MELAKA: Melaka recorded a dengue case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.29 per cent last year, exceeding the 0.20 per cent threshold set by the Health Ministry. He said a total of 1,046 dengue cases were reported statewide last year, involving 38 outbreaks, including two classified as hotspots and three recurrent outbreaks. "Paya Rumput recorded 98 cases, the highest in Melaka, with two outbreaks reported in the area during the same period,” he said. The allocation forms part of RM4.4mil provided under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) public health scheme. Fairul Nizam said the state government would continue strengthening intervention measures in collaboration with the Melaka Health Department, including operations to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, health education and continuous enforcement in high-risk areas.

February 08, 2026 15:18 UTC

KUALA LUMPUR: Two men detained following a rally against the construction of allegedly illegal temples on Saturday (Feb 7) have been remanded for two days, police say. They are controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth and TanahMalaya.com founder Tamim Dahari Abdul Razak, according to Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Fadil Marsus. Comm Datuk Fadil said more than 100 police reports were lodged, and intelligence assessments led authorities to deny permission for the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship rally outside Sogo Kuala Lumpur. Comm Fadil also confirmed that security concerns linked to the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the decision to deny permission for the rally. If there are issues involving the construction of illegal temples, police will cooperate fully when court orders are issued, and we will not hesitate to act in accordance with the law.

February 08, 2026 15:18 UTC

KLUANG: Three men have been arrested for drunk driving during a weekend traffic operation in Kluang. Kluang OCPD Asst Comm Bahrin Mohd Noh said the operation was part of ‘Op Mabuk’, which ran from Saturday (Feb 7) to Sunday around the city area here. “At the same time, nine summonses were issued for various traffic offences, following checks on 32 individuals and 27 vehicles,” he said in a statement Sunday. He added that the case is being investigated under Section 45A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving with an alcohol content exceeding the legal limit. “Members of the public with any information are urged to contact their nearest police station or the Kluang District Police Headquarters at 07-7784222 or the hotline at 07-7766822,” he added.

February 08, 2026 15:15 UTC

PETALING JAYA: Women's singles sensation An Se-young added another feather in her cap by leading South Korea to a maiden Asia Team Championships title. 1 Se-young gave South Korea a strong start against an under-strength China squad, crushing world No. In the second singles, world No. 127 Xu Wenjing before prevailing 19-21, 21-10, 21-17 in 68 minutes to give South Korea the winning point. RESULTSFinalWomen's team: South Korea bt China (An Se-young bt Han Qianxi 21-7, 21-14; Baek Ha-na-Kim Hye-jeong bt Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian 24-22, 21-8; Kim Ga-eun bt Xu Wenjing 19-21, 21-10, 21-17).

February 08, 2026 15:15 UTC

Eleven women believed to be prostitutes from the African continent were arrested early today while offering sexual services in hotspot areas around Bukit Bintang here. KUALA LUMPUR: Eleven women believed to be prostitutes from the African continent were arrested early today while offering sexual services in hotspot areas around Bukit Bintang here. "They offered sexual services at a rate of about RM200, targeting customers who came to the area for entertainment," it said. Investigations revealed that most of the women had been involved in the immoral activities for about a month, operating along the sidewalks around Bukit Bintang. The raid team also seized a number of condoms believed to have been used by the women for the immoral activities.

February 08, 2026 15:12 UTC

SEPANG: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed home on Sunday (Feb 8) after concluding a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Modi was seen off by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, who was also the minister in attendance during the visit. Anwar said India is a key partner for Malaysia, with collaboration growing in trade, investment, education, technology and tourism. India and Malaysia share longstanding historical, civilisational and cultural ties, underpinned by a strong Indian diaspora community of about 2.9 million in Malaysia. Malaysia-India economic ties continue to demonstrate strong momentum, with total bilateral trade reaching RM79.49bil (US$18.59bil) in 2025.

February 08, 2026 15:06 UTC

Penang firefighters were kept busy today as the fire at the landfill was preceded by one in a forested area in Bukit Bendera. Earlier in the day, at 3.41pm, John said a fire broke out in a forested area in Kaki Bukit Bendera along Jalan Air Itam. "The forest fire, covering an estimated area of one acre (about 04ha), was brought under control by 4.46pm and fully extinguished by 8.05pm. "Firefighters used various methods, including direct attack, relay pumping, fire beaters and jet shooters, before conducting overhaul works. John said both incidents were handled swiftly through coordinated efforts involving multiple fire stations and volunteer brigades.

