Baum)
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 12:48 UTC