Shah Alam's first female mayor vows swift, decisive leadership
SHAH ALAM: Making decisions fast is the motto of the newly appointed Shah Alam mayor, Datuk Zabidah Safar, who is the first female to hold the post in the Selangor state capital city. “I like her leadership style, where she prefers decisions to be made quickly. That is my leadership style too,” said Zabidah when met by StarMetro after her swearing-in ceremony at Wisma Shah Alam this morning. She pledges to prioritise Shah Alam City Council's (MBSA) core responsibilities, particularly cleanliness, as a key focus area. She previously held senior positions at the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), Hulu Langat District and Land Office, and the Selangor Treasury.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 15:04 UTC
Sze Fei-Izzuddin agree to Thomas Cup, Asian Games, says Rexy
1 men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have agreed to help strengthen the national squad for the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark from April 24-May 3. The matter was confirmed by national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky. Rexy said Sze Fei-Izzuddin have not only committed to the Thomas Cup campaign but have also pledged to remain with the Malaysian set up through to the Asian Games in Aichi Nagoya, scheduled from Sept 19 to Oct 4. In fact, they have committed until the Asian Games,” said Rexy. Meanwhile, former Asian champion, Lee Zii Jia and women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei have asked for a week before making a final decision
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 15:00 UTC
Melaka assembly may dissolve in April, state poll expected in June
MELAKA: The Melaka legislative assembly could be dissolved during its April sitting, paving the way for a state election likely to be held in early June, according to several state political party leaders. Mohd Radzmin said the state poll could be held before the PKR national congress, which is scheduled to take place in Melaka from June 25 to 28. "However, we will wait for the next state assembly sitting in April," he said. Last month, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he expects the state poll to be held within the next two to 10 months. In the 2021 Melaka election, Barisan won 21 of the 28 seats it contested.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 14:49 UTC
Carrick praises Man Utd 'diversity' after Ratcliffe's immigrant rant
Manchester United fans display a banner in protest to co-owner Jim Ratcliffe during the FA CUP third-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, Jan 11. - REUTERS PICLONDON: Michael Carrick praised Manchester United's "diversity" after the club's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe caused controversy by claiming the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants." Ratcliffe was widely criticised for his outburst last week and later apologised if his remarks had "offended some people." Facing the media on Friday for the first time since Ratcliffe's incendiary comments, United interim manager Carrick highlighted his club's inclusive attitude. Carrick is confident that the controversy generated by Ratcliffe's views will not have a negative affect on his multi-national squad.
Source:New Strait Times
February 20, 2026 14:26 UTC
Fisheries Act amendment to strengthen marine mammal conservation
PUTRAJAYA: The Fisheries Malaysia Department is amending the Fisheries Regulations under Section 27 of the Fisheries Act 1985, specifically the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, to include nine marine mammal species in the existing protection list. He said the nine marine mammal species proposed for listing are Balaenoptera omurai, Peponocephala electra, Feresa attenuata, Tursiops aduncus, Stenella coeruleoalba, Stenella attenuata, Ziphius cavirostris, Steno bredanensis and Kogia sima. "In conjunction with International Marine Mammal Protection Day, the Department of Fisheries continues to develop the National Plan of Action for Dugong," he said. "The dugong (Dugong dugon) is an indicator species for the health of coastal marine ecosystems and is closely linked to the sustainability of seagrass beds that support fisheries productivity, coastal protection and blue carbon storage," he said. In addition to strengthening domestic protection, Adnan said the initiative also supports compliance with international trade standards.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 14:19 UTC
Sarah Ferguson’s whereabouts unknown following former Prince Andrew’s arrest
Sarah Ferguson’s whereabouts remain unknown following the arrest of her ex-husband, former Prince Andrew, on his 66th birthday Thursday (Feb 19) morning. Meanwhile, the former Duchess of York, who’s also mentioned multiple times in the Epstein files, has been MIA. Ferguson has kept a extremely low profile in the past few months as questions have swirled over her relationship with Epstein. Lady Sarah Ferguson (right) and Prince Andrew (centre) walk hand in hand on July 18, 1989 at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. The former prince was released from police custody on Thursday evening, roughly 11 hours after he was detained.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 14:10 UTC
New coach Zakry seeks stronger back-up behind Pearly-Thinaah
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia stand to gain plenty if they can have more than two top class women’s doubles pairs. Newly appointed coach Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif now has that task on his hands after officially reporting for duty on Thursday, ending months of speculation over his arrival. 1 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and the rest of the women’s doubles squad. There is then a sizeable drop to Cheng Su Hui-Tang Zhing Yi at No. 73, with Zhing Yi is currently sidelined by injury, and Chong Jie Yu-Vanessa Ng at No.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 14:01 UTC
Steven Sim hospitalised for extreme fatigue
