Economist: EPF dividend seen at 6.5% for 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is expected to deliver a dividend rate of between 6.3% and 6.5% for 2025, says Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid. For the year 2024, the EPF declared a dividend rate of 6.3% for both its conventional and syariah savings accounts. Mohd Afzanizam said based on the EPF’s nine-month 2025 performance, which recorded an 11% increase in gross investment income, the retirement fund remains on track to post a respectable dividend payout for the year. Equities are primarily aimed at capital appreciation, while fixed income instruments provide capital preservation, and money market instruments support liquidity management,” he said. Mohd Afzanizam noted that equities usually carry a higher risk premium, while fixed income and money market instruments present comparatively lower risk.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 13:16 UTC
Parents who blame Snapchat for their children's deaths protest outside company's headquarters in the US
They rolled white paint onto the ground, spelling out the names of 108 children who died from alleged social media harms. TikTok and Snap, the parent company of disappearing-messaging app Snapchat, settled for undisclosed sums to avoid the trial. Parents who allege the Santa Monica company is responsible for drug sales facilitated through the app have also sued Snap. Parents who have lost their children have also pushed for more legislation, including in California, to make social media platforms safer. On Friday, parents also gathered at the Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles to honor children who they say died because of social media harms.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 13:05 UTC
![News@9: Today's top headlines - Feb 17, 2026 [WATCH]](https://newssummedup.com/images/no_photo.png)
News@9: Today's top headlines - Feb 17, 2026 [WATCH]
Policemen at the scene of the crime. -- BERNAMA PICNew Straits TimesHERE are today's top stories:KLSCAH conservation urgedPrime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the preservation and heritage recognition of the century-old Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. PN meeting setPerikatan Nasional will hold a Supreme Council meeting on Feb 22 to appoint a new chairman, replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Kuantan tragedy investigatedPolice say a man is believed to have killed his family before being found dead at a home in Taman Cherating Damai, Kuantan. Thomas Cup focusDatuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, in his Chinese New Year message, has urged Malaysia's shuttlers to unite and mount a strong challenge at the upcoming Thomas Cup.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 13:02 UTC
Sabah logs 1,400 visitors on first day of Chinese New Year
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin distributes Visit Malaysia 2026 goodie bags to tourists in conjunction with Chinese New Year 2026 at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) arrival hall - NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININKOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded 1,400 visitor arrivals on the first day of Chinese New Year in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), said Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar. The welcoming activities for domestic and international visitors were aimed at highlighting Malaysia's multicultural heritage, she said. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin underscored the state government's commitment to the success of VM2026. "This initiative also showcases the hospitality of Sabah's people so the state remains a leading tourism destination," he said. Guests included Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, representatives of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and stakeholders from the Sabah tourism industry.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 12:47 UTC
Shared festivities bind communities
THE time for our very Malaysian phenomenon of kongsi raya (overlap of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya festivities) is drawing near. This year, the first day of Ramadan (fasting month) could be tomorrow, which is the second day of the Chinese New Year, or the day after.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 12:34 UTC
Qualcomm says UK lawsuit over smartphone chip royalties will be withdrawn
LONDON (Feb 17): Qualcomm on Tuesday said a London lawsuit alleging it had abused its dominant position to force Apple and Samsung to pay inflated royalties will be withdrawn. had brought the case on behalf of around 29 million people who bought iPhones or Samsung devices since 2015. Qualcomm, however, said the lawsuit mischaracterised its long-standing requirement for manufacturers to obtain a licence for its standard essential patents before buying chipsets. said in a statement that it would apply to withdraw the case, having reached an agreement under which Qualcomm will make no payment to the claimant class. said that it had concluded that Qualcomm's practices "did not infringe competition laws, did not result in inflated royalties, and did not lead to an increase in prices consumers paid for their mobile phones".
