Loke: Strong start for Malaysia-China trade as January exports surge 16% AMPANG: The Malaysia-China trade recorded a surge of 16 per cent in January where export volume rose by 19.6 per cent year on year while total trade surplus surpassed RM20 billion, demonstrating a strong economic vitality, says Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook. "Of this, the export value of Malaysia to China reached RM15.5 billion, which is a 16% year-on-year increase. At the same time, imports from China stood at RM33 ..

MARANG: The Opposition Leader in Dewan Rakyat remains unchanged for now, says PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. Former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zaunudin continues to serve under the current parliamentary session which concludes in two days, he said. The priority of Perikatan Nasional (PN) is to focus on the welfare of people where the discussion on the new candidate has been temporarily put on hold. Speaking to reporters outside the ..

At 85, Kit Siang hailed as role model for young DAP leaders KUALA LUMPUR: Young DAP leaders are urged to learn from party stalwart Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang not only politics and ideals but his values and principles. Besides being an outstanding debater in Parliament, he also knows how to respect others, said DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook, who is also Transport Minister, during Lims 85th birthday celebration organized by DAP on Thursday night. When you are going through the most difficult ..

SERDANG: It would be a loss for Malaysia if the nation only strengthens the status of Bahasa Malaysia without elevating the status and proficiency of Mandarin Chinese, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Failing to enhance mastery of Mandarin would be a loss, whether in primary, secondary, or tertiary institutions, he said. Speaking at the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), Anwar highlighted that Mandarin has become one of ..

About 40,000 join Jade Emperor celebration at Penangs Chew Jetty GEORGE TOWN: About 40,000 people flooded Weld Quay to celebrate the Jade Emperors birthday on the eighth night of the Chinese New Year at Chew Jetty. Starting from early evening, residents of Chew Jetty began gathering in front of the Chau Yuan Kong Temple. Long tables were set up and meticulously arranged with various offerings, including roasted pigs, _huat kuih_ (prosperity cakes), pineapples and others in preparation for the ..

Lost in transit? Enthusiast creates wayfinding signs in service of commuters in Singapore SINGAPORE: For transit enthusiast Vareck Ng, navigating Singapore means watching the ground as much as the signboards. Where others see worn patches of grass cutting across a field, the 23-year-old sees desire pathsbyways people have carved on their own where official routes are not the most convenient or intuitive. It is one of the most obvious signs that the community is responding to something that is ..

PETALING JAYA: The latest shake-up in US import tariff policy has injected fresh uncertainty into global trade. As it stands, Malaysian exports to the United States may now face a 15% duty, down from 19% earlier, following an agreement between the two governments. The lower rate is in line with the universal rate imposed on all countries under US President Donald Trumps latest tariff regime, implemented using Section 122 legislation. The move follows the US Supreme Courts decision to strike ..

Grieving parents donate only sons corneas as final act of kindness after fatal accident SITIAWAN: In an act of profound selflessness, an elderly couple decided to donate their only sons organs hoping his final gift would save others despite their own immense grief. Lau Pik Siua,70 and Pua See, 67, were devastated after losing their only son Lau Han Han, 45, in a tragic car accident on Monday, which was the Chinese New Year eve. Han Han, a mechanical technician, succumbed to injuries following ..

Police who refuse reports over attire may be dismissed, says Deputy Home Minister KUALA LUMPUR: A new circular issued by Home Ministry prohibits police officers from refusing to assist members of the publiclodging police reports or seeking emergency helpon the grounds of attire. The circular issued in December last year classifies refusal of assistance due to clothing as a serious breach of police conduct regulations. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said under the new ..

El Nio return could spark record temperatures in Malaysia PETALING JAYA: Malaysia could be in for a hotter year aheadmaybe even the hottest on recordwith an El Nio possibly materializing in the second half of 2026. Apart from the increased likelihood of heatwaves, weather experts are expressing concerns over dam water levels, crop growth and the risk of forest fires. Prof Emeritus Fredolin Tangang from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said models forecast a 60 to 70 percent chance for El Nio to ..

