Never too young to fast
Muslim children under the age of puberty are not obliged to fast during Ramadan, but many of them are eager to start fasting. While she does not encourage Hawa to fast, she wants to educate her on Ramadan. Rozaihan Abdul Rahim (centre) said her children, Muhammad Arefi (left) and Afiyya Medinah, both started fasting when they were six-years-old. Rozaihan said every Muslim mother should encourage her children to fast from a young age so it is easier for them as they grow older. “I enjoy the moments and I want my children to keep these memories of fasting when young,” she added.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 11:41 UTC
Registrar of Societies refutes power abuse allegations by Malaysian Indian People’s Party
PUTRAJAYA (Feb 20): The Registrar of Societies (ROS) has stressed that it does not intervene in the internal affairs of any political party or registered organisation. In a statement on Friday, the ROS said that any internal disputes are the responsibility of the organisations themselves and should be resolved in accordance with their respective constitutions. “Accordingly, the ROS refutes allegations by the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) of misconduct regarding the department’s decision on the organisation’s internal issues. The ROS emphasised that any allegations of abuse of power or undue influence are unfounded and affirmed its willingness to fully cooperate with the authorities if required. However, Mohd Zulfikar was reported on Friday as denying the allegations, saying that the ROS’ actions were based on the results of investigations and the evidence submitted to the department.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 11:32 UTC
Velocity Capital executive director See resigns a month after leaving MMAG
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Velocity Capital Partner Bhd (KL:VELOCITY), which has been in the spotlight recently, announced the resignation of executive director See Toh Kean Yaw on Friday, effective immediately. See had been on the board of Velocity Capital, then known as CSH Alliance Bhd, since December 2023. In that same month, Velocity Capital emerged as a substantial shareholder in MMAG with a 6.46% stake. See also currently holds directorship in Harvest Miracle Capital Bhd (KL:HM), where he serves as executive director. Both Velocity Capital and Farhash sold their stakes at a loss.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 11:07 UTC
Dollar set for biggest weekly gain since October as Middle East tensions rise
The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, nudged slightly higher on Friday and was last set for a weekly rise of about 1.1%. Earlier in the week, minutes from the Fed's most recent meeting showed policymakers were divided on the outlook for rates, given the persistence of inflation. Sterling last languished near a one-month low at US$1.3455 and was heading for a weekly drop of 1.4%, its biggest since January 2025. Rates, rates, ratesMarkets on Friday also awaited the release of the US core PCE price index and advance fourth quarter GDP figures later in the day, which could drive the next move in currencies. Elsewhere, the New Zealand dollar headed for a weekly fall of 1.3%, affected by a dovish outlook on rates from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 11:07 UTC
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Earnings concerns keep foreign investors underweight on Malaysian market, says CIMB
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): CIMB Securities said foreign investors remain underweight on Malaysian equities due to concerns over corporate earnings delivery, but it is maintaining its FBM KLCI target of 1,772. In a note on Friday, the research house said the earnings concerns — following past disappointments — continue to weigh on foreign investors' sentiment, amid higher operating costs, increased taxes, US import tariffs and ongoing industry challenges. “Overall, domestic investors are more positive on the market than foreign investors, who remain underweight on Malaysian equities,” CIMB said. It noted that the KLCI delivered positive 12-month returns ahead of elections in three of the past four polls, with banks, consumer and industrial stocks typically benefiting. CIMB added that there had been no significant pushback on its 'overweight' call on banks.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 10:42 UTC
Asos co-founder Quentin Griffiths dies in Thailand after balcony fall
BANGKOK (Feb 20): Quentin Griffiths, who co-founded British fast-fashion retailer Asos, has died after a fall from a balcony in Thailand, Thai police said on Friday. Police told Reuters that Griffiths, 58, had fallen from the 17th floor of an apartment block in the seaside resort city of Pattaya on Feb 9. The police went to the scene and found the body of a British national, whom they identified as Quentin John Griffiths, on the ground directly below the balcony, they said. The police also quoted a Thai friend of Griffiths as saying the Briton had been worried about lawsuits from his former wife, a Thai national. Griffiths was marketing director at Asos before he left the firm in 2004.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 10:02 UTC
Foreign inflows into Malaysian bonds hit RM951.9 mil in January — RAM Ratings
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Foreign investor participation in the Malaysian bond market continued to grow for the fourth straight month in January 2026, with net foreign inflows reaching RM951.9 million, said RAM Rating Services Bhd (RAM Ratings). In a statement, the rating agency said the net inflows were driven primarily by continued demand for Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and Government Investment Issues, which saw inflows of RM2.1 billion. “This was partly offset by outflows from Malaysian Treasury Bills and Malaysian Islamic Treasury Bills and corporate bonds, amounting to RM480.0 million and RM709.3 million respectively,” it said. In contrast, it said, the 10‑year MGS yield declined 1.4 basis points m‑o‑m to 3.52%, supported by resilient domestic demand and stable policy expectations. “The resulting wider yield differential of 74.4 basis points (end-December 2025: 65 basis points) likely reduced the attractiveness of Malaysian bonds to foreign investors,” it said.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 09:42 UTC
Aminuddin: RM200 mil Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 2 Plant to boost Seremban water supply
