Ekovest, Lim Kang Hoo extend proposed CRSB acquisition to Jan 26
KUALA LUMPUR: Ekovest Bhd and its major shareholder, Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo, have agreed to extend the deadline to finalise discussions on the proposed acquisition of Credence Resources Sdn Bhd. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Ekovest said both parties have mutually agreed to extend the timeline from Dec 27, 2025 to Jan 26, 2026. The extension is to allow the company more time to deliberate on the proposed acquisition and for the parties to discuss, negotiate and finalise the terms of the definitive agreement. The proposed acquisition, initiated on Oct 28, 2023, involves the purchase of a 70% stake in CRSB for a consideration of RM1.15bil.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 04:37 UTC
Azam: Verdict fulfils national duty
PETALING JAYA: The conclusion of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial is not a moment of celebration but the fulfilment of a duty to the nation, says Tan Sri Azam Baki. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner acknowledged commitment and perseverance of his investigating officers, particularly in securing evidence both domestically and internationally. “Rather, it reflects the fulfilment of our responsibility carried out in accordance with the trust and mandate entrusted to us. “I also wish to record my sincere appreciation to all parties for their cooperation throughout this investigation, especially Bank Negara and the police. “Their professionalism and unwavering commitment to cross-border cooperation are deeply appreciated,” said the MACC chief.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 03:03 UTC
Perak’s wins and losses
Just three days later, an Orang Asli man was injured after being dragged by an elephant and falling into a ravine along Jalan Kampung Pengkalan Permai in Air Banun Resettlement Scheme. National honoursIn November, HRPB successfully performed Perak’s first deep brain stimulation procedure on a Parkinson’s patient, marking historic advancement in the state’s neurosurgical capabilities. Rasila receiving her Orang Asli Icon Award. In July, Malaysia’s first Orang Asli principal Rasila Yas, 54, was honoured with the Orang Asli Icon Award in recognition of her achievements and contributions. The SMK Menglembu principal, a member of the Tenuan tribe, is the first from the Orang Asli community to receive the award, which she received during Perak Orang Asli Community Symposium 2025 in Ipoh.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 03:03 UTC
Hope turns into disappointment for supporters
The vocal supporters gathered outside the Palace of Justice, many wearing shirts that said “Team Najib”, shouting “Bebas Najib” (Free Najib), “1Malaysia” and Bossku”. Many expressed deep disappointment over the court’s decision, but said they would never give up supporting him. A Pekan Umno division representative Nordiah Abdullah said supporters were left “speechless” by the decision. Just consider his age,” he said, adding that the supporters would not lose hope. Despite the disappointment, Khaidir stressed that they respected the court’s ruling.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 03:03 UTC
A year of changes – or not
WHERE did the year go? It feels like it was New Year just weeks ago and here we are about to step into 2026. The memories of the end of 2024 are still so fresh. We were looking forward to a year of upheaval. New smoking laws, the end of fuel subsidies, wage reform, a boost in public transport with pedestrians as the key – these were all in the works.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 02:50 UTC
Flights cancelled, roads closed as storms snarl US travel
More than 1,600 flights across the US had been cancelled as of Friday afternoon, according to the FlightAware website. “Road conditions will be treacherous for those travelling back from the holiday,” the weather service said. The National Weather Service cancelled flash flood warnings Friday but retained flood advisories and watches through San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. More than 50,000 homes and businesses in the state were without power Friday afternoon, mostly in Northern California, according to PowerOutage.us. In California’s mountain areas, the weather service has warned of “near whiteout conditions at times” that will make travel dangerous and likely cause delays and road closures.
Source:The Edge Markets
December 27, 2025 02:06 UTC
Is our bourse still attractive?
THE foreign fund outflow for Malaysia’s equity market as of Dec 21 stands at RM 21.2bil. This is the largest foreign fund outflow in the past few years with the highest recorded amount in the Covid-19 year of 2020 when the outflow hit a high of RM 24.6bil.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:47 UTC
Oil falls 2% on looming supply glut, hopes of Ukraine peace deal
HOUSTON (Dec 27): Oil prices settled more than 2% lower on Friday as investors weighed a looming global supply glut, while also keeping an eye on a potential Ukraine peace deal ahead of talks this weekend between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled down US$1.61 or 2.76% to US$56.74. The global oil supply next year will exceed demand by 3.84 million barrels per day, according to figures from the Paris-based IEA's December oil market report. Eyes on Russia-Ukraine peace processInvestors are watching for developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace process and the possible impact on future oil prices, as a peace agreement could lead to the removal of international sanctions against Russia's oil sector. For the oil price, "the negatives remain of elevated global oil storage, and slight progress on Ukraine-Russia peace talks", said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.
