![#NSTviral: Factory worker, 21, killed after motorcycle skids [WATCH]](https://newssummedup.com/images/no_photo.png)
#NSTviral: Factory worker, 21, killed after motorcycle skids [WATCH]
Screengrab of the incident along the Sungai Petani–Kuala Ketil trunk road. -- Pic from socmedKUALA MUDA: A 21-year-old factory worker was killed after the motorcycle she was riding is believed to have skidded and crashed along the Sungai Petani–Kuala Ketil trunk road on Saturday. Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said the incident occurred at about 7.50pm while she was travelling from Kuala Ketil towards Sungai Petani. He said the motorcycle is believed to have lost control, veered to the right and fell. Police have urged witnesses or motorists with information to come forward to assist investigations.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:39 UTC
Over 10,000 celebrate Penang CNY open house in festive harmony
Chow described the event as a resounding success, adding that the strong turnout of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and foreign tourists reflected the social harmony that underpins stability in the state. Chow described the event as a resounding success, adding that the strong turnout of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and foreign tourists reflected the social harmony that underpins stability in the state. "I hope Penang can continue to serve as a model in promoting unity, harmony and the well-being of its people," he told reporters. Also present were Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. A highlight of the event was the Yee Sang tossing ceremony, symbolising prosperity and well-being for all in Penang in 2026.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:30 UTC
Illegal e-waste rings hide, exploit foreign workers, dodge raids
General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander senior assistant commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the makeshift factories, often in inaccessible locations, frequently changed operations and sites, posing major challenges for enforcement agencies. STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAHKOTA BARU: Many illegal e-waste processing sites on the East Coast are hidden in remote plantations and employ foreign workers, making them difficult for authorities to detect and raid. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander senior assistant commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the makeshift factories, often in inaccessible locations, frequently changed operations and sites, posing major challenges for enforcement agencies. Since last year, the GOF Southeast Brigade has recorded 41 cases involving e-waste, minerals, and other illegal extraction activities, with seizures valued at more than RM413 million. Sources said local operators favoured foreign workers because they accepted lower wages, harsh and unsafe conditions, and were less likely to report abuses, while their isolation in remote locations made them easier to control.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 09:19 UTC
One dead, two critically injured in stabbing attack in Australia
ISTANBUL: (Bernama-Anadolu) A man was killed and two people were critically injured in a stabbing attack Tuesday (Feb 17) along a busy shopping strip in western Sydney in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media. A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s died at the scene despite emergency efforts. Police confirmed that two of the stabbings took place inside a business premises, while a third occurred on the footpath outside. Police arrested a man behind a nearby house on Smythe Street and he was taken to Granville Police Station. A crime scene has been established as police continue investigations into the motive behind the attack.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 08:59 UTC
PM calls for KLSCAH conservation, heritage recognition [WATCH]
According to the Department of National Heritage website, construction of the KLSCAH building began in 1910 and was fully completed in 1923 - KLSCAH WEBSITEKUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for conservation efforts to be carried out on the 100-year-old Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) building in Jalan Maharajalela. He said this is to facilitate the requirements for the building to be recognised as a historic building and national heritage. The prime minister also instructed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, along with all relevant committees, to sit together to discuss so that the recognition efforts can be achieved. "We treat this building as a historic building, as heritage. According to the Department of National Heritage website, construction of the KLSCAH building began in 1910 and was fully completed in 1923.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 08:46 UTC
Regional flashpoints set to test Philippines leadership as Asean Chair
The maritime domain is widely seen as the earliest test of credibility, given the Philippines' dual role as Asean Chair and a claimant state in the South China Sea - a position that demands both diplomatic restraint and regional leadership. Rahul added that Manila would need to exercise caution in managing developments in the South China Sea to ensure disputes do not spill over into wider regional tensions. "The South China Sea is a sensitive issue, but as the chair, the Philippines must take up tasks that previous presidencies have not. "Progress on the COC is likely to be incremental at best; the real test will be preventing escalation while preserving Asean unity and relevance," he said. Siti Darwinda said the approach dovetails with the Philippines' 2026 Asean Chairmanship theme, 'Navigating Our Future, Together' which underscores collective efforts to strengthen peace and security, enhance prosperity, and empower communities across the region.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 08:36 UTC
Automotive sales up by 27% in January
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s automotive sector total industry volume (TIV) increased 27% to 64,298 units in January 2026 from 50,449 units in the same month last year, mainly contributed by the spill-over effect from new model launches towards the end of 2025. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said sales of passenger vehicles improved 28% to 60,369 units from 47,019 units a year earlier, while commercial vehicle sales rose 15% to 3,929 units from 3,430 units previously. Meanwhile, production gained 6% to 60,866 units last month from 57,450 units a year earlier, it said in a statement yesterday. Passenger vehicle production grew to 57,367 units from 54,345 units previously, while commercial vehicle output rose to 3,499 units from 3,105 units previously, it said. However, MAA said TIV in January 2026 was 29% lower than December 2025, mainly due to advance purchase in December 2025 of 90,716 units – the highest monthly TIV ever.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 08:35 UTC
Kuantan murder-suicide: Neighbours say suspect, a security guard, was a 'nice person' [WATCH]
In what is believed to be a murder-suicide case that has shaken the settlement, residents shared their shock over the horrific incident, saying the family had never displayed any unusual behaviour. "He was friendly with the neighbours and two days ago he spoke to my husband, asking about his health. Saripah, whose house shares the same wall as the suspect's, said she only learnt about the incident after realising huge police presence along the road near the victim's house. "I saw one of the victims' family members sitting outside the house when I went to feed the chickens at 7.30am. He said that the victim's family had been living in Taman Cherating Damai since the settlement was opened in 2009, although he did not know them well.
