Heart And Soul: The night a legacy shone
Email your story to: heartandsoul@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul". On Jan 9, 2026, fans of Tamil cinema phenomenon Joseph Vijay celebrated what felt like the final festival of a Thalapathy film. That night, 85,000 fans filled the stadium, glowing with blinking wristbands and raised phone torches, transforming the space into a sea of starlight. We heard his iconic opening line one last time – “En nenjil kudiyirukkum” (“The fans who reside in my heart”). On Jan 9, we didn’t honour you for one last time – we celebrated a legacy that never ends.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 14:33 UTC
Coach Nova hails birthday girl Jin Wei as true fighter
PETALING JAYA: Women's singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei has given her badminton career a huge lift after battling into the Thailand Masters final. Jin Wei, who celebrated her 26th birthday on Friday, also saw her world rankings slide to No. Jin Wei now has an opportunity to end her wait for an Open title but standing in her way is India's world No. Jin Wei's coach Nova was pleased with his charge for holding on until the end in an energy sapping match. I just told Jin Wei to hold on and focus on the last few points.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 14:24 UTC
LRT3 Shah Alam trial run in March
KLANG: The LRT3 Shah Alam line is on track to begin operations as early as March, following positive outcomes from ongoing test runs. “Another trainset from the same group is currently in the final phase of testing and is expected to get through the FFR test,” he said. Likewise, he said a batch of eight trains is also in its final testing phase and expected to be completed in stages by Monday. He said the FFR testing of the third batch of eight trainsets will commence soon after and is expected to be completed by Feb 28. “After the FFR is done, we want to start the trial run immediately on March 1.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 14:15 UTC
Birthday girl Jin Wei wants to end fairy tale with Bangkok crown
Jin Wei eventually defeated the world No. 43 Ling Ching 17-21, 21-17, 21-16 in Bangkok to secure her maiden World Tour final spot. I think she (Ling Ching) is a much better player," Jin Wei, who turned 27 today told SNE Sports. While Ling Ching appeared comfortable early on, Jin Wei used her experience to outwit her younger opponent. Jin Wei, 26, is aiming to become the first Malaysian woman to win a Super 300 title, though her coach, Nova Armada, noted that physical recovery is a primary concern.
Source:New Strait Times
January 31, 2026 14:08 UTC
MoHE: BM, History university entry requirement not about coercion
"This is not about coercion," he said, responding to questions after officiating the Jom Masuk Universiti Carnival 2026 here. Zambry said the government was instead focused on widening access to higher education while recognising Malaysia's diverse schooling systems, including international, religious and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) streams. He added that discussions are ongoing between the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE), the Education Ministry (MoE) and regulators such as the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to ensure that school-leaving qualifications are aligned with university admission requirements. Zambry echoed that stance, saying the government's guiding principle remains expanding opportunities rather than restricting students' prospects. "What we want is to ensure every Malaysian has access to higher education, and that any policy is implemented carefully and fairly," he said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 31, 2026 13:52 UTC
Pakistan attacks kill 15, dozens of militants dead: official
"Ten security personnel were martyred while a few others were injured," and 58 militants were killed in clashes, said the official. The circumstances surrounding the family's death were not immediately clear, but Baloch separatists have previously targeted civilians believed to have collaborated with state agencies. A senior official in the city told AFP that militants had abducted the deputy commissioner of Nushki district. Last year, ethnic Baloch separatists attacked a train with 450 passengers on board, sparking a two-day siege during which dozens of people were killed. In August 2024, militants blew up bridges, stormed hotels and targeted security installations in assaults across the province that left dozens dead.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 12:54 UTC
Woman loses RM10,000 after cash-filled bag stolen from car
BALING: A woman suffered losses amounting to RM10,000 after her bag was stolen near a supermarket in Kupang on Thursday (Jan 29). Baling OCPD Supt Brandon Anak Richard Joe said the incident is believed to have occurred around 8.40am when the woman parked her grey Perodua Avanza at the supermarket to buy groceries. "After she finished shopping, the victim returned home and realised her bag was missing from the vehicle. Investigations revealed that the vehicle was parked approximately 15 meters from the supermarket’s front entrance. "The RM10,000 in cash was business proceeds the victim had brought along to be deposited into the bank," he added.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 12:29 UTC
Electricity tariffs in Sabah to increase from Feb 1
KOTA KINABALU: Electricity tariffs in Sabah and Labuan are set to increase by just over five sen per kWh on Sunday (Feb 1). Sabah Electricity said that the revision, carried out under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework in line with the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024, will raise the average basic tariff from 34.52 sen to 39.70 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The review is the first in 12 years in Sabah since 2014 despite the escalating cost producing electricity. Sabah Electricity said that the move was necessary to address rising operating and maintenance costs, fund infrastructure investments and support the government's policy of gradually phasing out subsidies. For the second regulatory period the company said the actual average cost of electricity supply is estimated at 45.08 sen per kWh, higher than the approved revised tariff.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 12:09 UTC
Slowing down prostate cancer with diet-related changes
A diet rich in vegetables and probiotics could help slow the growth of low-risk prostate cancer, a new study suggests. Researchers found that specially-designed supplements and probiotics appeared to slow progression of an indicator of prostate cancer in the blood. Low-risk prostate cancer means that the cancer is slow to grow in the first place, with patients usually only being placed under active surveillance for management. The PSA test can indicate prostate conditions, including prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. Slowing down the diseaseWriting in the European Urology Oncology journal, the authors said that they found a “significant slowing of progression in PSA” following dietary changes among men with low-risk prostate cancer.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 12:04 UTC
Guts and glory: Coach hails Jin Wei's historic Bangkok run [WATCH]
Jin Wei deservedly became Malaysia's first women's singles shuttler to reach a World Tour Super 300 final, achieving the historic feat in Bangkok. The surgery, which removed part of her intestine, altered Jin Wei's life and career, with simply completing a full match once a major challenge. 68 dug deep, superbly surviving three-game battles in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals to reach her first Super 300 final. The Thailand Masters was Jin Wei's first tournament since the Super 300 Korea Masters in October, where she suffered a first-round exit. "I'm amazed by Jin Wei's fighting spirit," said Nova.
