Day: March 27, 2026

DJ Snake to Headline Historic Harbourfront Show

HONG KONG,  /PRNewswire/ — The full lineup for the most anticipated electronic music event of the year has been revealed. On Friday, 8 May 2026, DJ Snake  will headline a massive outdoor show at  Central Harbourfront Event Space  – the inaugural flagship electronic music event of the  French May Arts Festival 2026. Joining him are some of the biggest names […]

Ops Selamat 26 In N. Sembilan Records 568 Accident Cases

IPK Negeri Sembilan SEREMBAN, March 26 (Bernama) -- A total of 568 accident cases with three deaths were recorded in Negeri Sembilan through Ops Selamat 26 for the period from March 19 to 24, said Negeri Sembilan Police Chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad. He said the figure showed an increase of 23 cases, or four per cent, compared to 545 accident cases involving five deaths recorded during Ops Selamat 24, which began from March 29 to April 3, 2025. “Cars are the main contributor to accident cases, while Rembau is the district that recorded the highest number of road accidents,” he told Bernama here today. He said the number of summonses issued to errant motorists also showed an increase to 6,401 summonses during this operation compared to 5,669 summonses during Ops Selamat 24, an increase of 732 or 13 per cent

IPK Negeri Sembilan SEREMBAN– A total of 568 accident cases with three deaths were recorded in Negeri Sembilan through Ops Selamat 26 for the period from March 19 to 24, said Negeri Sembilan Police Chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad. He said the figure showed an increase of 23 cases, or four per cent, compared to 545 […]

World Bank Moves to Contain Global Fallout from Middle East Conflict

The World Bank Group has reported growing concern among emerging market economies as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East begins to drive up commodity prices and disrupt global logistics. In a statement, the institution said several client countries have reached out for assistance as they grapple with rising costs and supply chain uncertainties. The […]

Trump Delays Iran Energy Strike Deadline Until April 6

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is delaying his deadline to bomb Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, citing progress in negotiations, Anadolu Ajansi reported. "As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well," he added. Trump signalled uncertainty earlier about whether the US is willing to strike a deal with Iran, even as he claimed Tehran is eager to negotiate. “They're not fools. They're very smart, actually, in a certain way. And they're great negotiators," he said at a Cabinet meeting at the White House, but called the Iranian side "lousy fighters." Iran is "begging" to make a deal, he added. "They're great negotiators, and they are begging to work out a deal. I don't know if we'll be able to do that. I don't know if we're willing to do that," he said. Trump boasted about eliminating Iran's entire leadership and said survivors are unable to communicate. Indicating that he is "the opposite of desperate" to make a deal with Tehran, he said, "In fact, we have other targets we want to hit before we leave. We're hitting them on a daily basis." Regional tensions have escalated since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran that has killed more than 1,340 people so far, including then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets. Thirteen US service members have been killed and around 290 others have been injured since the operation began.

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is delaying his deadline to bomb Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6, citing progress in negotiations, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to […]

Sabah Entitled to Diesel Subsidy, Says Ewon Benedick

KOTA KINABALU, March 27 — Sabah is justified in receiving diesel subsidies given its longstanding role as one of Malaysia’s main oil and gas producers, said Ewon Benedick. The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, who also serves as the state’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, emphasized that the state’s natural resources have historically […]

Ringgit Strengthens on Government’s Pragmatic Fuel Subsidy Adjustment Amid West Asia Tensions

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian ringgit opened higher for the fourth consecutive day, following the government’s announcement of a measured approach to fuel subsidies aimed at balancing fiscal discipline with cost-of-living concerns amid ongoing West Asian tensions. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9855/4.0050 against the US dollar, up from Thursday’s close of 3.9920/3.9955. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a special message yesterday, announced that effective April 1, the individual monthly quota for the BUDI95 fuel programme will be temporarily reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres per month due to the geopolitical situation. The adjustment is expected to have minimal impact on most Malaysians, as average consumption remains around 100 litres monthly, with nearly 90 percent using less than 200 litres. Anwar also confirmed that Iran has permitted Malaysian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with household welfare amid global market pressures. “This is a positive development for the ringgit, reflecting timely government action in response to the fallout from tensions in West Asia,” he said. SPI Asset Management’s managing partner Stephen Innes noted that the temporary reprieve granted by US President Donald Trump on potential attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure has eased safe-haven demand for the US dollar, providing further support to the ringgit. The local currency also strengthened against other major and regional currencies. It rose against the Japanese yen to 2.4951/2.5077, the British pound to 5.3143/5.3403, and the euro to 4.5969/4.6194. Against ASEAN currencies, it gained against the Singapore dollar at 3.0994/3.1148, the Thai baht at 12.0868/12.1566, the Indonesian rupiah at 235.7/237.0, and the Philippine peso at 6.61/6.65. The ringgit’s sustained momentum reflects market confidence in Malaysia’s proactive economic measures despite ongoing global uncertainties.

