SIBU: Members of Pakatan Hara­pan have been reminded to be fully prepared as Sarawak may hold its state election this year. Sarawak PKR chief Ahmad Nazib Johari said the party must be ready to contest and streng­then its position ahead of both the Sarawak state election and the next general election. “We must be prepared because this year, we may face the state election. In the 2021 Sarawak state election held on Dec 18, 2021, Pakatan did not win in any of the 28 seats it contested. Meanwhile, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said the proposal to hold concurrent national and state elections deserves serious and constructive consideration.

GEORGE TOWN: Four village houses near Jalan Tanjung Bungah here were destroyed in an early morning fire on Tuesday (March 3). Penang Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director John Sagun Francis said the fire caused about 80% damage to each of the houses. "The department received an emergency call at 3.14am, and a team of firemen was rushed to the location," he said in a statement on Tuesday. John said a total of 26 firemen from Bagan Jermal, Lebuh Pantai and Jalan Perak fire stations, in five fire engines, were deployed. The operation is still ongoing, with firemen conducting overhaul works to ensure there is no further spread of fire.

KUALA LUMPUR (March 3): The Asean Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) hit a record high of 53.8 in February 2026, up from 52.8 in January 2026, driven by a record improvement in new orders, as well as a near-record increase in output, said S&P Global. The essential intelligence provider said the latest reading not only signalled a strong improvement in the health of the Asean manufacturing sector, but also the most marked improvement in the series’ history. S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said a sharp and accelerated influx of new orders, the fastest in the series’ history, allowed firms to ramp up production at a similar pace. "While firms in turn raised their purchasing and hiring activity to meet production requirements, the solid upturn in backlogs hints at further scope for expansion. "Additionally, companies were optimistic about prospects for output growth, as the index remained firmly in expansion territory," she said.

PETALING JAYA: While the Opposition appeared jubilant over the failure of the constitutional amendment Bill on the Prime Minister’s tenure, ­government MPs including members of the executive, were disappointed. But there were eight government MPs who were absent,” Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau said in a Facebook post. “Civil society and voters who wish to see institutional reform must condemn and question these MPs and the opposition bloc,” Loke said. Fellow Perikatan Nasional MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah) was jubilant. “Opposition or neutral parties, he said, could not speak about institutional reform if they fail on the fundamental aspect of strengthening reform.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his intention to attend the Developing Eight (D8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation Summit scheduled to take place in Jakarta next month. The matter was conveyed during a courtesy call by the newly appointed Ambassador of Indonesia to Malaysia, Raden Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, at the Parliament Building here on Monday (March 2). "This reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. During the meeting, Anwar said both leaders agreed that trade and investment cooperation should be enhanced to match the close fraternal ties and strategic relations between the two countries. At the same time, Anwar also extended his congratulations to Raden Mohammad Iman on the commencement of his duties in further strengthening the long-standing Malaysia-Indonesia relationship.- Bernama

(March 3): The US embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones resulting in a limited fire and some material damage, the kingdom's defence ministry said in a post on X on Tuesday, citing an initial assessment. A loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the US embassy in Riyadh early on Tuesday morning, three people familiar with the matter said, with one person saying the fire was minor. There were no reported injuries, two of the people familiar with the matter said, given the building was empty in the early morning hours. The embassy issued a "shelter in place" notice early on Tuesday for US citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and recommended that they avoid the embassy until further notice due to the attack on the facility. An embassy spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Saudi government media office.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid spent about seven hours at the Malaysian Anti‑Corruption Commission (MACC) office to give a statement regarding alleged abuse of power in the purchase of land involving zakat funds. Among those summoned were MAINPP officers and staff members, the Mufti, State Secretary, State Financial Officer and the State Legal Adviser. At the same time, members of the state Zakat Board, including its officers and staff, were also called to assist in the probe. MACC opened the investigation following allegations raised by a state assemblyman during the state Legislative Assembly sitting late last year. He had also said that the MAINPP and its zakat collection body had handed over the relevant documents to the anti-graft agency.

