17/02/2026

Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: lifestyle@thesundaily.com Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: advertise@thesundaily.com

Lion dance troupe ‘cubs’ ready to deliver roaring performance Group comprising members as young as ten train three times weekly to hone endurance, timing and synchronisation.

TUESDAY FEB 17, 2026

SCAN ME

Marriage when? Gen Z’s nuanced answer to typical CNY question – P22 TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

RM1

WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Technology and social media

TUESDAY Family and parenting

WEDNESDAY Fashion and beauty

THURSDAY Home and living

FRIDAY Travel and leisure

SATURDAY Food and beverage

Malaysian Paper

Report on — page 6

SCAN ME No. 9067 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

– 123RFPIC

p 23 Debunking myth of perfect parenting

p 24 Michelle Yeoh bags lifetime achievement award

p 25 Send Help’s darkly funny reversal of power dynamics

Anti-graft commission not impervious in no-compromise mission to root out corruption across all govt departments and agencies, says His Majesty. MACC on my radar: King

Report on — page 2

Berjaya Times Square staff enhancing a photo shoot at the ‘Palace of Abundant Prosperity’ attraction installed specially to usher in the Year of the Horse. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN There will be no publication tomorrow. Please visit thesun.my for the latest news. We wish everyone ’Happy Holidays’.

Crowd management plan suggested for JB-Singapore RTS project Report Vital to focus on matching station exit rate with last-mile absorption and pedestrian space capacity, says expert. on — page 5

Existing vaccines unsuitable for certain groups and mitigation relies solely on vector control and supportive care: Group Dengue among top global health threats, with no specific treatment

Report on — page 4

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

2

MACC does not have immunity from scrutiny: King PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian

Face of organised crime in Malaysia changing: Expert PETALING JAYA: Organised crime in Malaysia is changing, with more complex and less visible criminal networks that intersect with the economy more obvious today than visible gang wars, said criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid. She said public concern often spikes after high-profile incidents, with media coverage shaping perceptions of safety. “When we look at official statistics in Malaysia, we don’t see clear evidence of a dramatic increase in organised crime or traditional gangsterism. “What we are seeing, however, is a shift in how organised crime rings operate,” said the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Law senior lecturer. She said instead of territorial dominance, criminal organisations are increasingly networked and economically focused. “Some organisations operate under cultural or patriotic fronts. It is less visible than before. “We see networked, economically driven activities such as financial crimes, online scams, trafficking networks and cross-border operations, which may not always appear in conventional crime data.” She added that the evolution extends beyond street-level activity. Haezreena highlighted that organised crime increasingly overlaps with legitimate business structures. “Internationally, there is strong evidence that organised crime intersects with legitimate business. It is rarely a dramatic ‘takeover’ scenario. “More often, it involves shell companies, procurement manipulation, regulatory loopholes or collusive arrangements.” She alao said in developing and middle income economies, especially those managing large infrastructure projects, governance weaknesses could create opportunities for exploitation. “The link between corruption vulnerabilities and enforcement effectiveness is very close. “If enforcement agencies are perceived as vulnerable to political interference or lack institutional independence, networks can adapt quickly. “Crime control is not just about policing. It relies on governance integrity, transparency, institutional autonomy and proper oversight.” For Haezreena, the central question is institutional resilience rather than an increase in crime. “The broader issue is whether our institutions are resilient enough to respond to increasingly sophisticated forms of criminal organisation. “Public concern often reflects deeper anxieties about governance and accountability, not just crime statistics alone.” She said these anxieties have grown amid renewed public attention on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its leadership. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said public perception is critical for trust in institutions. “Since day one, the prime minister’s objective has been to reduce corrupt practices that have been longstanding,” said Azmi, referring to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reform agenda. “I think Anwar and (MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki) work well together. “That is why Azam’s contract was renewed during Anwar’s tenure.” He acknowledged that allegations and political discussion could influence public discourse. “The recent scrutiny involving the MACC chief is unfortunate, given the sensitivity of the position. “Public confidence in key institutions can be affected, which has wider implications.” Azmi added that handling such matters in a timely and transparent manner would help maintain public trust. – By Harith Kamal

who are unable to carry out their entrusted responsibilities with honesty, give the opportunity to those who are more qualified and clean to undertake that responsibility,” said Sultan Ibrahim. – by Kirtinee Ramesh

not be superficial or merely rhetorical. He added that officers who fail to carry out their duties with integrity should be swiftly replaced. “I have other alternatives. If there are officers

Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is not immune from scrutiny under the nation’s anti-graft campaign, said His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim. His also revealed that more individuals are now “on his radar” in a no-compromise mission to root out corruption across all government departments and agencies. In a post on the Facebook page of the Royal Press Office yesterday, the King stressed that the fight against corruption is far-reaching and that no one, regardless of rank, influence or office, is above the law. “Do not think that fighting corruption is focused only on certain departments or merely on those who give and receive (bribes),” said Sultan Ibrahim. His Majesty also said enforcement agencies, including the police force, Immigration Department and Customs Department are being monitored closely. “The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is not excluded either,” he added firmly. Sultan Ibrahim also made it clear that intermediaries, suppliers of equipment, uniforms and medical supplies are not beyond scrutiny. “Regardless of your rank, you are also within my radar,” he said, invoking the Malay proverb siapa makan cili, dia terasa pedas to underline that no wrongdoing escapes his attention. “Do not think I am unaware. I have my own intelligence sources.” Highlighting the need for systemic reform, His Majesty said anti-corruption efforts must

