HONG KONG: The burgeoning development of artificial intelligence has found a sultry new frontier in the sex robot industry, as a Chinese company unveils a new series of realistic dolls designed to respond like humans. Currently, the AI sex dolls are only available for sale in overseas markets, but they could be launched in the Chinese market very soon. With an eye on customer desires, it produced its first TPE dolls in 2012. "Our customers were keen on buying TPE models of body parts that look and feel human. So we expanded into making TPE sex dolls," Liu said.

SEPANG (Feb 10): The RM3 million National Gateway Landscape Development Project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which began last August, has been successfully completed within six months, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. The initiative aims to strengthen the nation's image through beautiful, organised landscape elements that reflect Malaysia's identity. "The implementation of this development, with an allocation of RM3 million, was carried out as a 'fast-track project.' He noted that the KLIA landscape project is the first national gateway development implemented by KPKT under the theme "Harmony in Diversity," emphasising cultural wealth, heritage, racial diversity, as well as Malaysia’s natural resources and biodiversity. Nga added that in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), KPKT — through the National Landscape Department (JLN) — is committed to beautifying the country’s main gateways to create a positive first impression and increase appeal to international tourists.

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit traded higher against the US dollar on Monday after Malaysia’s December Industrial Production Index (IPI) came in above market expectations, signalling that the domestic economy remains on a firm footing. At 6 pm, the ringgit increased by 0.33 per cent to 3.9325/9375 against the greenback compared with last Friday’s close of 3.9440/9525. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said emerging-market currencies are mostly stronger against the US dollar today. At the close, the ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. However, the ringgit edged down vis-à-vis the Singapore dollar to 3.0979/10.21 from 3.0965/1034, fell versus the Indonesian rupiah to 234.0/234.4 from 233.6/234.3 and declined versus the Thai baht to 12.5876/6101 from 12.4609/4933.

PETALING JAYA: A man has been arrested for allegedly threatening and assaulting a 69-year-old retiree after a minor traffic accident in Pekan Suntex at Batu 9, Cheras. Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Naazron Abdul Yusof said the retiree filed a police report at 4.49pm on Sunday (Feb 8), claiming he had been assaulted by an unidentified man at a traffic light in Pekan Suntex after their vehicles collided. ACP Naazron said police arrested the 52-year-old suspect at 11.30pm in the Kajang area and the man has been remanded for two days to assist in the investigation. He said the case is being investigated under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Penal Code. "Anyone with information on the incident may contact the nearest police station or investigating officer Sjn Ganesan Ramachandran at 012-608 9180 to assist with the investigation.

The 59-year-old American actress has confirmed she is engaged to American musician Van Hunt, 55, whom she has been dating since 2020. She started by saying she wanted to clarify some “confusion” that she had turned down Hunt’s proposal. Showing of an heirloom-style ring on her left ring finger, Berry added: “Thank you. He is great.”Back in June 2025, Hunt reportedly popped the question to Berry, but she did not give a definitive answer. I have now found my person.”At that time, she had rejected Hunt’s proposal because of their past failed marriages.

Iranian forces historically have utilized small boats and helicopters during boarding operations and have attempted to force commercial vessels into Iranian territorial waters, including as recently as Feb 3, the US government said in a maritime advisory on Monday. The US also downed an Iranian drone last week, with the US Central Command claiming the unmanned aircraft “aggressively approached” a US Navy ship. They should deny Iranian forces permission to board the vessel if possible while ensuring crew safety, but should not forcibly resist boarding. “When transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz, it is recommended that vessels transit close to Oman’s territorial sea,” the advisory said. Vessels should “remain as far as possible from Iran’s territorial sea without compromising navigational safety,” it said.

(Feb 10): US consumer expectations for inflation and the job market improved slightly in January, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey. Households saw prices rising 3.1% over the next year, down from 3.4% in December, according to the median response in results of the New York Fed’s monthly Survey of Consumer Expectations, released Monday. The New York Fed survey results follow a Feb 5 Bureau of Labor Statistics report showing job openings fell in December to the lowest level since 2020, while layoffs edged up. The BLS will publish its monthly employment report for January, briefly delayed by last week’s government shutdown, on Wednesday. Expectations for inflation three and five years ahead were both unchanged at 3%.

