Armed Forces top brass to meet PM over frozen funds
Newly appointed Armed Forces Chief Jeneral Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman said the appeal would be submitted to the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister. “When procurement is frozen or temporarily suspended, it will inevitably affect our operations, whether it is development plans or operational spending that supports routine activities,” he said. Operational expenditure, he added, covers daily necessities such as food for personnel, fuel, troop movement and transportation. “Our readiness will decline if operational spending remains frozen. On the scale of funds involved, Malek Rqzaksaid operational expenditure was estimated at about RM2bil for the Army, with approximately RM1.5bil each for the Navy and Air Force.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 14:40 UTC
Tables gone before menus out
JOHOR BARU: For some families, Chinese New Year reunion dinners are planned months in advance, while for others, they are booked a full year ahead. “Once our menus were finalised, we contacted them to choose their desired packages,” said the staff member, who declined to be named. According to the staff member, most customers are regulars, comprising a mix of locals and Singaporeans who have family members in Johor. Our prices are also lower compared to hotels and major seafood restaurants to cater to the mid-range market,” he said. Looking beyond the Chinese New Year holidays, Teo said the association is working with tour groups in Guangzhou, China, to promote Johor, Singapore and Batam as a combined tourism destination.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 14:40 UTC
China, Taiwan and Singapore top MM2H property buyers, says Tiong
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 744 participants under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme have purchased property in the country, with most buyers coming from China, Taiwan and Singapore, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister told Parliament that a further 2,637 participants are currently in the process of acquiring homes. As of Dec 31, 2025, Chinese nationals accounted for the largest share of property buyers under the new phase of the programme with 304 purchases, followed by Taiwan (91) and Singapore (63). Responding to concerns over heavy participation from China and Taiwan, Tiong said the programme was open to applicants worldwide. Applicants from Arab countries are also accepted, and some have made purchases, although the numbers are not large," he said.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 14:35 UTC
Couple left high and dry as caterer disappears on wedding day
In a frantic rush, the family helped the bride find a replacement caterer just hours before the event. "Honestly, we had no extra budget for another caterer, since the cost for the original caterer had already been paid - RM5,800," she added. Payments were made through several bank transfers totaling RM5,800, with the remainder to be paid on the wedding day. Mimie said her sister has lodged a police report at the Gemencheh police station and hopes the caterer will return the RM5,800 paid. "What has happened cannot be undone, but what we want now is for the woman to return all the money my sister paid her."
Source:New Strait Times
February 04, 2026 14:17 UTC
Forest fire breaks out at Penang Botanical Gardens, firefighting operations ongoing
A forest fire broke out at the Penang Botanical Gardens this evening. Pic courtesy of Fire and Rescue DepartmentGEORGE TOWN: A forest fire involving an estimated 5ha broke out at the Penang Botanical Gardens this evening, prompting an immediate response from the Penang Fire and Rescue Department. Fire engines from the Jalan Perak and Paya Terubong stations were despatched to the scene. "Upon arrival, the operations team confirmed that a forest fire was actively burning over an estimated area of 5ha. "No casualties have been reported so far and firefighting operations are still ongoing.
Source:New Strait Times
February 04, 2026 14:15 UTC
Let us not forget these tropical diseases
The date commemorates key global commitments to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases, including international pledges by governments, donors and health organisations. In Malaysia, neglected tropical diseases are often perceived as problems of the past or issues confined to other countries. — US CDCUnfortunately, climate change has further increased the relevance of neglected tropical diseases in Malaysia. In this context, neglected tropical diseases are no longer remote or theoretical concerns, they are directly linked to climate resilience and public health preparedness. Other neglected diseasesBeyond lymphatic filariasis, Malaysia continues to face several other neglected tropical diseases that receive less public attention despite their health impact.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 14:02 UTC
Five shoplots destroyed during early morning fire in Gombak
PETALING JAYA: Five shoplots were destroyed in an early morning fire at Kampung Kerdas, Gombak. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (Operations) assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 3.08am on Wednesday (Feb 4). Ahmad Mukhlis said the fire involved five shoplots, each measuring approximately 15 by 15 square feet. "The first two shoplots were about 90% destroyed, the third suffered 70% damage, while the fourth and fifth shoplots were each about 10% affected," he said. He added that the fire was brought under control at 3.47am and no casualties were reported.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 14:00 UTC
Johor water supply running fine despite over month-long dry spell
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor’s water supply remains stable despite having no significant rainfall for more than a month, says state works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh. “Johor’s dams are designed with reserve margins capable of sustaining water supply between three and six months during dry periods,” said Mohamad Fazli. Mohamad Fazli said there has been no rain in Johor for more than a month, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and coordination efforts. Cloud seeding, Mohamad Fazli said, remains an option to address the dry conditions. He assured the public that the state government would continue to provide updates should there be any changes to the water supply situation.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 13:48 UTC
Myanmar junta plans 'super-body' to tighten grip on military, new govt
(Feb 4): Myanmar's junta will form a new entity to oversee both the military and civilian administration, a move experts say will allow paramount ruler Min Aung Hlaing to become president without loosening his grip on the powerful armed forces. More than 93,000 people have since been killed in violence in Myanmar, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. The 69-year-old Min Aung Hlaing has indicated he intends to hand over "state responsibilities" to the next government. According to two lawyers, it will potentially enable Min Aung Hlaing to become president while ensuring he retains full control over the military, which has governed Myanmar for five of the past six decades. But there appears to be no oversight for the new council, according to Naing Min Khant.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 04, 2026 13:47 UTC
Malaysia's young guns brace for classic clash against Indonesia
Malaysia have fond memories of beating Indonesia 3-0 to win their only BATC men's team title in Shah Alam four years ago. Nonetheless national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen expects a classic battle and has urged the team to challenge three-time winners Indonesia. The young Malaysian team also got the warm-up they needed - against Myanmar, where Justin laboured for his 21-18, 21-19 win over world No. 49) should replace Wei Xiang, while men's pairs Arif-Roy King and Hon Jian-Haikal should see action in the top-of-the-table clash. Indonesia - also missing several seniors - will be banking on men's singles Anthony Ginting (No.