Police keeping a close watch as protesters gather near Sogo KL on Sunday to demand the resignation of MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Reforms in battle against graft remain incomplete’

sensitive cases. He identified structural reforms still needed to protect anti-corruption efforts from individual personalities. According to him, these include full separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles, strengthening of MACC’s appointment and oversight mechanisms with parliamentary confirmation and fixed non-renewable terms, comprehensive political financing laws, robust whistleblower protections aligned with the United Nations Convention against Corruption standards, enforceable procurement safeguards with open contracting and integrity pacts as well as a federal freedom of information regime balancing transparency with national security. On concrete steps the government could take, Ram said anti-corruption institutions must be shielded from political influence while remaining accountable to Parliament. “Effective models combine operational independence, secure tenure, transparent appointment and removal processes as well as clear parliamentary oversight.” He added that preventing and detecting graft are shared responsibilities but primary accountability rests with the state. “The government’s executive branch is responsible for running enforcement agencies and overseeing procurement while the prosecution service and judiciary must operate independently. “Parliament must provide oversight, and civil society as well as the media should remain free to hold authorities accountable. “Malaysia is stabilising under reform pressure. “It is not yet a decisive institutional leap forward but the foundation is there, provided reforms are completed and insulated from political influence.”

o Without structural insulation of enforcement and prosecution from executive influence, improvements may plateau rather than accelerate: NGO president

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

consistent

and

insulated

from

political interference. “It does not measure arrests or headlines but institutional credibility,” said Ram. He credited Malaysia’s incremental CPI gains to several reforms introduced in recent years, adding that these include the Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, amendments to the Audit Act and Companies Act in 2024 to enhance oversight and beneficial ownership transparency, the Parliamentary Service Act 2025 in restoring legislative autonomy, the Government Procurement Bill and ongoing efforts to separate the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor. He added that leadership-level controversies continue to influence perception. “Allegations involving MACC leadership have prompted the establishment of a special committee chaired by the attorney general but that credibility depends on independent, time-bound and transparent verification rather than internal assurances alone. “Leadership-level probes affect perception significantly, not because allegations alone determine outcomes but because the transparency and independence of the accountability process determine institutional legitimacy.” Ram said MACC’s appointment framework, currently under the prime minister’s advice, creates a perception of vulnerability, particularly in politically

PETALING JAYA: Recent controversies surrounding the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have thrown the country’s anti-graft fight into the spotlight, raising urgent questions about institutional independence and the unfinished nature of reforms, according to Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram. “Recent events do not necessarily indicate regression but they reinforce the fact that reforms remain incomplete. “Without structural insulation of enforcement and prosecution from executive influence, improvements may plateau rather than accelerate,” said Ram. Malaysia’s performance in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) paints a cautiously optimistic picture. The country scored 52 out of 100 in the CPI, ranking 54th out of 182 nations, a modest two-point increase from 2024. Over the past five years, scores have risen gradually from 48 in 2021 to 52 in 2025. While this reflects stabilisation rather than a structural breakthrough, it comes amid a declining global average CPI, which fell to 42, the first drop in more than a decade. “The CPI measures perceptions of public sector corruption. It reflects whether institutions, particularly enforcement and the justice chain, are seen as independent,

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026 | 3

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

4 Still no specific treatment for dengue despite global risk

Illegal clinics with immigrants posing as doctors exposed

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has sounded the alarm over the discovery of illegal clinics in Kuala Lumpur where foreign nationals allegedly posed as doctors, offered medical advice and dispensed controlled medicines without proper qualifications or registration. MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo described the revelations “alarming” and “unacceptable” and said such operations pose serious threats to patient safety and expose gaps in regulatory enforcement. “Patients who seek treatment at such facilities risk misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, complications from unsafe procedures and exposure to counterfeit or improperly dispensed medicines.” Medical practice in Malaysia is strictly regulated to protect public health – only doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and hold a valid annual practising certificate are allowed to practise. The MMA said the safeguards ensure practitioners meet rigorous standards of training, ethics and competency. It urged authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement to swiftly detect and shut down illegal healthcare operations, noting that the recurrence of such clinics – despite previous raids – points to the need for sustained and robust action. Thirunavukarasu said enforcement should be strategically strengthened in areas with large migrant populations, as vulnerable communities are often targeted by illegal operators who exploit barriers such as cost, language and limited awareness of the healthcare system. “This is not about any particular group. It is about protecting individuals who may be taken advantage of due to circumstances beyond their control.” The MMA called for stronger interagency collaboration, regular inspections and decisive penalties. It also urged the public to remain vigilant, advising patients to seek treatment only from registered practitioners and licensed facilities. On Feb 14, the Immigration Department raided nine illegal clinics along Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin in KL. It was reported that the clinics ran illicitly from concealed rooms behind retail shops and allegedly catered to foreign nationals. Officers seized controlled medicines including antibiotics and drugs for chronic conditions, believed to have been smuggled from Bangladesh. Eighteen men were detained, including individuals suspected of posing as doctors and charging between RM50 and RM100 per consultation. The suspects are being investigated under immigration laws while the Health Ministry is probing offences under the Sale of Drugs Act.

