The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have sent an invitation to the Paris Olympic bronze medallist to take part in a centralised training camp ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3. Jonassen said assembling the strongest possible squad is not solely dependent on Zii Jia’s availability but also on the overall depth of the team. The latest update received by the national set-up was that Zii Jia was nursing an injury during the Thailand Masters, where he was forced to retire in the quarter-finals against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. “Of course we are preparing this week and next week with a major focus on the Thomas Cup for the top players here. These weeks were designed not for short term international tournaments but as preparation for the Thomas Cup,” he said.

THE opening of the elevated U-turn ramp, as part of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE), in Ukay Perdana, Hulu Kelang, has noticeably relieved traffic congestion in the area. Ukay Perdana resident Rosli Sharafuddin said the elevated U-turn has a sharp bend that splits into two lanes that lead to different areas. The original design for the elevated U-turn was amended following a legal proceeding a few years back. Kamri says the elevated U-turn had undergone a road safety audit before it was opened to traffic. Section 2, which will connect this route directly to Ukay Perdana, is currently under development.

Hong Kong actress Charmaine Sheh recently went on a vacation with her mother in Thailand. Despite dressing casually in a light blue top and going makeup-free, Sheh, 50, still managed to steal the spotlight with her striking appearance. Netizens were quick to gush over her fresh-faced glow, with many saying she looks far younger than her age. Another added: “She’s such a filial daughter!”For the record, Sheh shares a strong bond with her mother and has long been known as a devoted, filial daughter. The award-winning actress was five years old when her father passed away, leaving behind her mother to raise her and her two siblings.

JOHOR BARU: A foreign woman who was seven months pregnant was found dead and covered in blood at a house in Kampung Makam, Kota Tinggi, on Friday (Feb 13) morning. Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Yusof Othman said that the police received a tip-off the unconscious victim’s discovery at about 7:42am. Criminal Investigation Division officers were deployed from the Kota Tinggi police headquarters to the location to verify the incident. The pregnant woman was initially discovered lying in a pool of blood with head injuries believed to have been caused by a blow from a blunt object. The victim was later confirmed dead by Kota Tinggi Hospital medical officers.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s development agenda must remain anchored in strong family values, even as the country advances economic reforms and technological transformation. MANIMARANIPOH: In the pursuit of economic growth, advanced education systems and modern facilities, the nation must not neglect the foundation of family education and love. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia's development agenda must remain anchored in strong family values, even as the country advances economic reforms and technological transformation. Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Anwar's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. "In Asean, Malaysia's economic performance is among the best, and the ringgit has shown strong performance across Asia.

NSTP/FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: The government has no immediate plans to introduce policies to curb vehicle ownership amid reports of horrendous congestion in the Klang Valley. "At this stage, there is no specific policy to limit vehicle numbers," said Transport Minister Anthony Loke, adding ownership restrictions remain sensitive. Beyond festive surges, Loke pointed to structural challenges underpinning the country's congestion problem, highlighting the rapid rise in vehicle ownership. "Malaysia recorded vehicle sales of about 820,000 units last year, making it the largest vehicle market in Southeast Asia despite its comparatively smaller population than Indonesia. To mitigate the issue, the ministry is focusing on expanding and optimising public transport services, particularly during high-demand periods, he said.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is carrying out cloud seeding operations in the Northern Zone to mitigate the effects of hot weather and declining water levels at several major dams. It said the focus will be on rain catchment areas in Kedah and Perlis, involving several strategic dams that are the main sources of water supply for domestic, industrial and agricultural usage. The operations involved the use of RMAF's C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which departed from the Subang air base. Nadma said it hoped the operation would help restore water reserves for the well-being of the people, particularly for the agricultural sector and domestic use. The operation is carried out to enhance the rain formation process and increase the amount of rainfall in selected areas during water shortage crises, haze and forest fires.