Dr Chua Soi Lek slams DAP: Leaving government early is abandoning the team PETALING JAYA: Former MCA President Tan Sri Dr. Chua Soi Lek has described the DAPs move to hold a special congress on whether to relinquish its government positions as "abandoning the team halfway." Dr. Chua, who famously led MCAs "no-cabinet" resolution during his tenure, acknowledged that allowing delegates to vote on a major party direction reflects transparency and aligns with a democratic agenda. The foundation of ..

Rafizi warns of PKR wipeout as voter disillusionment hits new high according to Invoke PETALING JAYA: Latest opinion polls by Invoke indicate more than half of respondents are disillusioned with the performance of existing political coalitions Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN). They are unwilling to vote for the three coalitions in the next general election according to former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. He warned ..

Huazong calls for caution on internal referendum, ACCCIM calls for policy consistency and stability KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia ( Huazong) has called for DAP, which has the largest number of MPs in the Unity Government, to exercise prudence on the proposed internal referendum. Huazong president Datuk Lim Kah Chuan warned that such a move would have significant repercussions for the nations stability. Lim urged DAP to think twice before proceeding with the ..

DAP special congress on July 12 whether to quit government posts, says Loke PETALING JAYA: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will convene a special congress on July 12 where 4,000 delegates will vote whether DAP should resign from all government positions and remain as members of parliament in support of Unity Government. This will be the first time a major political decision will be voted by delegates rather than the Central Executive Committee (CEC). DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook said ..

Gen Zs in China snapping up replicas of museum artefacts. Is this about cultural confidence? CHONGQING: Museum artefacts usually sit behind glass displays, quietly awaiting admirers. In China, they are also being transformed into exquisite replicas that young people are rushing to buy at museum _wenchuang_ (cultural souvenir) storesand flaunt on social media. This appears to be one of the ways people are displaying cultural confidence, as China develops into a global powerhouse. Leading the ..

PAS leaders don Tang suits to extend CNY greetings PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) leaders greet the Chinese community Happy Chinese New Year in red Chinese costume this year. PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor led the trend instead of the traditional green. They were joined by various Members of Parliament, state assemblymen, and leaders from the partys Women and ..

Over 26,000 applications for Year One six-year-olds in three days PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education has received 26,229 applications for six-year-old children to be in Year One next year three days after the registration began on Sunday. Education Director-General Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said parents were showing enthusiastic response. However, he advised parents to make their decisions carefully, warning against hasty choices that could put a child at a disadvantage. He emphasized that ..

Rafizi to launch online Mandarin classes after Chinese New Year **KUALA LUMPUR:** Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has delivered his first- ever Chinese New Year greeting in Mandarin, simultaneously announcing the launch of an online Mandarin class for beginners. In a video released on Threads, Rafizi admitted that while his Mandarin is still developing, he chose to deliver the message in the language to demonstrate his sincerity and mark the beginning of his journey to learn Mandarin. ..

Muhyiddin skips Gerakan CNY gathering after appendicitis surgery KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was absent from Gerakans Chinese New Year open house after being hospitalized for an appendicitis operation. Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau said Muhyiddin was admitted to hospital on Monday and was therefore unable to attend the event. On behalf of Muhyiddin, Lau conveyed his apologies to those present and extended Chinese New Year ..

**KUALA LUMPUR**: A total of 503 new tuberculosis (TB) cases were detected nationwide up to Epidemiological Week 5 this year (EW 5/2026), bringing the cumulative total to 2,571 cases, says the Health Ministry (MOH). In a statement, it said Sabah recorded the highest number at 614, followed by Selangor (476), Sarawak (257), Johor (233) as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (202). Penang reported 148 cases, Kedah (144), Perak (127), Kelantan (96), Pahang (81), Terengganu (60), Negri Sembilan ..