GEORGE TOWN: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong (pic) has been admitted to the hospital after experiencing extreme fatigue due to a hectic work schedule over the past few weeks. Sim posted on Facebook that, after weeks of being busy with work, he ended up being hospitalised on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, his media officer, when contacted by Bernama, said they were only informed of Sim’s condition after the minister had been admitted to the hospital. The officer, who declined to be named, said that so far Sim’s family has not disclosed detailed information about the cause of his hospitalisation, but it is believed to be possibly due to extreme fatigue. "His condition is not serious, just very tired,” said the officer, adding that the family hopes Sim can be given space to rest fully.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 13:48 UTC
Russia says no peace dialogue ongoing with Japan over territorial dispute
MOSCOW (Feb 20): The Kremlin said on Friday that relations with Japan had been reduced to zero over Tokyo's "unfriendly" stance towards Russia, and there was no ongoing dialogue towards peace. Russia and Japan never signed a formal World War II peace treaty, with the main obstacle being an unresolved territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, said Russia's relations with Japan "have been reduced to zero" over what he cast as Tokyo's "unfriendly stance" towards Moscow. "There is no dialogue, and it is impossible to discuss the issue of a peace treaty without dialogue," he told reporters at a daily briefing. "...Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that any agreements can be reached without changing the modalities of our relations," he added.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 13:48 UTC
Plight of two families in Banting fire draws Anwar's attention
KUALA LUMPUR: The plight of two families who lost their homes in a fire at Jalan Nuri, Kampung Seri Cheeding, Banting, two weeks ago has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a Facebook post Friday (Feb 20), Anwar said that, prior to performing Friday prayers, he had visited both families to present them with contributions. "This incident is truly heartbreaking, especially as one of the families also lost a loved one - a three-year-old son - who died after being trapped in the fire. "May this small contribution help ease their burden, and I pray that both families are granted perseverance, strength, and that all their affairs are made easier as they face this very heavy test," he said. In the incident, in the early hours of Feb 6, a boy died after being trapped in a fire which destroyed three houses in the village.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 13:40 UTC
Police hunt 36 wanted individuals
PETALING JAYA: Police are searching for 36 wanted individuals to assist in investigations into various criminal offences. Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters is actively working to locate the individuals. “The Kuala Lumpur CID is currently tracking down 36 wanted persons to assist investigations into several criminal cases,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 20). Comm Fadil urged that members of the public who have any information or recognise the individuals are urged to come forward. Those with information can contact DSP K. Rajkumar of the D4 Division, Kuala Lumpur CID, at 03-2146 0613 or lodge a report at the nearest police station.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 13:33 UTC
Over 400 flee homes as floods hit Kota Marudu, Pitas
KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood evacuees in Kota Marudu and Pitas districts has risen to more than 406 people, involving 124 families from 24 villages. The figure increased from 336 displaced victims from 111 families recorded at 12pm. Earlier, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government, through the State Disaster Management Committee, is taking action to assist those affected. Meanwhile, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) informed its customers in Pitas, Beluran, Paitan, Kota Marudu and Sandakan that power supply has been disrupted due to the floods. It urged those in flooded areas to stay away from electric poles and other power infrastructure, and to report any incidents of fallen poles, power cuts or other related issues to 15444 or 088-515000.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 13:30 UTC
Chong Wei says Zii Jia's injury not serious, understands his situation
The Paris Olympic bronze medallist turned up at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Feb 20 (Friday) to meet Chong Wei and discuss his participation in the Finals. Drawing from his own experience as a former player, Chong Wei said he understood the nature of Zii Jia’s injury, describing it as something that would flare up from time to time. I think it is on and off issue with his injury and we hope he can recover well," said Chong Wei. Apart from the injury, several other matters were discussed, although Chong Wei declined to elaborate. "I told Zii Jia I hope he understands that we now have new management and a new president.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 13:04 UTC
Street cats are pampered and showered with affection in Istanbul
Kanyon is getting fat: since someone stole his basket, this white cat with grey markings who lives at an Istanbul shopping centre has been showered with snacks, love and affection. News of his stolen basket brought out countless well-wishers, who have handed him endless supplies of food, toys and a comfortable cat house. But in Istanbul, you can see the rats eating the food alongside the cats. “In Germany, we have many rats, but here, with so many cats, they must be afraid,” she smiled. Without its cats, Istanbul just would not be the same, she said.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 13:03 UTC
YTL Live partners Aviva for UK indoor arena project
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): YTL Live, YTL Corporation Bhd's (KL:YTL) operating company for a new live entertainment complex in Bristol, has announced that Aviva, a diversified UK insurer, has been named the partner of Bristol’s 20,000-capacity indoor arena under a long-term sponsorship agreement. They said an estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend live music, sports and entertainment at Aviva Arena each year. “Work has commenced to transform the iconic Brabazon Hangars, the birthplace of all the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets, into a live entertainment destination. The Aviva Arena is expected to host more than 120 major events every year, establishing the venue as a leading international "must-play arena" for artists, they said. “Demolition work has finished and construction by our own company, YTL Construction UK, is beginning.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 11:43 UTC