MBSB keeps total industry volume forecasts, says completely knocked-down battery EV investments gaining traction
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): MBSB Investment Bank Bhd maintained its full-year total industry volume (TIV) forecast at 788,000 units for 2026, implying a 4.0% decline from last year’s 821,000 units, which had grown 0.2% year-on-year (y-o-y). “This represents 8% of our full-year TIV forecast and is in line with expectations. Sales are expected to remain subdued this month due to a shorter working period,” the note added. Meanwhile, momentum is building in completely knocked-down battery electric vehicle assembly, with a growing number of investments expected among non-national marques this year. MBSB said the trend is supported by tax exemptions through end-2027, although it remains uncertain whether the relatively short window will sufficiently incentivise long-term local assembly plans.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 06:07 UTC
Philippine peso slips to one-week low; Seoul, Singapore stocks hit records
BENGALURU (Feb 20): The Philippine peso fell to a one-week low on Friday on higher oil prices and cautious comments from the central bank governor, while South Korean and Singapore stocks hit record highs. The peso was still up 0.4% for the week, set to snap a four-week losing streak. Analysts also pointed out that the rise in oil prices could impact Asian currencies, especially the peso, as most economies in the region are net oil importers. Singapore stocks rose as much as 0.5% to hit a record high as well. Thailand stocks shed 1%, but were set to rise 3.4% this week, its sixth consecutive week of gains.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 05:37 UTC
Rosman sees bright future for Carmen-Xin Yee
: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee have risen to No. PETALING JAYA: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee may well be Malaysia’s next big hope in women’s doubles, but the 19-year-olds must stay patient as they work their way towards the world elite. “From the junior level, they (Carmen-Xing Yee) are now competing against stronger and more experienced players. Rosman added that the success enjoyed by Pearly-Thinaah has made it easier for him to guide Carmen-Xin Yee, as the formula for success has already proven effective. Carmen-Xin Yee will next make their debut in the All-England from March 3-8 in Birmingham.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 05:14 UTC
The Philippines assignment under humble set-up proves rewarding for Wee Wern
PETALING JAYA: Former national squash player Low Wee Wern may have been away from her hometown in Penang during Chinese New Year, but her players in the Philippines made sure she felt right at home. Wee Wern, who will mark two years as head coach of the Philippines national team next month, was touched when her players surprised her with a makeshift lion dance using their jerseys at the National Squash Centre in Manila. It is gestures like these that have strengthened her resolve to make her mark abroad.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 05:10 UTC
Three rural areas in Sabah declared disaster zones after floods
KOTA KINABALU: Three places in rural Sabah have been declared disaster zones following floods that hit the areas early Friday (Feb 20). The affected areas are Kota Marudu, Pitas and Paitan, reported the Civil Defence Force. As of 9am, assessments for evacuation are still being carried out with preparations to rescue badly affected victims ongoing, especially in Kota Marudu and Pitas. Flooding and cases of fallen trees have also been reported in Sandakan.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 05:10 UTC
Thousands affected as overnight downpour triggers Paitan floods
KOTA KINABALU: Thousands of villagers in Sabah’s rural Paitan district have been affected by floods following continuous overnight rain. A villager, Sunita Rahman from Kg Lubang Buaya, said the downpour was like a typical thunderstorm. “However, when we woke up early in the morning, we saw what looked like a sea,” she said. Civil Defence officials are working to assist and locate affected victims for evacuation. It was learnt that those who own speedboats have started evacuating and helping others do the same.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 04:58 UTC
Chinese AI start-ups surge after holiday in rotation from Big Tech
Since their Hong Kong listings in January, both stocks have risen more than fourfold. Meanwhile, tech giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd fell as much as 4.3% and 2.8% respectively, despite reporting strong holiday results. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that Alibaba and Meituan would offer about US$870 million in consumer incentives over the holiday as they competed for engagement. Chinese authorities summoned major online platform companies last week, directing them to rein in promotional practices and eliminate “involution-style” competition. Among consumer stocks, Laopu Gold Co tumbled as much as 5.2% and China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp lost 4.5%.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 04:42 UTC
Unable to give informed feedback on PJ local plans
RTPJ 2035 (Replacement) combines RTPJ 1 and RTPJ 2 together with several past amendments. If plot ratio is meant to limit how big developments can be, residents deserve to clearly understand what that number now really allows. RTPJ 2035 (Replacement) includes areas that are covered by special area plans, but the detailed rules for those areas are not shown in the document itself. Section 12A of Act 172 requires the planning authority to allow the public to give informed feedback before a local plan is finalised. RTPJ 2035 (Replacement), existing special area plans for Sections 13, 19, 51 and 51, as well as redevelopment initiatives such as that for Section 52 must operate as one coherent framework.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 04:33 UTC
