Anwar hosts ‘Friendship Appetisers’ luncheon for Modi
PUTRAJAYA: A thoughtfully curated spread of “Friendship Appetisers”, reflecting the warm and longstanding Malaysia-India relationship, greeted guests at a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his visiting Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Seri Perdana Complex here Sunday (Feb 8). In a gesture celebrating the Indian leader's heritage, the luncheon menu featured traditional Gujarati favourites, such as dhokla and khandvi, alongside Malaysian appetisers of rojak pasembur and tauhu sumbat. The Indian Prime Minister was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex earlier today before proceeding to Seri Perdana, the official residence of the Prime Minister, for bilateral talks with Anwar. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and senior government officials accompanied the visiting prime minister. Also present at the luncheon were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 22:45 UTC
Yen fluctuates after Japan’s Takaichi's landslide vote win
Japan’s currency dropped as much as 0.3% to 157.76 per dollar on Monday, reaching the weakest level in more than two weeks, before trading little changed. The LDP secured a two-thirds super majority in the 465-seat lower house by itself, according to public broadcaster NHK. The LDP’s haul of seats gives it the highest proportion of representatives in the lower house of any party in post-war elections in Japan. Many investors see an election victory for Takaichi as allowing her to add to Japan’s already heavy debt load. Traders will be watching the level of 159.45 per dollar reached in mid-January, the yen’s weakest since 2024.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 08, 2026 22:45 UTC
Thai election win for Anutin gives royalists chance at stability
(Feb 9): Since the turn of the century, election night has usually been great for pro-democracy reformers and miserable for Thailand’s royalists. Early results from Sunday’s vote show the ruling Bhumjaithai party is on track to secure 191 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives — nearly triple the last election in 2023. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s party used its incumbency advantage and a campaign defined by rising nationalism following a tense border conflict with Cambodia to surprise election pundits. King Maha Vajiralongkorn granted Anutin an audience on the eve of the vote — an event officially unrelated to the election but which caught attention because of the timing. Potential partners include populist Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai, with 74 seats, and Klatham with 59, as well as several smaller parties.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 08, 2026 22:40 UTC
'Tunku saw Malaysia as big family'
Prominent social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has hailed Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj as a leader who saw Malaysia as “one family”, valuing diversity and belonging for all. Instead, he saw one big family," Lee said on the sidelines of a unity-themed treasure hunt at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial here yesterday. Tunku Abdul Rahman was the country's first prime minister and a key figure in the country's independence from British rule in 1957. He described Tunku Abdul Rahman as a man of integrity who was honest and confident when dealing with journalists. National Archive deputy director Sukri Abdul Kadir said the event also raises awareness about the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial on Jalan Dato Onn here.
Source:New Strait Times
February 08, 2026 22:02 UTC
Two out of five cancers are preventable
New research published on the eve of World Cancer Day estimated that 38% of all new cancer cases globally in 2022 – 7.1 million – were linked to preventable causes. Other risk factors included being overweight, a lack of exercise, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and being exposed to threats such as asbestos while working. Almost half of all the preventable cases were lung, stomach or cervical cancer. Men were far more likely to get preventable cancer, with 45% of new cases compared to 30% for women. And nearly a quarter of all preventable cancer cases among men were from smoking, compared to 11% for women.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 21:01 UTC
Four livestock smugglers caught by GOF
IPOH: Police have arrested four local men and seized 135 heads of smuggled livestock in a special operation along Jalan Baling–Gerik. The Northern Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) intelligence unit, carried out the operation, known as Op Taring Kandang on Sunday (Feb 8) with the cooperation of the Perak Veterinary Services Department and Gerik police. SAC Balveer Singh said initial investigations indicate the livestock were believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country through illegal border routes. “Also seized were two lorries, with the total value of the confiscated livestock and vehicles estimated at RM686,300,” he said. He added that the case has been handed over to the Perak Veterinary Services Department.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 21:00 UTC
Health Ministry to focus more on prevention as costs for treating NCDs balloon
HULU LANGAT: With tens of billions of ringgit spent annually on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Health Ministry is shifting its focus to prevention with healthcare programmes designed to prevent Malaysians from falling ill in the first place. As the health minister, it is my responsibility to ensure this is realised,” he said on Sunday after officiating the ministry's latest Wellness Hub here. The Wellness Hub is a community-based health centre that promotes prevention, healthy lifestyles and early interventions to help Malaysians keep illness at bay. Dzulkefly said five new Wellness Hub centres opened their doors this year, bringing the total number to 38 across the country. He said since it began its operations, the hubs have delivered positive outcomes with many clients achieving success in fitness and weight-loss programmes.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 20:05 UTC
Talented Wooi Yik says better sparring fuels his All-England charge with Aaron
And men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are already feeling the benefits as they look ahead to the challenge in Birmingham, where they will bid to reclaim the All-England title once again. We have many young players with great potential and this helps us maintain our level of play. It is not just about our own efforts," said Wooi Yik, who has grown into a better all-rounder player. We are fortunate to be able to train with young pairs and we hope to maintain that build-up for All-England." "We are experienced players and we need to maintain that level every time we step out to compete," added Wooi Yik.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 17:11 UTC
World junior champ Hu Zhean sparks China comeback in semis
PETALING JAYA: Hosts and defending champions China have set up a final meeting against Japan in the Asia Team Championships after coming from behind to beat South Korea 3-2. The 2024 world junior champion Hu Zhean though reignited the hosts’ hopes by beating Choi Ji-hoon 21-13, 21-19 in the second singles. Chen Junting-Liu Junrong then defeated Song Hyun-cho-Ki Dong-ju 21-15, 21-14 in the second doubles to make it 2-2In the third singles, Dong Tianyao completed the remarkable comeback by overcoming Cho Hyeon-woo 21-6, 21-19. Meanwhile, Japan booked their spot in the title match after coming out on top 3-1 against Indonesia. Singles player Yushi Tanaka and doubles pairs Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki and Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami delivered the points for Japan.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 17:07 UTC
She teaches women in China to flirt. What could go wrong?
