Fake registration SIMply rampant
'CLICK TO ENLARGE'The commission also highlighted that telecommunication service providers are held accountable for failures in prepaid SIM registration compliance, including inadequate identity verification or improper dealer practices. According to MCMC, under the existing 2017 guidelines, prepaid SIM cards must be registered to a verified end-user before activation. “These measures aim to enhance data integrity, strengthen enforcement effectiveness and significantly reduce the risk of identity misuse and SIM-related crimes. “The framework will also secure verification for new prepaid SIM registrations and single sign-on authentication for access to telecommunications service provider applications. As part of broader reforms, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil had said on Sept 11 that prepaid SIM card registration will fully adopt MyDigital ID, involving all companies nationwide.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 23:27 UTC
Asian stocks to fall as US tech, crypto extend dip
(Feb 6) : Asian stocks were set to open lower Friday as heavy selling in US tech stocks and crypto weighed on sentiment, combining with weak jobs data to support a rotation into Treasuries. Equity index futures for Japan, Australia and Hong Kong all fell, following a 1.2% drop for the S&P 500 on Thursday. The slide of as much as 11% for Amazon shares after the close on Thursday was emblematic of the pain facing tech stocks. “Volatility could persist, particularly if near-term uncertainty increases.”In Asia, data set for release includes household spending in Japan, unemployment in the Philippines and inflation for Vietnam. The yield on 10-year Treasuries slid nine basis points to 4.18%, while Australia’s 10-year yield opened lower Friday.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 05, 2026 23:15 UTC
Oil settles down on easing supply concerns
HOUSTON: Oil prices settled down almost 3% on Thursday in choppy trading, after the US and Iran agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, easing concerns about Iranian crude supplies. US West Texas Intermediate crude settled down US$1.85, or 2.84%, at US$63.29. About a fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran. Volatility has led investors to rush to lock in oil prices this year, trading a record number of WTI Midland at Houston contracts in January, amid concerns around Middle Eastern supply risks and more Venezuelan barrels heading to the US Gulf Coast. This week, a trade deal was announced between the US and India, which agreed to halt purchases of Russian crude.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 23:08 UTC
Olympics-Vonn, Diggins voice unity as U.S. image draws protests at Winter Games
MILAN, Feb 5 (Reuters) - U.S. athletes in Milan are bracing for what could be a chilly Winter Games reception as political unrest at home over federal immigration enforcement spills into host country and fuels protests against the policies of the Trump administration. But ICE and Border Patrol enforcement actions in the U.S. have left a stain on the American image abroad as one of the world's largest, richest and most successful delegations reckons with a frosty reception at the Winter Games. Megan Keller, playing defence for America's hockey team in her third Games, said the team had not discussed the turmoil in their home nation or the image the U.S. projects abroad. Figure Skating and U.S. Speedskating, from "Ice House" to "Winter House," a sign of renewed sensitivities ahead of the Olympics. "That self-reflection is really important given all of the things that have been going on back home," she said.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 23:00 UTC
Banting forest fire: 19ha extinguished as operations enter third day
PETALING JAYA: Firefighting operations at the Kuala Langat Selatan Forest Reserve in Banting are still ongoing, with 3.6ha of forest remaining ablaze. A total of 22.66ha has been affected by the fire, which is now entering its third day. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Zone 5 (KLIA) Chief Mohamad Issmanto Md Pono said that about 19ha of the affected area has been successfully extinguished. "The fire is still active but has not affected nearby residential areas or the nearby water treatment plant," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 5). The operation involves two officers and 10 personnel from the Banting Fire and Rescue Station.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 22:17 UTC
RHB invests RM1.5mil to empower 1,000 MSMEs
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Banking Group is strengthening inclusive micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) growth through its RHB #JomBiz programme, which has supported over 1,000 microentrepreneurs across Malaysia with investments exceeding RM1.5mil since 2022. RHB Bank group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad said the programme was designed to equip microentrepreneurs with practical knowledge, financial tools and market‑relevant capabilities that support sustainable business growth. “We also ensure that participants get real market exposure. Since March 2023, 13 #JomBiz Bazaars have been organised to help participants build their brand and customer confidence. On another note, Mohd Rashid said the bank is aiming to expand RHB #JomBiz beyond the Klang Valley, focusing on Johor and Sarawak, to reach more microentrepreneurs in underserved communities nationwide this year.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 22:03 UTC
Use AI for human collaboration rather than cost-cutting, says Siri co-creator
KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence (AI) should work in collaboration with humans and serve real needs instead of being made a cost-cutting tool, says Tom Gruber, the co-creator of Apple's virtual assistant Siri. He said AI should be used to serve human needs across various sectors in Malaysia, including boosting education, learning and personal development. "Automating human labour is a thing, I can see the value in that, but in my view, it should not be the ultimate goal. "Education is a thing that AI has been trying to solve for decades. "Right now, a lot of people don't trust AI.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 21:49 UTC
Rout deepens on Wall Street as tech, crypto slide
(Feb 6) : Another burst of heavy selling pummeled software stocks and crypto, with weak jobs data exacerbating an equity rout spurred by concern over the impact of artificial intelligence on valuations. Stocks extended a slide from near-record levels, with the S&P 500 falling 1.2%. “Volatility could persist, particularly if near-term uncertainty increases.”Nearly 320 shares in the S&P 500 fell. “The consensus has flipped to software companies being AI victims – not beneficiaries,” he said. “Investors were willing to pay premium multiples for software companies that could reap efficiencies from utilizing AI in their coding and final products.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 05, 2026 21:49 UTC
NGO secretary held in RM4.2mil graft probe
PETALING JAYA: Graft busters have detained the secretary of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on suspicion of misappropriating over RM4mil. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) sources said that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday (Feb 4) at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya. "The suspect is believed to have approved and transferred NGO funds amounting to approximately RM4.2mil into the accounts of two other companies for investment purposes. The source added that the investigation is focusing on elements of misappropriating public funds, as the NGO receives donations for humanitarian missions in Gaza. It is learnt that the suspect has been remanded for three days until Saturday (Feb 7).