o Group says vaccines not suitable for children under nine and pregnant women, urges broader strategy beyond vector control

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Despite putting nearly half of the world’s population at risk, dengue still has no specific antiviral treatment, leaving health systems largely reliant on prevention and supportive care, according to Geneva-based, not-for-profit research and development organisation Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). It said current medical options remain limited, with existing vaccines unsuitable for certain high-risk groups. “We must address the fact that, despite putting half of the world’s population at risk, dengue still has no treatment,” said DNDi Southeast Asia regional director Vanessa Daniel. “Yes, there are vaccines, but these are contraindicated in children under nine and in pregnant women – both groups most at risk of developing severe dengue when infected.” Daniel added that relying solely on mosquito control will not be sufficient to curb the disease in the long term. “Vector control initiatives are essential, but they are not the silver bullet for this health crisis. What is needed is an integrated approach where vaccines, vector control and treatments all work together to tackle dengue.” The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed dengue as among the top 10 global public health threats. Daniel, however, explained that WHO’s classification does not measure how dangerous dengue is, but highlights its position within the global health ecosystem. “Dengue, a tropical disease, is classified as neglected. According to WHO, a disease is identified as ‘neglected’ when it is absent from the global health agenda. Diseases are labeled as such when they disproportionately afflict poor, underserved populations, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, yet receive limited attention, funding and innovation compared to more high-profile diseases.” Daniel said dengue also exacts a heavy economic toll, noting that outbreaks can overwhelm health systems and generate wide ranging social and financial impacts. “According to the National Institutes of

Daniel said relying solely on vector control measures is not sufficient to curb dengue in the long term. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect hotspots and expanding the Wolbachia mosquito initiative. The initiative involves releasing specially treated mosquitoes to reduce the dengue spreading Aedes aegypti population. In a parliamentary written reply on Jan 27, the ministry said the initiative had expanded to 51 localities nationwide. Of the 28 sites meeting assessment criteria, 25 reported dengue reductions. The remaining localities remain under a two-year monitoring period, with authorities maintaining weekly case and entomological surveillance to assess the initiative’s long-term effectiveness and safety.

Health, dengue’s global economic impact is substantial, with estimated annual costs of around US$39 billion (RM183.3 billion). “For additional context, a 2025 paper by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia reported that as of 2020 the direct medical cost per dengue case averaged US$1,369 (around RM6,434) for hospitalised patients and US$352 (RM1,654) for ambulatory cases,” she added. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed on Dec 15 last year that the country recorded 51,046 dengue cases as of Dec 6 – a 56.5% drop from the 118,291 cases in 2024, while deaths fell 61.3% to 43 from 111. He said the ministry has since intensified dengue control measures, including deploying

Drug development for mosquito-borne disease ‘severely underfunded’ PETALING JAYA: Dengue infects nearly 400 million people worldwide each year, yet research into treatments remains severely underfunded, leaving millions at risk while high-profile diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis dominate global health investment, said DNDi. It said the stark funding imbalance reflects how diseases are prioritised within the global health ecosystem, rather than the severity of the virus itself. become ‘neglected’ because the traditional pharmaceutical system prioritises markets with purchasing power, leaving diseases of low income populations with too little R&D investment and few effective, accessible treatments. The disparity is particularly glaring when compared with other major global health priorities. malaria and tuberculosis received 65% of the total funding allocated.” Analyses over the years have shown that research investment remains heavily forms of dengue. “The primary goal is to collaborate on developing treatments. This includes monoclonal antibodies and antiviral repurposing efforts.” The two efforts are complementary strategies in modern medicine for managing infectious diseases.

concentrated on a small set of high-profile infectious diseases. A multi-pathogen study published by The Lancet Global Health in 2020 found that HIV/AIDS research received about US$42.1 billion (RM197.9 billion) in global funding between 2000 and 2017. In comparison, tuberculosis received US$7.0 billion (RM32.9 billion) and malaria US$5.6 billion (RM26.3 billion). Daniel said DNDi is actively involved in the Dengue Alliance, a multi-country collaboration including Malaysia, Brazil, Thailand and India, focused on preventing progression to severe

Daniel added that research is ongoing with work on biomarkers, AI-guided drug discovery and pre-clinical studies. DNDi has also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Serum Institute of India to advance a phase-three clinical trial of monoclonal antibodies in Malaysia, Thailand and Brazil. – By Faiz Ruzman