Source:New Strait Times
February 04, 2026 13:43 UTC
Thaipusam 2026 recognised as one of the cleanest ever in Penang
The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (LWHNPP) said the three-day celebration was conducted peacefully and in a well-coordinated manner, with close cooperation among devotees, government agencies, enforcement authorities, volunteers and temple management committees. Penang police also described the 2026 celebration as among the most successful and secure in recent years. The Penang State Health Department reported that 34 individuals received medical treatment on site, with 10 patients referred to Penang Hospital for further care. LWHNPP deputy chairman Senator Dr A. Lingeshwaran said Thaipusam 2026 was widely recognised as one of the cleanest celebrations ever held in Penang. "LWHNPP remains committed to continuously enhancing safety, crowd management and welfare measures for future Thaipusam celebrations," he said.
Source:New Strait Times
February 04, 2026 13:38 UTC
CNY festive steeds steal stage
What were once simple festive adornments have evolved into elaborate thematic displays, turning cultural heritage into social media-worthy spectacles. Cherry blossom trees add a touch of softness while a grand pavilion serves as a stage for festive performances. Wander among the pavilions and you will find a golden horse majestically posed atop a floral platform, ready to stride ahead. Straits Quay Retail Marina’s “Steeds Bring Fortune” display is crowned by a grand 9m-tall golden fortune tree – its branches laden with gold coins and ingots. “We wanted to give traditional Chinese New Year symbolism a resplendent modern twist.
Source:The Star
February 04, 2026 13:26 UTC
Soniia Cheah appointed as KLBA's sports director
Former national women's singles player Soniia Cheah has been appointed as the Sports Director of the Kuala Lumpur BA (KLBA). NSTP FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: Former national women's singles player Soniia Cheah has been appointed as the Sports Director of the Kuala Lumpur BA (KLBA). Soniia, 33, is also KLBA's first sporting director, which is a newly created ful-time position. Soniia retired as a player in December, 2022 following an injury, ending a 13-year international career. She has been grooming shuttlers at the Sunheart Badminton Academy with her elder sister Lydia Cheah, who is also a former national singles shuttler.
Source:New Strait Times
February 04, 2026 13:14 UTC
IOI Properties selling industrial land in Banting to data centre developer for RM741m
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 4): IOI Properties Group Bhd (KL:IOIPG) said it has signed a deal to sell 136 acres of land at its industrial park in Banting, Selangor to a data centre developer for RM740.68 million. The acquisition of the land by Bridge Data Centres Malaysia VII Sdn Bhd (BDC) reflects continued demand for the group’s industrial park offerings, said IOI Properties group CEO Datuk Lee Yeow Seng in a statement on Wednesday. "And by having a complete and ready infrastructure at our IOI Industrial Park @ Banting, the burden of setting up has eased." IOI Industrial Park @ Banting was launched in December 2025 with a gross development value of RM1.8 billion. Besides IOI Industrial Park @ Banting, the group also owns the 250-acre IOI Industrial Park @ Melaka, and the 1,100-acre IOI Industrial Park @ Iskandar Malaysia located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 04, 2026 12:57 UTC
Stocks fluctuate after Wall Street AI-fuelled sell-off
European and Asian stock markets struggled for direction Wednesday following a tech-fuelled sell-off on Wall Street, while precious metals recovered further. LONDON: European and Asian stock markets struggled for direction Wednesday following a tech-fuelled sell-off on Wall Street, while precious metals recovered further. London's FTSE 100 index rose one per cent, with drugmaker GSK gaining more than three per cent after reporting a sharp rise in annual net profit. "The dust settled on Wednesday after a dramatic session for tech-related stocks amid new AI disruption," said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell. Wall Street investors were spooked Tuesday by news that AI startup Anthropic - which created the Claude chatbot - had revealed a tool that could be used by firms to carry out legal work.
Source:New Strait Times
February 04, 2026 12:53 UTC