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 21:05 UTC
Malaysia edged out 3-2 by Indonesia in tight Group D clash
Men's doubles pair, Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King doubled Malaysia’s lead with a 21-13, 12-21, 21-13 win over Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana. However, Eogene Ewe failed to seal victory for Malaysia despite pushing Prahdishka Bagas into a decider, eventually losing 12-21, 21-14, 15-21. The pressure then fell on the shoulders of 17-year-old men’s singles shuttler Kong Wei Xiang against Anthony Ginting. However, Wei Xiang managed to take the Tokyo 2022 Olympic bronze medallist to a deciding game before succumbing 17-21, 21-13, 18-21. Despite the defeat, Malaysia still advanced to the quarter-finals alongside Indonesia.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 21:04 UTC
Roundup: Portugal braces for more storms after deadly weather batters
Authorities have also warned that another round of severe weather could hit the country as early as next week. Portugal's Civil Protection Authority said homes, businesses, and public facilities suffered partial or total destruction in dozens of municipalities. In mountainous areas of northern and central Portugal, accumulated precipitation between 150 and 200 millimeters was recorded over several days. "When these storms hit, they tend to be more energetic," he said, citing higher atmospheric moisture content and warmer oceans as contributing factors. As recovery efforts continue, officials urged residents to closely follow weather updates and adhere to safety advice, warning that Portugal's run of severe winter storms may not yet be over.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 20:55 UTC
Century-old tualang tree felled for central spine road project
GUA MUSANG: A tualang tree estimated to be more than 100 years old and long regarded as a landmark along the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai route was felled on Thursday (Feb 5) to make way for the Central Spine Road (LTU) Package 2A project near Kampung Sungai Bayu. LTU Package 2A project coordinator Fizal Irwan Abdul Wahid said felling works began at 9.15am and took nearly three hours, involving more than 40 personnel members from the project consultant, main contractor and subcontractors. He said the roughly 60-metre-tall tree, with a trunk circumference spanning three arm-lengths, was removed following approval from the Forestry Department as it stood directly on the LTU 2A alignment. "This tree was our signpost,” said Mohd Sopian Che Seman, chairman of the Federal Village Development and Security Committee for Mukim Relai Utara. "We let it go for development, and we hope the LTU Package 2A project will be completed on time and truly benefit those who travel this road,” he added.- Bernama
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 20:16 UTC
Malaysians advised to defer non-essential travel to Iran
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are advised to defer all non-essential travel to Iran, taking into account the precarious security situation in the country and its surroundings. In an advisory on Thursday (Feb 5), the Foreign Ministry also advised Malaysians in Iran to consider making appropriate travel arrangements through available commercial means. Those who decide to remain in Iran are advised to stay vigilant, avoid large public gatherings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. For consular assistance, Malaysians may contact the ministry's Consular Division during office hours at +603-8887 4597, +603-8887 4769, +603-8887 4264 or via email at bkrm@kln.gov.my. The ministry may also be contacted after office hours through its emergency helpline at +603-8887 4570 or via email at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 20:16 UTC
Over 5,600 public EV charging units installed nationwide, says Johari
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 5,624 public electric vehicle (EV) charging units have been installed nationwide, representing 56% of the overall target, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said of the total, 1,923 units are direct current (DC) fast chargers, while 3,701 units are alternating current (AC) chargers. Responding to a question from Datuk Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai) on the number of electric charging stations in the northern region, Johari said EV charging facilities have been developed at 21 key locations involving 45 DC EV charging units operated by various charging point operators (CPO) such as TNB Electron, Gentari, Shell Recharge and JomCharge. Additionally, more than 15 public EV charging units are already in operation to meet the needs of local users. "At the same time, demand for EV charging along routes such as the Gerik-Jeli federal route remains low and seasonal in nature.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 19:59 UTC
Sibu sewage pond tragedy a reminder to ensure hazardous areas properly cordoned off, says Bomba rep
In the heartbreaking incident, three children, believed to be local residents, were found drowned in a sewage pond located about 100m from the flats, despite the area being meant to be secured and fenced off. He also stressed the importance of cooperation between parents and the local community in monitoring children’s movements and reporting safety concerns in public areas to the authorities. Malaysia Humanitarian Organisation Sibu chairman Bill Jugah said that this heartbreaking incident highlights gaps in safety around hazardous areas, even those marked or fenced off. "Curious and energetic by nature, children may not fully understand the dangers posed by restricted areas. He also called for a coordinated effort between residents, NGOs, and government agencies to implement community-based safety programs, regular hazard mapping, and emergency preparedness education.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 19:20 UTC