VM2026: Travellers receive a warm Malaysian welcome
SUBANG: Travellers arriving at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport or Subang Skypark were thoroughly surprised with the warm Malaysian welcome as part of Tourism Malaysia's nationwide celebration across major international gateways and transportation hubs. Marking the official launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, travellers were greeted with vibrant Malaysian cultural performances and contemporary showcases infused with heritage elements, alongside appearances by the official mascots, Wira and Manja. The nationwide welcome celebrations were made possible through close collaboration with state governments, airlines, airport authorities, tourism industry players and strategic partners. Airports across Malaysia marked the start of VM2026 at midnight on 1 January with coordinated arrival activities held at 19 airports nationwide, including KL International Airport (KLIA). Recognising that the VM2026 experience begins at every entry point, Malaysia Airports also accelerated upgrades at other airports, including Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and selected domestic gateways.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 11:56 UTC
Close call: Siblings swept 100m out to sea rescued
Both victims were rescued about 100m from the shoreline. Pic Credit: Fire and Rescue DepartmentMary Victoria DassKOTA TINGGI: Two siblings, a nine-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, were rescued after nearly drowning when they were swept away by waves while swimming at Batu Layar beach today. A Johor Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said they received a distress call at 2.41pm and dispatched a team to the scene. "One victim was rescued by members of the public, while the second was saved by firefighters. Both were rescued about 100m from the shoreline," the spokesman said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 11:21 UTC
Most Fed officials expect more rate cuts
WASHINGTON: A record of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) December 2025 meeting shows most officials see additional interest rate cuts as appropriate if inflation declines over time as expected. Yet, some officials made clear they believe rates should remain on hold “for some time” after the December gathering. But they included a small change in their post-meeting statement that suggested officials were less certain about when the FOMC might cut rates again. Six officials signalled their opposition to the rate reduction by recommending the benchmark rate should stand at 3.75% to 4% at the end of 2025 – where it stood before the December meeting. In addition, the median projection pointed to one rate cut in 2026, though individual projections ranged widely.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 11:04 UTC
Capital A seeks Bursa Malaysia’s extension approval
KUALA LUMPUR: Capital A Bhd has sought Bursa Malaysia Securities’ approval to extend until Jan 19, 2026 to complete its proposed share distribution. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the airline said RHB Investment Bank Bhd has applied for a time extension on behalf of the company. AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) intends to allot and issue the share distribution concurrently with shares to be issued under its proposed private placement, the airline said. The board has, however, been informed that the private placement is expected to be delayed because documentation from identified investors subscribing to the placement shares has yet to be finalised. In a separate filing, AAX said it had applied to Bursa Malaysia seeking approval to extend the time needed to complete implementing its proposed private placement, proposed acquisition of AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd and proposed granting of subscription options.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 11:04 UTC
Tourists hail Malaysia's hospitality, highlight areas for improvement [WATCH]
Cultural performers wearing traditional attire welcome arriving passengers at the Arrival Hall of Kota Kinabalu International Airport in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign tourists visiting Malaysia have described the country as warm and welcoming, while also offering suggestions on areas that could be improved. Taibi Selma, 30, from Algeria, said she had been planning to visit Malaysia for years, and her trip fulfilled a long-held dream. "We spent three days in Langkawi and a few days in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors hold up placards for New Year 2026 and Visit Malaysia to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 along Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 11:02 UTC
Asean chairmanship: Philippines to build on momentum of previous chairs
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 1): The Philippines is expected to build on the momentum of previous Asean chairmanships by focusing on the bloc’s three core pillars — peace and security, prosperity, and people empowerment — as well as strengthening its socio-cultural agenda when it assumes the chairmanship for 2026. He said Manila is expected to build on the momentum established by previous chairmanships, with continued focus on the three main pillars of the Asean Community. "I expect Manila to continue building upon the momentum established by previous chairs, focusing on progress rather than reinvention, with a strong commitment to the three pillars of the Asean Community and Asean Connectivity," he said. "These efforts include narrowing the digital divide, improving cybersecurity cooperation, supporting the development of the Asean digital economy, and concluding the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa)," he added. "May the year ahead bring peace, prosperity, and strengthened, renewed cooperation as we continue building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Asean for all," said the secretariat.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 01, 2026 10:35 UTC
SWCorp issues 42 notices to litterbugs during Op Cegah
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 42 notices of offence were issued to individuals found littering following full enforcement against minor littering offences in public areas under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007. The Act, which takes effect today, provides for a maximum fine of RM2,000 and 12 hours of community service for littering in public areas, with a maximum of four hours per day. Khalid added that the implementation of Op Cegah emphasises SWCorp's commitment to ensuring public cleanliness through firm, integrated, and effective enforcement. He called on all members of society to dispose of their waste in the bins provided, comply with the law, and make cleanliness a way of life, as urban cleanliness is a shared responsibility. "With firm enforcement, along with the support and cooperation of the public, SWCorp is confident that these efforts can create cleaner, better-managed, and healthier urban environments for the well-being of Malaysians."
