When sound becomes a silent threat
Yet I am deeply concerned about the growing risks associated with this habitual usage – risks that are not theoretical, but tragically real. A young life full of potential ended in seconds, leaving a family shattered and a community grieving. When our ears are filled with sound, our brain focuses inward on the music, the conversation or the video, rather than on the surrounding environment. While official data is limited, research by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has documented significant levels of distracted walking involving mobile electronic devices, including headphone use. Wearing earbuds while walking may seem harmless, but if it reduces your ability to detect danger, it becomes a form of self-endangerment.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 11:14 UTC
Weightlifter Aniq aims to retain Commonwealth gold
Weightlifter Aniq Kasdan is aiming to retain his gold medal at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 2. - NSTP file picKUALA LUMPUR: Weightlifter Aniq Kasdan is aiming to retain his gold medal at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 2. "My target at the Commonwealth Games is to defend my gold. He returned for the Thailand SEA Games last year and settled for fourth place in the men's under-60kg category. Aniq made history at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games when he delivered Malaysia's first gold medal in the men's 55kg event with a total lift of 249kg.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 11:11 UTC
Legend Chong Wei's message and massage of love on Valentines Day!
PETALING JAYA: Badminton icon Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei knows just what to say to his wife, Wong Mew Choo, on Valentine’s Day. “Thank you for being my strongest supporter from day one," Chong Wei shared a heartfelt message to his wife in a Facebook post on Saturday (Feb 14). For that, I will always be grateful.”Chong Wei also shared some advice to young lovebirds, drawing inspiration from the badminton court. Happy Valentine's Day.”At the same time, Chong Wei shared a funny incident that occurred recently, where his 12-year-old son, Kingston, showed his cheeky side. That night, it was Maggi for both of us,” Chong Wei wrote.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 11:09 UTC
Pakistan 'always ready' for India despite late green light: Agha
The biggest and most lucrative clash in world cricket has sold out the 35,000-capacity R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo with hundreds of millions more expected to watch on television. "This is a very big game and the magnitude is huge," Agha said ahead of the team's practice at the stadium on Saturday. But he warned: "We have to play good cricket to win the match." Agha hoped the players would shake hands, unlike during their three Asia Cup matches in Dubai last year. "The game should be played in the true spirit of the game," said Agha.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 11:08 UTC
Winter wonderland woos tourists
SNOW and ice may have brought travellers to China’s winter cities, but it is food, shopping and leisure services that are increasingly shaping how long they will stay and how they will experience the trip. From resort dining to cultural souvenirs, China’s winter tourism industry is shifting its focus beyond the slopes, turning seasonal travel into a broader consumption story.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 11:08 UTC
Mercedes CEO’s luxury crown bet
SURROUNDED by more than a century of automotive history at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart, tennis legend Roger Federer edged a jet black S-Class sedan on to the stage amid flashing cameras and pulsating music, lending star power to the German carmaker’s latest attempt to defend its luxury crown. Alongside Federer’s appearance, the unveiling featured a cameo by Nvidia Corp’s Jensen Huang.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 11:08 UTC
BHIC’s turnaround upside gets priced in
THE cash offer of 48 sen by Boustead Holdings Bhd for minority holders of Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (BHIC) provides relief to shareholders in the illiquid stock but limits their potential for greater upside if the company experiences a future operational rebound. The price represents a significant premium – 55% above the last trade and 71% above the six-month volume-weighted average – making it an appealing exit for minorities in a low-liquidity scenario.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 11:08 UTC
Mission heavy, not impossible
IT is not easy to describe the role of Khazanah Nasional Bhd. To its detractors, the sovereign wealth fund, which has been around since 1993, has a blurred focus. It has sought to straddle its role as an investment company tasked with delivering financial returns to the government while also playing a nation-building role.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 11:08 UTC
Tucker stars as Ireland crush Oman by 96 runs at T20 World Cup
