Attack On Qatar's LNG Facility Raises Risk Of Wider Supply Disruptions In Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) — Asia-Pacific economies now face rising risks of physical shortages, not only of energy, following the latest Iranian attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facilities, including oil and gas but also of fertilisers and, by extension, potentially food later in the year.

IMF Warns Prolonged Energy Price Surge Could Lift Inflation

ISTANBUL, March 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday that a sustained rise in energy prices stemming from the war in West Asia could push global inflation higher and weigh on economic output.

CPO Futures Close Higher On Energy Gains, Indonesia Biodiesel Expectations

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed higher on Thursday, tracking gains in energy prices and Indonesia’s biodiesel policy expectations.

Prolonged West Asia Conflict Could Disrupt Malaysia’s Fertiliser Market -- FIAM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The ongoing conflict in West Asia, if prolonged, could lead to severe structural disruptions in the Malaysian fertiliser market, says the Fertiliser Industry Association of Malaysia (FIAM).

Kao Bioré Expands Into South Korea With Global Campaign Featuring Stray Kids

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Kao Corporation, a Japan-based manufacturer of cosmetics, personal care and household products, announced its skincare brand Bioré will accelerate its international expansion as it enters the South Korean market and rolls out a globally unified campaign.

CPO Prices To Stay Above RM4,450 Per Tonne In Near Term Amid Geopolitical Uncertainties - MPOC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) prices are expected to remain above RM4,450 in the near term, supported by elevated energy prices and a favourable palm oil-gasoil (POGO) spread, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

Malaysia’s Macro Position Is Stronger To Weather Shock Compared To Pandemic Era, Says World Bank's Apurva

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s stronger ringgit is helping to ease the impact of rising global import prices, although the country’s import cover has declined, compared with pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels, said the World Bank's lead economist for Malaysia, Dr Apurva Sanghi.

Malaysia's Trade Rises 9.5 Pct To RM245.2 Bln In February 2026, Says DOSM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s trade grew 9.5 per cent to RM245.2 billion in February 2026 from RM223.9 billion a year earlier, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) said. 

Malaysia's Targeted Subsidies Expected To Moderate Inflation Pressure Amid West Asia Conflict, Says MARC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s headline inflation is expected to remain manageable, supported by the government’s targeted subsidies, amid the West Asia conflict, according to the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC).

Walton Unveils US Land Fund For Offshore Investors

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Walton Global (Walton), a real estate investment, land banking and land asset management company, has launched the United States (US) Land Income & Growth Fund for offshore investors.

Maybank Research Trims Singapore 2026 GDP Growth Forecast To 3.4 Pct

SINGAPORE, March 18 (Bernama) -- Maybank Research Pte Ltd (MRPL) has revised Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 3.4 per cent in 2026, down from its earlier projection of 3.6 per cent, amid ongoing West Asia conflicts. 

AM Best Assigns Ratings To Stronghold Insurance In Philippines

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has assigned a financial strength rating of B (Fair), a long-term issuer credit rating of “bb” (Fair) and a Philippines National Scale Rating of a.PH (Excellent) to Stronghold Insurance Company Inc (Stronghold).