Malay Mail | Breaking News, Malaysia, World, Lifestyle News

The government is proposing to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) to expand the scope of enforcement areas of Local Authorities (PBT) to manage the issue of abandoned vehicles in strata housing areas. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Malaysia / 12 h ago

Councils may soon be able to tow away abandoned cars in condos and flats

Bill Gates has admitted making a ‘huge mistake’ in associating with Jeffrey Epstein, telling staff at his charity foundation that he had affairs with two Russian women but denying involvement in the disgraced financier’s crimes. — Reuters pic

World / 19 h ago

Bill Gates admits to affairs, calls meetings with Epstein a ‘huge mistake’ but denies illicit conduct

A total of 98 individuals were inspected, with 48 foreign nationals detained for various immigration offences, including overstaying and failing to produce valid identification documents during checks. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 18 h ago

Immigration officer hurt during Bukit Bintang nightclub raid, 48 foreigners detained

National badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei speaks during the Lee Chong Wei Cup Badminton Tournament Launching Press Conference at the Malaysian Badminton Academy, Bukit Kiara February 26, 2026. — Bernama pic

Sports / 11 h ago

Inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup offers RM100,000 prize pool for young players as legend gives back to sport

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said police are currently interrogating the suspects. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 16 h ago

Bukit Kayu Hitam shooting: Suspects arrested within 24 hours, says Home Minister

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said Google’s US$2 billion investment in Malaysia is progressing strongly and has exceeded initial expectations. — Picture via Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia / 13 h ago

Google’s US$2b project in Malaysia on track, set to create 26,500 jobs by 2030, says Anwar

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai won an appeal over his 2022 fraud conviction, in a surprise ruling that quashed the sentence unrelated to his separate national security case. — AFP pic

World / 15 h ago

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai wins appeal over fraud conviction days after security conviction

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 4.15am and managed to bring the fire under control at 4.48am. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 12 h ago

Police reveal identities of couple and three children killed in early morning Raub fire

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Hannah Yeoh has clarified that no materials used for Street Dakwah proselytisation activity were confiscated from Multiracial Reverted Muslims’ (MRM). — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 14 h ago

Hannah Yeoh clears the air: Street Dakwah row was about canopies, not proselytisation materials

US Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) speaks next to US Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and US Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) at a press conference calling for the release of the Epstein files, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. November 18, 2025. — Reuters pic

World / 18 h ago

Democrats accuse US govt of ‘largest cover‑up in modern history’ over Trump sex abuse claims

Are you a tourist in Malaysia? Your prepaid SIM card from Malaysian telcos will only be valid for a maximum of three months. — Pexels pic

Malaysia / 9 h ago

Tourists beware: Prepaid SIM cards now valid for only three months in Malaysia

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said the move was also intended to ensure consistent terminology in speech and writing, while avoiding indirect promotion. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 12 h ago

Deputy minister says LGBT should be called ‘deviant culture’ to avoid normalisation

Researchers at the University of Cambridge warn that cheap, disposable phone numbers can be used to bypass SMS verification and create fake social media accounts for less than 30 US cents apiece (about RM1.25). — SoyaCincau pic

Malaysia / 9 h ago

Prepaid SIM crackdown: Malaysians restricted to five cards per telco to fight scams

A painter pleaded not guilty in four Magistrates’ Courts here today to charges of damaging 13 automatic teller machine (ATM) screens at three banks in Jinjang. — Screengrab via social media video

Malaysia / 11 h ago

Breaking the bank, literally: 67‑year‑old pleads not guilty to Jinjang ATM screen smashing spree

Katherine Hartley Short (left), a social worker and the eldest daughter of US actor and comedian Martin Short (right), has reportedly died at the age of 42. — Picture via Facebook/Martin Short

Showbiz / 17 h ago

Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Hartley Short dies aged 42

Headlines

Malaysia / 9 h ago

Prepaid SIM crackdown: Malaysians restricted to five cards per telco to fight scams

Researchers at the University of Cambridge warn that cheap, disposable phone numbers can be used to bypass SMS verification and create fake social media accounts for less than 30 US cents apiece (about RM1.25). — SoyaCincau pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Malaysians are only allowed to register a maximum of five prepaid SIM cards from each telco in Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced today in new rules aimed at fighting online scams and protecting consumers.Under the new rules that come into effect...