Ireland's captain Lorcan Tucker plays a shot during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match against Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.--AFPCOLOMBO: Ireland's stand-in-captain Lorcan Tucker scored a superb unbeaten 94 as they hammered Oman by 96 runs to register their first Group B win at the T20 World Cup. It propelled Ireland to the tournament's highest score of 235-5, the second biggest total in the history of the men's T20 World Cup. Oman were never remotely in the chase at Colombo's Sinhalese Sports Club and were bundled out for 139 in 18 overs. Tucker put on 101 runs for the fifth wicket with Gareth Delany, who made 56 off 30 balls. In reply, opener Aamir Kaleem scored exactly 50 and Hammad Mirza 46 but they were the only bright spots for Oman.-AFP
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 10:56 UTC
A look at the National Family Compassion Policy (DKKN) 2026-2030
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at the launch of the National Family Compassion Policy (DKKN) 2026–2030 in Ipoh today. BERNAMA PICPrime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the National Family Compassion Policy (DKKN) 2026–2030 today as a renewed national framework to strengthen families. Malaysia's previous framework, the National Family Policy (DKN) 2010–2020, was introduced in 2010 to mainstream family perspectives in national development. At the same time, national health surveys show notable levels of depression among adults and children. It means policy support is designed around different stages of family life — newlyweds, young parents, families with teenagers, adult children and elderly parents — rather than treating all families the same.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 10:31 UTC
Hamzah receives boisterous welcome at 'Reset' gathering
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin received a boisterous welcome from hundreds of members and axed leaders at an event called "Reset" here on Saturday (Feb 14). ", the latter in reference to Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The event was organised by Bersatu vice-president and Sabah Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, who is known as a staunch supporter of Hamzah. Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said that Hamzah would address the crowd not as a Bersatu leader. On Friday, the Bersatu Disciplinary Board issued dismissal notices to 17 members, including Hamzah, who is also the Opposition Leader.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 10:25 UTC
Govt phasing out contract system for medical officers, says Dzulkefly
PETALING JAYA: Phasing out the contract system for medical officers, is among the measures taken to address the staffing crisis, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The manpower constraint has been driven by supply shortage due to the decline in medical graduates entering the system as well as the maldistribution of workforce across the nation. This includes the phasing out of the contract system for medical officers, mandatory mobilisation to ensure fair workforce distribution, streamlining house officers training for faster integration and enhancing healthcare workers' welfare. The Johor state health department said in January that contract medical officers have been mobilised to several hospitals in the state. In an interview with The Star in October, Dzulkefly had said a proposal to end the contract system would be tabled to the Cabinet.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 10:23 UTC
Tang Jie-Ee Wei serve notice of All England intent
Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei will skip the German Open to focus on the Super 1000 All England. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei and world No. Following the All England, only Pang Ron-Su Yin will play in the Swiss Open (March 10-15), while Tang Jie-Ee Wei will adjust plans based on their condition. World champions Tang Jie-Ee Wei reached the quarter-finals of the season-opening Malaysia Cup and were ousted in the first round of the India Open before winning the Indonesia Masters. Meanwhile, Pang Ron-Su Yin have failed to reach a quarter-final in three tournaments played this year.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 10:23 UTC
More relief and a new tax this year
“This is the first year dividend tax applies,” said accounts and tax expert Datin Christine Koh. Tax reliefs reduce tax payable, not actual spending. “At a 20% tax rate, spending RM1,000 only saves RM200 in tax. Tax expert Datuk Koong Lin Loong said the relief applies to loan agreements signed between Jan 1, 2025 and Dec 31, 2027. “For example, if a loan is signed at the end of 2027, the tax relief can carry on to 2029,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 10:21 UTC
MM2H programme generated RM3.87bil for national economy in 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has generated RM3.87bil for the nation's economy as of the end of 2025. "Since the implementation of the revised policy in June 2024, the programme has recorded 14,535 applications, comprising 5,239 principals and 9,296 dependants. Strong interest was also recorded from Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom," it said in a statement. The ministry said the RM3.87bil economic contribution includes participation fees, fixed deposits in local banks and property investments amounting to RM1.5bil to date. The ministry urged licensed operators that have yet to record any applications to be more proactive in promoting the programme internationally.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 10:14 UTC