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic), three other MPs and two state assemblymen were among 17 Bersatu members who have been sacked in a shocking move. Board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said yesterday that Larut MP Hamzah, who is also deputy president, was dismissed under the Clause 22.5 of the party’s constitution. “The dismissal is due to the actions of Datuk Seri violating Clause 9.1.4 of the Bersatu constitution,” Mohd Radzi said in the notice issued yesterday. Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the party’s top leadership had been informed of Hamzah’s sacking. Prior to the mass dismissal, Bersatu also expelled Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah in October last year and in January, respectively.

PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have opted to keep their stance under wraps ahead of the April 25 vote on the proposed 15x3 scoring system. BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh said the association have taken note of the announcement made by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Thursday (Feb 12). As such, BAM will hold further internal discussions to gather more collective feedback from players and coaches. As one of the powerhouses in the badminton world, BAM will have five votes at the upcoming BWF annual general meeting that will be held in Horsens, Denmark, during the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals. "For me personally, it is difficult to say whether the 15 point system is suitable because the trials were mainly conducted at lower level tournaments.

PETALING JAYA: The expulsion of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from Bersatu is shocking, says PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. However, he hoped that Bersatu could quell its internal strife as soon as possible. PAS is a component of opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, with Bersatu, Gerakan and MIPP. "PAS will soon discuss the Opposition Leader's position with our parliament bureau. "(The dismissal is) due to Datuk Seri's actions violating Clause 9.1.4 of the Bersatu constitution," he added.

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian detained at the Toyamanishi Police Station in Japan for allegedly being involved in an online fraud syndicate was charged in a Japanese court last month and pleaded guilty to two charges. Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the charges against Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, 23, were brought under Articles 246 and 60 of the Japanese Penal Code. Accordingly, Hishamuddin said MHO is seeking the intervention of the Malaysian government, particularly Wisma Putra, to help obtain a detailed explanation of the legal process being faced by Muhammad Faiq Zafran. He said the intervention is not intended to challenge Japan’s legal system, but to ensure that consular rights and access to proper legal defence are upheld. Efforts to trace the youth eventually led to the discovery that Muhammad Faiq was being detained at the Toyamanishi Police Station in Japan for his alleged involvement in an online fraud syndicate.

PETALING JAYA: The Bersatu disciplinary board is "a sham" for expelling deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, says Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee. Kiandee stated this immediately after Bersatu disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan announced that the Larut MP had been expelled from the party and stripped of his membership rights under Clause 22.5, effective today (Feb 13). "The Bersatu disciplinary board is a sham because it merely follows the orders of the president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin). The president of the party is already out of touch with the wants of the majority of its members," said Kiandee. Mohd Radzi said that Hamzah may submit an appeal to the party’s appeal board for consideration starting from the date of the notice.

PETALING JAYA: Customers stocking up for the Chinese New Year are pleased with the festive season-controlled price scheme. Accountant Wong Mei Ling, 42, said there was a slight difference in pricing compared with prices last week. Wong added that while the prices were reasonable, festive preparations inevitably resulted in higher spending. Restaurant supervisor Lim Jun Hao, 35, said price stability was more important than large discounts. “At least with the price control, we can plan instead of worrying whether prices will increase again.

“The credibility of the process is just as important as its eventual findings,” he said. “Who sits on the committee, and are its members independent of both the executive and MACC itself? He also said that Azam should be placed under garden leave during the course of an investigation, as that would be consistent with the practice of good governance. Malaysia Corruption Watch president Jais Abdul Karim said the establishment of a special committee should be seen as an institutional process and not one due to political pressure. “Undermining leadership while major cases are ongoing could directly impact enforcement momentum.”

JOHOR BARU: Nail salons here are seeing a rise in primary schoolgirls booking manicures ahead of Chinese New Year, with many arriving alongside their mothers for the makeover. Nail technician Lew Bao Hui observed an increase in younger customers visiting her salon since the end of last year. “The trend of children, including those in primary school, getting their nails done has been on the rise since Christmas. “The interesting thing is the young customers come in, and they know exactly what design and style they want. “Many of my young customers prefer long acrylic nails; some opt for sleek and simple designs, while others go for more elaborate 3D nail art.