Brand icons honoured for rising above challenges
TOP Malaysian brands grabbed the spotlight at the Putra Aria Brand Awards (Paba) on Jan 22, with 182 awards in 24 categories given out at Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The event was organised by Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) in collaboration with Star Media Group (SMG), which was present as the official media partner. Meanwhile, 4As Malaysia senior adviser and Putra Brand Awards organising chairman Datuk Johnny Mun said the Paba was designed to empower consumers to identify and choose the brands closest to them. “This is why the introduction of Paba has always been to recognise, celebrate and award brands and brand builders for their efforts in their discipline,” he said in his speech. We believe that a brand which wins at home is a brand that is ready to win abroad.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 06:05 UTC
Penang records smooth Thaipusam celebrations with over a million visitors
GEORGE TOWN: About 225,000 litres of milk and 127 tonnes of smashed coconuts marked this year’s Thaipusam celebrations in Penang. More than a million devotees and visitors took part in the event, which authorities described as orderly and safe. Free bus and ferry services helped ease congestion, with Rapid Penang shuttle services carrying close to 10,000 passengers. The newer golden chariot led the procession from George Town towards the hill temples on Jan 31. Penang Island City Council workers later removed approximately 127 tonnes of coconut waste following the procession.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 05:49 UTC
AKPS seizes nearly RM1mil worth of foodstuff at Port Klang
KLANG: Almost RM1mil worth of foodstuff was seized by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) after inspections in Port Klang on Wednesday (Feb 4). Port Klang Entry Control Commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, in a statement Wednesday, said that physical inspections were conducted on several containers in West Port, leading to the seizures. Around 16,161.28kg of frozen duck from Ireland, 24,958.10kg of frozen pork from Belgium and 3,500kg of coffee beans from Columbia were seized. “The total seizure involved 44,619.38kg of goods, with an estimated total value of RM916,156.02. “Port Klang AKPS reiterates its continuous commitment to combating the entry of prohibited items and non-compliant goods in order to ensure the safety, well-being, and sovereignty of the nation,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 05:34 UTC
What happens after restaurants go viral?
Well, Grumpy Bagels is one of a growing number of lucky restaurants that has had the sheer good fortune of “going viral”. Instant popularityWhen Grumpy Bagels went viral, its founder, Claire Tan, says she was completely unprepared for the enormity of what happened next. Business is evidently still going strong and she credits going viral with giving her a head start. Since it went viral, Tan has enhanced Grumpy Bagel’s menu with new viral bagels like this maple cream cheese bagel, which has become very popular. So going viral definitely helps build interest, but if you don’t know how to sustain it, it might not give you longevity.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 05:28 UTC
Court of Appeal president heads FT Day 2026 honours list
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Thursday (Feb 5) conferred federal awards, medals and honours on 54 recipients in conjunction with the 2026 Federal Territory Day celebration at Istana Negara. Also present at the investiture ceremony was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Leading the list of recipients was Court of Appeal President Datuk Abu Bakar Jais (pic), who was conferred the Seri Mahkota Wilayah (SMW), which carries the title Datuk Seri. Other recipients of the SMW were Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hashim Hamzah, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Nor Azmie Diron and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud. Other PMW award recipients were Digital Ministry secretary-general Datuk Fabian Bigar; Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad; Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Mohd Yani Daud; Federal Territories Department deputy director-general (Management and Socio-Economic) Datuk Parang Abai @ Thomas; and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Datuk S Surrendren.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 05:14 UTC
A timely boost for TAR UMT
“TAR UMT has never rejected any qualified student based on financial criteria. Also in the welcoming party were TAR UMT board of governors chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and TAR UMT president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei. Beyond academic training, Dr Wee reiterated that sustainability and social responsibility are central to TAR UMT’s “Beyond Education” philosophy. He said infrastructure development is also important in supporting these ambitions, citing Arena TAR UMT as a new hub for student activities encompassing learning, sports, recreation and leisure. Housed within Arena TAR UMT is the SME Centre, which supports students and aspiring entrepreneurs in turning ideas into commercial products and services.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 05:08 UTC
SBA claim they followed proper procedure
PETALING JAYA: Datuk V. Subramaniam has claimed that the Putrajaya Badminton Association (PJBA) did not appeal to the Selangor Badminton Association (SBA) to allow their players to compete in the Junior Elite Tour which started yesterday in Johor. If any state association want players who are not representing the state where they are schooling in to compete, then they need to get official release letters earlier from the players’ original state associations. Subramaniam said that SBA did not receive any appeal from PJBA to allow the players schooling in Selangor to represent Putrajaya. “When the BAM council have made a ruling, everyone needs to respect it. “If Putrajaya had appealed to us, we would probably have allowed it this year but maybe make a change next year.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 05:05 UTC
FT Dept to study turning carparks into green spaces
The Federal Territories Department is studying the feasibility of turning carparks into pocket parks to help address flash floods in the city. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said flood mitigation required Kuala Lumpur to function like a sponge city. When asked how she would strike a balance between carparks and recreational space, Yeoh said it was a matter of give and take. Yeoh looking into budget for river cleaning. On developments that take place near or on retention pond land, Yeoh said she would take a conservative approach in such project applications.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 04:26 UTC
Sabah seizes over 27 tonnes of frozen chicken imported without permits
The stocks were discovered in a container at the Sepanggar Port cold room facility in Inanam Laut. - COURTESY PICKOTA KINABALU: Sabah authorities have seized more than 27 tonnes of frozen chicken imported without permits. The stocks were discovered in a container at the Sepanggar Port cold room facility in Inanam Laut. Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said any attempt to bring food products into Sabah without proper approval could jeopardise public health, biosecurity, and public confidence in the national food control system. "This operation clearly demonstrates Sabah's firm stance and continued commitment to ensuring that only food products which comply with established standards and legal requirements are allowed to enter the market," he added.
