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KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 -- The ringgit started trading on Monday stronger against the United States (US) dollar, driven by increased market sentiment and investor confidence in the progress of US-Iran negotiations. At 8 am this morning, the ringgit strengthened to 3.9635/9705 against the US dollar from the level of 3.9655/9700 recorded last Friday. Reports say the US and Iran are in the process of discussing a deal that could potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz -- a major oil shipping route that handles about 20 percent of global oil supply. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.25 per cent to 98.987 points while equity futures indices such as the S&P 500 rose 0.61 per cent to 7,536.50 points. The development, he said, shows that risk-taking sentiment is expected to continue to be evident among traders and investors today. In addition, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices fell by more than five percent to US$91.75 per barrel and US$98.33 per barrel, respectively. "Following that, the ringgit is expected to continue to strengthen as market sentiment is seen to be improving and it is possible to see the ringgit move at the RM3.95 level against the US dollar." "The better performance of macroeconomic indicators such as the increase in the current account surplus and the reduction in the fiscal deficit in the first quarter of 2026, also shows that the risk of Malaysia becoming an economy with twin deficits is low," he told Bernama . When the market opened, the ringgit was trading lower against major currencies. This included a decline against the Japanese yen to 2.4934/4980 from 2.4925/4954, a decline against the British pound to 5.3432/3526 from 5.3245/3305 previously and a decline against the euro to 4.6143/6225 from 4.6012/6064 previously. The ringgit was also traded mixed against regional currencies. Against the Singapore dollar, the ringgit fell to 3.1030/1090 from 3.0985/1023 at Friday's close, was lower against the Thai baht to 12.1954/2248 from 12.1304/1468, but recorded a small strengthening against the Indonesian rupiah to 223.7/224.2 from 223.8/224.1 previously and was unchanged against the Philippine peso at 6.42/6.44. -- BERNAMA

Ringgit opens stronger against US dollar driven by positive sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — The ringgit started trading on Monday stronger against the United States (US) dollar, driven by increased market sentiment and investor confidence in the progress of US-Iran negotiations.

At 8 am this morning, the ringgit strengthened to 3.9635/9705 against the US dollar from the level of 3.9655/9700 recorded last Friday.

Reports say the US and Iran are in the process of discussing a deal that could potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a major oil shipping route that handles about 20 percent of global oil supply.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.25 per cent to 98.987 points while equity futures indices such as the S&P 500 rose 0.61 per cent to 7,536.50 points.

The development, he said, shows that risk-taking sentiment is expected to continue to be evident among traders and investors today.

In addition, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices fell by more than five percent to US$91.75 per barrel and US$98.33 per barrel, respectively.

“Following that, the ringgit is expected to continue to strengthen as market sentiment is seen to be improving and it is possible to see the ringgit move at the RM3.95 level against the US dollar.”

“The better performance of macroeconomic indicators such as the increase in the current account surplus and the reduction in the fiscal deficit in the first quarter of 2026, also shows that the risk of Malaysia becoming an economy with twin deficits is low,” he told Bernama .

When the market opened, the ringgit was trading lower against major currencies.

This included a decline against the Japanese yen to 2.4934/4980 from 2.4925/4954, a decline against the British pound to 5.3432/3526 from 5.3245/3305 previously and a decline against the euro to 4.6143/6225 from 4.6012/6064 previously.

The ringgit was also traded mixed against regional currencies.

Against the Singapore dollar, the ringgit fell to 3.1030/1090 from 3.0985/1023 at Friday’s close, was lower against the Thai baht to 12.1954/2248 from 12.1304/1468, but recorded a small strengthening against the Indonesian rupiah to 223.7/224.2 from 223.8/224.1 previously and was unchanged against the Philippine peso at 6.42/6.44.

— BERNAMA

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IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, agreed to go last night to officiate the Al-Muhajirin Mosque, Kampung Ulu Chepor, Chemor here. His Majesty arrived at approximately 8.20pm and was welcomed by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim. Also present was the President of the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini and the Director of the Perak Islamic Religious Department Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim. Sultan Nazrin then agreed to draw the curtain as a symbolic opening of the mosque before joining in the takbir raya in conjunction with Aidiladha and performing the Isyak prayer in congregation with approximately 400 worshippers. The Al Muhajirin Mosque, built in 2018, has been in full use since March 2025. The mosque was built at a cost of RM6 million on a 1.9 hectare plot of land and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers at a time. Upholding the concept of sustainability, the mosque area is also planted with various plants including coconut, matoa and lemongrass. -- BERNAMA

Sultan Nazrin officially opens Al-Muhajirin Mosque, joins in the Eid al-Adha takbir