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian ringgit opened higher for the fourth consecutive day, following the government’s announcement of a measured approach to fuel subsidies aimed at balancing fiscal discipline with cost-of-living concerns amid ongoing West Asian tensions. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9855/4.0050 against the US dollar, up from Thursday’s close of 3.9920/3.9955. […]

1 million Iranian troops ready to face US ground attack

TEHRAN: Iran has reportedly mobilized more than a million military personnel in preparation for a possible US ground attack, a military source told the Tasnim news agency. Speculation about Washington's potential "historic mistake" of launching an invasion from southern Iran is said to have sparked a wave of preparedness among the country's ground forces. According to the source, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army have received a large influx of applications from youth who want to join the national defense. "If the US chooses the suicidal tactic of opening the Strait of Hormuz, we are ready. Whether they want to implement that strategy or leave the strait closed, the decision is in their hands," the source said. Tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched a massive military operation against Iran following the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several military commanders and civilians on February 28. Airstrikes targeting military and civilian facilities across Iran reportedly resulted in heavy casualties and widespread infrastructure damage. In response, the Iranian armed forces launched counterattacks using missiles and drones against US and Israeli targets in the occupied territories and regional bases.

TEHRAN: Iran has reportedly mobilized more than a million military personnel in preparation for a possible US ground attack, a military source told the Tasnim news agency. Speculation about Washington’s potential “historic mistake” of launching an invasion from southern Iran is said to have sparked a wave of preparedness among the country’s ground forces. According […]

Maintaining BUDI95 Fuel Quota for E-Hailing Drivers Seen as Key to Cost Stability

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The decision to retain the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel quota of up to 800 litres per month for e-hailing drivers and gig workers has been welcomed as a timely measure to help stabilise operating costs amid global uncertainties. Malaysian e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) Chief Activist Masrizal Mahidin said the move would not only ease financial pressures on drivers but could also boost demand for e-hailing services, particularly following the temporary adjustment to BUDI95 eligibility set to take effect next month. He noted that the revised quota for general eligibility — reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres per month starting April 1, 2026 — may encourage more urban commuters to opt for e-hailing services instead of using private vehicles, potentially increasing drivers’ income opportunities. Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the adjustment in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while maintaining the subsidised fuel price under the BUDI95 initiative at RM1.99 per litre to cushion the impact on the public. Masrizal stressed that while maintaining the higher quota for e-hailing drivers offers immediate relief, long-term strategies are needed to address rising fuel costs driven by global oil price volatility. Among the proposals highlighted were incentives to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), along with improved infrastructure, social protection measures, insurance coverage, emergency funds and skills training to strengthen the resilience of gig workers. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) Chief Executive Officer Dr T. Saravanan said the decision reflects the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by those whose livelihoods depend heavily on fuel usage. He added that maintaining the 800-litre quota is crucial in ensuring market stability, while preventing misuse or excessive purchases that could disrupt fuel supply. Saravanan also called on consumers to remain patient and understand the necessity of the temporary quota adjustment, describing it as a prudent step towards safeguarding energy security, ensuring stable supply and promoting responsible fuel management.

KUALA LUMPUR — The decision to retain the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel quota of up to 800 litres per month for e-hailing drivers and gig workers has been welcomed as a timely measure to help stabilise operating costs amid global uncertainties. Malaysian e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) Chief Activist Masrizal Mahidin said the move would not […]

Malaysia appreciates Egypt’s contribution towards de-escalation in West Asia – PM Anwar

Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to elevating bilateral relations with Egypt to a Strategic Partnership following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During the call, Anwar conveyed Aidilfitri greetings while both leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia. Malaysia expressed concern over the ongoing conflict and commended Egypt’s role in encouraging de-escalation, dialogue and an immediate cessation of violence. On the Palestinian issue, Malaysia reiterated its support for Egypt’s efforts in providing assistance to Gaza and stressed that any peace initiative must include a continued ceasefire and uninterrupted humanitarian access. The Prime Minister also sought Egypt’s support for Malaysia’s planned 2026 humanitarian aid mission, which is expected to be carried out through the Rafah border crossing in the near future.

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to elevating bilateral relations with Egypt to a Strategic Partnership following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During the call, Anwar conveyed Aidilfitri greetings while both leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia. Malaysia expressed concern […]