Sleepless and in pain thinking of family queries during CNY
The 29-year-old woman from China’s Hubei province had been anxious about her return to her hometown for Chinese New Year, fearing the repeated questions from relatives about marriage, childbearing and her work. Her anxiety was so bad that she developed persistent stomach cramps as she spent sleepless nights dreading their questions. He urged people to give up what he refers to as “unnecessary socialising” and set aside personal time and space to rest. > Olympic medallist and world diving champion Cheong Jun Hoong, who gave birth to her first child about two months ago, is enjoying motherhood, China Press reported. “From a newborn to an infant, it all happened before I knew it,” said Cheong, who got married in October 2024.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 04:09 UTC
Hao to make it count
1 Leong Jun Hao to let his hard work in training speak for itself when he steps onto the competition arena. Jun Hao will get to test himself in the German Open from Feb 24-March 1, before travelling to Birmingham for the world’s oldest badminton tournament, the All-England, from March 3-8. However, after three weeks of solid training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara, Jun Hao is showing encouraging signs, and Jonassen is hopeful the improvement will continue in the lead up to their European assignments. Besides Jun Hao, Justin Hoh will also be in action at the German Open, while Paris Olympic bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia will have to come through the qualifying rounds before earning a place in the main draw. Jun Hao, in particular, is in need of a positive showing as he and several other national men’s singles players have come under heavy criticism for a string of flat and unconvincing performances.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 04:03 UTC
‘Smart spending not a bane for retailers’
PETALING JAYA: Shoppers are more cautious and prudent with their spending as they welcome the Chinese New Year (CNY) festivity and Ramadan fasting month period, say business groups. Malaysian Shopping Centre Association president Phang Sau Lian said while consumers are more willing to spend, their spending decisions are simultaneously more rational, cautious and savvy. Phang said for this year’s Chinese New Year period, consumer retail spending habits has increased compared to last year. On purchasing habits among tourists, he said there has been an increase of tourists since last year, especially from China, Indonesia and Singapore. “On average, tourist spending goes up two to three times than local consumption,” Chan said.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 04:03 UTC
With fewer acting jobs, Malaysian actor Shaun Chen charges on as a first-time film producer
One of Malaysian actor Shaun Chen’s favourite Chinese idioms is “ma dao cheng gong”, which translates to “success comes as soon as the horse arrives”. His Malaysian production company Filmforce Studio, which he joined as its director in 2018, is working on its first feature film in partnership with a Malaysian collaborator. Doing an entire film in Singapore, Chen believes, would be hard to sustain financially, given the higher costs and limited space. Chen is also growing his YouTube channel Shaun With You, which he started in October 2025 to share his personal stories, acting journey and family life. Says Chen: “Last year was a bad time for me, but I can feel the jobs and chances coming back.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 04:02 UTC
Akmal to host CNY open house in Merlimau after Umrah trip
JASIN: As lanterns and red decorations go up in Merlimau, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is preparing to mark the Year of the Horse by hosting an open house in his constituency on Feb 28. "Everyone is welcome to attend the open house on that day," he told The Star on Monday (Feb 16), adding that he is the only non-Chinese assemblyman in the state to organise a Lunar New Year open house since being elected as the Merlimau representative. Dr Muhamad Akmal said he began making Chinese New Year visits across his constituency on Friday (Feb 13) as he would be away performing the umrah pilgrimage from Monday (Feb 16) to Feb 24. Dr Muhamad Akmal said RM40,000 had been allocated to organise the open house, while RM10,000 in ang pow was distributed to teachers and pupils of Chinese primary schools in Merlimau. Earlier this month, Dr Muhamad Akmal dismissed allegations that he is anti-Chinese, saying his disagreements with DAP are political in nature and not directed at the Chinese community.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 04:02 UTC
Woman driving EV crashes into three vehicles, five injured
The incident, which occurred at around 5.30pm, was believed to have happened when an EV driven by a 31-year-old woman lost control and crashed into three other vehicles, including a motorcycle, according to Sinar Harian. He said the EV driven by the woman also crashed into another vehicle, a blue compact car, parked in the same area. According to Mohd Nasyim, the 32-year-old compact car driver is suspected to have suffered a broken right shoulder. "Three other passengers, including a 29-year-old woman, sustained bruises to their abdomen, while a 28-year-old woman and a four-year-old boy suffered minor injuries," he said. "All the victims, including the EV car driver, are receiving treatment at the hospital," he added.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 04:02 UTC
DBKL raids illegal stalls, targets businesses by foreign hawkers
The city’s markets came under the radar of Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) enforcement team when it launched a series of operations to clamp down on illegal stalls and foreign traders. The targeted areas were Pasar Taman OUG in Seputeh, Pasar Pudu and the wholesale market area of Pusat Bandar Utara (PBU) in Selayang. In a statement, DBKL said the raids saw 35 compound notices issued and 16 assets seized. In addition to a crackdown targeting unlicensed hawkers and illegal businesses run by foreigners, action was also taken against businesses that obstruct pedestrian walkways, back lanes and public parking bays with their goods and equipment. The public is encouraged to channel information regarding illegal trading activities at local markets to DBKL via adukl.dbkl.gov.my
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 03:51 UTC
Persistence pays off as Faris wins first world title in third attempt with Cheah
