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Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

SEREMBAN: Malaysia will send a diplomatic note to Philippines to firmly reject renewed claims over Sabah, following recent remarks by Filipino senator Robin Padilla. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya .... read more

TEHRAN March 28 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- A series of explosions struck Iran’s capital early Saturday as the city came under United States (US) and Israeli attacks, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Severe explosions were reported in the northeastern areas of the city. Flashes were seen lighting up the sky, while smoke was observed rising from affected areas. Iran’s air defence systems were activated following the attacks. Iranian media also reported brief power outages in some parts of the city. Hostilities in the region have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb 28. Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, inflicting casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Explosions Rock Iranian Capital Amid US-Israel Attacks

TEHRAN — A series of explosions struck Iran’s capital early Saturday as the city came under United States (US) and Israeli attacks, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Severe explosions were reported .... read more

JAKARTA, March 27 — Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a one-day working visit to Jakarta after holding talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka. The meeting, which began at 4.30 pm local time, took place amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. After the discussions, Prabowo personally accompanied Anwar to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in a gesture reflecting the close ties between the two nations. Anwar departed Jakarta at about 7.15 pm, concluding his first visit to the Indonesian capital this year. The trip was made at Prabowo’s invitation following a phone conversation between the two leaders on March 23. Both leaders have maintained active engagement, having held five high-level meetings last year, including the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation held in Jakarta on July 28. In a statement after the meeting, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to step up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in West Asia, prioritise the protection of civilians, and create room for negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace. Amid ongoing global uncertainty, both countries also underscored the importance of strengthening regional unity to maintain peace, stability, and economic resilience. During the nearly two-hour discussion, the leaders highlighted the need to ensure global supply chains and key trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, remain secure and uninterrupted. -- PHOTO: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM Anwar Concludes Jakarta Visit After Meeting With Prabowo

JAKARTA, March 27 — Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a one-day working visit to Jakarta after holding talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka. The meeting, which began .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Fuel prices across Southeast Asia are trending upward as global crude oil costs climb, exposing stark differences in pricing systems among ASEAN nations. The divergence reflects varying subsidy policies, tax regimes, and levels of exposure to international energy markets. The increase comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted supply chains and pushed benchmark crude prices beyond US$100 per barrel. Key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, have also been affected, adding further strain to global energy flows. These developments are placing pressure on domestic fuel pricing mechanisms across the region, revealing a widening gap between countries that rely heavily on subsidies and those that allow prices to fluctuate with global markets. Malaysia continues to maintain some of the lowest fuel prices in ASEAN due to sustained government subsidies. RON95 petrol remains capped at RM1.99 per litre, shielding consumers from international price volatility. Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a temporary revision to the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme, reducing the monthly quota from 300 litres to 200 litres effective April 1. Despite this adjustment, the subsidised price will remain unchanged. In Indonesia, subsidised fuel prices range between IDR12,000 and IDR12,390 (RM2.91–RM2.93) per litre, reflecting continued reliance on government support. However, analysts caution that prolonged high global prices could strain public finances. Singapore, on the other hand, continues to record the highest petrol prices in the region at approximately S$3.42 (RM10.64) per litre. This is largely due to high taxation and policies designed to limit private vehicle ownership. Authorities there have indicated that fuel supplies remain stable for now, though the situation is being closely monitored. Meanwhile, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines fall within a mid-range pricing group, with rates more closely aligned to global benchmarks. Thailand recently saw fuel prices rise following a reduction in subsidies, while Vietnam manages prices through periodic government reviews to reduce volatility. In the Philippines, a fully deregulated fuel market results in weekly price adjustments, leaving consumers more directly affected by global price movements. Cambodia and Laos are among the most vulnerable, with petrol prices exceeding US$1.10 (RM4.41) per litre due to heavy reliance on imported refined fuel. Limited domestic refining capacity makes both countries particularly sensitive to supply disruptions and currency fluctuations. In Cambodia, fuel costs have surged sharply in recent weeks. Diesel prices have jumped by more than 80 percent since late February, reaching 7,100 riel (RM7.10) per litre, up from 3,750 riel (RM3.80). Regular gasoline has also risen significantly to 5,450 riel (RM5.50) per litre. Liquefied petroleum gas is currently priced at 3,200 riel (RM3.20) per litre, according to official data. As global uncertainties persist, ASEAN governments are expected to face increasing scrutiny over their fuel pricing strategies, particularly in balancing fiscal sustainability with the need to cushion consumers from rising living costs. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris

ASEAN Fuel Prices Rise Amid Global Oil Surge, Highlighting Policy Gaps Across Region

KUALA LUMPUR: Fuel prices across Southeast Asia are trending upward as global crude oil costs climb, exposing stark differences in pricing systems among ASEAN nations. The divergence reflects varying subsidy .... read more

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. .... read more

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.

Trump Delays Iran Energy Strike Deadline Until April 6

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 .... read more

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.

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 .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China following a courtesy call by China’s Minister of Internal Security, Chen Yixin, who is on his first visit to the country this year. The visit by the senior Chinese leader was described as a significant gesture reflecting the close and friendly relations between both nations, with the MADANI Government expressing appreciation for the continued engagement at the highest levels. Discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the area of security, as well as addressing current global geopolitical developments that require closer collaboration between Malaysia and China to ensure regional stability. Both sides also underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations and security partnerships in facing future challenges, with the aim of preserving the social and economic prosperity enjoyed by the people of both countries. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further deepen cooperation across various sectors, reinforcing the longstanding ties between Malaysia and China.

Malaysia, China Strengthen Security Cooperation in Courtesy Call by Minister Chen Yixin

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China following a courtesy call by China’s Minister of Internal Security, Chen Yixin, who is on his .... read more

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SYDNEY — The Australian government announced on Thursday a six-month ban on visitors holding Iranian passports, citing heightened risks that temporary visa holders may refuse or be unable to return home amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Department of Home Affairs said the ban applies to individuals seeking to enter Australia for tourism or work purposes, with some exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis, such as parents of Australian citizens. “The conflict in Iran has increased the risk that some temporary visa holders may be unable or unwilling to leave Australia when their visa expires,” the department said in a statement. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that visitor visas issued prior to the conflict would likely not be approved now. “The decision to settle permanently in Australia should be made in a planned manner by the government, not a random consequence of who books a holiday,” he said. Australia is home to over 85,000 people born in Iran, with significant diaspora communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Tensions between the two countries escalated earlier this month when Australia granted asylum to seven members of an Iranian women’s soccer team visiting the country. The players were branded “traitors” in Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match — a protest against the Islamic Republic. Five of the seven individuals later withdrew their asylum applications, amid concerns that their families may have faced pressure or threats from Iranian authorities.

Australia Bans Iranian Visitors Amid Middle East Conflict, Citing Visa Risks

SYDNEY — The Australian government announced on Thursday a six-month ban on visitors holding Iranian passports, citing heightened risks that temporary visa holders may refuse or be unable to return .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed concern over the escalating security situation in southern Lebanon and rising regional tensions following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam. During the call, Anwar extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H greetings while discussing the latest developments in Lebanon, particularly the worsening security and humanitarian conditions. He also conveyed Malaysia’s appreciation to the Lebanese Government for its continued support in ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) personnel serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), enabling them to carry out their duties effectively despite challenging circumstances. Anwar noted that Malaysia is advocating for the expansion of the current ceasefire to include Lebanon, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict, which has reportedly displaced about one million people and resulted in over 1,000 casualties. Reaffirming Malaysia’s stance, he stressed the country’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, strongly condemned attacks on public infrastructure, and called on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic dialogue. He also raised concerns over the increasingly urgent humanitarian situation in the region. The conversation concluded with Malaysia reiterating its commitment to continue working closely with Lebanon and international partners to help restore peace and stability in the region.

Malaysia Calls for Lebanon Ceasefire Expansion, Reaffirms Support in PM’s Call with Nawaf Salam

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed concern over the escalating security situation in southern Lebanon and rising regional tensions following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim .... read more

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