Norway has defended its decision to cancel the sale of Naval Strike Missiles produced by Norwegian company Kongsberg to Malaysia, saying export controls and national security considerations guided the move.
Norway canceled a 2018 contract with Malaysia to supply Naval Strike Missiles and launchers after newly imposed arms export restrictions, invoking force majeure. Malaysia, which has already paid most of the contract and was planning NSMs for its Maharaja Lela-class LCS and Lekiu-class frigates, says it will seek refunds and engage diplomatic channels. The move could push Malaysia to alternative missiles and underscores how export-control policies affect defense partnerships and ongoing programs.
A massive fire in Sabah’s Sandakan district destroyed about 1,000 floating stilt homes in a water village, affecting 9,007 residents; firefighters faced access challenges due to narrow routes, low tide, and strong winds, but there were no injuries or fatalities, and authorities are coordinating relief and temporary housing for those displaced.
A massive overnight fire in Kampung Bahagia, Sabah (Borneo), destroyed more than 1,000 stilt homes and displaced about 9,000 residents over four hectares of densely packed housing; firefighting was hampered by low tide and water access. The cause is under investigation, though a gas stove incident is suspected. No deaths have been reported, with several injuries and authorities coordinating relocation and relief for the affected communities.
A fire in Sabah’s Sandakan district destroyed about 200 wooden homes in a water village, displacing an estimated 445 people as winds drove the blaze and low tide limited water access for firefighting; authorities say the affected homes are no longer safe, and the federal government is coordinating basic aid and temporary relocation for victims.
Two US Littoral Combat Ships, Tulsa and Santa Barbara, assigned to mine-countermeasure missions in the Persian Gulf, vanished from the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran and were later photographed docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal in Penang, Malaysia. The Navy said the ships were on brief logistical stops, raising questions about whether they will return to the Gulf as the third LCS, Canberra, remains unlocated. The episode underscores debates over the effectiveness of mine-countermeasures and Navy readiness in a critical waterway.
Twelve years after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished with 239 people, a renewed no-find, no-fee deep-sea search by Ocean Infinity in the southern Indian Ocean has not located the wreckage, despite surveying thousands of square kilometers over two phases in 2025–2026. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau said there were no confirmed findings and did not specify when, or if, the search will resume. Families continue to pressure authorities to extend the contract or engage other deep-sea firms, stressing that Malaysia pays only if wreckage is found.
MotoGP will launch the 2026 season with a citywide festival in Kuala Lumpur, featuring a week-long Fan Zone at KLCC (Feb 2–7), a Pit Box-style display at KLCC entrance, and a Season Launch Show at the Petronas Twin Towers on Feb 7 (main event 19:00–22:30). The celebrations are free to attend for fans and will be streamed globally, with registration open for attendance at KLCC.
The town of Raub in Malaysia is experiencing economic growth due to China's increasing demand for durians, especially the premium Musang King variety, which has become a symbol of luxury and status in China. This surge in demand has revitalized durian farming in the region, making it a key player in the global durian market, despite challenges such as food safety concerns and competition from emerging suppliers like Hainan, China.
Rising cases of kidney problems among young Malaysians are linked to lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and untreated health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Experts warn that habits like overusing painkillers, consuming energy drinks, and dehydration contribute to early kidney failure, which is preventable through regular health checks and healthier habits.
Malaysian ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined for abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1MDB scandal, a major corruption case involving billions stolen from a state investment fund, with potential political repercussions in Malaysia.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined over $3.3 billion for his role in the 1MDB corruption scandal, marking a significant milestone in one of the world's largest financial scandals. He was convicted of abuse of power and money laundering related to over $700 million channeled into his accounts, with the court rejecting his claims of political donations and asserting his involvement in the illicit activities.
Malaysian ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty of abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1MDB scandal, involving the illegal transfer of approximately $543 million, and is currently in prison awaiting sentencing.
A new parasitic plant called fairy lantern (Thismia selangorensis) was discovered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It uniquely derives nutrients from underground fungi and produces a distinctive pinkish flower with tentacle-like structures, highlighting its parasitic nature and underground lifestyle.
A Malaysian court rejected Najib Razak's attempt to serve his corruption sentence at home, citing procedural issues with a royal order, just days before a major trial related to the 1MDB scandal.