The Malaysian pair combined superbly to defeat Taiwan’s Fan Jen-yu-Pu Gui-yu 21-11, 21-11 in the final at Isa Sports City. Good job: Faris Ahmad Azri showing off his first world title medal with partner Cheah Liek Hou. And after that, we weren’t partnered for a while.”After 2022, the pair split, and Liek Hou partnered with Mohd Fareez Anuar. And I hope with this first title, Faris will maintain his performance. “It’s hard to hold the world title, but with hard work, I believe Faris can do it,” said Liek Hou, who bagged his seventh doubles world title.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 03:37 UTC
Women most affected as love scam cases rise in January
KUALA LUMPUR: Women account for 60% of love scam victims in January, according to data. The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department said in a statement that 100 love scam cases were recorded in January, up from 95 in the same period last year, reported Sinar Harian. "The comparative statistics show an increase of five cases, or approximately 5.3%, in terms of the number of reports," it said in a statement on Monday (Feb 16)"The total loss recorded in January was RM3.5mil, representing a decrease of 27% compared to the total loss of RM4.9mi in January last year," it added. According to the statement, 72% of the victims were aged 30 to 50, indicating that this age group is the most vulnerable to such fraud syndicates. "The public is advised to be more cautious of unknown individuals who attempt to establish relationships online, and to immediately call 997 if they become victims of fraud," the statement said.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 03:36 UTC
CPO futures to trade sideways
KUALA LUMPUR: Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are expected to trade sideways with bearish bias this week in view of the Chinese New Year holidays, with both China and Malaysia markets closed for the celebration. Proprietary trader David Ng of Iceberg X Sdn Bhd said the market is likely to be in a bearish bias amid persistently high stock levels and weak demand in recent weeks. He said there is likely to be subdued buying interest from key importing countries.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 03:28 UTC
‘Sacked MPs free to join any party’
They also said the group aligned to Hamzah are free to join any party or form a new one as this would not contravene the anti-hopping legislation. “As it stands, Bersatu has admitted to expelling Hamzah and 16 others from the party. Legal and constitutional expert Assoc Prof Dr Khairil Azmin Mokhtar also said that the sacked MPs are free to join any political party. He added that a parliamentary seat does not automatically become vacant if an MP is expelled from their party, if their party is dissolved, or if they join a new party as part of a bloc, such as in a coalition merger. Several lawmakers expelled from Bersatu said Hamzah is believed to be considering joining or assuming control of another Malay-based party, without leaving Perikatan.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 00:45 UTC
Govt to ensure federal projects are on time
PONTIAN: District officers nationwide must submit a comprehensive report on the implementation of small-scale federal projects in their respective areas within a month, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the district-level reports are crucial to ensuring that small federal projects benefiting the rakyat are completed on schedule and not left unattended. On the additional block for Pontian Hospital, Anwar said the project must be expedited and placed under a fast-track mechanism by the Health Ministry. Operating since 1929, Pontian Hospital serves residents in Pontian and surrounding areas, including Benut and Kukup. Anwar, who is also the PKR president, reminded members to use internal party channels to air their views and grievances.
Source:The Star
February 15, 2026 23:47 UTC
Committed to assisting Johor govt
PONTIAN: The Federal Government remains committed to assisting the Johor government in improving its economic standing, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said federal spending on Johor was among the highest in the country, noting allocations for highway projects and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. “Johor has extraordinary potential, and with proper management, the state can achieve more significant progress while ensuring that the people continue to receive attention and support,” he said, Bernama reported. Earlier, it was reported that Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had called for 25% of Johor’s income tax revenue to be returned to the state, following several recent delays, including the opening of Hospital Pasir Gudang, disruptions to the autogate system at the border, as well as delays in flood mitigation projects in the state.
Source:The Star
February 15, 2026 23:47 UTC
A chance to rebuild with help from many
Helping hands soon emerged, such as former Bentong MPs Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai of MCA, who led the fire victims’ rebuilding household committee, with Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek as the adviser. Victims were relocated – some to rented homes, others staying with relatives and friends – while redevelopment and rebuilding works were carried out. The Sultan expressed gratitude to the state government and agencies involved as well as former Bentong MPs – Lim and Liow. FBG Holdings deputy chairman Tan Sri Kuan Peng Soon and group executive director Datuk Kong Kam Loong were present yesterday as well. Tuanku has given us the biggest support,” said Chan.
Source:The Star
February 15, 2026 23:31 UTC
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Bond traders look to jobs data, stocks for gut check on rally
(Feb 16) : US bond traders will be watching the trajectory of stocks this week and economic releases such as private payrolls data to see whether the rally in Treasuries has legs. Benchmark 10-year yields enter the holiday-shortened week at the lowest in months, after haven buying spurred by a tech-driven slide in US stocks. A tame inflation reading on Friday helped extend the bond market’s advance, and left traders leaning toward at least two Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts by year-end. “The near-term drivers for bonds will be what happens with data and risk assets,” said John Madziyire, a portfolio manager at Vanguard. Meanwhile, traders were fully pricing in two quarter-point cuts ahead this year, and a roughly 50% chance of a third by year-end.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 15, 2026 23:02 UTC