KUALA LUMPUR: National Service Training Programme (PLKN) recruits are expected to increase to around 100,000 a year with the addition of higher education institutions (IPT) being used for training. Defence Ministry Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said at a press conference at a housing project key handover ceremony on Monday (Jan 19) that the target was to have around 25,000 recruits at camps and the remaining 75,000 at various IPTs. "For the IPT they will start this year, especially at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and at other polytechnics involving 6,000 recruits. "So this year the total is around 10,000 but next year it will increase to around 100,000. So we are looking at a minimum of 100,000 recruits with around 25,000 being trained at the territorial army camps," he said.

Hong Kong martial arts actor Bruce Leung Choi-sang has died at the age of 77. In the letter, dated Jan 14, Leung used a film metaphor to bid his final goodbye. The actor joined showbiz the 1970s and was known for his roles in The Dragon Lives Again (1977), Magnificent Bodyguards (1978) and Kung Fu Hustle (2004). In 1975, Leung married Hong Kong singer Irene Ryder and had a daughter with her. In 1995, Leung married a Chinese woman named Song Xiang, with whom he had two children, who are said to be skilled in martial arts.

KUALA BERANG: A cake factory worker lost RM166,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam recently. Hulu Terengganu OCPD Supt Sharudin Abdul Wahab said the 43-year-old woman met a man on the Litmatch app on Jan 15. He said the suspect persuaded her to join an investment scheme he claimed could yield quick and high returns. "Convinced, she sold her jewellery and inherited property and also withdrew her savings before making 16 online transactions worth RM166,000 into several bank accounts as instructed," he said in a statement on Monday (Jan 19). Sharudin said the woman, however, realised she had been deceived when the suspect refused to return her investment capital and the profits she made.

PETALING JAYA: A tricky path once again awaits former Asian champion Lee Zii Jia as he faces world No. Prannoy is no stranger to Zii Jia, having dashed the Malaysian’s hopes in the battle for a semi-final spot at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago. However, Zii Jia could take confidence from his recent rise in the world rankings ahead of their clash. Zii Jia, who has only recently recovered from a back injury, has set his sights on breaking into the world’s top 20 by the end of the year. Zii Jia will also be joined by Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, with both eager to secure wins in the opening round.

1 Viktor Axelsen experienced, describing the major achievements he enjoys today as the result of a breakthrough in his career 10 years ago. He capped the year by winning the Super Series Finals (now known as the World Tour Finals) in Dubai, his first Super Series title, defeating Tian Houwei in the final. "Before that victory, I had already reached six Super Series finals and lost every single one of them. My confidence grew, and from that point on I started winning more and more tournaments,” recalled Axelsen, looking back on a decade of memories. At the moment, Axelsen has yet to compete in any tournament this year as he continues to recover from a back injury.

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Here’s how ageing changes sleep, and how to get quality sleep. However, healthy older adults still have quality sleep; it’s illness and lifestyle factors that typically cause sleep problems. Just under 58% reported poor sleep quality. Poor health was a significant factor leading to poor sleep. In short, when looking for good quality sleep, don’t worry too much about having it all in one chunk.

KULAI: Rental rates for Ramadan bazaar lots across Johor will be standardised to a maximum of RM500 to ease the burden on small traders, says state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. "I was informed of Ramadan bazaar lots being rented out for up to RM1,500 per month for a single space. He noted that several local councils have agreed to the proposal, and the working paper has been presented to their respective committees. Asked about Ramadan bazaar registration, Jafni said the process has begun, with traders being called to register either online or through their respective local councils. On a separate issue, Jafni said smart parking standardisation would be implemented at four local councils within Greater Johor Baru in the third quarter of this year.