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 10:25 UTC
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Lagenda Properties promotes 35-year-old Jasrinderjit Singh as CEO
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 1): Lagenda Properties Bhd (KL:LAGENDA) is starting the year with a new chief executive with the promotion of 35-year-old Jasrinderjit Singh. Jasrinderjit, formerly the company’s head of investments, strategy and corporate relations, will support the executive leadership and the board of directors in his new role, Lagenda said in an exchange filing. “As the designated incoming chief executive officer, Jasrinderjit is actively involved in the group’s strategic direction, operational oversight, and long-term planning,” Lagenda said. Trained as a lawyer at the University of the West of England in the UK, Jasrinderjit began his career at Wong & Partners, where he advised on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. He later transitioned into corporate finance at boutique advisory firm Quantephi Sdn Bhd.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 01, 2026 10:10 UTC
MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm warning for Selangor
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in Selangor state, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya until 2.00pm on Thursday (Jan 1)The areas in Selangor affected include Klang, Gombak, Petaling, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat, and Sepang. Warnings are issued when there are signs of thunderstorms, with rainfall intensity exceeding 20mm per hour, approaching or expected to occur over an hour. Thunderstorm warnings are short-term, valid for up to six hours per event.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 09:17 UTC
Back to school, back to reality
Malls and shops selling school items are packed with parents shopping for uniforms, shoes and stationery. “With the RM150, I bought a school uniform, shoes and other items such as a bag and stationery. “Luckily at Mydin Mall, the prices are still affordable and there are discounted school items,” she said. “The RM250 covered her school uniform, shoes and a few other essentials. Store manager Muhammad Riyas Kabeer said parents had begun shopping for school essentials since the start of the school holidays.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 09:16 UTC
Smooth passenger flow as new coordinated checks begin at KLIA
PUTRAJAYA: The coordinated inspection process at the departure gates of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, which began Thursday (Jan 1), received positive feedback from travellers and has contributed to smooth movement at the country’s main gateway. ALSO READ: Streamlined Customs checks for departing travellers at KLIA T1 starting Jan 1"It has indeed made things easier for passengers. "Alhamdulillah, our target of achieving seamless traffic movement at KLIA Terminal 1 has been met,” she said. Anis Rizana also said the relocation of Customs scanning machines that are no longer in use at the departure gates proceeded smoothly without affecting passenger movement at KLIA Terminal 1. It was reported earlier that Customs inspections on travellers departing Malaysia would be consolidated at the departure gates of KLIA Terminal 1 beginning today.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 09:12 UTC
Oil prices log steepest annual drop since 2020
US WTI crude fell by 53 cents, or 0.9%, to settle at US$57.42 a barrel. Crude inventories fell by 1.9 million barrels to 422.9 million barrels in the week ended December 26, the EIA said, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for an 867,000-barrel draw. US gasoline stocks rose by 5.8 million barrels in the week to 234.3 million barrels, the EIA said, compared with analysts' expectations for a 1.9 million-barrel build. Distillate stockpiles, including diesel and heating oil, rose by 5 million barrels to 123.7 million barrels, versus projections of a 2.2 million-barrel rise. The 12-day Iran-Israel conflict in June added to the threats to supply by disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global seaborne oil, which fanned oil prices. John Driscoll, managing director of consultancy JTD Energy, expects geopolitical risks to support oil prices even though market fundamentals point to oversupply.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 09:07 UTC
India imposes three-year steel tariff to support local industry
MUMBAI: India extended a tariff on steel imports for three years, marking the nation’s latest effort to shield its domestic industry from a glut. India is the latest country to respond to a global oversupply that’s driven prices to multi-year lows, with elevated flows from China. A surge in cheap imports from the top producer has hurt local producers, including JSW Steel Ltd, while forcing some smaller mills to shut down even as domestic demand stays firm. India’s steel industry has expanded rapidly over the past decade, yet its output remains just a fraction of China’s. Indian steelmakers’ shares rose yesterday, with state-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd gaining as much as 4.2%, Tata Steel Ltd up as much as 3.2%, and JSW Steel rallying more than 5%.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 09:07 UTC
MOH refutes claims health clinics no longer accept walk-in patients
PUTRAJAYA (Jan 1): The Ministry of Health (MOH) has refuted claims circulating on social media that health clinics are no longer accepting walk-in patients. The ministry said that while consultations are primarily by appointment, health clinics continue to accommodate walk-in patients, particularly in emergencies, for the elderly, and for those with limited access to technology. “Patients without an appointment will still be attended to, but will need to undergo the assessment (triage) process first,” the ministry said in a post on its official Facebook page on Thursday. According to the MOH, walk-in services will continue to ensure fair and equitable access to treatment for all segments of society. “MOH fully understands that access to technology varies for each individual,” the post said.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 01, 2026 09:05 UTC
King and Queen extend New Year greetings for 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: Their Majesties, the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, and the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, have graciously extended their New Year 2026 greetings to all Malaysians. In a post on the Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Their Majesties expressed their hopes that the new year would bring continuous peace and prosperity to the nation. Sultan Ibrahim also called upon the people to further strengthen unity and mutual respect, to foster harmony. "Their Majesties also pray that Malaysia will always be under the protection of Allah SWT and be blessed with enduring peace, progress and well-being," the post read.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 09:00 UTC