Autogate system running smoothly at Penang Airport
GEORGE TOWN: The autogate system at Penang International Airport (PIA) has been fully implemented, a move expected to enhance the efficiency of Immigration inspections and alleviate passenger congestion at departure and arrival halls. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the full rollout of the system proceeded smoothly since operations began at 6am on Thursday (Feb 12), showing a positive impact on passenger flow despite flight volumes remaining at usual levels. "The user acceptance test was completed yesterday and starting today, the new autogate system fully opened to international visitors. Wong added that the full implementation of the MyNIISe system is timely, ahead of the peak festive seasons of Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which are expected to see an influx of tourists to Penang. Chow had attributed the previous congestion to the new system being in an adjustment phase, coupled with the arrival of several flights in close succession, particularly from China.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 16:04 UTC
Ringgit hits near eight-year high of 3.89 vs US dollar
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit climbed to a fresh high of 3.8995 against the US dollar on Thursday, hovering near its strongest level in almost eight years. The local currency last traded around that level on April 23, 2018, at 3.8965/8995 against the US dollar. At 6 pm, the local currency firmed to 3.8995/9060 versus the greenback, strengthening from Wednesday's close of 3.9110/9170. At the close, the ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. The ringgit inched up against the Indonesian rupiah to 231.7/232.2 from 233.0/233.4 at Wednesday's close, and was higher vis-a-vis the Singapore dollar at 3.0931/0985 from 3.0990/1040 previously.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 15:39 UTC
INTERACTIVE: Love has no age limit as senior weddings rise
"But post-pandemic levels exceed pre-2019 levels, especially for older women," he added. More weddings bellsCalling it a positive development, experts say it is likely that senior marriages will continue rising in future. “With Malaysia ageing rapidly and the increased social acceptance, senior marriages will continue to increase,” said Tey. “They should also promote public awareness campaigns to normalise senior marriages and reduce stigma,” he said. Chai agreed that senior marriages will continue to grow, especially among those aged between 60 and 74, or the younger cohort of senior citizens.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 15:35 UTC
Astro unveils great value offers with eight popular streaming apps in one simple pack
KUALA LUMPUR: Astro, Malaysia’s leading content and entertainment provider, is inviting Malaysians to enjoy more of what they love through special promotional offers on selected Astro One packs. Curated to suit different viewing preferences and lifestyles, the Astro One packs offer something for every household. It’s a simpler, richer and more convenient way for families to enjoy entertainment every day. Beyond great value, these packs open the door to a compelling line-up of entertainment across Astro channels and streaming apps. With these promotional Astro One packs, Astro aims to continue to make entertainment simple, connected and enjoyable for everyone.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 15:21 UTC
Today's news in pictures - Thursday, Feb 12, 2026
Here's a glimpse at what happened throughout the country in photographs. KUALA LUMPUR: Cleaning workers wash the windows of a building in Bangsar South. – NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIBKUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is illuminated after nearly a year of conservation and restoration. – NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIBKUALA LUMPUR: Lantern‑shaped light decorations line Jalan Raja Laut. – NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIBPUTRAJAYA: The Putrajaya Lake Cruise carries tourists around the lake.
Source:New Strait Times
February 12, 2026 15:03 UTC
BAM invites Zii Jia and Sze Fei-Izzuddin for Thomas Cup training [WATCH]
BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the national body has already sent a formal invitation to Zii Jia, seen as a vital cog in Malaysia's Thomas Cup squad, to attend the proposed training sessions three days a week. NSTP/ASWADI ALIASKUALA LUMPUR: Assembling the strongest squad possible in its bid to regain the Thomas Cup after 34 years, BAM has invited independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia to join training for the campagin in Horsens, Denmark on April 24-May 3. BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the national body has already sent a formal invitation to Zii Jia, seen as a vital cog in Malaysia's Thomas Cup squad, to attend the proposed training sessions three days a week. "We have invited independent players Zii Jia and Sze Fei-Izzuddin. Zii Jia had turned down an invitation to train with BAM during the preparation for the 2024 Thomas Cup, but led the team to the semi-final spot in Chengdu, China.