DUNGUN: Four people were injured, including two children, while 14 others survived an accident involving five vehicles at Kilometre 337.7 of the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) near the Rest Stop and Paka Treatment Centre near here last night. Paka Fire and Rescue Station Operations Commander, Senior Fire Officer II Mohd Bakri Abdul Rahman said that in the incident at 7.30pm, the four victims were in a Nissan Almera car. "All the injured victims were taken to Dungun Hospital by the Civil Defence Force ambulance to receive further treatment," he said when contacted. Mohd Bakri said the survivors involved two individuals who were travelling in a Toyota Vios and two others who were travelling in a Proton Persona. He said six others, including four children, survived in a Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicle while four others, including two children, were in a Perodua Ativa car. "Members are monitoring to ensure there are no more injured victims at the location to be taken to the hospital," he said. -- BERNAMA

Four injured in accident involving five vehicles at LPT2

TANJONG MALIM, May 27 — The body of 19-year-old Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, who died after going missing while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa near here last Saturday, was safely laid to rest at the Felda Trolak Utara Islamic Cemetery at 3.05am today. The burial took place after an autopsy was completed at Sungai Buloh Hospital (HSB), Selangor, at 12.19am. Earlier, the body of the second of four siblings was brought to the Ar-Riduaniah Mosque in Felda Trolak Utara for funeral prayers. Her father, Azizul Abdul Aziz, 48, personally led the funeral prayers at about 2.20am, attended by around 50 congregants. Speaking to reporters after the burial, Azizul expressed his gratitude to Malaysians and all agencies involved in the search and rescue (SAR) operation following his daughter’s disappearance on May 23. “I would like to thank all Malaysians who prayed and gave words of encouragement throughout the search for my daughter,” he said. He also urged the public not to spread unfounded speculation regarding the incident. “What our family hopes for now is that everyone will continue to pray and avoid making inappropriate assumptions,” he added. Azizul described this year’s Aidiladha celebration as especially emotional for the family following the tragic loss. “From now on, every Hari Raya will remind us of the day Angah left us. No matter what, she will always remain in our hearts,” he said emotionally. “My wife and I can testify that Angah was the best daughter to us. God willing, may she be placed among the gardens of heaven,” he said. Yesterday, SAR personnel discovered Nur Izzati Humaira’s body at about 11.59am, approximately 500 metres from the location where she was last seen and about one kilometre from the Incident Control Post (PKTK). She was believed to have gone missing at around 10.50am last Saturday while descending the hill with her family. According to reports, the teenager decided to walk ahead alone toward the foot of the hill after feeling hot and exhausted before she was later reported missing. -- MINUTESMY

Nur Izzati Humaira’s body safely buried

GAZA: Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are set to celebrate Eid al-Adha for the third consecutive year amid what officials and residents describe as dire humanitarian conditions. In addition, widespread livestock shortages and soaring prices have also left most families unable to afford sacrificial animals, reported Qatar News Agency (QNA). The region's Ministry of Agriculture has reported that the livestock sector has been devastated by the ongoing war since October 2023, claiming the destruction of farms, veterinary facilities and food storage sites, as well as the killing of a large number of animals. According to the ministry, imports of live animals, food and veterinary medicines have dropped to "zero" due to the continued closure of crossings. Officials said Gaza previously received between 10,000 and 20,000 cows and 30,000 to 40,000 sheep each year ahead of Eid al-Adha, but this year supplies have completely declined, affecting the market. Traders and breeders say the number of remaining livestock has fallen sharply, with some traders estimating sheep availability at no more than 10 percent of pre-war levels and stressing that rising feed costs are driving many to abandon the sector. A livestock trader told the Qatar News Agency (QNA) he lost his farm and dozens of cows during the war and now only has a fraction of his previous stock, illustrating the difficulty of keeping animals safe in the face of prolonged insecurity. Prices, according to traders, have soared, with some traders reporting a sheep that previously cost around US$300 is now selling for between US$4,000 and US$5,000. Residents said the crisis meant traditional Eid celebrations could not take place. A mother of five who is homeless and living in a tent and struggling to feed her children, said the festival now brings "sadness rather than joy." Another resident said many families had not had the opportunity to see fresh meat for years, due to high prices, while others said they were now relying on limited food aid and getting by with prayer and fasting in the first days of Zulhijjah. Calls for international organizations to launch cross-border victim assistance programs intensified, as hopes continued to be pinned on an end to the conflict and relief from the blockade. -- BERNAMA-QNA

Eid al-Adha in Gaza without sacrificial animals, crisis worsens

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IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, agreed to go last night to officiate the Al-Muhajirin Mosque, Kampung Ulu Chepor, Chemor here. His Majesty arrived at approximately 8.20pm and was welcomed by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim. Also present was the President of the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini and the Director of the Perak Islamic Religious Department Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim. Sultan Nazrin then agreed to draw the curtain as a symbolic opening of the mosque before joining in the takbir raya in conjunction with Aidiladha and performing the Isyak prayer in congregation with approximately 400 worshippers. The Al Muhajirin Mosque, built in 2018, has been in full use since March 2025. The mosque was built at a cost of RM6 million on a 1.9 hectare plot of land and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers at a time. Upholding the concept of sustainability, the mosque area is also planted with various plants including coconut, matoa and lemongrass. -- BERNAMA