SEREMBAN (Feb 20): The new Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA), costing over RM200 million, will strengthen water supply in this district and ensure steady treated water for future growth, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said. “The new facility is important as the existing Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 1 plant in Sungai Terib is already operating at full capacity with little reserve. The project also helps the state meet key performance indicators set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), including maintaining at least a 15% water reserve margin to ensure supply security. Despite the current dry season affecting parts of the country, he said Sepri Dam and Sungai Beringin Dam are at full capacity. Sungai Terip, Talang, Gemencheh and Teriang dams are above 90%, while Kelinchi Dam stands at 68% and supports Sungai Terip Dam.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 08:37 UTC
Aaron: Govt reaffirms commitment to social justice, inclusive growth
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): The Madani government on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing social development and advancing social justice to ensure inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all Malaysians, in conjunction with the World Day of Social Justice. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year’s theme, “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice,” reflects the government’s determination to leave no one behind as the nation progresses. He also cited the National Social Policy 2030, which coordinates 44 social policies across 19 ministries, focusing on basic needs, individual potential, social support systems and social responsibility. Aaron said initiatives such as the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, the People’s Residency Programme (PPR) and the Zero Abandoned Project 2030 further demonstrate the government’s commitment to social justice. “Let us together renew our commitment to strengthening social justice, building citizens' welfare, and strengthening national unity.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 08:07 UTC
UK retail sales grow fastest in 20 months
(Feb 20): UK retail sales started the year with the fastest growth in 20 months, an unexpected surge that could boost the Labour government’s efforts to revive the economy. The numbers were lifted by fuel sales, while the ONS also pointed to strong sales of artwork and antiques, alongside continued high numbers from online jewellers. “Online sales have been a particular bright spot, likely boosted by the wet weather,” said Sandra Prince at Lloyds, a bank. Interest rate cuts and falling inflation are also likely to have improved the mood in British shopping districts. Still, Paul Dales from Capital Economics warned: “With employment growth weak and wage growth slowing, households won’t be able to maintain this rate of spending.”
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 08:07 UTC
MY Say: Oil and gas infrastructure must move beyond mitigation
These problems were linked to soil movement and sinking caused by climate change. The SSGP case shows that climate risk is now a real and physical threat to infrastructure in Malaysia’s upstream oil and gas (O&G) industry. Reality of exposureThe O&G industry operates in an exposed industrial landscape. The National Climate Change Policy 2.0 is the main plan to include climate action in government and move the country towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Article 7 of the Paris Agreement requires countries to prepare for climate change and build resilience in key sectors of the economy.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 08:03 UTC
Jollibee agrees to buy Korean hot pot chain for US$87 mil
(Feb 20): Jollibee Foods Corp, the Philippines’ largest restaurant operator, said it signed a definitive agreement to acquire a Korean hot pot brand for around US$87 million (RM339.92 million). A subsidiary will buy All Day Fresh Co Ltd, which is behind Seoul-based hot pot and eat-all-you-can chain Shabu All Day, Jollibee said in a statement on Friday. The purchase “reinforces the company’s commitment to its Chinese cuisine segment and franchising initiatives, while providing entry into the global hot pot category,” Jollibee said. It generates annual system-wide sales of US$285 million, Jollibee said. Private equity firm Elevation will retain its 30% stake in All Day Fresh and remain as a strategic partner, Jollibee said.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 07:17 UTC
India to formally join US-led pact Pax Silica on supply chain security
(Feb 20): India formally joined a US-led initiative to protect supply chains, including on critical minerals, in another sign that both sides are resetting ties after a turbulent year. “India joins Pax Silica, the coalition that will define the 21st century economic and technological order,” Gor said in remarks before the signing. The alliance aims to strengthen critical minerals supply chains and deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence. The signing comes days after Helberg said the US is discussing a critical minerals price floor system with allies and partners. Modi has invited Trump to visit India, Gor told reporters after the ceremony, though no date has yet been announced.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 06:27 UTC
US mulls sending graduates abroad to boost countries' reliance on American technology
(Feb 20): The Trump administration is planning a new Peace Corps initiative that would send thousands of US science and math graduates abroad to boost foreign countries’ reliance on American technology and reduce global adoption of competing products from China, according to a US official. Called the Tech Corps, the programme would deploy as many as 5,000 American volunteers and advisers over the next five years to Peace Corps partner nations, the official said. Adding the tech initiative would mark a significant expansion of its mandate. The administration is now trying to jump start a previously announced effort, dubbed the American AI Exports Program, offering nations bundles of chips, servers, AI models, cloud services and networking. The Tech Corps aims to build on that plan by providing volunteers to countries that lack national AI strategies or operational capacity to adopt AI solutions.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 06:22 UTC
Boosting national history through National Education Blueprint a timely move — Aaron
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described the Madani government’s move to restore the dignity of the nation’s history by strengthening history education through the National Education Blueprint (RPN) as timely. “Feb 20, 1956, is more than just a date in the nation’s history. It marks the rise of a nation, uniting the hopes of its people and beginning the journey to true independence,” he said. Aaron said the National Unity Ministry set up the National Historians Council last year to pool expertise, preserve accurate historical narratives, and keep the nation’s history alive among the people. “History is the foundation of unity, and unity is the safeguard of the nation’s future.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 06:12 UTC