Source:New Strait Times
February 12, 2026 14:34 UTC
Maxland plans one-for-one rights issue to raise RM32.07 mil
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 12): Maxland Bhd (KL:MAXLAND) has proposed a rights issue to raise up to RM32.07 million to fund maintenance of its timber camp infrastructure, tree replanting and plantation improvement works, and working capital. The issuance, involving up to 2.405 billion rights shares, will be offered at two sen each, on the basis of one new share for every one existing share held, the timber firm said in a bourse filing. Assuming a base case, where none of its outstanding 801.81 million warrants B are exercised, and entitlements are fully subscribed, the company expects to raise RM32.07 million from the issuance of 1.6 billion rights shares. It completed a RM6.78 million private placement and a RM51 million redeemable convertible note issuance in June 2021, a RM2.05 million private placement in December 2021, a RM13.64 million private placement in January 2023, and an RM11.37 million private placement in February 2024. The proposed rights issue is subject to shareholders’ nods at an extraordinary general meeting to be convened.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 12, 2026 14:27 UTC
Floods: Number of evacuees in Sipitang rises to 195 people
KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood evacuees at two relief centres (PPS) in Sipitang rose to 195 people from 93 families on Thursday (Feb 12) morning, up from 91 people from 43 families recorded Wednesday (Feb 11). The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat said, in a statement, that all the victims were residents of 14 villages in Sipitang affected by the floods. "The PPS at Dewan K Padang Berempah is sheltering 93 people from 45 families, while Dewan SMK Padang Berempah accommodates 102 people from 48 families," it said. Heavy rain since Tuesday (Feb 10) evening has caused the water level of Sungai Mengalong to rise, leading to flooding in nearby villages.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 14:15 UTC
C4 urges suspension of MACC officers involved in alleged collusion, calls for reform and greater oversight
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 12): The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) has called for the immediate suspension of any Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers implicated in Bloomberg’s report alleging collusion with businesspeople to take over local companies. Bloomberg’s report claimed that a “corporate mafia” worked with MACC officers to gain control of companies by pressuring executives, with MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki allegedly involved. C4 said that if these claims are true, they would amount to serious abuses of power and highlighted past and recent reports regarding Azam Baki’s shareholdings. The MACC issued a statement of support on Tuesday, noting that Azam had complied with asset declaration requirements, while Azam has denied wrongdoing over his shareholdings. C4 also urged the government to accelerate reforms within the MACC, including removing the prime minister’s power to appoint the MACC chief commissioner, strengthening external oversight mechanisms and making operations of the MACC’s “Section D” more transparent.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 12, 2026 13:57 UTC
High Court orders KSK Land to pay RM102m to GDB unit over 8 Conlay works
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 12): GDB Holdings Bhd (KL:GDB) said its wholly-owned subsidiary Grand Dynamic Builders Sdn Bhd has obtained a favourable High Court judgment against KSK Land Sdn Bhd, which is in liquidation, to recover amounts owed for works on the 8 Conlay project. In a bourse filing, GDB said the court awarded Grand Dynamic Builders RM102.08 million, together with interest of 5% annum on RM93.39 million until full settlement and RM80,000 in costs. The dispute traces back to late payments under a RM1.25 billion contract for the 8 Conlay mixed development, where Grand Dynamic Builders was the main contractor. Damai City Sdn Bhd subsequently terminated the contract, leading Grand Dynamic Builders to file a fresh suit in May 2023 to recover RM102.08 million and initiate adjudication proceedings. Grand Dynamic Builders’ adjudication proceedings against Damai City commenced in October 2024, while it had earlier filed a winding-up petition against KSK Land in January 2024.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 12, 2026 13:31 UTC
Malaysia urged to invest in sports to keep ageing population healthy
AMPANG: With Malaysia facing an ageing population crisis, increased investment into sports facilities and programmes could be key to keeping ageing Malaysians healthy for generations to come, says Ling Tian Soon. The MCA Youth chief said increasing overall accessibility to sports was key to ensuring Malaysians are able to exercise whenever they are able to. “We need to start planning and building more sports and healthcare facilities before the crisis becomes too serious. “By doing this, we can prepare our youth to be healthier by the time they start to get older. The pickleball event, organised by MCA Youth, saw over 10 pairs of teams from various media agencies take part in a casual mini-tournament, with the winner earning a small prize and certificate.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 13:26 UTC
Petronas expands upstream footprint in Oman
Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) unit PC Oman Ventures Ltd has inked an deal with the Oman government and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore LLC (OQEP) to explore oil and gas in Block 18. KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) unit PC Oman Ventures Ltd has inked an deal with the Oman government and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore LLC (OQEP) to explore oil and gas in Block 18. PC Oman has been active in the Middle Eastern country since 2018 and currently holds a participating interest in Block 61. "The addition of Block 18 aligns with our commitment to disciplined portfolio expansion, providing strategic optionality across our international portfolio," he said. The collaboration combines Petronas' offshore exploration strengths with OQEP's regional expertise, reinforcing its drive to build a more competitive upstream portfolio.
Source:New Strait Times
February 12, 2026 13:25 UTC
Zafrul sticks with goal to bring back Thomas Cup home this year
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) remain resolute in their mission to bring home the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, brushing aside concerns over the inconsistent form of the men’s singles department. BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stressed that the governing body must continue to aim high, with winning the Thomas Cup listed as one of the five key targets under the Tangkis Juara 2030 blueprint introduced last October. At the moment, the situation does not look very promising for the national squad to win the Thomas Cup, with the men’s singles players’ performances at the Asia Team Championships in Qingdao falling short of expectations. During the meeting, Zafrul briefed Wan Azizah on the national team’s mission and received her full support for their bid to win the Thomas Cup. “She agreed with our target to go all out to win the Thomas Cup.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 13:24 UTC
Man stabs wife before taking own life in Kepong
PETALING JAYA: A domestic dispute turned deadly when a man allegedly stabbed his wife to death before taking his own life in a double tragedy at a house in Kepong on Wednesday (Feb 11). “Upon arrival, police found a 54-year-old man with stab wounds to the neck and a 52-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds, including injuries to the neck, hand and body,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 12). He said both victims were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies were sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital Forensic Unit for a post-mortem. It is believed that the husband stabbed his wife before taking his own life,” he said. ACP Ahmad Sukarno urged those with information to contact the Sentul district police headquarters operations room at 03-40482222.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 13:22 UTC
It's heartbreaking I have to leave Malaysia, says outgoing US Ambassador
Outgoing US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said bilateral ties are now more dynamic and candid. "Any visit by a President is a very big deal for an ambassador," he said, describing the visit as recognition of Malaysia's importance within Asean. "It's been a tremendous privilege to be able to represent the United States here," he said. He said that having served in Malaysia on two separate tours made leaving the country particularly difficult. Kagan will conclude his tour of duty in Malaysia on Feb 15, bringing to a close a remarkable 35-year career as a diplomat.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 13:20 UTC