“According to WHO, neglected tropical diseases collectively receive only 15% (US$4.17 billion, roughly RM19.6 billion) of global R&D investment. “While we do not have exact figures for dengue, this shows why a disease affecting approximately 390 million people annually remains low on the priority list. “Even among neglected diseases, HIV/AIDS,

DNDi Southeast Asia regional director Vanessa Daniel told theSun that current pharmaceutical innovation models favour markets with strong purchasing power, leaving diseases that mainly affect low-income populations. “DNDi’s work highlights that diseases

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

5

Crowd management vital for success of RTS: Expert

Cops investigate shooting at bank SIBU: Police are investigating an incident in which the glass door of a bank in Jalan Lanang was found to have been struck by gunfire, and are working to establish the motive and identify those responsible. Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said inspections at the scene led to the discovery of a bullet casing and a live round believed to be linked to the incident. “The Sibu police headquarters confirms receiving a report from a man regarding the incident. Based on witness accounts, two men were seen riding a motorcycle and one of them discharged a shot using what is believed to be a pistol before fleeing the scene.” He also confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. He added that the case is being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960, which provides a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or both. He also advised the public not to speculateon the case, as it could interfere with the investigation. “Any information related to the incident may be channelled to the investigating officer or the nearest police station,” he said, adding that news about the incident, believed to have occurred at about 3pm, had been widely circulated on social media. – Bernama He also said police confiscated several items, including handphones, clothes, a pair of gloves, a machete and a vehicle. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. – Bernama Four held in probe over dismembered human remains KOTA KINABALU: Four individuals have been detained to assist in a murder investigation following the discovery of several dismembered human body parts in a rubbish disposal area at Indah Permai in Manggatal on Feb 12. Kota Kinabalu acting police chief Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said the first suspect, a 71-year-old local man, was detained at the emergency unit of the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital on the day of the incident. He said following that, another local man, aged 19, was arrested on the same night in the Sepanggar area. “Today, two more arrests were made involving two local women, aged 29 and 21, in the Sepanggar and Inanam areas,“ he said in a statement on Sunday. Syed Lot said the two women were the children of the main suspect and were detained to assist in the investigation regarding their roles and knowledge related to the incident.

o ‘Measures needed to avert crowding, gridlock and loss of public confidence’

which ultimately affects the RTS objective.” He urged authorities to monitor early warning indicators such as pedestrian spillback, rail-to-street transfer times and last-mile vehicle turnover rates. The same opinions have also surfaced in Parliament, highlighting concerns over Johor’s readiness for the cross-border rail system. The concerns follow remarks by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda) on Feb 12, who during a Dewan Rakyat session on the RTS Link Bill 2026 said Bukit Chagar could face up to 30,000 individuals converging during peak hours if traffic dispersal systems are not ready. The RTS Link Bill 2026 was tabled for first reading on Feb 9 by Home Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. The law gives effect to Malaysia’s bilateral agreement with Singapore on joint Customs, Immigration and Quarantine operations at Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North. Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia international strategic management associate professor Dr Narentheren Kaliappen said first impressions would be crucial for Johor’s cross-border appeal, particularly among short-stay Singaporean visitors.

Woodlands, Singapore. “The concern of 30,000 RTS users at Bukit Chagar is realistic as a peak-hour scenario if RTS passengers and existing flows converge within the same time window and the dispersal system is insufficient or ineffective. “The figure of 20,000 passengers within two hours from RTS and another 10,000 from buses and taxis during peak hours, creating ‘simultaneous concentration,’ is a reasonable number at a specific point in time. “The key to managing crowding is to match the station exit rate with last-mile absorption and pedestrian space capacity, not to merely focus on train capacity,” he told theSun . Muhammad Zaly added that mismatches between arrival volumes and onward connectivity could trigger cascading failures across the transport ecosystem. “When high passenger inflow is not matched with last-mile dispersal and pedestrian flow, the first risk is crowd safety. “The second risk is a chain of operational failures when curbside and access junctions around the area lock up and traffic movement becomes static, causing bus flow cycles and taxi or e-hailing movements to fail operationally. “The third risk is loss of user confidence,

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) nears completion, experts have said last-mile dispersal systems in Johor must keep pace with the anticipated massive passenger volumes. They say measures need to be in place to avert severe crowding, traffic paralysis and loss of public confidence, especially with up to 30,000 passengers expected during peak hours. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia transport planning expert Prof Dr Muhammad Zaly Shah Muhammad Hussein said the projected load, combining RTS passengers with existing bus and taxi users, could overwhelm the area during overlapping peak periods. The 4km railway link will have two stations, one in Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru, and one in

Muhammad Zaly urged authorities to monitor early warning indicators such as pedestrian spillback, rail-to-street transfer times and last-mile vehicle turnover rates. – ARTIST IMPRESSION OF PROJECT COURTESY OF MRT CORP

