Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah expects robust economic performance in the second half of 2026, building on first-half growth of 5.6 per cent. The government remains cautious about external risks including Middle East tensions.
The United States has sanctioned 10 Chinese shipping companies and eight tankers accused of facilitating Iranian oil exports, prompting Beijing to condemn what it calls illegal unilateral measures.
Oil prices fell 5% to their lowest levels in two weeks as fighting paused between the US and Iran, raising hopes for potential negotiations. However, the closure of key shipping routes and ongoing regional threats keep markets cautious.
Donald Trump has rejected Benjamin Netanyahu's objections to selling F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, reasserting US commitment to Ankara as a strategic NATO ally despite Israeli security concerns.
Audi has sharply reduced its 2024 financial outlook, citing deteriorating conditions in China and escalating Middle East tensions. The Volkswagen subsidiary reported a 21% drop in second-quarter profit and now expects lower annual revenues.
Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has underscored the urgency of strengthening Malaysia's food security in light of escalating geopolitical tensions, climate volatility and global supply chain instability.
Malaysia is actively exploring the prospect of hosting a Formula 1 race at Sepang International Circuit in October, with Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirming preliminary discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The European Union has agreed to freeze its price cap adjustment mechanism on Russian oil for one year and will now target vessels assisting Russia's shadow fleet, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Arkady Dvorkovich, Russian president of the International Chess Federation, has voluntarily suspended his duties following EU sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand will serve as interim president.
A leading Middle Eastern studies scholar has defended Malaysia's longstanding refusal to establish diplomatic ties with Israel as a principled stance against genocide, rejecting claims that the position constitutes antisemitism.
Malaysia is studying plans for a national petroleum reserve to bolster energy security as geopolitical tensions increasingly threaten critical shipping corridors. Analysts say the move addresses structural risks to regional oil supplies.
Indonesia has challenged Asean to translate its regional commitments into tangible outcomes, warning the bloc faces a critical credibility test as geopolitical pressures mount and Middle East instability threatens economic stability.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted how global energy and maritime security crises are now interconnected, with distant conflicts affecting Malaysia's fuel prices, electricity costs, and trading systems.
A key economic adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for India to welcome greater Chinese investment and rejoin regional trade agreements, arguing that geopolitical shifts make deeper Asian economic integration essential.
Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah urges the government, public and businesses to prepare for potential economic and supply chain disruptions stemming from Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US military strikes.
China's cybersecurity authority has flagged alleged security vulnerabilities in Anthropic's Claude Code AI tool, claiming it could leak sensitive user information. Anthropic disputes the characterization, citing an anti-abuse experiment.
Southeast Asia is set to increase offshore energy spending by 12 per cent to over US$100 billion, signalling investor confidence in regional development despite recent West Asian geopolitical turbulence.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia's unwavering dedication to pursuing an independent and non-aligned foreign policy, positioning the nation as a neutral actor in global geopolitical dynamics.
Iran held a major state funeral ceremony for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drawing senior officials from Pakistan, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, and other nations. His son Mojtaba has assumed the leadership role.
Moldova's Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has announced his resignation after less than a year in office, stating he could no longer fulfil his duties in line with his personal principles and convictions.
MARA has redirected its sponsored students from the United States to other countries for the 2025 and 2026 intakes, citing policy and geopolitical uncertainties. The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development says alternative placements will maintain academic quality and global recognition.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Norway for cancelling a RM1 billion naval missile deal, accusing the Scandinavian nation of applying international law inconsistently and maintaining double standards in its diplomatic dealings.
ASEAN and Asia-Pacific nations must transition from reactive adaptation to active strategic shaping of regional outcomes through stronger collective action and resilience, argues ISIS Malaysia leadership at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a £15 billion defence investment package, raising annual spending to £80 billion by 2029. The plan prioritises autonomous weapons, drones, and AI-integrated naval capabilities.