Fast, factual wire coverage from across Malaysia and the region.
Europe's largest travel operator TUI has signalled a turnaround in holiday bookings after months of Middle East uncertainty, though profitability remains under pressure from fuel costs and regional disruptions.
Malaysia's agriculture ministry is accelerating plans to reduce reliance on imported farm inputs and boost domestic food production in response to mounting geopolitical risks threatening global supply chains.
New US tariff measures are expected to have limited immediate impact on Southeast Asian exports to America, thanks to extensive product exemptions and lower-than-expected rates, though an ongoing probe into structural excess capacity remains a significant concern.
Malaysia's stock market fell to a 10-day low as crude oil surged past US$100 per barrel on Middle East conflict concerns, prompting investors to abandon equities and reassess their portfolios.
Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah has cautioned the nation to prepare for economic consequences stemming from Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of rising oil prices, shipping costs, and widespread supply chain disruptions.
South Korea's stock exchange activated an automatic circuit breaker on Monday as the KOSPI benchmark index plunged more than 8% amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Malaysia's FBM KLCI index rose on crude oil price gains following tensions in the Straits of Hormuz, with energy and banking stocks leading, though analysts warn of input-cost pressures ahead.