Man nabbed for hitting, threatening retiree after accident in Cheras
PETALING JAYA: A man has been arrested for allegedly threatening and assaulting a 69-year-old retiree after a minor traffic accident in Pekan Suntex at Batu 9, Cheras. Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Naazron Abdul Yusof said the retiree filed a police report at 4.49pm on Sunday (Feb 8), claiming he had been assaulted by an unidentified man at a traffic light in Pekan Suntex after their vehicles collided. ACP Naazron said police arrested the 52-year-old suspect at 11.30pm in the Kajang area and the man has been remanded for two days to assist in the investigation. He said the case is being investigated under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Penal Code. "Anyone with information on the incident may contact the nearest police station or investigating officer Sjn Ganesan Ramachandran at 012-608 9180 to assist with the investigation.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 17:15 UTC
Actress Halle Berry engaged to musician Van Hunt after 5 years of dating
The 59-year-old American actress has confirmed she is engaged to American musician Van Hunt, 55, whom she has been dating since 2020. She started by saying she wanted to clarify some “confusion” that she had turned down Hunt’s proposal. Showing of an heirloom-style ring on her left ring finger, Berry added: “Thank you. He is great.”Back in June 2025, Hunt reportedly popped the question to Berry, but she did not give a definitive answer. I have now found my person.”At that time, she had rejected Hunt’s proposal because of their past failed marriages.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 17:07 UTC
US tells American ships to keep away from Ïran amid tensions
Iranian forces historically have utilized small boats and helicopters during boarding operations and have attempted to force commercial vessels into Iranian territorial waters, including as recently as Feb 3, the US government said in a maritime advisory on Monday. The US also downed an Iranian drone last week, with the US Central Command claiming the unmanned aircraft “aggressively approached” a US Navy ship. They should deny Iranian forces permission to board the vessel if possible while ensuring crew safety, but should not forcibly resist boarding. “When transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz, it is recommended that vessels transit close to Oman’s territorial sea,” the advisory said. Vessels should “remain as far as possible from Iran’s territorial sea without compromising navigational safety,” it said.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 16:40 UTC
US consumer inflation, labour expectations improve, Fed survey shows
(Feb 10): US consumer expectations for inflation and the job market improved slightly in January, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey. Households saw prices rising 3.1% over the next year, down from 3.4% in December, according to the median response in results of the New York Fed’s monthly Survey of Consumer Expectations, released Monday. The New York Fed survey results follow a Feb 5 Bureau of Labor Statistics report showing job openings fell in December to the lowest level since 2020, while layoffs edged up. The BLS will publish its monthly employment report for January, briefly delayed by last week’s government shutdown, on Wednesday. Expectations for inflation three and five years ahead were both unchanged at 3%.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 16:25 UTC
Planning permission required for building places of worship — Nga
PUTRAJAYA (Feb 9): All parties intending to build places of worship must apply for Planning Permission (KM) from the local authorities, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said his ministry practised an open policy on matters involving the construction of places of worship nationwide, and was ready to meet the committees of the respective places of worship. “I hope applications for any development of places of worship, including any church, mosque, temple or surau, will apply for KM. “Every year, we allocate RM50 million to assist non-Muslim places of worship nationwide. According to Anwar, Malaysia is a constitutional country, and any construction of places of worship is subject to the law.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 14:25 UTC
Trump says Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime was 'absolutely terrible'
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday in a social media post that the Super Bowl halftime show fronted by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny was "absolutely terrible." Weeks before the Super Bowl, Trump fired back at Bad Bunny, calling his selection as the Super Bowl halftime act "absolutely ridiculous." "The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!" The conservative group Turning Point USA produced an alternative halftime concert, which it called the "All-American Halftime Show", featuring Kid Rock and other artists. Turning Point USA was founded by slain activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 14:18 UTC
Alphabet looks to raise about US$15 bil from US bond sale — Bloomberg
(Feb 9): Alphabet Inc is looking to raise about US$15 billion (RM59.02 billion) from a US high-grade dollar bond sale, according to people with knowledge of the matter, adding to a borrowing spree by companies at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) investment boom. Massive cloud-computing companies known as hyperscalers are expected to spend more than US$650 billion this year to expand AI infrastructure. Just last week, Oracle Corp raised US$25 billion from a bond that attracted a record US$129 billion of orders at its peak. JPMorgan Chase & Co, which is helping manage the US dollar bond sale, declined to comment. The company also sold €6.5 billion (RM30.37 billion) of notes in Europe at the time.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 14:15 UTC
'Made in China' redefined
BEIJING: For Selena, a consumer from Spain, traditional Chinese culture came alive in an unexpected way: a makeup palette. "It has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture, and I will buy some for my family and friends." Founded in Hangzhou in 2017, Florasis has built its identity by fusing traditional Chinese artisanal techniques, such as Miao silverwork and Su embroidery, into contemporary makeup design. They redefine "Made in China", captivating global consumers with craftsmanship, design and distinctive aesthetics, not lower prices. The government launched China Brand Day in 2017 to raise public awareness of brand development and foster a favourable environment for brand building.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 14:10 UTC
MACC records statements from preacher, finance head in misappropriation probe
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Monday recorded statements from an independent preacher and the head of finance and accounting of an educational institution and a dakwah centre in Kedah to assist investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds. According to a source, both individuals arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at about 1.30pm to complete the ongoing investigation process involving the dakwah centre. “The current focus is to obtain further information and complete the investigation papers related to the alleged misappropriation,” the source told Bernama. When contacted, MACC Anti-Money Laundering Division director Datuk Norhaizam Muhammad confirmed that the statements had been recorded. He said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 13:55 UTC
Preacher, another suspect questioned in MACC probe
Sources said both suspects presented themselves at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters on Monday (Feb 9) to provide information and assist in the ongoing probe. “The two suspects arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at about 1.30pm and the focus is now on completing the investigation,” the source said. It is learnt that both individuals had been released from remand custody at about 5pm on Sunday (Feb 8) after being detained for a second time on Feb 6. Meanwhile, MACC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) division director Datuk Norhaizam Muhammad confirmed the matter when contacted, saying the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA). He added that both suspects are expected to be released on Monday night, with investigations set to continue on Tuesday (Feb 10).