Source:The Edge Markets
December 27, 2025 01:46 UTC
MetMalaysia warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain in five states until 11am today
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 27): The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in five states until 11am on Saturday. MetMalaysia said in a statement that the bad weather was expected to affect Pahang (Bentong and Temerloh) and Negeri Sembilan (Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Jempol and Tampin). The same warning was also issued for Melaka and Johor, covering the Tangkak and Muar areas, it said. In Sarawak, the affected areas include Sibu (Selangau), Mukah (Dalat and Mukah), Kapit (Kapit and Bukit Mabong) and Bintulu.
Source:The Edge Markets
December 27, 2025 01:41 UTC
How to deal with involution in China
THE term “involution” or curling inward became a common slang in China in the 2020s, to reflect excessive competition in social and economic life, where students, workers and even business leaders felt overworked, stressed and being unable to get out of huge external and internal stresses. The term was coined by sociologists and anthropologists to describe conditions in rural societies whereby increasing labour inputs did not seem to yield tangible benefits.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:33 UTC
Metro passengers still fearful
The incident occurred at 8.35pm on a packed train travelling from Beimen station towards Xiangshan on the Tamsui-Xinyi line. With the commotion mistaken for another attack, passengers rushed to escape, triggering pushing and shoving. Medical staff later assessed that he may have suffered an acute panic attack and lost emotional control. > Kwong Wah Yit Poh reported that a portable charger caught fire on a Guangzhou Metro train in China, setting the owner’s trousers alight. The incident occurred during the evening rush when a power bank carried by the male passenger reportedly self-ignited.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:20 UTC
Polls ‘imminent’ for Perlis voters
Geopolitical expert Prof Dr James Chin said the imminent political battle in Perlis is expected to centre not on elections but on the selection of the next Mentri Besar. The current state government, Prof Chin added, could continue to operate normally as long as the Perlis Ruler maintains confidence in it. If needed, they can appoint a new Mentri Besar without difficulty,” he said. On Thursday, Perlis State Legislative Assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan said he would formally notify the Election Commission (EC) next week of the vacancies. He said as Perlis requires eight seats for a majority, failure to secure this number could result in a hung state assembly.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:14 UTC
Game-changing 2026 starts with us
AS 2025 comes to a close, I look back and see it as a year that found its way towards a better balance of economic resilience and technological ambition. It was a period when Malaysia made bold, strategic moves in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and innovation, genuinely strengthening its competitive edge. Confident leadership saw Malaysia take its turn at the table as Asean chair. The term “innovation hub” became a buzzword for any new tech opportunity in Malaysia.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:11 UTC
Chronology of the 1MDB case involving Najib
March 7, 2019 - Najib appealed the decision at the Court of Appeal. Aug 25, 2022 - Najib attended the trial for the first time after being sentenced in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case. Aug 20, 2024 - Najib withdrew his appeal to remove Judge Sequerah from hearing his case. Oct 24, 2024 - Najib, through his son Datuk Mohamad Nizar, issued a public apology to the people of Malaysia for the issues related to 1MDB during his tenure as Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Nov 4, 2025 - Defence counsel presented rebuttal arguments, and the court set Dec 26 for the final judgment on the defence case.- Bernama
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:09 UTC
Travellers take advantage of strong ringgit
The strong ringgit has encouraged Malaysians to plan ahead for future travel and investments. I’m already planning a holiday and have started exchanging money because the ringgit is much stronger against the dollar now. Marketing manager Jack Yap, 50, said he recently exchanged US$2,000, planning to convert it back when the ringgit weakens. “Since the ringgit is strong, I exchanged some US dollars and plan to convert back when the ringgit weakens to earn extra income,” he said, adding that this approach works only if one has surplus cash. “I’m lucky the ringgit is strong now.
Source:The Star
December 27, 2025 01:05 UTC