Dunhuang-style CNY lantern festival lights up Dong Zen Temple JENJAROM: The Chinese New Year lantern festival at Dong Zen Temple drew a crowd of more than 5,000 people from various ethnic groups at its launch ceremony on Saturday night. Adopting a Dunhuang theme this year, the annual lantern festival, held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, runs until March 3. Led by Venerable Jue Cheng, chief abbess of Dong Zen Temple and head of Fo Guang Shan in Malaysia, Singapore, ..

Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe announces Valentines Day engagement KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has announced his engagement, marking the end of his bachelor days. The former Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship revealed that he had successfully proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Jolin Puan, on Valentines Day. The couple shared the news on their respective Facebook accounts, posting a photo of themselves holding hands, with Puan seen wearing ..

Government to boost pork imports in move to curb rising prices **PUTRAJAYA:** The governments decision to expand pork imports is aimed at stabilising prices at a reasonable level, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin. He clarified that the increase in imports is not intended to cripple the local pig farming industry. "By approving more imported pork, we hope to lower the market price of local live pigs through healthy competition," he added. With sufficient ..

JohorSingapore SEZ presents rare strategic opportunity, says Onn Hafiz JOHOR BAHRU: The JohorSingapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) offers investors stability and certainty amid ongoing geopolitical instability and accelerating global restructuring of corporate investments. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the close collaboration between Singapore and Johormarked by the alignment of systems, relationships and timingpresents a rare window of opportunity to drive the development ..

PM Anwar calls for horse-like speed in progress at ACCCIM 2026 CNY gala dinner PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with the arrival of Year of Horse, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calls for all to accelerate in growth and progress to build a more prosperous Malaysia. Anwar was present at the 2026 Chinese New Year gala dinner of The Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) held at Sunway Resort Hotel on Wednesday night. A total of 125 chamber of commerce and ..

Selangor to accelerate closure of existing pig farms, pork supply from other states and import, says MB SHAH ALAM: Selangor will accelerate the closure of existing pig farms in Tanjung Sepat and stop issuing pig farming licenses. The decision by the Selangor State Executive Council on Wednesday is to follow the decree by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who does not consent to pig farming activities in any district within the state. Selangor Menteri Besar Dato' Seri ..

Jiak ba buay?: 56 migrant domestic workers in Singapore graduate from basic Hokkien classes SINGAPORE: Hilda Tunliu has worked as a domestic helper in Singapore for 20 years, but it was only at her last job, caring for an elderly couple, that she felt a pressing need to learn Hokkien. While caring for the 88-year-old woman and her 97-year-old husband, she could at first communicate with them using body language only. She took the initiative to slowly pick up basic Hokkien phrases when the ..

Home ministry tightens entry for Chinese citizens to prevent Illegal employment KUALA LUMPUR: The government has implemented stricter entry conditions to prevent Chinese citizens from abusing visa-free facilities to work in Malaysia, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Under the mutual visa-exemption agreement between Malaysia and China, Chinese citizens are permitted to stay for a maximum of 30 days per entry. They are restricted to a cumulative stay of no more than 90 ..

Malaysia requests Serious Crime Certificates from China to probe MBI scam and Tedy Teow Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this move is part of the governments overall strategy to trace assets, extradite suspects, confiscate property, and monitor cross-border financial flows. Saifuddin noted that the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing (AMLA) Division of Bukit Aman has formally submitted a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request through the Attorney General's ..

First calligraphy competition for non-Chinese teachers in Bentong district organised by Bukit Tinggi Chinese Primary School BUKIT TINGGI: SJKC Bukit Tinggi has broken new ground by hosting the first-ever Chinese calligraphy competition specifically for non-Chinese primary school teachers in Bentong district, Pahang on Feb 2. This initiative allowed teachers and students of all ethnic groups to experience the art of calligraphy and the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year. Headmistress Puan ..

No pig farming in Selangor, import to meet demand for pork, says Selangor Sultan SHAH ALAM: Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah does not agree with pig farming held in any parts of Selangor. The ruler said pig farming causes both air and water pollution which also affects social harmony. As an alternative measure, the ruler suggested import of pork to meet the demand of non-Muslims in Selangor. In a statement issued by the Selangor Sultans Office, it said Prime Minister Datuk Seri ..

