For the first time, Khor Jia Onn will miss the traditional Chinese New Year reunion dinner and home-cooked meals with his family next month, as he celebrates the festival in an army camp environment. The 17-year-old began his 45-day National Service Training Programme 3.0 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp near here today. The camp is scheduled to host several festive activities during Chinese New Year," he told reporters at the camp today. My son was prepared to attend the national service programme even though it falls during Chinese New Year. Khor, Ivan and Ahmad Darwis were among some 500 trainees who registered at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here today for the first session of the national service programme this year.

"In the operation, police arrested two local men and a 16-year-old girl believed to be involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling, using two vehicles — an MPV and an SUV. He added that the two men in their 40s and the girl were believed to act as 'transporters', using rented vehicles to transport the foreign nationals. The team seized the MPV and SUV, 18 mobile phones, cash, and various jewellery items, with a total value exceeding RM254,030. Meanwhile, Balveer said that last year, 14 investigation papers were opened under the ATIPSOM Act, involving 17 men and one woman, with total seizures amounting to RM631,380. Under the Immigration Act 1959/63, he said 102 cases were recorded last year, involving 500 arrests, with total seizures exceeding RM1.3 million.

PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have made the bold move to name a young squad for the Asia Team Championships from Feb 3-8 in Qingdao, China. In the men’s singles, national No. There were no surprises in the women’s singles though as K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Siti Zulaika Azmi and Oo Shan Zi have been picked. In the men’s event, Malaysia have been drawn with Indonesia and Myanmar in Group D.In the women’s event, Malaysia will only play China in Group W and are guaranteed qualification to the quarter-finals. The Asia Team meet acts as a qualifier for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.

GENERATIVE artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly penetrated everyday life, reaching ubiquity across society, business and culture over the past three years. Enterprises were quick to embrace this technology, says Diego Rojas, founder and chief executive officer of AI operating system startup Shieldbase AI.

ONE of the first reactions to the “unilateral” and unsolicited bid by Sunway Bhd for IJM Corp Bhd was whether it constituted a hostile takeover. Initially anticipating a merger announcement, comments were heard from the floor of the press conference room pointing out that only Sunway was announcing the planned voluntary takeover of IJM, without the latter present.

KOTA BHARU (Jan 17): A total of 500 development and infrastructure projects in Kelantan, comprising 118 new projects and 382 extension projects, are currently being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU JPM). ICU JPM director (Kelantan) Jasri Kasim said the projects involve a total allocation of RM27.46 billion channelled through the Fifth Rolling Plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan. If delays occur, appropriate action will be taken based on the issues involved,” he told reporters after officiating the “Kampung Angkat Madani” programme at Kampung Guchil Bayam, Mukim Bayang here on Saturday. The villages involved are Kampung Guchil Bayam and Kampung Sungai Keladi in Kota Bharu, as well as Kampung Belimbing and Kampung Pangkal Manak in Tanah Merah. “Various development initiatives and basic infrastructure repair works are being prioritised, including in Kampung Guchil Bayam.

“Data centres do not require large numbers of workers. Mohamad Fazli said there are currently server cooling technologies that do not require water at all, but for data centres that do require water, some have been asked to use reclaimed water, treated from sewage treatment plants to reclaimed water treatment plants, in addition to the use of treated water. Another alternative is for data centres to collaborate with Johor Special Water (JSW) to supply alternative water that can be used by their cooling towers without affecting existing treated water sources. Mohd Fadhil explained that among the most critical impacts is data centres’ continuous dependence on water and energy, as these facilities require water for cooling and electricity supply 24 hours a day. Johor is expected to have 48 fully operational data centres by 2030, with 42 data centre construction projects having been approved as of the second quarter of last year.

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 17): MCE Holdings Bhd (KL:MCEHLDG) has transformed itself from a traditional automotive components manufacturer into a more technology-driven company, reflecting the broader shift towards smarter and more connected vehicles. These, said Goh, include systems that enhance vehicle functionality, connectivity, and user experience, such as infotainment systems, smart cockpit solutions, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). “These are underpinned by in-house research and development (R&D), engineering and system integration capabilities,” he told Bernama. "We are well positioned to support this transition through our ongoing investments in engineering, R&D and manufacturing capabilities, while working closely with national and international automakers. “Ultimately, as the industry strengthens and localises further, MCE grows alongside it,” he added.

