Anwar joins festive Chinese New Year gathering at KLSCAH
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended a Chinese New Year gathering at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH). He was greeted by the rhythmic beat of Chinese drums and a vibrant lion dance performance at the building’s entrance, setting a festive tone for the celebration. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:12 UTC
Seal dilutes stake in Mutiara unit
PETALING JAYA: Seal Incorporated Bhd , its wholly owned unit, Daiman Majumas Sdn Bhd and its 80% owned Mutiara Waterfront Habitats Sdn Bhd (MWHSB) has entered into a conditional subscription cum shareholders agreement with Biopolis Group Sdn Bhd and Titanium Greenview Sdn Bhd (TGSB). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Seal noted the deal sees Daiman buys 20% stake in MWHSB from Biopois, which will see Seal’s equity interest in MWHSB reduced to 17.66%. TGSB will then subscribe to 9.3 million new MWHSB for RM9.3mil and hold a 82.34% stake. MWHSB is undertaking land reclamation work in Penang and the deal sees TGSB funding such future works. Seal said the deal realigned with its strategic direction to improve business resilience and generate more consistent revenue and profits.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:03 UTC
Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse with speed and preparedness
Unlike gentler years that allow time for reflection and gradual growth, the Fire Horse brings speed, visibility and pressure. Testing resilienceIn classical Chinese metaphysical texts, Fire Horse cycles are often associated with periods of heightened intensity, says Chan. In this sense, the Fire Horse year does not punish randomly; it rewards foresight. The Fire Horse year does not reward burnout; it rewards alignment between effort, energy and direction. Ultimately, the Year of the Fire Horse does not reward comfort or waiting.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:02 UTC
Thunderstorm warning in several states until noon today
KUALA LUMPUR: Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to hit several states until noon today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). In a weather warning issued at 9am on Tuesday (Feb 17), MetMalaysia announced that among the states affected is Perak, namely in Manjung, Perak Tengah, Bagan Datuk and Hilir Perak. On the east coast, the affected areas include Hulu Terengganu, Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu; Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang; and Gua Musang in Kelantan. Similar weather is also expected in Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang and Kuala Langat in Selangor; Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Rembau, Jempol and Tampin in Negeri Sembilan, and the entire state of Melaka. In Johor, the areas predicted to be affected are Tangkak, Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat, Mersing and Pontian.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:54 UTC
‘Democratising’ private credit at your own peril
However, not long after Trump set the Department of Labour and Securities and Exchange Commission to work “democratising” private credit, some significant red flags began to appear. Both corporate failures spawned allegations of fraud, causing observers to question whether more massive losses might hit private credit firms before long. However, multiple firms with sizeable private credit operations, including Apollo Global Management, Ares Management and Blackstone, have also seen their share prices decline in 2026, with private credit exposure one of multiple potential catalysts. Private credit in its present form originated in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, as regulators tightened rules on bank lending. Importantly, that timeline means the private credit market has not yet been tested by a deep, prolonged economic downturn, raising concerns about what will happen when it does.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:49 UTC
Tradition bends to busy calendars
For Cian, 23, a manager who prefers to be known by her nickname, reunion lunch has long been part of the family dynamic. “Every year, we have both a reunion lunch and dinner. “It’s mainly because of family schedules and everyone understands if some relatives are unable to attend, so it’s okay for us. However, he does not see reunion lunch becoming a permanent fixture. “We aim for it if we can, but sometimes we end up having dinner at 8pm because restaurants are fully booked,” he added.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:21 UTC
Bersatu turmoil deepens as divisions seek dissolution
PETALING JAYA: Turmoil continues to reign within Bersatu, with more divisions and associate wings announcing plans to dissolve following the expulsion of deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. While the Lembah Pantai and Larut divisions have immediately dissolved, the Kepala Batas division has also agreed to dissolve. Division chief Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq said the division’s committee felt the party had strayed from its original struggle and objectives. “The Kepala Batas division committee will be dissolved. In a letter dated Jan 29, several Labuan division pro-tem committee members announced their resignations because their appointments had yet to be formally recognised.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:20 UTC
‘Give us foreign workers fast’
PETALING JAYA: Indian restaurant operators who are facing serious worker shortage are urging the government to approve the foreign workers replacement quota soon, especially to replace workers who have already returned home. He added that 2022 was the last time approvals were granted to hire new foreign workers for Indian restaurants. “The current applications process for new foreign workers started very late, but the deadline to submit was too early. Another Indian restaurant operator in Petaling Jaya, who wants to be known as Rajes, said she has been facing problems getting new and replacement foreign workers despite having prepared all the paperwork to be submitted to the Foreign Workers Management One-Stop Centre. “The quota for new workers and replacement workers has not been opened due to the heavy restrictions and bureaucracy,” she said, adding that currently she needs 20 foreign workers for her restaurant, as she also does catering.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:18 UTC