Japan PM Takaichis party wins landslide victory, secures single-party majority TOKYO: The Liberal Democratic Party looked certain to secure a single-party majority in the 51st House of Representatives election on Sunday, according to exit polls jointly conducted by _The Yomiuri Shimbun_, NHK and Nippon TV- affiliated stations. The LDP appeared set to take the majority, which is 233 seats of the 465-seat chamber, garnering more than the 198 seats it held before the lower house was dissolved. The ..

The sweet-scented trap: How 'Zombie Vapes' or Kpods are preying on students The "Zombie Vape" phenomenon has "exploded" across many Asian countries and Malaysia is no exception. In fact, the severity here may surpass our neighbours. While foreign "Zombie Vapes" primarily contain sedatives like Etomidate, Malaysian variants are far more lethalfrequently laced with a cocktail of "hard" drugs including Methamphetamine (Syabu), Cocaine and Ketamine, leading to near-instant addiction. In school ..

By Qin Feng in Xi'an and Chen Meiling / China Daily / ANN By Qin Feng in Xi'an and Chen Meiling / China Daily / ANN A patient with liver failure remains in stable condition two days after receiving a novel therapy using gene-edited pig livera treatment doctors at the Xijing Hospital in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, have heralded as a global medical first. The procedure, known as extracorporeal perfusion, involves connecting a patient's circulatory system to a pig's liver placed in a mechanical ..

Voters using AI to choose candidates in Japans upcoming general election TOKYO: An increasing number of people are using generative artificial intelligence to help choose which candidates or parties to vote for in the upcoming House of Representatives election. Although the technology has enabled voters to obtain information conveniently and efficiently, caution is needed, as AI-generated answers may be incorrect. People need to confirm whether the source of their information is trustworthy ..

Matang village welcomes spring with egg-balancing event TAIPING: To celebrate the arrival of spring, Matang New Village residents gathered for a traditional egg-balancing event on the first day of spring at Lorong Madani. The event aims to usher in the arrival of spring, known as _Li Chun _in Chinese, with abundance of luck and prosperity for the whole year. In 2026, Li Chun arrived on February 4 according to the lunar calendar. Led by village head Goh Siak Pheow, village committee members and ..

Chinese nationals top the list in house purchase under MM2H, says Tiong KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,381 foreigners participate in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program so far. In reply to Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa at Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said Chinese formed the largest group, followed by Taiwanese and Singaporeans. Among them, 744, including 304 from China, purchased properties under the program, Tiong said, adding ..

Inside the blind box economy: Why we cant stop unboxing JAKARTA: After losing a couple of hours to doomscrolling through social media, I realized one of the most sought-after items in life today isnt a fancy car or a luxury handbag. Its an impossibly rare fidget toy: a glitter dumpling. I dont know where its sold, how it found its way into my algorithm, or why I couldnt scroll away from creators opening box after box of squishy toy buns. What I do know is that theyve spent thousands of dollars ..

Ringgit breaks 3.09 ceiling to hit 4-year high against Singapore dollar KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian ringgit surged past the 3.09 mark against Singapore dollar on Wednesday, reaching a peak of 3.0873its strongest level since March 2022. According to Bloomberg data, the ringgit initially opened lower at 3.0949 before rebounding strongly. By 2 pm, the currency hovered at 3.0920, maintaining its momentum from Tuesdays close of 3.0924. Since the start of 2026, the ringgit has demonstrated a strong ..

Extractive-led economic growth fuels Indonesias environmental crisis JAKARTA: The ambition from President Prabowo Subiantos administration to increase the countrys economic growth to 8 percent through expanding extractive business may risk accelerating environmental degradation and widening social injustice, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has warned. Since taking office in October 2024, Prabowo has boasted the goal for the 8-percent gross domestic product growth by the end of ..