Source:New Strait Times
January 31, 2026 11:53 UTC
Prime Minister extends Thaipusam greetings to Hindus nationwide [WATCH]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended Thaipusam greetings to all Hindus in Malaysia ahead of the festival tomorrow. - NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAHKUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended Thaipusam greetings to all Hindus in Malaysia ahead of the festival tomorrow. In a statement posted on his Facebook page today, Anwar said Thaipusam embodies values of sacrifice, enlightenment and spiritual strength. "May Thaipusam be observed with gratitude and order, while upholding the manners and values that are central to social life," he said. "May Thaipusam bring peace of mind to all Hindus and continue to foster a sense of mutual respect and harmony in our multi-racial society," he said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 31, 2026 11:23 UTC
MMEA seizes RM512mil in crude oil, impounds two tankers, crew off Penang
Crude oil worth more than RM512 million was seized after the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted two oil tankers and 53 crew members suspected of conducting illegal ship-to-ship (STS) transfer activities about 24 nautical miles west of Muka Head here on Thursday. "An inspection found both vessels lashed together and believed to be involved in unauthorised ship-to-ship crude oil transfer activities. "The seized crude oil was valued at more than RM512 million, while the combined value of the two tankers is estimated at RM718 million," he said in a statement today. It is also being probed under Section 491B(1)(k) of the same ordinance for conducting ship-to-ship transfer activities without approval from the Marine Department of Malaysia, which carries a fine of up to RM200,000 per vessel. He said Penang Maritime will continue to intensify patrols in state waters to ensure all maritime activities comply with the law.
Source:New Strait Times
January 31, 2026 11:12 UTC
Don’t wait for MHIT to get basic insurance, M’sians urged
PETALING JAYA: Uninsured Malaysians should secure basic medical protection now rather than waiting for the government’s proposed medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) plan. Insurance unit manager Nurul Amirah Zamri said that at the minimum, they should get coverage for death and accidents. For those who can afford it, she suggested hospitalisation and surgical coverage based on their medical needs, with annual coverage of RM100,000. Insurance agent Aminuddin Abdul Khalid echoed the need for consumers to take an informed and comparative approach when selecting medical coverage. “People should compare different medical insurance plans by looking at coverage options, premiums and deductibles to find the best fit for their needs,” he said.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 11:07 UTC
Johor mall gets community together for record-breaking feat
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A mall here is ushering in Chinese New Year with the installation of a record-breaking horse replica crafted entirely from ang pow origami. The giant replica has earned Sunway Big Box Retail Park Malaysia here a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the largest horse replica made of ang pow origami. “Standing at approximately 4.5m tall, this installation has been recognised by the MBOR as the largest horse replica made of ang pow origami. “Most importantly, the replica was created not just by us, but as a result of true collaboration with the community,” he said. He said those involved in the completion of the structure include Raffles University, SJKC Cheah Fah, SJKC Foon Yew 1, SK Pengkalan Rinting, Starnamics Learning Centre and JCI Junior Chamber International South Key.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 10:54 UTC
New leadership will enhance integrity of Armed Forces, says Khaled
KOTA TINGGI: Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin says General Datuk Malek Razak will help restore the image and integrity of the Armed Forces amid growing public scrutiny over governance and procurement issues. Congratulating Gen Malek Razak on his appointment as the new Armed Forces Chief, the Defence Minister said he assumed the role at a challenging time. The Kota Tinggi MP added that this could only be achieved through strong cooperation and understanding across all leadership levels within the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces. Among the measures being implemented is a dedicated unit to handle complaints and oversight matters within the ministry and the Armed Forces. Mohamed Khaled acknowledged calls for the establishment of an independent body to monitor defence procurement but reiterated that continuous system improvements remain the ministry's priority.
Source:The Star
January 31, 2026 10:49 UTC