Unexpected quiet fills Penang roads just before CNY
GEORGE TOWN: The authorities had predicted that two million vehicles would enter Penang for the Chinese New Year, causing massive traffic jams. Housewife Lam Yee Fung, 39, said she went to Pulau Tikus market yesterday morning and felt the market had only about half the typical weekend crowd. Usually choked roads like Jalan Penang, Jalan Transfer and the Esplanade saw breezy traffic, even near popular food joints. Personnel from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) were seen monitoring traffic conditions at several hotspot locations, including Chowrasta Market, Lebuh Kimberly and Lebuh Keng Kwee. Penang Island City Council enforcement director Noorazrein Norazlan Ong said 96 personnel from the traffic enforcement division were on duty.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:16 UTC
Rescue operation for private university student feared drowned resumes
KUALA TERENGGANU: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for a male Myanmar student from a private higher education institution, feared drowned yesterday, resumed at 8.30am on Tuesday (Feb 17). Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Station chief Thoyyibah Taib said the search has been extended to cover seven kilometres along Pantai Pandak. "In addition, the SAR team is continuing operations along the coast of Pantai Batu Buruk to locate the victim. "The search operation by the Water Rescue Team had to be temporarily suspended due to large waves and will resume once conditions improve," she told Bernama on Tuesday. On Monday (Feb 16), Sithu Moe Lwin, an 18-year-old Myanmar national and student at INTI International University College, Nilai branch, Negeri Sembilan, was feared drowned after going missing while swimming at Pantai Batu Buruk.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:05 UTC
Daughters of main murder suspect arrested
KOTA KINABALU: Two daughters of the 71-year-old main suspect in the death of a woman whose body was found dismembered were arrested yesterday. Acting Kota Kinabalu police chief Supt Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said that the two women, aged 29 and 21, were arrested on Sunday in Sepanggar and Inanam to assist investigations. However, Supt Syed Lot did not confirm whether the machete was the murder weapon or if it was used in the mutilation of the woman’s body. The main suspect, who was arrested at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital on Feb 12, is recovering in the hospital’s emergency unit pending police questioning. Besides the main suspect, police also arrested his 19-year-old son on Feb 12, who is currently under remand.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 01:59 UTC
Fatal impact, four-wheel drive crashes into trailer
SIBU: A social media influencer died after the four-wheel drive vehicle he was driving crashed into the frame of a trailer at Jalan Teng Kung Suk 2 early Monday morning (Feb 16). At about 2am, the driver, identified as 41-year-old Chen Ding Ding, was confirmed dead at the scene due to severe injuries, reported Sinar Harian. Sibu District police chief Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said initial investigations found that the victim’s four-wheel drive went out of control, skidded and crashed into the frame of a container trailer that was parked on the road shoulder. He said the victim’s body was later taken to Sibu Hospital for further action. "The front of the victim’s four-wheel drive was also crushed and wedged under the trailer frame," he said.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 01:45 UTC
Thomas-Uber Cup cast complete with Malaysia confirming spots
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have officially secured their places in the Thomas Cup-Uber Cup Finals from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark. Nevertheless, both squads progressed to the world team meet by virtue of their world rankings, alongside Thailand and India. Newly crowned European champions France returned to the Thomas Cup and will be joined by England, Sweden and Germany. In the Uber Cup, Bulgaria make the cut together with Turkiye, Ukraine and France. The group stage draw for the Thomas and Uber Cups will take place on March 18.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 01:45 UTC
I owe all my success to him: Singapore sprinter Shanti Pereira on her coach Luis Cunha
SINGAPORE: For three years in a row, coach Luis Cunha has been Shanti Pereira’s Valentine’s Day date. In previous years she was overseas at training camps or competitions with coach Cunha. In 2026, the athlete-coach pair will kick off another journey to defend her gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. Pereira said: “Looking at the goals for this season, we are looking at the Commonwealth Games and hoping for a final spot in my event, and for the Asian Games, to see myself on that podium again. He said: “If I’m here, it is because of what the athletes that are training under me did.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 01:37 UTC
Man murders wife over infidelity accusations
Compiled by C. ARUNO,NAN HIDAYAT NAN AZMIE and R. ARAVINTHANA MAN in India smashed his wife’s head in with grinder stone, allegedly because he doubted her loyalty to him, Malaysia Nanban reported. Anbarasan, 38, from Thanjavur and Agila, 28, had been married for nine years and had two children, aged seven and two years old. The husband suspected his wife of infidelity and they began arguing because of this over several days. The wife bled to death on the spot from a crushed skull. (The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies).
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 01:26 UTC