Flash floods hit parts of Subang following heavy rain
PETALING JAYA: Flash floods have hit the Kampung Melayu area in Subang. When contacted, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis said the department was informed of flooding in the area at around 8.30pm. "Water rose to around 0.5m high. The water is currently receding due to the rain easing up," he said. He added that no victims have been moved.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 18:19 UTC
Saifuddin joins Wan Saiful in withdrawing appeal against Bersatu dismissal
SHAH ALAM: Following Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the former Bersatu Information Chief, withdrawing his appeal against his dismissal this morning, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has likewise done the same with immediate effect. However, the former member of Bersatu's Supreme Working Council did not provide an explanation for his action, Sinar Harian reported. "With this withdrawal, I request that the Appeal Board take note and subsequently halt all further proceedings or consideration regarding my appeal," he said in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Bersatu Appeal Board on Monday (Feb 16). On Oct 27, Saifuddin and former Perlis Menteri Besar, Mohd Shukri Ramli, were removed from their positions as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmen for Pahang and Perlis, respectively. The chairmanships for both states are now held by PAS Deputy President, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN Pahang), and Arau Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN Perlis).
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 16:49 UTC
MACC investigating RM1.1bil govt deal with overseas firm
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation into a RM1.1bil agreement between the Malaysian government and a foreign company. The source said MACC had taken several documents related to the agreement from the Ministry of Economy on Feb 13 to assist in the investigation. "However, the agreement was nonetheless signed in haste, and this will be verified through the testimony of key witnesses,” the source said. Following this, MACC is expected to summon several key witnesses, including the secretary-general of the relevant ministries, to provide clarification regarding the implementation of the agreement. Meanwhile, MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed that an investigation has been opened but declined to comment further.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 16:49 UTC
Prince Mateen and Princess Anisha of Brunei reveal baby's name
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prince Mateen and Princess Anisha of Brunei shared the first photo and name of their baby girl on Feb 11, three days after she was born. Prince Mateen, 34, posted a photo of his family of three on social media and announced the name of his new baby girl. Prince Mateen is one of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s 10 children and is fifth in line to the throne. "Anisha & I are so grateful to the incredible team at JPMC for their exceptional care and support, and so thankful to everyone for the kind wishes," wrote Prince Mateen. The tender photo showed him smiling at the camera as he proudly held baby Zahra, while Princess Anisha, 31, looked on lovingly.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 16:10 UTC
A huge bet on supertankers reverberates through the oil market
(Feb 16): A niche but crucial part of the oil market is being rocked by a huge bet from a South Korean tycoon who has amassed a large share of the tanker market — with help from one of the industry’s wealthiest men. Some market veterans said the huge position amassed by the company, overseen by shipowner Ga-Hyun Chung, is unprecedented in their experience. The tanker market is a niche but vital cog within the global oil trade. Some of the people involved in the market estimate that the group had fewer than 120 ships. The rise in the outright value of ships can also bolster long-term hire prices, people involved in the market said.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 15:48 UTC
Elon Musk’s X Platform faces widespread service disruption
(Feb 16): Thousands of users reported issues accessing Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Monday (Feb 16), according to monitoring website Downdetector. More than 11,000 users globally reported trouble accessing the service as of about 1.50pm in London (9.50pm Malaysia). There have been several major service disruptions to X since Musk acquired the platform in 2022. The service also went offline for several hours in May, linked to a fire at a data centre in Oregon. Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, bought X in March 2025.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 15:28 UTC
Taiwan's cycling 'missionary' and Giant founder King Liu dies at 91
Taipei, Feb 16, 2026 (AFP) - King Liu, the founder of Taiwanese bicycle maker Giant and a self-described "missionary" for cycling culture, died on Monday at the age of 91, the company said. Liu "passed away peacefully" early on Monday, Giant Group said in a statement, describing him as a "lifelong advocate" for pedal power. "Throughout his life, Mr Liu devoted himself to bicycles, believing they represented not merely a business, but a meaningful way of life," Giant said. Liu told AFP in 2016 he got into cycling seriously at the age of 73 after years out of the saddle. "There will be one day when I can't pedal my bike anymore," Liu told AFP in 2016.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 15:26 UTC
Behind the red characters of festivity, Chinese calligraphy demands discipline
