Police report lodged over Facebook post allegedly defaming Perlis royal institution
KANGAR (Jan 2): Police have received a report regarding a Facebook post believed to contain defamatory elements and allegations against an individual linked to the Perlis royal institution. Arau district police chief Supt Ahmad Mohsin Md Rodi said the report was lodged on Thursday by a 39-year-old contractor after he came across the post on social media while at a restaurant in Arau at about 8.30pm on Wednesday. “Statements recorded revealed that the man had never previously seen such a post, although he had heard rumours related to the alleged slander and had ignored them until he personally read the post. Ahmad Mohsin said the contractor believed the post was directed at the Perlis royal institution and had requested police to investigate and act against the account owner for attempting to embarrass, undermine and shame the institution. “Checks through the integrated police reporting system (iPRS) found that there were two police reports, including one lodged in Kangar, which has been classified as referring to the original report made in Arau,” he said.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 08:18 UTC
![Jonassen finds Asian methods a better fit for national shuttlers [WATCH]](https://newssummedup.com/images/no_photo.png)
Jonassen finds Asian methods a better fit for national shuttlers [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has reverted to an Asian training methodology after shuttlers struggled to adapt to the European philosophy he initially introduced. People may think we are still following the European training style, but actually we are not," Jonassen said at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Friday. Jonassen said the European approach also extends beyond the court, where players are challenged to confront "inner demons" to become all-round performers. Jonassen said he might combine Asian and European styles in the future to bring out the best in his shuttlers. With the Asian training approach back in place, Jun Hao will look to produce better results during the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena on Jan 6-11.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 07:55 UTC
Palm oil starts 2026 on weak note as export data disappoints; production in focus
The benchmark palm oil contract for March delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange dropped 1.19 per cent to 4,002 ringgit (US$986.93) a tonne by the midday break. JAKARTA: Malaysian palm oil futures opened lower on Friday, their first trading session of 2026, as traders digested sluggish export data from cargo surveyors and awaited December production figures for further price guidance. Palm futures also declined following a selloff in Chicago soyoil futures on Wednesday, Bagani added, while waiting for full-month Malaysian palm oil production estimates. Indonesia has set its crude palm oil reference price at US$915.64 per ton for January, down from December's US$926.14 per tonne according to a Trade Ministry decree. Palm oil may break support at 4,044 ringgit per tonne, and fall into the 3,964 ringgit to 4,008 ringgit range.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 07:29 UTC
Malaysia in focus as Embraer courts airlines for E2 jets
The competitor, Airbus is also pushing to sell its A220 aircraft to local airlines with the aim of introducing smaller single-aisle aircraft in Malaysia. There are many E2s flying to Malaysia, to Miri, to Sibu, to Malacca. Slot availability for new aircraft delivery has become a central theme in Embraer's discussions with airlines, both in Malaysia and across the region. When engaging Malaysian airlines, Villaron said the key discussion centres around hub bypassing and the need to serve routes that are only currently only viable via Kuala Lumpur. I think if there are more jets slots, we could see potential for E2s flying out of Subang," Villaron said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 07:24 UTC
China’s Zijin Mining to expand global assets, says new chairman
(Jan 2): Zijin Mining Group Co will step up its acquisitions globally, targeting particularly gold and copper, the company’s newly appointed chairman said. China’s largest mining company will watch for opportunities among high-impact, very large mines or mid-tier companies, chairman Zou Laichang said in a statement on company website, after being appointed to the role on Dec 31. Previously the president of the Fujian-based miner, Zou replaced founder Chen Jinghe, who had led Zijin for more than three decades and oversaw its expansion into a global mining major. Surpassed only by Rio Tinto Group and BHP Group in market value, Zijin has said it expects double-digit growth in gold and copper production in 2026. The company also aims to boost lithium-carbonate equivalent output by more than four times from 25,000 tonnes in 2025.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 07:23 UTC
Lakshya drops in, Jun Hao dials up for Malaysia Open [WATCH]
- AFP PICKUALA LUMPUR: Leong Jun Hao received a timely boost ahead of next week's Malaysia Open after top Indian player Lakshya Sen joined the national squad for training at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on Friday. 28 Jun Hao and other men's singles players would benefit from sparring with the world No. "Lakshya has joined our training ahead of the Malaysia Open. Leong Jun Hao will begin his season at next week’s Malaysia Open at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. He reminded Jun Hao that he must perform at the highest level to progress in the tournament.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 06:55 UTC
Ships with Russian oil signal Reliance plant as destination
(Jan 2): At least three tankers carrying Russian crude are indicating Reliance Industries Ltd’s plant on India’s west coast as their next destination, after the refiner restarted some purchases for domestic production. A Reliance spokesman said the company doesn’t have any committed cargoes of Russian crude for delivery in January. Rosneft was previously the refiner’s largest source of Russian oil, underpinned by a term deal to supply 500,000 barrels a day. Russian oil deliveries to Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery complex made up more than 40% of the plant’s imports in the January to November period last year. Reliance isn’t the only Indian refiner taking Russian crude, with state-owned Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp also picking up cargoes from non-sanctioned sellers.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 06:48 UTC
China calls EU carbon border tax unfair, warns of counter-moves
(Jan 2): The European Union’s (EU) carbon border levy is “unfair” and “discriminatory”, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Thursday, vowing to take countermeasures to defend the country’s interests. The EU has published a series of legislative proposals and implementation rules regarding its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), according to the statement, referring to Brussels’ flagship climate policy that puts a levy on emissions-intensive products coming into the bloc. The EU has assigned excessively high baseline default carbon-intensity values on Chinese products and plans to raise them over the next three years, the ministry said. “We will resolutely take all necessary measures to respond to any unfair trade restrictions” to safeguard China’s development interests and maintain global supply chain stability, said the ministry. But it has drawn criticism from trading partners over its protectionist implications, with the US pressing for “flexibilities” for its companies.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 05:47 UTC
China AI chipmaker Biren soars over 100pct on Hong Kong debut as IPO wave builds
SINGAPORE/HONG KONG: Shares of Chinese AI chip designer Shanghai Biren Technology more than doubled on their Hong Kong debut on Friday, kicking off the financial hub's first listing of 2026 with a bang. Biren will spend most of the IPO proceeds on research and development and commercialisation, its IPO prospectus showed. Separately, Chinese internet search leader Baidu said on Friday its AI chip unit Kunlunxin has filed a Hong Kong IPO application, confirming a Reuters report in early December. Hong Kong's IPO pipeline includes AI startups and chipmakers, with Zhipu AI and Iluvatar CoreX to debut next on January 8. "Is the HK AI IPO boom sustainable?
