Tens of thousands flock to Johor’s Thaipusam celebration at Wadi Hana
JOHOR BARU: Tens of thousands of devotees and visitors turned out for the Thaipusam celebrations at Arulmigu Thendayuthapani Temple here, marking one of the most vibrant celebrations in recent years. Raven Kumar, who is also the Tenggaroh Assemblyman, said the celebration served as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s multicultural heritage to locals and tourists alike. Raven Kumar added that cultural celebrations such as Thaipusam play an important role in attracting more tourists to Malaysia, particularly to Johor. “Yes, these celebrations can draw visitors from outside the country because they showcase our cultural and artistic uniqueness,” he said. In addition, he said the government has launched the Johor Cultural Programme, which will see cultural performances held across all 10 districts in the state.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 13:24 UTC
India’s record US$187 bil debt sales add pressure to bonds
New Delhi plans to borrow 17.2 trillion rupees (US$187 billion) in the year starting April 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech on Sunday. That represents an increase of about 18% from the current year’s revised number and is higher than the 16.5 trillion rupees estimated in a Bloomberg News survey. The increase may pressure sovereign bond yields, which are near the highest in almost a year amid heavy issuance by state governments and softening demand from pension and insurance funds. That’s slightly higher than the current year’s revised figure of 11.3 trillion rupees. Redemptions in the coming fiscal year are pegged at about 5.5 trillion rupees, a nearly 70% annual increase.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 01, 2026 13:09 UTC
Experts warn against Takaichi’s military push
Public figures across the political and academic spectrum gathered in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan, warning that her comments and her administration’s push for military expansion risk heightening regional tensions and drawing Japan into war. Many at the gathering raised alarm over a series of military expansion policies promoted by Takaichi since taking office under the banner of national security. He pointed out that Takaichi’s repeated references to a “survival-threatening situation” stem directly from her military expansion agenda. Yuko Tanaka, former president of Hosei University, said Takaichi’s words and actions are eroding Japan-China relations built since 1972. “From every perspective, worsening relations with China will only bring negative consequences for Japan,” Tanaka said.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 12:36 UTC
Queen greets tourists at entrance to Istana Negara
KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, took time to greet and mingle with a group of tourists at the main entrance of Istana Negara on Sunday (Feb 1). According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook page, Her Majesty alighted from her vehicle to interact with the tourists while on her way back to Johor Bahru. During the brief encounter, Her Majesty graciously shook hands with more than 100 tourists from various countries before continuing her journey.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 12:05 UTC
MCMC: SIM box syndicate threatens comm security
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) views seriously the misuse of telecommunications equipment for criminal activities following the seizure of SIM boxes and cards in a recent integrated operation with the police force in Kajang. MCMC said 50 SIM boxes, 5,000 SIM cards and related equipment were seized during the operation for an investigation under the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000. “The misuse of SIM boxes and bulk SIM cards, including foreign SIM cards, enables criminals to create fake accounts to carry out fraud and online crimes, putting users at risk. MCMC emphasised that telecommunications service providers must tighten SIM card registration controls to ensure digital security. The commission added that it will continue to work closely with the police and other enforcement agencies to safeguard national security, prevent the misuse of telecommunications services and ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 12:00 UTC
Tight-lipped security as Abdul Hadi joins closed-door PAS meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: Secrecy surrounded the PAS central leadership retreat as party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (pic) arrived at Hotel Tenera at about 9.40am on Sunday (Feb 1) to attend the annual closed-door meeting, now in its third day. Abdul Hadi, who was assisted by aides and arrived in a wheelchair, made a brief appearance before entering the hotel, where tight security measures were in place throughout the programme. The annual gathering is typically held to streamline the party's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), organisational strategies and operational planning. Earlier, PAS central working committee member Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor declined to comment on the agenda or outcomes of the meeting, adding to speculation over the matters being deliberated behind closed doors. The retreat, held in Bangi, comes amid heightened political manoeuvring as parties across the divide intensify groundwork ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 11:23 UTC
MMEA gets MAIK's nod to build post, install radar on Pulau Tengkorak
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has obtained official approval from the landowner, the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK), for the purchase of land on Pulau Tengkorak, Tumpat, to facilitate the construction of a Maritime Post and the installation of a Remote Sensored Site (RSS) Swasla radar system. Its Kelantan director Maritime Captain Erwan Shah Soahdi said the establishment of the maritime station along with the radar system is expected to enhance border waters surveillance capabilities in a more systematic and effective manner, thereby helping to curb smuggling activities and the entry of illegal immigrants. "This location was selected due to its close proximity to the Thai border, particularly between Takbai and Pengkalan Kubor, and has been identified as a hotspot frequently used by smugglers. "The installation of the radar in this area will enable continuous monitoring within a radius of 10 to 15 nautical miles," he told reporters after a bowling match between the agency's personnel and members of the media here today. He said enforcement efforts currently still rely on existing manpower and assets, but the use of the radar system is expected to further strengthen initiatives to combat smuggling activities in the East Coast waters.