Source:New Strait Times
February 17, 2026 08:01 UTC
China AI startup Moonshot targets US$10 bil valuation — Bloomberg
Existing backers including Alibaba, Tencent and 5Y Capital have already committed more than US$700 million to the first tranche of the latest round, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing private information. Representatives of Moonshot, Alibaba and 5Y didn’t respond to requests seeking comment. Beijing-based Moonshot last month released its Kimi K2.5, leading a wave of major Chinese AI model upgrades ahead of the crucial weeklong Lunar New Year holiday. Talks around the financing are progressing and it’s not certain if Moonshot can hit its target valuation, the people said. Moonshot was founded by former Tsinghua University professor Yang Zhilin, who had earlier stints working on AI projects at Meta Platforms Inc and Google.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 07:15 UTC
Slow moving traffic reported on major expressways nationwide as of noon Tuesday
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 17): Traffic flow on several major highways nationwide was reported to be slow as of noon on Tuesday, following an increase in vehicle volume and rainy weather in many locations. A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) said that on the North-South Highway (PLUS) E2, traffic was slow northbound at Pasir Gudang to Setia Tropika, Kulai to Sedenak, Simpang Ampat Intersection to Hentian Sebelah Pedas Linggi, Pedas Linggi to Senawang and Senawang to Seremban. For PLUS E2 southbound, traffic was slow at Bangi to Southville, Putra Mahkota to R&R Seremban, Seremban to Pedas Linggi, Machap to Simpang Renggam, and Setia Tropika to Dato Onn. A total of 32 smart lanes were activated along the PLUS Highway on Tuesday to ensure traffic remains smooth. The public can get the latest traffic information via 1-800-88-7752 for 24 hours from Feb 13 to Feb 22, as well as via the X website @plustrafik and @llmtrafik.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 06:25 UTC
Canada announces new chief trade negotiator to the United States
TORONTO, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday the appointment of public servant Janice Charette as the next chief trade negotiator to the United States. Canada sends about 70% of its exports to the United States. CUSMA, also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a continental trade pact that has shielded much of Canada's exports from U.S. tariffs. "As Chief Trade Negotiator, she will advance Canadian interests and a strengthened trade and investment relationship that benefits workers and industries in both Canada and the United States.”Charette has twice served as clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the Cabinet, according to the statement. The clerk of the Privy Council is the head of the civil service in Canada.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 04:59 UTC
Focus on unity, not Azam Baki issue, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim deflected questions about Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s call for the removal of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki over allegations related to his shareholdings. Earlier in his speech, Anwar expressed hope that the Year of the Horse would bring economic growth and development for the people and the country. In his speech, Rafizi urged coalition partners to take a clear stand on the issue, saying that their position could influence public opinion. He also said they would return to the streets if an independent and transparent investigation into the issue was not carried out. On Saturday (Feb 14), Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said a special committee led by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar had begun a probe into the matter.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:49 UTC
Activist Elliott builds over 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, WSJ reports
BENGALURU (Feb 16): Activist investor Elliott has built a more than 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line and plans to push for changes within the cruise operator, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. Norwegian Cruise Line did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Last week, Norwegian Cruise appointed former Subway Restaurants CEO John Chidsey as its new boss, replacing Harry Sommer. Rival Royal Caribbean, however, in its outlook released last month projected strong demand, as affluent customers continue to favour sea-based vacations. Elliott has privately approached Adam Goldstein, the former president and COO of Royal Caribbean, as a potential nominee for a board seat at Norwegian Cruise, the WSJ reported on Monday.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 03:40 UTC
Anwar joins MCA’s Chinese New Year 2026 open house
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the MCA Chinese New Year 2026 reception at the party headquarters on Tuesday (Feb 17). The Prime Minister, who arrived at 9.30am in a red batik shirt, was welcomed by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Han Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and other senior party leaders. Also present at the open house were Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, former prime minister and Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan. Others in attendance included National Unity Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran, MIC vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, former deputy international trade and industry minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujin. Guests were treated to a lion dance performance at the entrance of the party headquarters.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:36 UTC
Australian gas producer Santos wins court fight over net zero claims
SYDNEY (Feb 17): An Australian court on Tuesday threw out a lawsuit against gas producer Santos that alleged the company misled the public on its plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions. The ACCR alleged Santos breached Australia’s corporations and consumer laws by engaging in misleading or deceptive behaviour when it said it had a clear pathway to reduce emissions by 26%-30% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040. The group also challenged Santos' claims that it was a producer of "clean energy", that natural gas was a "clean fuel" and that hydrogen it produced from natural gas through carbon capture and storage (CCS) was "clean" with "zero emissions". But Federal Court of Australia judge Brigitte Markovic dismissed the case, with her reasons to be published on Feb 23. "This was a landmark case that paved the way for others around the world to challenge corporate net zero claims in court," she said in a statement.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 03:20 UTC