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 17): The reform agenda implemented under the Madani Economy framework which emphasises fiscal discipline has strengthened investor confidence in the country and contributed to the ringgit’s strengthening last year, according to Treasury secretary general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican. He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and the reforms implemented have also been recognised at the international level. “The reforms implemented by the government are indeed recognised internationally, giving the country credibility when we chaired Asean at all levels…[top officials from] major countries came to Malaysia. “The strengthening of the ringgit plays an important role in curbing increases in domestic prices, especially those dependent on global supply chains,” he said. Analysts have also projected that the ringgit’s strengthening trend will continue, with the potential of reaching RM3.95 versus the US dollar by the end of this year.

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 17): Despite the view that subsidies are inefficient and prices of basic necessities should be determined by market forces, the government has chosen a more realistic approach by providing targeted subsidies to help households cope with cost-of-living pressures. Meanwhile, touching on the inflationary implications of the Sara and STR disbursements, Johan stressed that these measures do not create inflationary pressure. On the contrary, he said, the targeted approach has enabled the government to keep inflation below 2%, demonstrating that subsidy programmes such as Sara do not contribute to widespread price increases. “This goes to show that targeted subsidies not only help those in need, but also promote price stability in the market,” he added. Johan further explained that unlike the approach taken by some other countries whereby prices are raised to market levels and cash assistance is then provided, the Malaysian government adopts a targeted approach to support vulnerable groups.

CORRUPTION and the history of Malaysia are regrettably joined at the hip and this has been a sad indictment of the country – more so in recent years, as the scourge of corruption continues to cost the nation billions of ringgit every year. The stench of corruption has permeated Malaysia’s history ever since the fall of the Malacca Sultanate, with reports indicating that corrupt elements played a role in its downfall.

There are many long weekends – or potential long weekends – occurring this year. For some cultural and historical experiences, visit the Chew Jetty, Blue Mansion, and Indian Heritage Museum Penang. Johor BaruThe Visit Johor 2026 campaign is running alongside Visit Malaysia 2026, and over 100 programmes are expected to be held throughout the state in the 12 months. Batik Air flies from KUL to PEN 28 times weekly, and from SZB to PEN 14 times weekly. The airline also flies from SZB to KCH 10 times weekly, and from KUL to JHB 18 times weekly.

KUALA LUMPUR: A Kedah Umno delegate has likened Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to Hang Jebat due to his forgiving nature. Pokok Sena Umno deputy chief Noran Zamini Jamaluddin said this was evident with how Ahmad Zahid had welcomed former Umno leaders to unite under the party despite previous conflicts. He referenced how Hang Jebat, the Malay folklore character, was on his deathbed after he was stabbed by long-time compatriot Hang Tuah – but still had the heart to forgive him. No matter how much you fight with him, he has still kept the door to Umno open," he said when debating the president's policy speech at the Umno general assembly on Friday (Jan 16). Earlier Friday, Ahmad Zahid said the party would open its doors to former leaders who were "born and raised under its roof".

PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission (SC) is stepping up enforcement against unlicensed and fraudulent finfluencers. According to the SC, finfluencers are generally referred to as individuals who leverage social media platforms to share investment-related content, ranging from general financial education to specific stock recommendations. The SC has also tightened regulations to cover companies that engage finfluencers, making companies fully accountable for ensuring the social media content produced by the finfluencers comply with the commission’s rules and guidelines. 'CLICK TO ENLARGE'The regulator said most of the complaints it has received involves unlicensed finfluencers promoting investment tips on social media. The SC reminded investors to exercise caution when consuming financial content on social media, particularly content that promises quick or guaranteed returns.

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s ambassador-designate to Malaysia, Datuk Iman Hascarya Kusumo, is expected to officially assume his duties next week. The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said Iman is scheduled to present his letters of credence to Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, before officially taking up his post. In a post on social media, the embassy said Iman, who arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Thursday (Jan 15), was welcomed by Indonesia’s Deputy Head of Mission Danang Waskito, Defence Attache Tri Andi, and Malaysian protocol officials. Iman, a non-career diplomat, previously served as deputy treasurer of the Prabowo-Gibran Rakabuming Raka National Campaign Team during Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election. He replaces Datuk Hermono, who returned to Jakarta at the end of November.