Vale Indonesia stops nickel mining after delay in work plan approval
(Jan 2): PT Vale Indonesia has suspended operations at its nickel mines after not receiving approval for its annual work plan from the authorities. Nickel prices largely trod water in 2025 before rallying sharply in December on expectations for a tighter market. Nickel futures on the London Metal Exchange were 1% higher at US$16,855 (RM68,331) a tonne by 11.15am Singapore time. Vale Indonesia is one of the country’s biggest nickel miners and is making large investments in high pressure acid leach plants, which produce a form of the metal used by the electric vehicle sector. HPAL capacity is set to expand significantly in Indonesia this year, from six facilities to at least 14.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 03:52 UTC
Johor religious dept arrests 32 for alcohol consumption in New Year's raid
All those detained face charges under Section 19 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment for consuming intoxicating drinks. NSTP/FILE PICJOHOR BARU: Thirty-two Muslims, including six Singaporeans, were detained for consuming alcohol during a New Year's Eve raid at an entertainment outlet yesterday. The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) said the 3.10am operation saw 25 men and seven women aged between 18 and 45 detained. During the raid, enforcement officers secured all entry and exit points of the outlet to prevent escape attempts. All those detained face charges under Section 19 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment for consuming intoxicating drinks.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 03:28 UTC
Sunway Healthcare listing a launch pad for Sunway Group, says HLIB
The listing of Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd should be viewed as a launch pad rather than the endgame for Sunway Bhd, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB). KUALA LUMPUR: The listing of Sunway Healthcare Holdings Bhd should be viewed as a launch pad rather than the endgame for Sunway Bhd, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB). "Post-listing, Sunway will retain a sizeable stake in Sunway Healthcare, ensuring healthcare remains a core profit engine while preserving upside from Sunway Healthcare's expansion trajectory. Looking ahead to financial year 2026, the research house expects Sunway to deliver earnings growth even after the Sunway Healthcare listing. HLIB said capital recycling through the Sunway Healthcare listing would strengthen Sunway's strategic firepower, with potential proceeds of close to RM900 million redeployed into higher-return opportunities across the group.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 03:20 UTC
Housewife, male friend charged with husband's attempted murder [WATCH]
A housewife and her unemployed friend pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to attempting to murder the woman's husband last month. - NSTP/Mary Victoria DassJOHOR BAHRU: A housewife and her unemployed friend pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to attempting to murder the woman's husband last month. The duo allegedly smothered the victim's face with a pillow, an act which could have caused his death. Deputy public prosecutor R. Nevina urged the court to deny bail, citing the gravity of the charge. The court heard that the victim works at a warehouse in Changi, Singapore, earning S$2,500 and only returns home at night.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 03:20 UTC
Earthquakes strike Indonesia, Philippines, no tsunami threat to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Two moderate earthquakes were recorded in Indonesia and the Philippines on Thursday (Jan 1) morning. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Banda Sea, Indonesia, at 11.05am, at a depth of 103km, about 398km southeast of Ambon. Earlier, at 10.56am, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit the Philippine Islands region. The tremor was centred at a depth of 65km, approximately 136km northeast of Talaud Island, Indonesia. MetMalaysia, however, said there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia from either earthquake.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 03:16 UTC
Solid valuation forecast for Sunway Healthcare
Healthcare assets have seen heightened interest in recent times, and this could mean Sunway Healthcare being able to raise funds at strong valuations. In its books, Sunway Group still recorded start-up operational losses of RM23.9mil in the latest reported quarter ended Sept 30, 2025, attributed to Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Damansara and SMC Ipoh. But excluding these losses, Sunway Group said its healthcare segment delivered improved underlying performance with 19.4% year-on-year growth, with stronger operational results from SMC Sunway City, SMC Velocity and SMC Penang. Sunway Bhd owns 84% of Sunway Healthcare, with the remaining equity interest held by Greenwood Capital Pte Ltd, a unit of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Government of Singapore Investment Corp. The listing of Sunway Healthcare would see Sunway’s effective equity interest in the former be diluted to 69.5% from 84%.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 03:06 UTC
CJ Century jumps to five-week high after CEO stake sale
Shares of CJ Century Logistics Holdings Bhd opened 2026 at a five-week high following a sizeable stake disposal by its chief executive officer (CEO) Steven Teow Choo Hing. KUALA LUMPUR: Shares of CJ Century Logistics Holdings Bhd opened 2026 at a five-week high following a sizeable stake disposal by its chief executive officer (CEO) Steven Teow Choo Hing. Meanwhile, Teow disposed of a 7.71 per cent stake, or 44.87 million shares, on Wednesday, ceasing to be a substantial shareholder of the group. On the same day, CJ Logistics Asia Pte Ltd, the group's largest shareholder, acquired the 44.87 million shares, increasing its stake in CJ Century to 62.8 per cent and becoming the company's sole substantial shareholder. Teow has been a substantial shareholder of CJ Century since 2001 and was redesignated as CEO from managing director in November 2020, following the group's integration into South Korea-owned CJ Logistics.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 02:45 UTC
Stop-work order issued after fatal construction-site landslide
Johor DOSH said the cause of the landslide is being identified. Pic Credit: Fire and Rescue DepartmentKOTA TINGGI: The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has issued a stop-work order for a factory construction site in Bandar Penawar following a fatal landslide on Tuesday. The department also issued two prohibition notices and two improvement notices at the project site. In a statement, Johor DOSH said the cause of the landslide is being identified. The department said legal action will be taken against responsible parties if violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act are found.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 02:42 UTC