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 12:26 UTC
Falling tree smashes car, woman walks away safe
IPOH: A woman went through a frightening ordeal this afternoon when a tree fell onto her car along the Ipoh–Lumut Highway near the quarry area, heading towards Batu Gajah. Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said an emergency call was received at 4.03pm, prompting the dispatch of a fire engine from the Pasir Putih station to the scene. "The team arrived at 4.10pm and found that a forest tree had fallen onto the front of a Perodua Myvi driven by a 41-year-old woman. "The victim managed to exit the vehicle safely and did not sustain any injuries," he said in a statement.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 12:20 UTC
Wisma Putra: Consular officers to assist Malaysian detained in Japan
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Consular officers stand ready to provide all necessary assistance to Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, a Malaysian citizen currently detained in Toyama, Japan, according to the Foreign Ministry. The ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said this includes facilitating communication and ensuring his welfare, subject to his consent and in accordance with Japanese law. Muhammad Faiq Zafran was initially reported missing in Japan since Dec 2, 2025. Wisma Putra said upon successfully securing official confirmation of the detention from the Japanese authorities, the ministry immediately contacted the next-of-kin to convey the information. The ministry said it has continued to communicate with the family to ensure they are updated on the latest developments received through official channels.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 12:20 UTC
Jealousy believed motive in murder of woman at banana plantation
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty - AI-GENERATED IMAGESHAH ALAM: Jealousy is believed to be the motive in the murder of a woman who was strangled at a banana plantation in Banting, Kuala Langat, yesterday morning. Kuala Langat district police chief Superintendent Mohd Akmalrizal Radzi said two men, including the victim's husband, have been arrested. "Investigations so far indicate that jealousy was the motive behind the murder. The body of an Indonesian woman in her 30s was earlier discovered at the plantation, showing signs of strangulation. "The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty," Akmalrizal said.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 12:12 UTC
Suzuki launches maiden EV in India with battery rental plan to lower upfront costs
BENGALURU (Feb 17): Suzuki Motor on Tuesday launched its maiden electric vehicle (EV) in India, offering customers a battery rental plan to lower upfront costs — a model previously provided only by SAIC Motor's local venture. On Tuesday, Suzuki's Indian unit, Maruti Suzuki, launched the base variant of the SUV at an introductory price of 1.1 million rupees (around US$12,100), accompanied by a battery rental plan that will cost 3.99 rupees per kilometre (0.62 mile). Whenever Maruti Suzuki enters a new segment, they have a penchant for recreating or disrupting the segment. SAIC Motor’s Indian venture, JSW MG Motor India, introduced the first such scheme in September 2023. EV sales have picked up in India after a wave of launches from Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra and Tesla over the last year.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 12:11 UTC
Muslims in Malaysia to begin fasting on Thursday
Muslims in Malaysia will begin the Ramadan fast on Thursday (Feb 19), the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, announced. PIC SCREENGRAB FROM SOCMEDKUALA LUMPUR: Muslims in Malaysia will begin the Ramadan fast on Thursday (Feb 19), the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, announced. The Ramadan moon sighting process took place this evening at 29 locations nationwide, including Baitul Hilal at the Sultan Ismail Building in Pontian, Johor, and the Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex in Kampung Balik Batu, Tanjung Bidara, Melaka.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 12:09 UTC
Malaysia set for solid economic growth in 2026
If current momentum holds, Kenanga Research said there is “upside potential” towards a 5% gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2026. Following the strong momentum, Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research has upgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 4.7%. On the demand side, growth was driven by stronger domestic demand and export growth. Additionally, on Jan 5, 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a series of measures spanning economic, education, and institutional reforms to reinforce Malaysia’s GDP growth momentum for this year. In view of such developments, UOB Global Economics & Markets Research expects a real GDP growth of 4.5% in 2026.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 12:03 UTC
Family races to secure lawyer for Malaysian detained in Japan
- NSTP/ AHMAD UKASYAHKUALA LUMPUR: The family of Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, 24, who is currently detained in Toyama, Japan, is in the process of appointing a lawyer there to examine the case in detail. Hishamuddin said MHO and the family were focused on securing legal representation, after which another trial date might be set if proceedings progressed smoothly. On Jan 23, his mother appealed to Malaysian and Japanese authorities to help trace Faiq after contact with him was lost. Noor Zuhaini said her son left for Japan on Nov 8 after telling the family he was travelling to Kuala Lumpur for work. "While in Japan, my son kept in touch with friends through Snapchat and WhatsApp until Nov 18.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 12:02 UTC
PDRM announces transfers, promotions of nine senior officers
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 17): The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) on Tuesday announced the transfer and promotion of nine senior officers, effective March 16. Abdul Rahman said Hoo's current position will be taken over by Johor CID deputy chief (Intelligence/Operations), ACP Mohd Zairi Badderul @ Badrol, who will hold the acting rank of SAC. Meanwhile, Melaka CID chief ACP Zaihairul Idrus will serve as the Perlis deputy police chief, holding the acting rank of SAC. Perak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief ACP Lee King Chuan will move to AKPS as the director of the Investigation and Prosecution Division with the acting rank of SAC. "Also promoted is Cheras deputy district police chief Supt Chua Kok Lian, who has been appointed as the Hilir Perak district police chief with the acting rank of ACP," he said.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 12:00 UTC
Man denies RM20mil fraud
KOTA KINABALU: A businessman pleaded not guilty to committing fraud involving RM20mil in a real estate company shareholding deal. Datuk Chee Chi Vun, 52, claimed trial before Sessions Court judge Zaini Fishir @ Faisal, who granted bail of RM3mil. Chee is accused of inducing a 75-year-old man into issuing multiple cheques at different times to Chee’s bank account and of trying to gain a 45% share in a company, Deevin Development Sdn Bhd, in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 12:00 UTC