Full Story

Top News in Malaysia

Langkawi International Airport has once again been recognised as the Best Airport in Asia Pacific at the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards by Airports Council International. — Picture via Facebook/Malaysia Airports

Malaysia / 10 h ago

Langkawi International Airport named best in Asia Pacific for fifth consecutive year

An offender serving community service orders gets hands-on experience cleaning public spaces. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Malaysia / 10 h ago

Litter today, pay tomorrow: SWCorp slaps 941 fines and community service duties on Malaysians, foreigners

A total of 92 illegal immigrants (PATI) in Kampung Masjid Segambut were checked in the raid and of that number, a total of 76 illegal immigrants (PATI) from Indonesia and Bangladesh were detained involving 46 men, 23 women, six boys and a girl. The raid was part of a large-scale operation announced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin following the Return Calibration Program which ended on June 30, July 1, 2022. - Picture by Hari Anggara

Malaysia / 12 h ago

Immigration DG: Repatriation programme records strong response, over 100,000 migrants sent home, RM88m collected

Floods in Paitan forced a resident to use a makeshift raft to obtain necessities on February 21, 2026. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 12 h ago

Sabah floods force closure of five Beaufort roads, train services limited to Bongawan Station

The Kuala Terengganu High Court today dismissed a lawsuit by four animal activists against the Besut District Council (MDB) and the Terengganu government over the shooting of a stray dog named ‘Kopi’. — Reuters pic

Malaysia / 10 h ago

High Court dismisses lawsuit by animal activists over shooting of stray dog ‘Kopi’

The Immigration Department (JIM) has intensified enforcement at Ramadan bazaars nationwide to curb the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal trading or working without valid permits. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 11 h ago

Immigration serves up enforcement at Ramadan bazaars: 23 foreigners detained in crackdown on illegal trading

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 4.15am and managed to bring the fire under control at 4.48am. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 12 h ago

Police reveal identities of couple and three children killed in early morning Raub fire

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the payment will be made by March 16. — Bernama pic

Malaysia / 14 h ago

Penang approves Aidilfitri bonus: CM says civil servants to get at least RM1,000 or half a month’s pay by March 16

You May Also Like

The Edit

In case you missed it

Singapore

Singapore has advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country while flight options remain available amid heightened regional tensions and recent public unrest. ― Reuters pic

Singapore / 14 h ago

Singapore issues advisory for citizens to leave Iran while flights remain available

Scam related losses in Singapore fell 19 per cent year-on-year to S$913.1 million (RM2.8 billion) in 2025, down from S$1.11 billion previously, the Singapore Police Force said yesterday. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Singapore / 14 h ago

Singapore police: Scam cases drop 24.8pc in 2025, losses fall to S$913m, but youths remain most affected

Hundreds of Chinese‑language videos generated using artificial intelligence have been uploaded to YouTube targeting Singapore and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. — Reuters pic

Singapore / 1d ago

Singapore hit by AI disinformation blitz, hundreds of fake YouTube videos target PM Wong

A view of the central business district skyline in Singapore May 27, 2025. — Reuters pic

Singapore / 1d ago

Singapore publishes wealth data for first time, Finance Ministry finds richest 1pc own 14pc of assets

A man who assaulted a taxi driver after quarrelling with his fiancée in the back of the vehicle was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment on Wednesday. — AFP pic

Singapore / 1d ago

Singapore midnight taxi ride turns violent as drunk passenger chokes driver on expressway, gets 12 weeks’ jail

On Tuesday, Singapore confirmed a measles case in an 11-month-old girl, raising the total number of infections in infants under 12 months to five so far in 2026, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said. — AFP pic

