Day: April 16, 2026

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM, PM ALBANESE DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, FOCUS ON ENERGY SECURITY AND REGIONAL STABILITY

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following an official welcome ceremony, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–Australia ties across key strategic sectors. The meeting, conducted in a closed-door one-on-one session, focused on advancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores shared priorities in ensuring regional prosperity, security, stability, and long-term economic growth. Both nations reiterated their commitment to open markets and rules-based trade, anchored in mutual trust and strategic alignment. During the discussions, Anwar and Albanese expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and their broader implications, particularly on global energy supply chains, pricing volatility, and the flow of critical resources such as oil and natural gas. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of complementing each other’s roles in trade and economic relations, especially in the area of energy security. Malaysia and Australia, they noted, serve as key energy suppliers to one another, reinforcing the need for closer coordination. They also emphasized a shared commitment to maintaining open and rules-based energy trade, ensuring stable trade flows, enhancing transparency, and strengthening collaboration in energy security. Efforts will be intensified to build more resilient energy supply chains, support the transition toward cleaner energy, and expand the adoption of renewable energy sources. The discussions reflect a unified vision to safeguard economic stability and shared prosperity, while reinforcing the Malaysia–Australia partnership as a key pillar in navigating evolving regional and global challenges. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following an official welcome ceremony, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–Australia ties across key strategic sectors. The meeting, conducted in a closed-door one-on-one session, focused on advancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which […]

Online Fraud Losses In Perak Hit RM125 Million, Rising Cases Among Students Raise Alarm

IPOH, April 16 — A total of 4,848 online fraud cases involving losses amounting to RM124.99 million were recorded in Perak last year, with a worrying rise in cases among students, the State Assembly was told today. State Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said data from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) […]

Asian Sports and Leisure Online Exhibition 2026: Connecting Global Buyers with the Future of Sports and Leisure

TAIPEI, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Sports and Leisure Online Exhibition 2026 (ASLE 2026) will officially open on April 16, 2026, offering global buyers a one-stop sourcing platform to connect with verified Asian suppliers across the sports, fitness, and leisure industries. Running until August 31, 2026, the exhibition adopts a hybrid online and offline integration […]

Agoda Highlights Hidden Cycling Gems Across Asia

SINGAPORE,  /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda unveils a collection of cycling adventures to invigorate the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure across Asia. As more adventurers seek active and more sustainable ways to explore, cycling offers a unique perspective on Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Cycling enthusiasts are in for a treat with trails […]

AGIBOT Partners with Cerebrotech to bring robotics solutions to the Philippines

SHANGHAI,  /PRNewswire/ — AGIBOT today announced a strategic partnership with Cerebrotech Inc., marking its expansion into the Philippines market through a local collaboration. Based in Metro Manila. Cerebrotech is a technology distribution and solutions provider with experience supporting enterprise clients across the Philippines. Through this partnership, AGIBOT will leverage its robotics platforms to support the […]

vivo Launches X300 Ultra Globally: A Professional Creative Powerhouse Featuring ZEISS Master Lenses Collection

SHENZHEN, China, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — vivo today officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first-ever international debut of the X Series’ ultimate imaging flagship. Featuring the industry-leading ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, the phone offers professional creators unprecedented creative freedom through pioneering telephoto solutions, cinematic-grade video capabilities, and advanced color science. With […]

RINGGIT RISES AGAINST US DOLLAR ON HOPES FOR US-IRAN TALKS

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rose slightly against the United States (US) dollar today, supported by confidence that the second round of US-Iran talks could ease tensions along key global oil waterways. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9510/9570 against the US dollar from 3.9550/9600 at yesterday's close. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist, Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, said the market is pinning its hopes on the second round of US-Iran negotiations which are expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and further defuse the conflict. He said inflation concerns, driven by war-related pressures on US firms and rising US Treasury yields, would ensure borrowing costs rose, as the US Federal Reserve (Fed) may be reluctant to lower interest rates. "The ringgit is projected to trade in a narrow range against the US dollar between RM3.95 and RM3.97 today," he told Bernama. At the time of writing, West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude oil prices both fell below US$100 per barrel, down 0.58 percent and 0.36 percent to US$90.76 and US$94.59 respectively. In the opening session, the local currency traded mixed against a basket of major currencies. The ringgit declined against the British pound to 5.3627/3708 from 5.3614/3682 at Wednesday's close, depreciated against the euro to 4.6649/6720 from 4.6594/6653, however strengthened against the Japanese yen to 2.4879/4918 from 2.4890/4923 previously. Meanwhile, the local currency was also traded mixed against ASEAN currencies. The local unit rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.1093/1143 from 3.1095/1139 at Wednesday's close, rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 230.4/230.9 from 230.7/231.0 and surged against the Philippine peso to 6.57/6.59 from 6.58/6.59 previously. However, the ringgit contracted against the Thai baht to 12.3415/3676 from 12.3098/3330 at yesterday's close., -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rose slightly against the United States (US) dollar today, supported by confidence that the second round of US-Iran talks could ease tensions along key global oil waterways. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9510/9570 against the US dollar from 3.9550/9600 at yesterday’s close. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist, Mohd […]