Source:New Strait Times
February 05, 2026 04:19 UTC
Ramanan vows good governance at HRD Corp
“It is public knowledge that we have brought in a new chief executive officer, Datuk Mohamed Shamir Abdul Aziz, for HRD Corp,” he said. Ramanan also revealed new appointments to the HRD Corp board. Ramanan said his ministry plans to check whether the training providers under HRD Corp are properly certified and trained to be educators. The report also said that HRD Corp had outstanding levies totalling RM205.42mil as of Dec 31, 2023. In May last year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) presented findings of its probe into HRD Corp over its management of levy collections and investments.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 04:18 UTC
15 nabbed in raid on foreign-owned beauty clinic
KUALA LUMPUR: A foreign-owned beauty clinic in Bukit Bintang, believed to be operating illegally, was raided, resulting in 15 undocumented foreigners being nabbed. It is learnt that the beauty clinic was operating without a valid licence from the Health Ministry. Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said a total of 18 individuals were inspected during the raid. “Investigations showed that the clinic offered facial and body beauty treatments using foreign workers who had entered the country on social visit passes. All the foreign nationals detained are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 04:17 UTC
Generational trends set orange demand
IPOH: Older consumers continue to favour the traditional honey ponkan (honey mandarin) oranges, while younger buyers are gravitating towards the newer “jelly mandarin” variety, which is seedless, fibre-free and known for its extra juicy texture. “However, a newer variety known as the ‘jelly mandarin’ is gaining popularity, especially among the younger generation. Hu said the jelly mandarin is sold in gift packs containing eight pieces per box, with prices varying based on type and size. “We ordered about 15 containers so far this season for the different types of mandarin oranges, although not all shipments have arrived,” she added. “When I want to purchase gifts, I will buy the mandarin oranges.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 04:10 UTC
A celebration that transcends boundaries
Met along Queen Street as the golden chariot began its journey from Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Zhang said it was her first time seeing a Hindu ceremony of such scale. Devotees making offerings to Lord Muruga on the silver chariot during the procession along Jalan Datuk Keramat. Meanwhile, the silver chariot carrying the consecrated statue of Lord Muruga left the Kovil Veedu (Temple House) in Lebuh Penang at about 7am. The golden chariot carrying the divine spear called ‘Vel’. Penang Hindu Endowment Board developed the system for the golden chariot, while the silver chariot was tracked through a system developed by Penang Waterfall Nattukotai Chettiar Temple.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 04:10 UTC
Citizenship applications assessed case by case, Parliament told
KUALA LUMPUR: Each citizenship application under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution, including cases involving single mothers, abused victims and children at risk of statelessness, is assessed on a case-by-case basis with supporting documents, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. "These basic documents are crucial for the National Registration Department (NRD) to verify the applicant’s identity and the authenticity of family ties. “However, the Home Ministry is aware of urgent and special cases involving single mothers, victims of domestic violence or children at risk of being stateless. “The ministry emphasise that every application is considered according to the needs of the case. These additional supporting documents allow security screening and welfare assessments to be carried out more accurately.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 04:09 UTC
More international airlines restrict in-flight power bank use
The stricter rules, in force at Korean Air from mid-January, also apply to Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul. Earlier in January airlines from the Lufthansa Group such as Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Discover, became the first in Europe to crack down on power bank use. Charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply is also prohibited. If you have a more powerful power bank, you may want to check the capacity with your airline’s policy before travelling. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Thai Airways and China Airlines (and many other international and domestic airlines within China) have also introduced restrictions on power banks.
Source:The Star
February 05, 2026 03:56 UTC