Singapore / 2d ago

Singapore reports fifth infant measles case, first preschool infection in 2026

CNA reported that Tan Wei Sien, a cleaner whose age was not disclosed, was convicted of voyeurism following a trial. — Reuters pic

Singapore / 2d ago

Singapore cleaner jailed for filming teen in toilet, claims he was gathering ‘evidence’

Culling crows using shotguns was halted in 2020 after incidents where pellets accidentally struck nearby homes. However, Minister Chee stated that alternative methods have failed to keep the situation under control.— Pexels pic

Singapore / 2d ago

Singapore to resume crow shootings in March after other control measures fail, crow attacks increase

Opinion

What you think

World

People planning to leave the country and apply for foreign employment in search of better opportunities queue as they prepare for an interview at Motherland Overseas, a recruitment agency, as Nepal’s biggest political parties vow to fix the outflow of workers ahead of the elections of the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5, triggered by historic youth-led protests fuelled by the lack of jobs and endemic corruption that forced an elected prime minister to resign, in Kathmandu, Nepal, February 22, 2026. — Reuters pic

World / 8 h ago

Nepal votes after protests: Oli eyes comeback as Shah leads new guard in March 5 polls

File picture of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 13, 2025. On the third day of a hearing to decide whether Duterte should face trial on crimes against humanity charges over his ‘war on drugs’, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the prosecution had failed to show his client had directly ordered any murders. — Reuters pic

World / 9 h ago

ICC defence: No proven link between Duterte’s ‘uniquely colourful and crusty’ speeches and drug war killings

British nationals Kial Garth Robinson (left) and Piran Ezra Wilkinson walk to a court room during their trial in Denpasar on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on February 26, 2026. — AFP pic

World / 10 h ago

Two Britons sentenced to lengthy jail terms in Bali for drug smuggling

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters in a departure lounge before returning to Washington following meetings with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, February 25, 2026. — Reuters pic

World / 12 h ago

Rubio says US-China ties reach ‘strategic stability’ before Trump’s Beijing visit

Kwok Yin-sang (left) leaves the High Court after a judge granted him bail in Hong Kong on May 20, 2025. A Hong Kong court sentenced Kwok Yin-sang, 69, the father of activist Anna Kwok, on February 26, 2026, to eight months in prison under a national security law, after he attempted to terminate his daughter's insurance policy and withdraw funds. — AFP pic

World / 13 h ago

First conviction under Hong Kong’s new Article 23 law: Activist’s father jailed eight months for handling her insurance funds

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton is to testify behind closed doors today before a congressional committee investigating the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. — AFP pic

World / 13 h ago

Bill and Hillary Clinton to give back‑to‑back testimony in Epstein probe, calling process a ‘kangaroo court’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters in a departure lounge before returning to Washington following meetings with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 25, 2026. — Jonathan Ernst/Pool/AFP pic

World / 14 h ago

US eases Cuba oil embargo, demands ‘dramatic’ change from Havana

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz prior a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, on February 25, 2026. — Michael Kappeler/Pool/AFP pic

World / 15 h ago

Germany’s Merz meets Xi, announces Chinese order for up to 120 Airbus jets amid push to reset ties with Beijing

Money

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx) Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chan (centre), flanked by (from left) Head of Markets Gregory Yu, Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Lau, Group Chief Financial Officer Herbert Hui, and Group Trade Information Officer Richard Leung, attend the 2025 Full Year Results Presentation in Hong Kong on February 26, 2026. — AFP pic

Money / 9 h ago

Booming markets drive Hong Kong exchange profits to record high

On prospects, AirAsia X said it will focus on re-establishing its position among the lowest-cost airlines globally and to build the foundations of the world’s first low-cost network carrier in 2026. — Reuters pic

Money / 9 h ago

AirAsia X reports FY2025 net profit of RM191.75m, down from previous year

At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 3.8865/8925 versus the greenback from yesterday’s close of 3.8900/8955. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Money / 10 h ago