Among the dietary culprits under the microscope is the humble plate of white rice. Multiple large-scale peer-reviewed studies have established a clear link between high white rice consumption and elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes, particularly among Asian populations. The glycaemic index of white rice averaged 64, higher than brown rice at 55, whole wheat at 41 and barley at 25. They advised replacing highly polished white rice with other cereals or healthier grain varieties, adding legumes and pulses to reduce the glycaemic index of meals and reducing overall white rice consumption. gov/22422870/2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC9516166/3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC3024208/4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC7576435/5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC3307808/6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.

For Kelly Khor, 28, Chap Goh Meh is a cherished family affair. To cap off the festivities, she said her family would have a ­simple dinner before heading out to watch others toss oran­ges and soak in the atmosphere. For Lye, Chap Goh Meh is also a precious occasion to reunite with relatives from abroad. Ng said this year’s Chap Goh Meh was especially meaningful as she could be with family. Although she has a boyfriend and does not toss mandarin oranges for romance, she said she still joined her friends in the ­tradition for luck.

Chinese netizens have praised Malaysia as the country with the strongest Chinese New Year atmos­phere – even more than in China. Malaysia-China Friendship Asso­­ciation deputy secretary- general Ng Chin Long commen­ded the local Chinese community for preserving its traditions through strong social cohesion. Ng noted that local Chinese culture is not a replica of China’s, but a localised evolution shaped by Malaysia’s plural society. She said many of China’s netizens not only praised Malaysia’s strong Chinese-language education, but also the emphasis on teaching children etiquette and courtesy. She added that while the Lan­tern Festival in China typically centres on solving lantern riddles and eating tangyuan, Chap Goh Meh in Malaysia is more varied and lively.

PETALING JAYA: National mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin is determined to cast aside fear and self-doubt as she targets a stronger showing in her second All-England appearance, which begins today. The mental battle has previously hampered her partnership with Hoo Pang Ron, particularly in closing out tight matches, but Su Yin said steady encouragement from coach Nova Widianto and her teammates has helped rebuild her confidence. Coach Nova has helped me a lot and keeps reminding me that I can do it – until I truly believe it,” she said. 20 Pang Ron-Su Yin prepare to face India’s Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto in the opening round. Su Yin also dismissed concerns over her recent right calf injury, insisting she is fully fit.

PETALING JAYA: An anti-human smuggling operation by the police led to the arrest of 49 people. “Initial investigations found that the migrants were traveling from the Sabak Bernam coastline to Tanjung Balai using the boat. All those arrested have been brought to the Sabak Bernam district police headquarters for further investigation. “The police stress that it will continue strengthening security within national waters and will not compromise with any parties involved in migrant smuggling activities. “The public is urged to channel any information related to such crimes to their nearest police station,” he said.

Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing has drawn mixed reactions for her performance in the micro-drama Jin Xiu An Ran. According to reports, the 75-year-old portrays a woman in her 20s seeking a fresh start after being abandoned by her husband and child. Following the drama's release, the significant age gap quickly became a trending topic, with many netizens expressing shock at the casting. This isn't the first time Liu has sparked discussion for playing characters much younger than her. In a past interview with Chinese media, Liu said she enjoys trying various roles, refusing to be "fixed on a certain image".

Schoolchildren subjected to the strain of competition are at risk of blunting their inventiveness and imagination compared to peers who are allowed to develop without the pressure of overbearing parents pushing for top-of-the-class results. Psychologists at Hong Kong’s Lingnan University and Baptist University have found that stress arising from factors such as "competition, noise, confined environments, and engaging in challenging tasks" could be behind reduced "creative performance." In a paper published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, the researchers found that strains related to exams and pushy parents bent on beating the neighbours "trigger anxiety" and leave children less inclined to "express creativity." Everyone feels the effects of such stress, the team said, explaining that it can "increase cognitive load, which reduces the cognitive resources available for creative thinking." Teenagers are primed by least “moderate” competitive pressure and in turn show some improvements in their “innovative ability,” the team asserted.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a weather warning, with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast in seven states and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until 9pm Monday (March 2). In a statement Monday, MetMalaysia said the areas affected include Kedah (Sik, Baling and Kulim), Perak (Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim), Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Jerantut and Kuantan) Selangor (Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Petaling, Hulu Langat and Sepang), Negri Sembilan (Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Rembau and Tampin), Melaka and Johor (Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Baru. The public is advised to visit www.met.gov.my or MetMalaysia’s official social media channels or download the myCuaca application for the latest accurate information.