February 08, 2026 15:05 UTC

Former commando retired Sergeant Mohd Azuan Asmuni (left) with armed forces chief, General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, who paid a personal visit to his home. In a Facebook posting, the armed forces said Malek was accompanied by Special Operations director Colonel Mohd Rizal Mohd Zambran. Taking to Facebook, Azuan said he never imagined that the highest-ranking officer in the armed forces would personally visit him. "Although I have retired from the armed forces, my welfare as a cancer patient continues to be looked after. Azuan was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2023 following blood tests conducted at the armed forces hospital in Kem Sungai Udang.

February 08, 2026 15:04 UTC

KUALA LUMPUR: The MyKasih system has been improved by increasing its bandwidth to ease the use of the RM100 Sumbagan Asas Rahmah Contribution (Sara) assistance, which will start on Monday (Feb 9). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this is to avoid system problems like the one that occurred last year. He said this as the Sara aid as well as the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year are close together. In the Budget 2026 announcement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that a second one-off RM100 Sara aid under the MyKasih system will be given to all Malaysian adults starting February 2026. Although the system has since stabilised, the looming second round raises concerns as to whether the system can handle the surge again

February 08, 2026 14:57 UTC

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Krishnan Tan has confirmed that he is cooperating fully with investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), following recent media reports linking him to ongoing probes. In a personal statement issued on Saturday (Feb 8), Tan clarified that he served as the non-executive chairman of IJM Corporation Bhd and was not involved in the company’s day-to-day operations or management. Last month, IJM said Tan had met with MACC officers and continues to cooperate fully with authorities. “Other IJM personnel who have been requested to provide information are also cooperating fully as part of the process,” IJM said in a statement then. “As this matter is currently under investigation, the Company will not be making further comments at this stage.

February 08, 2026 14:55 UTC

KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been urged not to react based on personal emotions or become vigilantes that could disrupt public order. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that for any grievances, there were laws to manage them. “Firstly, let me reiterate what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said yesterday regarding places of worship. Additionally, Fahmi said the government would not compromise on matters that could threaten public security and order. “But not if it can create public fear, disrupt public order, or threaten security, especially while we are receiving official visits from foreign dignitaries,” he said.

February 08, 2026 14:36 UTC

KUANTAN: A trader lost over RM335,000 after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme he came across on Facebook last November. Pahang police chief Comm Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the 51-year-old was contacted by an individual via WhatsApp and offered an investment scheme that promises a lucrative 12 per cent return within three to seven days. "The victim then made 19 cash transactions into two different bank accounts between Dec 4, 2025 and Jan 27 this year, using his savings and loans from friends,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 8). He said the trader was told that his investment had made a profit of over RM2.4mil, but when the victim wanted to withdraw the money, the suspect told him to make an additional payment of 10 per cent of the total profit first. Realising he had been duped, the trader then lodged a report at the Kuantan Police Headquarters on Saturday (Feb 7), and the case, said Comm Yahaya, was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.- Bernama

February 08, 2026 14:34 UTC

Actor Mohd Eyzendy Mohd Aziz, popularly known as Along Eyzendy, died at 12.16am after three days in intensive care at Hospital Sultan Idris Shah in Serdang, Selangor. News of Along’s death was confirmed by fellow actor Azhar Sulaiman in a Facebook post early this morning. My condolences to his wife, children and family, and may they have the strength to endure this loss,” read the post. He was later moved to intensive care and sedated on Feb 5. The actor had previously battled kidney disease and underwent a transplant in 2021, with his wife, Hamidah Mohd Yatim, as the donor.

February 08, 2026 14:32 UTC

SEREMBAN: All food traders, especially those involved in Ramadan bazaars, have been reminded to take food safety matters seriously, take the typhoid vaccination and comply with the highest hygiene standards when preparing buka puasa (breaking of fast) food. She added that the typhoid shots act as an early barrier to preventing the spread of dangerous bacteria that can contaminate food and drinks. "The failure of food traders in getting their typhoid jabs and not maintaining proper cleanliness and hygiene will result in action taken against them under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 and Section 11 of the Food Act 1983,” she said. She said this after the programme to clean up the surrounding areas of Pasar Ampangan with the Seremban City Council (MBS), which was also attended by MBS mayor Datuk Masri Baharuddin. He added that if the organisers refuse to give them the refund, the MBS will use the organisers’ deposits to repay the traders.

February 08, 2026 14:30 UTC

KUALA LUMPUR: Applications for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship (BTAR) are officially open from Sunday (Feb 8) in conjunction with the birthday of Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. "BTAR is a comprehensive scholarship to support high-potential students in need to further their studies at local public and private universities. "The scholarship uses a holistic approach regardless of background, challenges, living situations and candidates’ aspirations,” he said at an event commemorating Tunku Abdul Rahman at the National Museum here on Sunday. Applications can be made at the Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman website at the link: www.yayasantar.org.my, he added. "In a multiracial country, Tunku bravely introduced power sharing and consensus building, an approach that was ahead of its time.

February 08, 2026 14:11 UTC