E-cigarettes, vape paraphernalia worth over RM8.8 million seized KUALA LUMPUR: Police seized e-cigarettes and vape devices worth RM8.87 million during the integrated Ops E-Cig Mega, carried out simultaneously nationwide on Feb 10. Department of Internal Security and Public Order acting director Datuk Fisol Salleh said the operation targeted 154 locations and involved 2,140 officers and personnel from police and other enforcement agencies. He said inspections were conducted at 141 e-cigarette premises, resulting in 199 cases, with more than 950 litres of vape liquid and 83,289 devices seized. “Other items seized included device accessories, batteries, sales equipment and contraband cigarettes valued at RM67,596,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman yesterday. He added that 181 individuals were screened and four arrests were made, involving three men and a woman. “A man was detained under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in Tangkak, Johor, while a woman, wanted by police in connection with an offence under Section 182 of the Penal Code, was held in Ipoh. “An Indonesian man was detained under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying and a Bangladeshi man was arrested under Section 6(1)(c) of the same Act for lacking valid documents.” Fisol also said the operation was aimed at preventing revenue leakage to the black market and addressing the distribution of unregistered e-cigarettes, particularly among youths and students. The operation, led by the General Operations Force, also involved the Federal Reserve Unit, marine police and the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence. Personnel from the Health Ministry, Inland Revenue Board, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and local authorities also took part in the operation. – Bernama

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

READ OUR

HERE

6

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

Lion dance ‘cubs’ ready to roar

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PASIR MAS: As Chinese New Year draws near, the quiet village of Kampung Pasir Parit in Chekok comes alive with the steady rhythm of tradition inside the home of Wee Ah Liong. Aged 80, Wee is still very much at the heart of the festive rush, tirelessly preparing kiam koay , or kia koi in the Kelantan dialect, which is a traditional treat passed down through four generations. While many in the Chinese community, especially the younger generation, are unfamiliar with the delicacy today, orders continue to pour in each year. Each treat weighs a hefty 60kg and takes nine hours to prepare. Wee inherited the craft from his late father, Wee Sock Kui, more than four decades ago and has continued the painstaking process ever since. “It is usually prepared twice a year, during Chinese New Year and again for the mid-year (autumn) celebration in September or October, which is the second biggest festival,” he said when met at his home recently. He opens orders a month before the celebration, but demand often exceeds what he is able to manage. “I could only prepare about six kia koi for each festive season,” said the father of six, who limits production to safeguard quality. The process is long and requires precision. Wee uses just two steamers GEORGE TOWN: On three evenings each week, while many youths unwind with phones and social media, a group of teenagers and young adults gather in a modest training space in Penang to keep an ancient tradition alive. They are members of the Prosperity Lion Troupe, a close-knit group of 18 performers aged between 10 and 24, learning the demanding art of lion dancing, not just as a festive performance but also as a shared inheritance passed from one generation to the next. “Some start very young. It takes time to develop the strength, coordination and trust needed,” said troupe spokesperson Gina Ng. Training is held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, focusing on endurance, timing and synchronisation. Each lion requires two performers – one controlling the head with blinking eyes and expressive gestures, and the other forming the body and tail – moving as one to give the illusion of a

They enter competitions but are preparing to do so, with plans to learn the more complex dragon dance, which involves a long articulated dragon controlled by multiple performers. As interest in traditional practices wanes among some youth, Ng said the lion dance remains a powerful way to connect with heritage and has also been embraced by other communities. Beyond Chinese New Year, performances are common at business openings and ceremonial events, in which the lions are believed to ward off misfortune and usher in prosperity. For the young performers, however, the weekly training sessions are about more than drums and costumes. “It is discipline, teamwork and cultural continuity. It is a new generation deciding that this tradition is worth carrying forward.” have yet to

Ng said performers observe strict customs and taboos to honour the ritual. “When leaving the entrance, we must not use the lion’s head to leave. Instead, we exit using the lion’s tail,” she said, explaining that the act symbolises respect for the space just blessed. Performers also avoid entering private areas such as bedrooms, as the dance is meant to bless public and business spaces. The craft extends to the costumes themselves. The troupe’s lion shoes are custom-made with paw designs so footwork mimics animal movements rather than human steps. Lion heads, costumes and drums are sourced from China, Vietnam and Malaysia, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern regional production. For now, the troupe operates as a single unit known as Team A.

luck and prosperity. “The purpose of the lion dance is to increase business luck and fortune. We call this heng ong huat, ” Ng said, referring to the Hokkien phrase associated with prosperity. During Chinese New Year, the troupe also features Cai Shen, the God of Wealth, alongside the lions. Business owners prepare offerings such as oranges, vegetables, pomelos, pineapples and bananas, each carrying symbolic meaning. Oranges represent wealth, pineapples prosperity, pomelos completeness and abundance, while vegetables symbolise growth and renewal. The lion interacts with the offerings in a ritual known as cai qing , or plucking the greens, symbolising the receiving and spreading of good fortune. Yet beneath the festive colours and booming drums lies a tradition shaped by discipline and respect.