Beyond the festive flourish of red paper couplets bearing auspicious characters, Chinese calligraphy is anchored in rigour, patience and sustained discipline. Ng Swee Kheng, the president of the Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia, said mastery rests on consistent training and long-term dedication, as every character carries its own architecture and technique. Growing interest, he noted, is reflected in large-scale gatherings such as the Kuala Lumpur World Calligraphy Carnival 2024 and the 2026 National Huichun Calligraphy Convention, which drew thousands of enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Chinese calligraphy in Malaysia, he added, has developed a distinct identity through the integration of local elements such as batik motifs and Malay poetry. “This is my first experience with Chinese calligraphy, and I am pleased to learn something new.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 15:20 UTC
The cow that uses tools
(The paper cites a famous Gary Larson cartoon whose premise seems to be that the very idea of cows devising tools is absurd.) This is the first scientifically documented case of tool use in cows, researchers say. A filmmaker scouting for locations had captured footage of Veronika using an old, battered rake to scratch her back. “So for her, using this tool to scratch herself was something that she was really, really looking for,” Osuna-Mascaro said. That suggests that the ability to use tools “is something that lays really deep within the nature of these animals,” Osuna-Mascaro said.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 15:20 UTC
‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10 contestant hospitalised after pouring nail glue in eye
Season 10 of Love Is Blind premiered on Feb 11 on Netflix, and the show is already making headlines after contestant Elissa Finley was hospitalised for getting nail glue in her eye. In the first episode, the 38-year-old nurse can seen rushing into the women’s lounge shouting, “Oh my god! (Expletive)!”Finley was quickly rushed to the hospital after she realised she’d accidentally poured nail glue in her eye, mistaking it for eye drops. “I go in [to the pods] and there’s a little bottle there, and I wanted to put eye drops in my eye. It was nail glue,” Finley said, adding that as her vision became blurry she thought she was about to lose her sight.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 15:09 UTC
South Korean celebrity couple Lee Seung-gi and Lee Da-in expecting their second child
South Korean actor Lee Seung-gi and his actress-wife Lee Da-in are expecting their second child. Lee Seung-gi’s agency Big Planet Made told South Korean media on Feb 12 that she is in her fifth month of pregnancy. Lee Seung-gi, 39, and Lee Da-in, 33, tied the knot on April 7, 2023, and welcomed their firstborn – a girl – on Feb 5, 2024. On Feb 5, 2025, she posted on Instagram three photos of Lee Seung-gi carrying the baby with a cake in front of them, with the words “cute” and “I love dad” on the photos. Thank you for giving me endless happiness throughout the year.”On Feb 5, she uploaded photos of the toddler’s second birthday celebration, with the girl surrounded by rabbit soft toys.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 15:08 UTC
Two-month-old baby allegedly abused by caregiver Negri Sembilan
SEREMBAN: Police are probing a 46-year-old babysitter for allegedly abusing a two-year-old toddler under her care. District OCPD Asst Comm Azahar Abd Rahim said police have recorded the suspect's statement after receiving a report of the alleged abuse. "She then took him to the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital and medical personnel confirmed the injuries, which included abrasions on the victim's chest," he said in a statement. He said the victim has been admitted to the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital and his condition is stable. He urged those with information on the case to contact the district police at 06 6033 222.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 15:08 UTC
Why applying sunscreen should be part of your daily routine
In this context, understanding UV radiation is essential for selecting the most appropriate sunscreen. The majority of UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface consists of UVA, while a smaller proportion is UVB. To quantify UV exposure, the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is used to measure the intensity of UV radiation at the Earth’s surface. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sunscreen daily for protection against UV radiation. Regardless of the SPF used, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and more frequently after swimming or excessive sweating, to maintain effective protection.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 14:54 UTC
QuickCheck: Are foreigners buying subsidised cooking oil packets in Bangi?
A POST on social media platform Threads claimed that a supermarket in Bangi was openly allowing foreigners to purchase subsidised packet cooking oil. But are foreign nationals really buying subsidised cooking oil packets at a shop in Bangi? Verdict:FALSEThe Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's Selangor office has confirmed there were no sales of subsidised packet cooking oil to foreigners at a shop in Bangi. "The premises actually prevented the purchase of packet cooking oil by foreigners and no sales took place," it said. Earlier, media reported that the ministry was investigating a supermarket in Bangi that was allegedly allowing foreigners to purchase packet cooking oil.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 14:53 UTC
Japan’s toilet vehicles provide comfort to evacuees during disasters
According to toilet vehicle manufacturer Montelion, annual orders surged in fiscal year 2025 – from just a few units to about 250 units in around 150 municipalities. Municipal governments with toilet vehicles have signed an agreement to dispatch them to one another when a disaster strikes. In the two months immediately following the Noto earthquake, around 15 toilet vehicles were sent to affected areas where roads were still intact. Nevertheless, toilet vehicles alone will not be enough to meet the needs of evacuees. “It’s important to gradually put into place a system where toilet vehicles can be used in combination with temporary and portable toilets,” Kato said.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 14:51 UTC