DAVOS (Jan 19): Donald Trump is expected to meet global business leaders in Davos on Wednesday, sources familiar with the matter said, as the US president's presence looms large over the annual gathering of the global elite in Switzerland. Business leaders, including CEOs in financial services, crypto and consulting, were invited to a reception after Trump’s address to the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, the sources told Reuters on Monday. Trump is expected to arrive in the Swiss resort on Wednesday, where he is due to deliver a special address. Bessent is expected to hold a press briefing later on Monday, according to the Davos USA House. The list also includes several heads of G7 nations, with changes in US policy under Trump in focus.

In our last commentary, we explored the Health White Paper (HWP) – Malaysia’s 15-year blueprint to modernise healthcare financing, workforce, governance and preventive care. Nature of reform – HWP reforms often require legislative or inter-ministerial approvals, while Reset is ministry-led and can commence without new laws. – HWP reforms often require legislative or inter-ministerial approvals, while Reset is ministry-led and can commence without new laws. – Pilot funding reforms require careful communication to maintain public trust. Its focus on people-centred care, digital transformation, workforce sustainability, financing innovation and equity directly addresses longstanding gaps in Malaysia’s healthcare system.

PETALING JAYA: The Defence Ministry expresses its “deepest gratitude” to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and will heed the decree by ensuring graft within is combated fully. “Corruption is something that must be avoided more so in the Armed Forces, which is an important institution. "I am very disappointed when corruption is also happening among the Armed Forces, reaching the highest levels. "Looks like after this, I may have to appoint a sergeant to be the Chief of the Armed Forces," His Majesty said. Sultan Ibrahim said the latest corruption incident involving the Armed Forces is just the tip of the iceberg.

According to Affin Hwang Investment Bank Research (Affin Hwang Research), Press Metal hedged 40% of its alumina supply this year at 14% to 15% of spot aluminium prices. Affin Hwang Research noted that the strategy had previously helped Press Metal safeguard its margins during periods of high alumina prices, such as in the second half of 2024 (2H24). Press Metal’s quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) improvement is premised on aluminium prices increasing 8% q-o-q and alumina prices falling 11% q-o-q. The research house raised its forecast earnings per share for Press Metal by between 7% and 14%, despite the ringgit strengthening. It has maintained a “buy” call for Press Metal but raised its target price to RM7.90.

PETALING JAYA: Westports Holdings Bhd may handle lower container volumes in the first quarter of this year (1Q26), as global port activity is expected to moderate ahead of Chinese New Year. Despite this quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) volume decline, Westports’ earnings should remain resilient, supported by the second phase of its port tariff hike of 10% that became effective this month, stated Maybank Investment Bank Research (Maybank IB Research). Maybank IB Research has a “buy” call on Westports, with a target price of RM6.73 per share. After a site visit to Westports, the research house said Westports indicated that strong 4Q25 container throughput was in line with robust intra-Asia container trade volumes. For the fourth quarter of last year, Westports was expected to be supported by stronger container volumes and elevated yard utilisation.

ALOR GAJAH: The Defence Ministry is weighing firm action, including prosecution in the military court against 15 army officers identified as being involved in alleged immoral activities in a military camp. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari (pic) said the ministry enforces clear disciplinary regulations and will not tolerate any conduct that tarnishes military values. He said any breach of discipline would first be dealt with internally through the establishment of an investigation committee before the case is referred to the military court for adjudication. “Within the military system, there is a military court. “Whatever occurred, isolated or otherwise, if it does not reflect the culture of the Armed Forces, action will be taken in accordance with existing processes and regulations, including through the military court,” he added.

In what is seen as the most significant take-away from this meeting, the Umno president proposed the creation of a “grand collaboration” to unite all Malay and Muslim political parties. Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin said the meeting served as a platform for both consolidation and recalibration of Umno’s future direction. “This is a significant step, and certainly not an easy decision for any political party to undertake, especially given Umno’s history and stature,” he said. “It can create a more coherent Malay political voice, reduce harmful polarisation, and contribute to a more stable and predictable national political landscape, benefiting not only the Malays, but all Malaysians,” he said. Political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said Umno should consider other factors when proposing the grand collaboration.