fitted with specially made covers. From start to finish, each treat takes about nine hours to preserve its traditional taste, texture and aroma. To produce one treat, 10kg of rice soaked in lime water and salt is first grounded before being partially cooked in a large wok. The mixture is then transferred into a special container and steamed over a wood fire for nine hours, a method that helps retain its distinctive fragrance. “After steaming, the treat is left to cool at room temperature for two days before being removed and cut according to customers’ requests. It is sold at RM12 per kg,” said Wee, who is assisted throughout by his 76-year-old wife, Ko Mek Gan. Beyond being eaten as a sweet treat, kia koi also pairs well with savoury dishes such as bihun soup and kuey teow ladna . Cut into bite-sized pieces, it could be dipped in palm sugar syrup or grated coconut, eaten with soup or even fried. Wee said its versatility sets it apart from other traditional foods. Despite his age, he remains firmly focused on the future. “I hope the younger generation would continue to appreciate and inherit the making of kia koi so that this traditional treat would not disappear with time and could be enjoyed by future generations.” – Bernama o Troupe with members as young as ten honing performance skills living creature. Behind them, a six-member percussion ensemble consisting of a drum, four cymbals and a gong fills the space with rhythm. The drum sets the pace while the cymbals and gong punctuate every leap, bow and playful shake of the lion’s head. A standard performance lasts about 20 minutes and usually involves two lions, although more may be requested depending on the occasion. Fees range from RM288 to RM1,688, depending on the scale and venue requirements. For many businesses and families, the lion dance is believed to bring

Octagenarian keeps kiam koay tradition alive

Wee beside his wife, being assisted by family members during the traditional kiam koay preparation process. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Horseperity Market’ offers visitors immersive Chinese New Year experience KUALA LUMPUR: Horseperity Market, jointly organised by Bungkuslab Connect and Zen Capital, has opened at the outdoor plaza of Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, offering visitors a lively urban festive experience in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. Guided by the curatorial concept of “Culture, Lifestyle and Social Connection,” Horseperity Market goes beyond the conventional buy-and-sell framework of traditional markets by emphasising spatial experience, content curation and meaningful human interaction. original brands to test their positioning and market response in real conditions. He added that for established mid to-high-tier brands, participating in the market would provide an opportunity to break out of conventional circles while fostering collaborations and creative synergies with emerging local brands. Visit Malaysia 2026 mascot parade, designed to create an immersive Chinese New Year experience for visitors.

brands play a role in shaping the overall festive lifestyle narrative, co-creating the Chinese New Year experience with the community and venue. Meanwhile, Hextar Group CEO Datuk Eddie Ong highlighted the importance of collaboration and platform sharing in today’s business environment, adding that such ecosystems such as Horseperity Market enable emerging entrepreneurs to leverage resources and expertise from established companies. – Bernama

It brings together a wide array of renowned brands, including MixStore, MoneyX, World Gourmet, Hai Di Lao, Kopi Hut, Kanika, Joymom, Cuckoo and Public Bank, with each brand integrating creative engagements into the market experience. Organiser and Zen Capital founder Regine Lim said the participating

Founder of Bungkuslab Connect Kenzo Lim said in a statement that Horseperity Market aims to serve as a low-risk incubation platform to nurture talent and brands while enabling local

The 19-day market, which runs until Feb 22, blends culture, lifestyle and social activities to create a vibrant Chinese New Year atmosphere for the public.

The market features various festive cultural activities, including traditional music performances, lion dances, live band shows, interactive games and a

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

7

Myanmar expels Timor envoy

Japan protests China comments

TOKYO: Japan said it had lodged a “stern demarche” to China through diplomatic channels after Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi accused “far-right forces” in Japan of seeking to revive militarism. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Wang weighed in on Beijing’s relationship with Tokyo, which has been under heavy strain since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments about Taiwan in November. Wang said that “Japanese people should no longer allow themselves to be manipulated or deceived by those far-right forces, or by those who seek to revive militarism”. “All peace-loving countries should send a clear warning to Japan: if it chooses to walk back on this path, it will only be heading toward self-destruction.” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the claims in a post on X Sunday as “factually incorrect and ungrounded”. “Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities are in response to an increasingly severe security environment and are not directed against any specific third country,” the statement said. It said there were “countries in the international community that have been rapidly increasing their military capabilities in a non-transparent manner” but added that “Japan opposes such moves and distances itself from them”. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi made his stance clear at another session of the conference, followed by a stern demarche against the Chinese side through diplomatic channels, the statement said. Just weeks into her term, Takaichi said Japan would intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan. Takaichi was seen as a China hawk before becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister in October. She said last week that under her leadership Japan, which hosts some 60,000 US military personnel, would bolster its defences and “steadfastly protect” its territory. – AFP Maintain harmony, Singaporeans told SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on all Singaporeans to continue upholding the values of harmony during the upcoming festive celebrations. Speaking in his Chinese New Year video message, Wong said this year’s celebration is especially meaningful to the nation, as Muslims also begin observing the blessed month of Ramadan. “The coming together of these occasions reminds us of the beauty of multicultural Singapore. “This harmony did not happen by chance, it was built over generations through mutual respect, trust, and understanding,” he said in a video posted on his official Facebook page yesterday. Chinese New Year this year falls on Feb 17, while Muslims will start fasting on Feb 19. According to Wong, the government is also working to provide families with greater assurance through initiatives outlined in Budget 2026, which is a key priority and a foundation of society. “In this year’s budget, we have taken further steps, from CDC (Community Development Council) vouchers for every household to receive additional credits for every child and more retirement support for seniors. “When we care for our families, we strengthen the bonds that hold our society together, we should also extend this care to our communities.” – Bernama