Sultan Nazrin officially opens Al-Muhajirin Mosque, joins in the Eid al-Adha takbir

DUNGUN: Four people were injured, including two children, while 14 others survived an accident involving five vehicles at Kilometre 337.7 of the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) near the Rest Stop and Paka Treatment Centre near here last night. Paka Fire and Rescue Station Operations Commander, Senior Fire Officer II Mohd Bakri Abdul Rahman said that in the incident at 7.30pm, the four victims were in a Nissan Almera car. "All the injured victims were taken to Dungun Hospital by the Civil Defence Force ambulance to receive further treatment," he said when contacted. Mohd Bakri said the survivors involved two individuals who were travelling in a Toyota Vios and two others who were travelling in a Proton Persona. He said six others, including four children, survived in a Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicle while four others, including two children, were in a Perodua Ativa car. "Members are monitoring to ensure there are no more injured victims at the location to be taken to the hospital," he said. -- BERNAMA

Four injured in accident involving five vehicles at LPT2

TANJONG MALIM, May 27 — The body of 19-year-old Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, who died after going missing while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa near here last Saturday, was safely laid to rest at the Felda Trolak Utara Islamic Cemetery at 3.05am today. The burial took place after an autopsy was completed at Sungai Buloh Hospital (HSB), Selangor, at 12.19am. Earlier, the body of the second of four siblings was brought to the Ar-Riduaniah Mosque in Felda Trolak Utara for funeral prayers. Her father, Azizul Abdul Aziz, 48, personally led the funeral prayers at about 2.20am, attended by around 50 congregants. Speaking to reporters after the burial, Azizul expressed his gratitude to Malaysians and all agencies involved in the search and rescue (SAR) operation following his daughter’s disappearance on May 23. “I would like to thank all Malaysians who prayed and gave words of encouragement throughout the search for my daughter,” he said. He also urged the public not to spread unfounded speculation regarding the incident. “What our family hopes for now is that everyone will continue to pray and avoid making inappropriate assumptions,” he added. Azizul described this year’s Aidiladha celebration as especially emotional for the family following the tragic loss. “From now on, every Hari Raya will remind us of the day Angah left us. No matter what, she will always remain in our hearts,” he said emotionally. “My wife and I can testify that Angah was the best daughter to us. God willing, may she be placed among the gardens of heaven,” he said. Yesterday, SAR personnel discovered Nur Izzati Humaira’s body at about 11.59am, approximately 500 metres from the location where she was last seen and about one kilometre from the Incident Control Post (PKTK). She was believed to have gone missing at around 10.50am last Saturday while descending the hill with her family. According to reports, the teenager decided to walk ahead alone toward the foot of the hill after feeling hot and exhausted before she was later reported missing. -- MINUTESMY

Nur Izzati Humaira’s body safely buried

GAZA: Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are set to celebrate Eid al-Adha for the third consecutive year amid what officials and residents describe as dire humanitarian conditions. In addition, widespread livestock shortages and soaring prices have also left most families unable to afford sacrificial animals, reported Qatar News Agency (QNA). The region's Ministry of Agriculture has reported that the livestock sector has been devastated by the ongoing war since October 2023, claiming the destruction of farms, veterinary facilities and food storage sites, as well as the killing of a large number of animals. According to the ministry, imports of live animals, food and veterinary medicines have dropped to "zero" due to the continued closure of crossings. Officials said Gaza previously received between 10,000 and 20,000 cows and 30,000 to 40,000 sheep each year ahead of Eid al-Adha, but this year supplies have completely declined, affecting the market. Traders and breeders say the number of remaining livestock has fallen sharply, with some traders estimating sheep availability at no more than 10 percent of pre-war levels and stressing that rising feed costs are driving many to abandon the sector. A livestock trader told the Qatar News Agency (QNA) he lost his farm and dozens of cows during the war and now only has a fraction of his previous stock, illustrating the difficulty of keeping animals safe in the face of prolonged insecurity. Prices, according to traders, have soared, with some traders reporting a sheep that previously cost around US$300 is now selling for between US$4,000 and US$5,000. Residents said the crisis meant traditional Eid celebrations could not take place. A mother of five who is homeless and living in a tent and struggling to feed her children, said the festival now brings "sadness rather than joy." Another resident said many families had not had the opportunity to see fresh meat for years, due to high prices, while others said they were now relying on limited food aid and getting by with prayer and fasting in the first days of Zulhijjah. Calls for international organizations to launch cross-border victim assistance programs intensified, as hopes continued to be pinned on an end to the conflict and relief from the blockade. -- BERNAMA-QNA

Eid al-Adha in Gaza without sacrificial animals, crisis worsens

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