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 05:39 UTC
Suspension bridge collapses, 50 wedding guests fall into river
A festive wedding celebration turned chaotic when a suspension bridge suddenly collapsed, causing more than 50 guests to fall into the Sungai Chatel Damai in Lata Rek yesterday afternoon. — PIC BY VILLAGERSKUALA KRAI: A festive wedding celebration turned chaotic when a suspension bridge suddenly collapsed, causing more than 50 guests to fall into the Sungai Chatel Damai in Lata Rek yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, guests from the bride's side had just arrived at the wedding, he said. Mohd Zaki said the suspension bridge had been repaired several times as it is the main access route for residents of five houses in the area. He said Manek Urai assemblyman Fauzi Abdullah visited the site yesterday afternoon, and the collapsed suspension bridge will be repaired immediately.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 05:26 UTC
Labuan MMEA comes to the rescue of injured cargo vessel crew member
A Saudi Arabian crew member of a cargo vessel was evacuated in the early hours today after sustaining injuries in an electrical fire incident off the waters of Labuan. — BERNAMALABUAN: A Saudi Arabian crew member of a cargo vessel was evacuated in the early hours today after sustaining injuries in an electrical fire incident off the waters of Labuan. "The cargo vessel was located about 2.6 nautical miles southeast of Pulau Papan. "Following the report, a PETIR 90 patrol boat was immediately deployed from the Labuan Maritime Zone jetty to carry out a medical evacuation operation," he told Bernama today. "The injured crew member was safely transferred to the Labuan Maritime Zone jetty before being handed over to ambulance personnel and taken to Hospital Labuan for further treatment," he said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 04:47 UTC
Study: Over half of children use digital devices before reaching age four
More than half, or 51.6 per cent, of children in Peninsular Malaysia were found to start engaging with digital devices on their own before reaching the age of four. — NSTP/ASWADI ALIASKUALA LUMPUR: More than half, or 51.6 per cent, of children in Peninsular Malaysia were found to start engaging with digital devices on their own before reaching the age of four. Meanwhile, 31.7 per cent of children began using digital devices, such as smartphones or tablets, before the age of two, but under adult supervision. The study also showed that 24.2 per cent of preschool children aged five and six own their own smartphone or tablet. This means that nearly one in four preschool children has their own digital device, even at an early stage of development.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 04:39 UTC
Chin Hin Group Property positive on 2026 as unbilled sales stand at RM2.3b
CHGP said the unbilled sales as at Sept 30, 2025 were derived from ongoing residential projects across Greater Kuala Lumpur and the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. “Heading into 2026, CHGP expects demand to remain resilient for well-located, mid-market and landed residential products, particularly among owner-occupiers and young families. “The group is preparing to launch several new residential projects over the coming quarters, with sales targets calibrated to prevailing market conditions and affordability considerations,” it added. Meanwhile, group chief executive officer Chang Tze Yoong said the focus going into 2026 is on project delivery and operational excellence. “The group remains committed to prudent capital management while scaling its residential portfolio in line with demand trends,” it added.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 04:37 UTC
My Say: Taking stock of 2025 through philosophy
What we rarely do, however, is take stock of our social, political and moral progress and reflect on our collective choices. Malaysian public healthcare can be seen as such a commons. Many who could afford private treatment instead opt for public healthcare, either because they are “priced out” or because it costs “only RM1-RM5”. This can create a domino effect toward overuse and potential collapse of the public healthcare system. All these prompt a critical question: Can Malaysia’s universal healthcare system still maximise utility for all when the quality of care is compromised by structural and systemic challenges?
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 04:35 UTC
Copper gains after best year since 2009 on tight supply outlook
(Jan 2): Copper rose on the first trading day of 2026, after capping the biggest annual gain since 2009 on prospects for a tighter market. The red metal resumed its advance on Friday after losing 1.1% in the previous session. Copper notched a series of all-time highs during an end-of-year surge, making it the best performer of the six industrial metals on the LME. The red metal was 0.8% higher at US$12,522.50 (RM50,767) a tonne at 10.45am Singapore time, after hitting a record of US$12,960 on Monday. Iron ore futures in Singapore rose 0.2% to US$105.60 a tonne.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 04:12 UTC