country’s appointment of a prosecutor to look into it resulted in “setting an unprecedented practice, negative interpretation and escalation of (public) resentments”. The government statement accused East Timor of violating Asean charter articles that “underscore the importance of upholding respect for sovereignty and non-interference”. It said East Timor’s charge d’affaires had been summoned on Friday and was given a week to leave Myanmar. Myanmar previously expelled East Timor’s top diplomat in August 2023, over a meeting his government held with a banned shadow administration founded in the aftermath of the coup. East Timor’s embassy in Myanmar did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The diplomatic spat comes as the Myanmar military faces international scrutiny for its role in an alleged genocide against the Rohingya in a case being heard at the International Court of Justice. Myanmar has denied the charge. – Reuters/AFP

In January, CHRO officials also met East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta, who last year led the tiny Catholic nation’s accession into Asean, of which Myanmar is also a member. CHRO filed the complaint in East Timor because it was seeking an Asean member with an independent judiciary as well as a country that would be sympathetic to the suffering of Chin State’s majority Christian population, the group’s Executive Director Salai Za Uk said. “Such unconstructive engagement by a head of state of one Asean member state with an unlawful organisation opposing another Asean member state is totally unacceptable,” the Global New Light of Myanmar quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying. A spokesman for the Myanmar government did not respond to calls seeking comment. Early this month, CHRO said East Timor’s judicial authorities had opened legal proceedings against the Myanmar government, including its chief Min Aung Hlaing, following the complaint filed by the rights group. Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry said East Timor’s acceptance of the case and the

o Row escalates over criminal complaint

YANGON: Myanmar has ordered the head of East Timor’s diplomatic mission to leave the country within seven days, state media quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying yesterday, in an escalating row over a criminal complaint filed by a rights group against Myanmar’s armed forces. Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021, when the military ousted the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking a wave of protests that have morphed into civil war. Myanmar’s Chin state Human Rights Organisation (CHRO) last month filed a complaint with the Justice Department of East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, alleging that the Myanmar military had carried out war crimes and crimes against humanity since the 2021 coup.

COLOSSAL CHASM ... A large sinkhole that formed on a farm in Pondok Balik village, Central Aceh Regency, Indonesia. – REUTERSPIC

ByteDance pledges to prevent unauthorised IP use HONG KONG: ByteDance will take steps to prevent the unauthorised use of intellectual property on its AI video generator Seedance 2.0, the technology firm said yesterday, following threats of legal action from US studios, including Disney. Disney characters to train and power Seedance 2.0 without permission, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters late on Sunday. Disney said ByteDance had pre-packaged Seedance with a pirated library of copyrighted characters from franchises including Star Wars and Marvel, portraying them as if they were public-domain clip art, the person said. It did not elaborate on the measures it was taking. Online news outlet Axios was the first to report on Disney’s move. Paramount Skydance has also sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, accusing the firm of engaging in “blatant infringement” of its intellectual property, Variety reported.

Videos generated by Seedance 2.0, which was released last week, have gone viral in China including one of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a fight. The AI model has been compared to DeepSeek and has been praised for its ability to produce cinematic storylines with just a few prompts. Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance accusing the Chinese firm of using

Disney has taken similar actions against Character.AI, demanding that the startup immediately stop the unauthorised use of its copyrighted characters. In December, Disney signed a licensing deal with OpenAI, letting the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora video generator. – Reuters

The letter alleged Seedance was reproducing, distributing and creating derivative works featuring Spider-Man, Darth Vader and other characters, the person said. “We are taking steps to strengthen safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorised use of intellectual property and likeness by users,” ByteDance said.

TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

8

Bondi massacre accused appears in court

o No plea recorded

facing difficult questions about whether they could have acted earlier. Naveed was flagged by Australia’s intelligence agency in 2019, but he slipped off the radar after it decided that he posed no imminent threat. Police documents released following the attack said the two had carried out “firearms training” in what was believed to be the New South Wales countryside before the shooting. They said the suspects planned the attack for months, releasing pictures showing them firing shotguns and moving in what they described as a “tactical manner”. The pair also recorded a video in October railing against “Zionists” while sitting in front of a flag of the IS group and detailing their motivations for the attack, police said. And they made a reconnaissance trip to Bondi Beach just days before the killings, documents showed. And a few weeks before the attack, the pair returned to Sydney from a four-week trip to the southern Philippines. – AFP

hearing, which dealt mostly with technical matters such as suppressing the identification of some victims, local media said. He reportedly spoke only one word, “yeah”, when asked by the judge whether he had heard a discussion about the extension of suppression orders. Naveed will next appear in court on March 9. Speaking outside the court, Naveed’s lawyer Ben Archbold said his client was being held in “very onerous conditions”, national broadcaster ABC said. He also said it was too early to say whether Naveed would plead guilty. The mass shooting sparked national soul searching about antisemitism, anger over the failure to shield Jewish Australians from harm and promises to stiffen gun laws. Among the victims of December’s attack were an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, a couple who confronted one of the gunmen and a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, who was described at her funeral as a “ray of sunshine”. Police and intelligence agencies are also