KL to take centre stage
“I am certain Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan will be major focal points for visitors. For instance, the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL) will be held at the Bandaraya Auditorium from May 31 to June 28. “The third edition of FOKL strives to attract more visitors to Kuala Lumpur through its musical programmes. Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) secretary Joshua Low said residents wanted Kuala Lumpur to run with transparency, accountability and increased community engagement. Save Kuala Lumpur (SKL) chairman Datuk M. Ali said the government should look into implementing the local government elections, starting with Kuala Lumpur.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 02:10 UTC
Crest aims to ride semiconductor momentum
PETALING JAYA: Imaging, analytical and test solutions company Crest Group Bhd expects to perform better for this year (FY26) building on the momentum in purchase orders seen in the second half of FY25 (2H25). The company’s executive director Ethan Au said 2H25 “was strong” with momentum and a pipeline of orders built up for this year. “We’re broadening our portfolio of advanced inspection, analytical, and test solutions, which naturally include metrology and failure analysis tools. Au said the company’s expansion of its after-sales and applications teams would support outsourced semiconductor assembly and tests, integrated device manufacturers and research and development institutions upgrading their capabilities. Au said the industry has seen a gradual shift towards higher-end equipment sales that help boost margins.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 02:05 UTC
BTH: Malaysia's Integrity Roadmap for 2026
In this Beyond the Headlines curtain-raiser episode, host Amalina Kamal speaks with Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram to examine the state of governance and integrity as the new year begins. —NSTP/Hazreen MohamadKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia enters 2026 with reform promises on the table but the real question is whether those pledges are translating into institutional change. In this Beyond the Headlines curtain-raiser episode, host Amalina Kamal speaks with Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram to examine the state of governance and integrity as the new year begins. The conversation moves beyond rhetoric to assess Parliament's role in delivering accountability, the urgency of anti-corruption reforms, and why Malaysia's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score has struggled to gain momentum. The episode also highlights political financing reform as a critical missing pillar in Malaysia's governance framework.
Source:New Strait Times
January 02, 2026 02:02 UTC
Sarawak complete acquisition of MASwings
KUCHING: The Sarawak state government has completed the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd through AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd, effective today, Jan 1, 2026. AirBorneo, a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak state government, said the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition was signed between Malaysia Aviation Group and the Sarawak state government on Feb 12, 2025. During this initial phase of transition, MASwings branding will continue, whilst AirBorneo progressively rolls out its new brand identity. AirBorneo said the acquisition supports the state government’s strategic objectives of strengthening regional air connectivity and ensuring affordable fares for Sarawak and its people. "The Sarawak state government wishes to thank all employees, partners, and stakeholders for their support throughout the transaction and the transition process,” it added.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 02:00 UTC
Gold futures end 2025 easier, in sync with Comex
KUALA LUMPUR: Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended lower on the final trading day of 2025, tracking weaker performance on the Comex exchange in the United States. The spot month December 2025 contract fell to US$4,308.0 per troy ounce from US$4,371.4 on Tuesday and the January 2026 contract slid to US$4,348.2 per troy ounce from US$4,392.6 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the February 2026 contract decreased to US$4,363.7 per troy ounce from US$4,408.1 Wednesday and the March 2026 contract slipped to US$4,380.4 per troy ounce from US$4,424.8 previously. Trading volume declined to 56 lots compared to 130 lots on Tuesday, while open interest dipped to 90 contracts from 176 contracts previously. Physical gold was priced at US$4,367.8 per troy ounce, according to the London Bullion Market Association afternoon fix on Dec 30.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 01:36 UTC
‘Unity crucial for social cohesion’
PETALING JAYA: While multiracial volunteerism and listening without bias are essential for social cohesion, the National Unity Advisory Council emphasises that true unity begins at home. These are some of the views newly appointed council members are articulating as Malaysia enters the new year with national unity in mind, as the National Unity Ministry works to celebrate diversity and togetherness. Increasingly, we see impatience like people wanting instant answers, instant punishment and instant outrage. “Among the T20 and professional classes, unity is strong because Malaysians collaborate naturally across ethnic lines in business and professional settings. It should be measured by trust, shared opportunities and mutual respect,” the political expert said.
Source:The Star
January 02, 2026 01:29 UTC
AI chip designer Biren to debut after US$717 mil Hong Kong IPO
(Jan 2): Shanghai Biren Technology Co, an artificial intelligence (AI) chip designer, was set to begin trading in Hong Kong on Friday after its initial public offering (IPO) raised US$717 million (RM2.91 billion) in one of the market’s hottest sectors. The firm’s shares surged in Hong Kong’s grey market on Wednesday ahead of the official debut. Demand for the IPO was strong, with the stock priced at HK$19.60 (RM10.21) — the top of an indicative range, according to a filing. Founded in 2019 by Zhang Wen, former president of SenseTime Group Inc, Biren has been gaining traction among major Chinese firms. In its prospectus, Biren said that proceeds from the offering will be used towards research and development of its computing solutions.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 02, 2026 01:27 UTC