PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) MyTax portal, which experienced a technical outage since Monday (March 2) morning, is now fully restored and operating as usual. LHDN, in a statement Monday, said that during the outage period, the MyTax portal was still accessible but a number of users experienced system access delays. ALSO READ: Technical disruption hits MyTax portal as income tax e-Filing for 2025 begins"LHDN is committed to continuing to ensure that the service system is at an optimal level for the convenience of all taxpayers," according to the statement. "This amount reflects the level of compliance and continued commitment of taxpayers in fulfilling their tax obligations voluntarily. "LHDN expresses its highest appreciation and thanks for the patience and cooperation of all taxpayers," according to the statement.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department must take enforcement action against tourists who do not leave Malaysia within the specified period, stresses Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said this was crucial to ensure that the number of tourists entering Malaysia equaled the number leaving the country. Visitors come to Malaysia not only through tourism agents, but there are also individuals who come on their own from various countries. Tiong said his ministry has also asked the embassies of several countries, including China, to provide lists of names and passport numbers of tourists who have overstayed to ensure more effective management. "The embassies will conduct investigations, while the Immigration Department will compile the list of tourists who overstayed, and the ministry will identify the agents involved so that action can be taken,” he said.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid (PKR) arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office here at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. It is uncertain why he was at the state office but it is believed to be in connection with the investigation of the alleged abuse of state zakat funds. Last month an MACC investigation team visited several offices suspected of being involved to obtain relevant documents, and statements from two individuals believed to be connected to the case have been recorded by the MACC. The allegations are being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to abuse of office for gratification. The alleged abuse was first raised by an Opposition assemblyman during the state assembly sitting at the end of last year.

ASIA (Bloomberg): Countries including the US, UK and China evacuated embassy staff in the Middle East and issued travel advisories amid concerns about a regional conflict, as President Donald Trump sounded downbeat about diplomatic talks meant to avert airstrikes on Iran. The UK, China, India and others have also advised citizens or diplomats to leave some parts of the Middle East. The UK also said it’s temporarily withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iran. Trump on Friday downplayed concerns about the likelihood that oil prices will spike if he attacks Iran, saying, "I’m concerned about people’s lives. Even with the US saying the door to further diplomacy remains open, Trump continues to gather forces in the Middle East.

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendments to limit the prime minister's term do not undermine the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "So, the proposed term limits are not a denial of leadership opportunities, but rather an effort to ensure that this country continues to be guided by institutions that function and are not tied to any individual. It does not change the basis of parliamentary democracy, does not affect the prerogative powers of the King and does not reduce the role of the Dewan Rakyat in determining confidence in the government," he said. Anwar said the proposed Bill has eight phases as stated in the blue copy that was distributed to the Members of Parliament on Feb 23. "We are amending the Federal Constitution to provide for a term limit for the prime minister, including the method of calculating the term, the term of office and related matters," he added.

GEORGE TOWN: An elderly man suspected of attacking an individual at a restaurant was later found dead at a house here on Monday (March 2). Penang police chief Comm Datuk Azizee Ismail said earlier a 58-year-old man had gone to the Pulau Tikus Police Station at 6.30am with blood on his head after being slashed by a known individual at a restaurant near the Pulau Tikus Market. "However, upon arrival, police found a man estimated to be 68 years old, suspected to be the individual in the case, deceased in the kitchen area of the house. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident is believed to have stemmed from financial issues between the victim and the suspect. Alternatively, Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia also offers a 24-hour crisis helpline at 1-800-180-066 and WhatsApp support line at 03-9765 6088 manned by trained volunteers.- Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: PTT Synergy Group Bhd has appointed Dan Then Ikh Choo as its new group CEO from March 2, 2026. Then was previously appointed the CEO of PTT Logistics Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PTT Synergy, on May 2, 2023, and served as a director of several subsidiaries within PTT group. With his new appointment, he succeeds Tang Choi Peng, who has been redesignated to group chief strategic officer-cum-executive director. According to PTT's announcement, Then has more than 19 years of expertise and experience in intralogistics consultation and planning across distribution operations, spare parts centres and third-party warehousing, ranging from conventional facilities to fully automated warehouses, distribution centres and eCommerce fulfilment hubs. His experience spans intralogistics automation solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, automotive and retail, alongside solutions involving warehouse management systems (WMS) and third-party warehouse services.