Part 4: The determination of mountain climbers
More people have died on the slopes of Mount Everest but by ratio of number of climbers to number of deaths, K2 is the undisputed leader. Khafiz is aiming for the ultimate trophy – Mount Everest (his third 8,000m+) – in May. Undeniably, trekking and mountain climbing involve significant risks. Climbers face the possibility of falls, injuries, hypothermia, depleting oxygen supply, avalanches, rock falls, and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is natural progression for someone who has made mountain climbing an obsession.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 04:30 UTC
Japan’s Takaichi aims to hit growth button with markets on board
(Feb 20): Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed to repeatedly “hit the button” on economic growth and adopt a bolder diplomatic stance without spooking markets during a speech setting out her policy vision. “We will ensure the pace of increase in our debt is within the range of Japan’s growth and steadily lower the ratio of public debt to gross domestic product. Takaichi also said that Japan’s growth would be spurred by two key pillars — risk management industries that include energy and cybersecurity, and growth industries that span artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. Takaichi also called for a bold stance not only on the economy, but also in diplomacy and defence as well. Revisions are already underway for the three security documents underpinning Japan’s defence posture that pertain to security strategy, defence strategy and a programme for building defence capabilities.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 04:12 UTC
Three fined RM128.9mil over 1,000 wildlife parts
KUANTAN: Three Vietnamese, including two siblings, were slapped with a whopping RM128.9mil fine for having 1,000 wildlife parts without valid permits. They had been found in possession of nearly 1,000 parts of various animal species, including pangolins, sun bears, striped leopards, black leopards, clouded leopards, Asian elephants, hogs, wild boars, wolves, porcupines, deer and snakes. All these animals are protected under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). Sessions Court Judge Maimoonah Aid handed down the sentences on Bui Thi Ngan, 56, her brother Bui Van Noi, 48, and a male friend, Bui Van Anh, 38, after finding them guilty of the offences yesterday. The charges were framed under Section 68(1)(b) and Section 60(1)(b) of the Wildlife Conservation Act, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 04:10 UTC
Crew member dies after fire on cruise ship en route to Singapore; all 224 passengers safe
SINGAPORE: A crew member has been reported dead after a fire on a cruise en route to Singapore early on Friday (Feb 20). Out of 224 passengers on board, there were 185 Singaporeans, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a statement at about 8.40am. The fire on board World Legacy – a Liberia-registered passenger vessel – happened at about 4am, it said. The World Legacy vessel has more than 300 cabins. Later in the day, World Legacy was expected to arrive in Harbourfront at 6pm and depart at 10.30pm.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 04:09 UTC
Rachel races into Cincinnati Gaynor Cup quarters
PETALING JAYA: National squash player Rachel Arnold secured her spot in the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup quarter-finals after dispatching Egypt’s Menna Hamed in straight games on Thursday (Feb 19). 53 Hamed in the second round at the Cincinnati Country Club in Ohio. Sixth seed Rachel will now take on top seed Georgina Kennedy of England in the quarter-finals. Rachel has lost to Kennedy in both their previous meetings, the most recent coming at the Silicon Valley Open last October. 57 Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 in 24 minutes in the second round.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 04:01 UTC
MY Say: Address the expanding ESG talent gap before time runs out
The Malaysia ESG Skills Readiness Report 2026, on a survey of 347 industry leaders, identifies an average 15-point national skills gap across 30 core sustainability competencies. Governance: The critical blind spotAmong the three pillars of sustainability, governance emerges as Malaysia’s most pressing vulnerability. A shared responsibilityThe research reveals that barriers to ESG talent development are distributed across the entire ecosystem. A coordinated path forwardMalaysia’s ESG talent challenge arrives at a critical juncture. Malaysia’s response to its ESG talent gap will shape not just its environmental future, but its economic trajectory for decades to come.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 20, 2026 03:38 UTC
Severe rain warning issued for several areas in Sabah
KUALA LUMPUR: The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a severe and alert-level continuous rain warning in several areas in Sabah on Friday (Feb 20). In a statement on Friday (Feb 20) morning, department director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that a severe-level warning has been issued for the Sandakan (Beluran) and Kudat (Kota Marudu and Pitas) areas. Meanwhile, an alert-level continuous rain warning has been issued for the West Coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), Sandakan (Telupid and Sandakan) and Kudat. The public can obtain the latest weather information through the department's official website, the myCuaca mobile application and its official social media pages or by contacting 1-300-22-1638 for any enquiries.
Source:The Star
February 20, 2026 02:35 UTC