Ringgit gains versus dollar as traders weigh US tariffs, Iran talks

At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 6.87 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 1,740.94, compared with Wednesday’s close of 1,747.81. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Money / 11 h ago

Bursa rebounds from intraday low, closes 0.39pc lower on profit-taking

Malaysia’s property transactions hit a new high in 2025, surpassing RM240 billion for the first time in a decade. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Money / 11 h ago

Report: Malaysia’s property sector posts record RM241.9b in 2025, marking its biggest year in a decade

Stellantis announced a net loss of €22.3 billion (RM102 billion) for 2025, the second largest ever recorded by a French group, impacted by exceptional charges of €25.4 billion. — AFP pic

Money / 12 h ago

Auto giant Stellantis posts RM102b loss in 2025, second largest in French history

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivers his annual budget address in the Legislative Council chamber in Hong Kong on February 25, 2026. — AFP pic

Money / 12 h ago

Hong Kong finance chief tips up to 3.5pc growth this year

A cameraman records video footage in front of a screen showing South Korea's stock index after a ceremony celebrating it breaking 6,000 points at the Korea Exchange in Seoul on February 25, 2026. South Korea's benchmark Kospi index topped 6,000 points for the first time yesterday, buoyed by the strong performance of the nation's world-leading semiconductor industry. — AFP pic

Money / 17 h ago

South Korea’s Kospi hits new record, but Asia stocks show uneven trade

Sports

National badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei speaks during the Lee Chong Wei Cup Badminton Tournament Launching Press Conference at the Malaysian Badminton Academy, Bukit Kiara February 26, 2026. — Bernama pic

Sports / 11 h ago

Inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup offers RM100,000 prize pool for young players as legend gives back to sport

MESF President Muhammad Naim Al Amin Saharudin (2nd right) said that among the titles listed are games never contested before, specifically racing simulators. — Bernama pic

Sports / 10 h ago

Over 10 game titles on the table: Malaysia plans biggest-ever SEA Games esports lineup

Although United’s men’s team are without European football this season, they generated an operating profit of £32.6 million (RM171 million) in the first six months of the fiscal year, compared with a £3.9 million (US$5.3 million) loss for the same period last year. — AFP pic

Sports / 12 h ago

Man United report £32.6m operating profit but total debt approaches £1.3b

A WTA tournament in Texas has unveiled a “rage room” for players to take out their frustrations away from the cameras after Coco Gauff’s racket-smashing outburst at the Australian Open last month sparked debate about privacy at tournaments. — Reuters pic

Sports / 12 h ago

Austin WTA tournament sets up ‘rage room’ for players to blow off steam after Gauff racket-smashing incident

Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan defender #02 Achraf Hakimi runs with the ball during the Uefa Champions League play-off second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 25, 2026. — AFP pic

Sports / 13 h ago

Hakimi in PSG’s Champions League line‑up against Monaco despite rape charge

Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish head coach Luis Enrique gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the Campus Paris Saint-Germain in Poissy, in the western outskirts of Paris on February 24, 2026, on the eve of the Uefa Champions League play-off second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco. — AFP pic

Sports / 13 h ago

PSG coach Luis Enrique calls on team to raise their game in Champions League last 16

Real Madrid’s French midfielder #14 Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates scoring an equalizing goal during the Uefa Champions League knockout round play-off second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and SL Benfica at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 25, 2026. — AFP pic

Sports / 13 h ago

Tchouameni hails Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Benfica as ‘a victory for everyone against racism’

Juventus’ US midfielder #22 Weston McKennie scores his team’s third goal next to Galatasaray’s Gabonese midfielder #99 Mario Lemina during the Uefa Champions League, knockout round play-off second leg, football match between Juventus FC and Galatasaray SK at the Allianz stadium in Turin, on February 25, 2026. — AFP pic

Sports / 14 h ago

Galatasaray survive Juventus fightback to reach Champions League last 16