PETALING JAYA: Lynas Malaysia has secured a 10-year renewal of its operating licence. Lynas Rare Earths Ltd said the Malaysian Atomic Energy Department has confirmed that the company’s operating licence for Lynas Malaysia has been renewed for a further 10 years, effective March 3, 2026. Commenting on the renewal, Lynas Rare Earths chief executive officer and managing director Amanda Lacaze welcomed the extension and thanked the government. “Lynas welcomes the longer licence term, which provides greater investment certainty for Lynas and for our rare earths supply chain partners and customers. “On behalf of all Lynas employees, we thank the Malaysian government for its attention to this matter and its support for the rare earths industry in Malaysia,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat observed a moment of silence over the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his people. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed condolences while condemning the barbaric and violent attack on Iran by Israel with the backing of the US. Anwar said this when tabling an emergency motion to address the barbaric and violent attack on Iran by Israel with the backing of the US. On Sunday (March 1), Iranian state media announced that Ali Khamenei was dead following wide-ranging strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. The attack reportedly killed more than 200 people according to the Red Crescent, triggering retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military forces based in the Middle East.

SIBU: Members of Pakatan Harapan (Pakatan) have been reminded to be fully prepared as Sarawak may face its state election this year. Its Sarawak chairman, 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. "With the candidates who are here tonight, I hope they will be ready, strengthen their respective branches and fortify the party. In the 2021 Sarawak state election held on Dec 18, 2021, Pakatan did not win in any of the 28 seats it contested.

KOTA KINABALU: A 25-year-old man has claimed trial in the Sessions Court here to a charge of raping a woman with Down syndrome at a house in Ranau more than four years ago. The accused pleaded not guilty before judge Hurman Hussain after the charge was read out to him on Monday (March 2). He is alleged to have raped the 21-year-old woman between 9pm and 9.15pm on Nov 19, 2023. The charge was framed under Section 376(2)(k) of the Penal Code for rape committed against a person with a disability. The court fixed April 27 for case management and denied bail on the grounds that the accused resides near the victim.

The company wants to list binary options on its flagship Nasdaq 100 Index and the Nasdaq 100 Micro Index, according to a proposed rule change filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Binary options are a simplified version of an options contract in which the payout depends on the outcome of a yes-or-no proposition. Similar binary options are also frequently traded off-exchange, directly between two parties, typically institutional investors and banks. The Nasdaq 100 tracks the fortunes of the largest 100 companies that trade on Nasdaq’s exchange, including Nvidia Corp and Apple Inc. The index is popular among day traders, with options contracts that expire each day accounting for the majority of trading volume.

Tiffany Young, a Korean-American member of K-pop band Girls’ Generation, married South Korean actor Byun Yo-han on Feb 27, Byun’s agency Teamhope said. Young, 36, rose to global fame as a member of Girls’ Generation. She ended her contract with SM Entertainment in 2017 and expanded her career with acting roles in Reborn Rich (2022) and Disney+’s Korean original series Uncle Samsik (2024). The two reportedly became close while working together on Uncle Samsik and publicly disclosed their relationship on Dec 13, 2025. Teamhope subsequently confirmed their relationship, stating that they were dating with the intention of marriage.

Let us not turn back on this very desirable proposed amendment. THE much-awaited Constitutional (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 to limit the prime minister’s tenure to an aggregate of 10 years has been introduced in Parliament. As is to be expected in a democratic process, there is some opposition to the Bill.

The landlocked Himalayan nation has been riven by political instability for ‌decades, with 32 governments taking office since 1990 and none of them completing a five-year-term. A decade later, King Mahendra suspended ​the constitution and banned political parties. A national unity government headed by the Nepali Congress took power in 2006 and ⁠lasted two years. POST-MONARCHY REPUBLICIn 2008, a special assembly dominated by ​former Maoist rebels, who joined mainstream politics under a peace deal, voted to abolish the 239-year-old monarchy. The Communist Party of Nepal faction controlled by the former rebels then took power, but the shift to a republic failed to create ⁠political stability.