The video clip, in which she teaches others how to flirt by twisting their bodies into an X-shape, went viral in January. Instead of learning how to flirt better, they argued, women should focus on becoming more capable and independent, earning their own keep and respect. Some critics have been unnecessarily harsh on Zhou’s women customers, dismissing them as conniving mistresses or foolish women debasing themselves for men. There is nothing inherently wrong with women wanting to feel sexy, curious or confident about their own bodies. Like much of the knowledge-paywall industry, Zhou’s courses follow a familiar logic – cheap entry products, progressively pricier upgrades, and promises of transformation always just one tier away.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 17:03 UTC
Melaka's dengue fatality rate exceeds Health Ministry's threshold
MELAKA: Melaka recorded a dengue case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.29 per cent last year, exceeding the 0.20 per cent threshold set by the Health Ministry. He said a total of 1,046 dengue cases were reported statewide last year, involving 38 outbreaks, including two classified as hotspots and three recurrent outbreaks. "Paya Rumput recorded 98 cases, the highest in Melaka, with two outbreaks reported in the area during the same period,” he said. The allocation forms part of RM4.4mil provided under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) public health scheme. Fairul Nizam said the state government would continue strengthening intervention measures in collaboration with the Melaka Health Department, including operations to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, health education and continuous enforcement in high-risk areas.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 15:18 UTC
Zamri Vinoth among two remanded after anti-illegal temple rally
KUALA LUMPUR: Two men detained following a rally against the construction of allegedly illegal temples on Saturday (Feb 7) have been remanded for two days, police say. They are controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth and TanahMalaya.com founder Tamim Dahari Abdul Razak, according to Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Fadil Marsus. Comm Datuk Fadil said more than 100 police reports were lodged, and intelligence assessments led authorities to deny permission for the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship rally outside Sogo Kuala Lumpur. Comm Fadil also confirmed that security concerns linked to the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the decision to deny permission for the rally. If there are issues involving the construction of illegal temples, police will cooperate fully when court orders are issued, and we will not hesitate to act in accordance with the law.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 15:18 UTC
Three arrested for drink driving in Kluang
KLUANG: Three men have been arrested for drunk driving during a weekend traffic operation in Kluang. Kluang OCPD Asst Comm Bahrin Mohd Noh said the operation was part of ‘Op Mabuk’, which ran from Saturday (Feb 7) to Sunday around the city area here. “At the same time, nine summonses were issued for various traffic offences, following checks on 32 individuals and 27 vehicles,” he said in a statement Sunday. He added that the case is being investigated under Section 45A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving with an alcohol content exceeding the legal limit. “Members of the public with any information are urged to contact their nearest police station or the Kluang District Police Headquarters at 07-7784222 or the hotline at 07-7766822,” he added.
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 15:15 UTC
World No. 1 Se-young anchors South Korea's first Asia team triumph
PETALING JAYA: Women's singles sensation An Se-young added another feather in her cap by leading South Korea to a maiden Asia Team Championships title. 1 Se-young gave South Korea a strong start against an under-strength China squad, crushing world No. In the second singles, world No. 127 Xu Wenjing before prevailing 19-21, 21-10, 21-17 in 68 minutes to give South Korea the winning point. RESULTSFinalWomen's team: South Korea bt China (An Se-young bt Han Qianxi 21-7, 21-14; Baek Ha-na-Kim Hye-jeong bt Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian 24-22, 21-8; Kim Ga-eun bt Xu Wenjing 19-21, 21-10, 21-17).
Source:The Star
February 08, 2026 15:15 UTC
11 African 'tourists' arrested for prostitution activities in Bukit Bintang
Eleven women believed to be prostitutes from the African continent were arrested early today while offering sexual services in hotspot areas around Bukit Bintang here. KUALA LUMPUR: Eleven women believed to be prostitutes from the African continent were arrested early today while offering sexual services in hotspot areas around Bukit Bintang here. "They offered sexual services at a rate of about RM200, targeting customers who came to the area for entertainment," it said. Investigations revealed that most of the women had been involved in the immoral activities for about a month, operating along the sidewalks around Bukit Bintang. The raid team also seized a number of condoms believed to have been used by the women for the immoral activities.
Source:New Strait Times
February 08, 2026 15:12 UTC