PUTRAJAYA (Feb 9): All parties intending to build places of worship must apply for Planning Permission (KM) from the local authorities, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said his ministry practised an open policy on matters involving the construction of places of worship nationwide, and was ready to meet the committees of the respective places of worship. “I hope applications for any development of places of worship, including any church, mosque, temple or surau, will apply for KM. “Every year, we allocate RM50 million to assist non-Muslim places of worship nationwide. According to Anwar, Malaysia is a constitutional country, and any construction of places of worship is subject to the law.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday in a social media post that the Super Bowl halftime show fronted by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny was "absolutely terrible." Weeks before the Super Bowl, Trump fired back at Bad Bunny, calling his selection as the Super Bowl halftime act "absolutely ridiculous." "The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" The conservative group Turning Point USA produced an alternative halftime concert, which it called the "All-American Halftime Show", featuring Kid Rock and other artists. Turning Point USA was founded by slain activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk.

(Feb 9): Alphabet Inc is looking to raise about US$15 billion (RM59.02 billion) from a US high-grade dollar bond sale, according to people with knowledge of the matter, adding to a borrowing spree by companies at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) investment boom. Massive cloud-computing companies known as hyperscalers are expected to spend more than US$650 billion this year to expand AI infrastructure. Just last week, Oracle Corp raised US$25 billion from a bond that attracted a record US$129 billion of orders at its peak. JPMorgan Chase & Co, which is helping manage the US dollar bond sale, declined to comment. The company also sold €6.5 billion (RM30.37 billion) of notes in Europe at the time.

BEIJING: For Selena, a consumer from Spain, traditional Chinese culture came alive in an unexpected way: a makeup palette. "It has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture, and I will buy some for my family and friends." Founded in Hangzhou in 2017, Florasis has built its identity by fusing traditional Chinese artisanal techniques, such as Miao silverwork and Su embroidery, into contemporary makeup design. They redefine "Made in China", captivating global consumers with craftsmanship, design and distinctive aesthetics, not lower prices. The government launched China Brand Day in 2017 to raise public awareness of brand development and foster a favourable environment for brand building.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Monday recorded statements from an independent preacher and the head of finance and accounting of an educational institution and a dakwah centre in Kedah to assist investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds. According to a source, both individuals arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at about 1.30pm to complete the ongoing investigation process involving the dakwah centre. “The current focus is to obtain further information and complete the investigation papers related to the alleged misappropriation,” the source told Bernama. When contacted, MACC Anti-Money Laundering Division director Datuk Norhaizam Muhammad confirmed that the statements had been recorded. He said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Sources said both suspects presented themselves at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters on Monday (Feb 9) to provide information and assist in the ongoing probe. “The two suspects arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at about 1.30pm and the focus is now on completing the investigation,” the source said. It is learnt that both individuals had been released from remand custody at about 5pm on Sunday (Feb 8) after being detained for a second time on Feb 6. Meanwhile, MACC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) division director Datuk Norhaizam Muhammad confirmed the matter when contacted, saying the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA). He added that both suspects are expected to be released on Monday night, with investigations set to continue on Tuesday (Feb 10).

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1.0%, while South Korea's tech-heavy index climbed 3.9%. Chip stocks saved the day with Nvidia jumping almost 8%, while Advanced Micro Devices surged over 8% and Broadcom rose 7%. "Should Starmer be replaced, gilt yields initially rise and the pound weakens," said Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics. Gold was also up 1.5% at $5,033 an ounce, having been as low as $4,403 at one stage last week. Brent edged down 0.8% to $67.52 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.7% to $63.09 per barrel.

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) conducted a medical evacuation of a female passenger who suffered a stroke aboard a cruise ship en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Singapore on Sunday (Feb 8). Its director, Maritime Capt Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the agency’s Operations Centre received a request to evacuate the passenger from cruise ship 'Ovation of the Seas' at about 3.53pm. "Upon arrival, the patient was rushed to the Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre by ambulance for further treatment, accompanied by two medical personnel,” he said in a statement on Monday (Feb 9). At the same time, Abdul Muhaimin said the agency remained on standby to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance in Malaysian waters at any time and under all circumstances. Members of the public with information or complaints related to suspicious activities or maritime emergencies may contact the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 013-6606652 or the 999 emergency line for immediate action.- Bernama