Source:New Strait Times
February 01, 2026 11:00 UTC
‘Embrace message of unity this Thaipusam’
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed Thaipusam greetings to all Hindus celebrating the festival. As such, he said the discipline and perseverance demonstrated throughout the observance of Thaipusam deserve respect and collective appreciation. He hoped Thaipusam would bring peace of mind to all Hindu devotees, while continuing to nurture mutual respect and harmony within the country’s multiracial society. “Cultural and religious diversity is among the key foundations that shape the nation’s identity. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Thaipusam is more than a religious celebration – a meaningful reminder of unity, compassion and mutual respect that binds Melaka’s multicultural society.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 10:24 UTC
Iranian, Egyptian presidents call for diplomacy to resolve regional issues
TEHRAN/CAIRO, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday discussed in a phone call the necessity of resorting to diplomacy for the resolution of regional issues, amid rising Iran-U.S. tensions. The phone call came amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, with the latter bolstering its military presence in the Middle East. The deployment reflects the heightened risk of confrontation, even as Washington publicly holds out the possibility of diplomacy. Earlier on Saturday, Iran's Army Chief Amir Hatami warned that if the United States makes any mistake, it will definitely jeopardize its own security and that of Israel and the entire West Asia region. Later, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani wrote on social media platform X that the formation of a structure for negotiations with the United States is "progressing," without elaborating.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 10:15 UTC
KKR wants G1-G4 contractors to implement own projects, be more competitive
Azman said that at the ministry level, an initiative known as Competitiveness and Globalisation has been implemented. "Every year, we will bring in class contractors who have reached the (high) level, we want to go bid for projects at the international level. If contractors cannot improve their skills, how can we take their knowledge to a higher level? “At the KKR level through the Public Works Department and CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board), we are trying to improve our contractors’ capacity building. This is something we need to look at so that if external contractors come to bid for projects, at least we can compete,” he said.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 01, 2026 09:49 UTC
IGP: Another 'Captain Praba' gang member extradited from Thailand, 15 more being hunted
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 1): The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) successfully brought home another member of the organised crime group, "Captain Praba" gang, who was extradited from Thailand, on Saturday (Jan 31). He said the suspect would be brought to court on Sunday to obtain a remand order for further investigation. Mohd Khalid said the latest arrest brings the total number of "Captain Praba" gang members who have been successfully arrested so far to 17. Previously, PDRM successfully brought back three individuals suspected of being members of the same gang from Mumbai, India. The "Captain Praba" gang, which is linked to various violent crime cases and armed robbery, is among the most wanted criminal groups by the authorities.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 01, 2026 07:33 UTC
Thousands converge at temples across Penang for Thaipusam
GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of devotees are set to converge at temples across Penang for Thaipusam with a hive of rituals and gatherings already taking place since early hours of the morning. In George Town, the golden chariot carrying the Vel of Lord Murugan and the silver chariot bearing the statue of Lord Murugan arrived at their respective destinations at about 3am on Sunday (Feb 1), marking the end of an almost 18-hour procession through the city. The golden chariot reached Arulmigu Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple at Waterfall Hilltop, while the silver chariot arrived at the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple. The acts symbolise physical and spiritual sacrifice undertaken to seek blessings, fulfil vows or express gratitude to Lord Murugan, and are expected to continue throughout the day. Traffic was reported to be smooth in the early morning, but congestion is expected later as devotees and visitors continue to throng key festival locations.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 07:09 UTC
Over 1.2 million M’sians still living in poverty
PETALING JAYA: Over 1.2 million Malaysians are still living in poverty, says Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic). Mustapha said no Malaysians were categorised as living in hardcore poverty. “The categorisation of poverty depends on household per capita income and is based on a calculation formula provided by the Economy Ministry. “Meanwhile, hardcore poverty status is determined based on the current Poverty Line Income, which is periodically revised to reflect changes in the cost of living, food prices, inflation rate and location-specific costs. Mustapha was responding to a question from Jeli MP Zahari Kechik on the current number of poor and hardcore poor households listed under eKasih and the government’s initiatives to eradicate hardcore poverty.
Source:The Star
February 01, 2026 06:11 UTC
South Korea January exports beat forecasts, logs sharpest rise since 2021
SEOUL (Feb 1): South Korea's exports rose in January for an eighth consecutive month and at the fastest pace in four and a half years, as demand for AI-servers continues to power the country's chip sales, government data showed on Sunday. Exports from Asia's fourth-largest economy, a bellwether for global trade, rose 33.9% in January to US$65.85 billion (RM259.58 billion), trade data showed, beating a median 29.9% increase tipped in a Reuters poll of economists. Of the country's 15 major export items, sales for 13 of them including chips, cars, petrochemical products, steel and computers increased. Destination-wise, exports to China logged the sharpest exports increase, jumping by 46.7% on-year in January. "Having said that, uncertainty in the trade environment has increased due to the US tariff policy and the spread of protectionism."
Source:The Edge Markets
February 01, 2026 03:52 UTC
IRB announces reshuffle of deputy CEO portfolios
PUTRAJAYA (Feb 1): The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) on Sunday announced a reshuffle of portfolios among its deputy chief executive officers (TKPE), effective immediately, as part of a governance measure to strengthen the organisation’s integrity and effectiveness. In a statement, the IRB said TKPE (Compliance) Datuk Hisham Rusli has been reassigned to the TKPE (Policy) portfolio, while TKPE (Management) Datuk Khairul Halimin Abdul Halim has moved to TKPE (Special Branch). Meanwhile, Datuk Ahmad Khairuddin Abdullah, previously TKPE (Special Branch), has taken over the TKPE (Management) portfolio, and TKPE (Taxation Operations) Shaharudy Othman has been reassigned as TKPE (Compliance). According to the IRB, the appointments and portfolio changes are aimed at leadership development and ensuring organisational continuity and effectiveness through the sharing of expertise and fresh perspectives.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 01, 2026 02:56 UTC