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 13:44 UTC
Asia rallies as Japan shares surge to record peak
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1.0%, while South Korea's tech-heavy index climbed 3.9%. Chip stocks saved the day with Nvidia jumping almost 8%, while Advanced Micro Devices surged over 8% and Broadcom rose 7%. "Should Starmer be replaced, gilt yields initially rise and the pound weakens," said Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics. Gold was also up 1.5% at $5,033 an ounce, having been as low as $4,403 at one stage last week. Brent edged down 0.8% to $67.52 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.7% to $63.09 per barrel.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 13:37 UTC
Woman evacuated after suffering stroke on cruise ship
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) conducted a medical evacuation of a female passenger who suffered a stroke aboard a cruise ship en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Singapore on Sunday (Feb 8). Its director, Maritime Capt Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the agency’s Operations Centre received a request to evacuate the passenger from cruise ship 'Ovation of the Seas' at about 3.53pm. "Upon arrival, the patient was rushed to the Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre by ambulance for further treatment, accompanied by two medical personnel,” he said in a statement on Monday (Feb 9). At the same time, Abdul Muhaimin said the agency remained on standby to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance in Malaysian waters at any time and under all circumstances. Members of the public with information or complaints related to suspicious activities or maritime emergencies may contact the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 013-6606652 or the 999 emergency line for immediate action.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 13:34 UTC
Big Smile, No Teeth: It’s programming made for idiots, not kids
Yeah, if you’re a parent and you’ve left your kid on YouTube, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not about making sure that kids get to watch content that is good for them, it’s about making sure that we’re glued permanently to our screens. When it comes to kids you should have some respectable limits for what is and isn’t kids’ programming. And a bunch of yahoos running and screaming and doing fast cuts isn’t for kids. Big Smile, No Teeth columnist Jason Godfrey – a model who once was told to give the camera a ‘big smile, no teeth’ – has worked internationally for two decades in fashion and continues to work in dramas, documentaries, and lifestyle programming.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 13:04 UTC
Health Ministry bans cosmetic product for containing mercury
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has revoked the notification of "Saqa Glowing Turmeric Night Treatment Cream" cosmetic product for containing scheduled poison and mercury. It said mercury is prohibited in cosmetics because it can be absorbed into the body and damage the kidneys and nervous system. Mercury can also cause rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin," it said in a statement on Monday (Feb 9). The ministry urged the public not to buy and stop using the product. The sale and distribution of this cosmetic product violates the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984," read the statement.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 12:54 UTC
Insights Analytics signs deal with HK-listed AI firm to adopt tech solutions
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): Insights Analytics Bhd (KL:IAB), whose shares have surged by more than fivefold from their IPO price in under three months, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong-listed 51WORLD Digital Twin Technology Co Ltd to adopt its technology solutions. 51WORLD, an AI-driven digital twin and physical AI technology pioneer, specialises in real-world simulation and intelligent system modelling, according to a bourse filing. Under the collaboration, Insights Analytics will integrate 51WORLD’s industrial-grade, AI-powered digital twin solutions into its platform to develop and deploy innovative applications across multiple industries. The move is aimed at enhancing scalability, depth and competitiveness, with some existing software applications to be replaced while continuing to support clients with upgraded capabilities, said Insights Analytics. For the second quarter ended Oct 31, 2025 (2QFY2026), Insights Analytics posted a net profit of RM9.9 million on revenue of RM26.47 million.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 12:33 UTC