SYDNEY: Bondi Beach shooting accused Naveed Akram appeared in court via video link yesterday, in his first public hearing since the nation’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. Naveed and his father, Sajid, allegedly attacked a Hanukkah celebration in December. Sajid was shot and killed by police during the attack. Naveed has been charged with terrorism, 15 counts of murder, dozens of counts of causing wounds to a person with intent to kill and planting explosives. He appeared in a Sydney court for about five minutes via video link from prison, according to a statement from the court and local media. The timeline of evidence was also discussed, the court said. Naveed wore a green jersey during the SYDNEY: Australian police yesterday appealed for the urgent return of an 85 year-old man kidnapped in what they said was a case of mistaken identity. Police received reports early on Friday that octogenarian Chris Baghsarian had been lifted from his home by three intruders in Sydney’s North Ryde suburb. The kidnappers had been targeting an individual linked to the western Sydney based Alameddine crime network, national broadcaster ABC said. Grandfather Baghsarian, however, is “not involved in any criminal world”, Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander Andrew Marks told journalists yesterday. “I’m a million percent confident they have the wrong person. “It’s not an instance where they are randomly taking people for the sake of it. They were intending to take somebody, but have taken the wrong person.” In what he admitted was a “very strange appeal” he urged the kidnappers to release their geriatric prisoner as soon as possible. Baghsarian was wearing grey pajamas and a red and green flannel shirt at the time of the kidnapping, police said. The victim requires daily medical attention and his family are in deep distress. Videos and photos have circulated within Sydney’s criminal underworld of Baghsarian with severe injuries. – AFP Intruders kidnap sick granddad by mistake

N. Korea provides housing for families of troops killed in Ukraine SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a completion ceremony of a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of troops who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said yesterday. In a speech, Kim said the new district symbolised the “spirit and sacrifice” of the dead troops, adding that the homes were meant to allow bereaved families to “take pride in their sons and husbands and live happily”. Kim said he had pushed to finish the project “even one day earlier” in the hope it might bring “some small comfort” to the troops’ families. Photographs released by KCNA showed Kim accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae consoling family members of the fallen soldiers and visiting their newly completed homes. There has been growing speculation over whether the teenager is being groomed to be Kim’s successor. Ju Ae has appeared alongside her father in the past three years at an expanding range of events, including missile tests, military anniversaries and major national celebrations, in a sign that the state propaganda apparatus is gradually elevating her visibility. Under a mutual defence pact with Russia, in 2024 North Korea sent some 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops against Ukraine, where more than 6,000 of them were killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources. North Korea has staged public ceremonies in recent months to honour its war dead, including the unveiling of a new memorial complex in Pyongyang adorned with sculptures of troops. The opening comes ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, which is set to convene later this month and is expected to serve as a major political showcase for Kim’s achievements and policy priorities. – Reuters Kim and his daughter Ju Ae visiting the families of fallen soldiers at their new homes in Pyongyang. – KCNA VIA KNS/AFPPIC power, including about 10,000 customers in Wellington, said authorities, who have urged motorists to stay off roads, while several schools were closed as emergency crews tackled widespread damage. Raw sewage discharged after this month’s failure of Wellington’s main wastewater treatment plant in a storm was washed back onto the south coast by the weekend storm, in an incident some residents called a “poonami” on social media. – Reuters

WHEEL OF FIRE ... A Chinese artist uses spun molten iron to create a light show in a Beijing park on Sunday ahead of the Lunar New Year. – AFPPIC

Wild New Zealand storm disrupts transport, leaves thousands without power AUCKLAND: Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted flights, trains and ferries, forcing the closure of roads across large parts of New Zealand’s North Island yesterday, while snapping power links to tens of thousands. Air New Zealand said it hoped to resume services when conditions ease later, after it paused operations at Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North airports. told the New Zealand Herald newspaper. “I’ve never seen huge trees blowing around this much,” she said. “It’s so bad. I haven’t seen anything like it.”

The Wellington region accounted for more than half the 852 emergency calls received overnight, said Ken Cooper, assistant national commander of the emergency services. “We had a very busy night and our firefighters are continuing to respond to calls,” he said. More than 30,000 properties were without

Online images showed flooded semi-rural neighbourhoods, inundated homes, trees fallen on vehicles and collapsed sections of road after waters receded. The weather had been “absolutely terrifying”, Marilyn Bulford, who lives in the rural town of Bunnythorpe, about 160km north of Wellington,

Domestic media reported a few flights had resumed operating by afternoon from the airport in Wellington, the capital, although cancellations were still widespread after airport authorities said most morning flights were disrupted.