New Hire-purchase Rules To Benefit Borrowers, Minimal Impact On Banks

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The introduction of key amendments to hire-purchase financing practices under the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Act 2026 (HPAA) marks a significant move in strengthening borrowers’ protection, particularly for those looking to sell vehicles before their financing contracts mature, an economist said.

MDEC Secures RM87.4 Bln Digital Investments In 2025, Driven By AI

PUTRAJAYA, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has secured RM87.4 billion in approved digital investments in 2025, largely driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, data centres and cloud services.

Bursa Malaysia Opens Higher, Tracking Wall Street Gains Despite Rising Crude Oil

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia opened higher on Wednesday, in line with Wall Street’s gains overnight, despite volatility in crude oil prices, which remained above the US$100 mark.  

KLCI Futures Higher In Early Trade

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) futures opened higher on Wednesday, tracking the underlying cash market.

Ringgit Firms Against US Dollar, May See Further Gains

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The ringgit traded firmer against the US dollar this morning amid cautious investor positioning ahead of the United States (US) Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy decision and improving risk appetite.

CPO Futures Close Lower On Weaker Soybean Oil, Stronger Ringgit

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed lower on Tuesday, following a sharp selldown in the Chicago Board of Trade's (CBOT) soybean oil market.

Global Air Travel Demand Will More Than Double By 2050 -- IATA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its Long-Term Demand Projections (LTDP) report for air travel, which projected that global air passenger demand will more than double by 2050.

Xiamen Airlines Inaugurates Direct Nanjing-Kuala Lumpur Flight To Boost Connectivity

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia today welcomed the arrival of Xiamen Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Nanjing to Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant enhancement in air connectivity between Malaysia and eastern China.

Launch Of JS-SEZ Masterplan, Blueprint Postponed

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The launch of the masterplan and blueprint for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), scheduled for March 30 in Johor Bahru, has been postponed until a date to be announced.

OCBC Revises Brent Forecast Higher, Expects Prices Around US$100 Through Mid-year

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- OCBC Group Research has revised its Brent crude oil forecast higher, expecting prices to remain elevated at around US$100 per barrel through mid-year before easing towards US$70 per barrel by early 2027 amid ongoing supply disruptions.

Fiscal Reforms Give Govt Room To Manoeuvre Amid West Asia Conflict -- OCBC Research

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) — The government's commitment to fiscal policy reforms over the past few years is bearing fruit, affording it room to adopt a wait-and-see approach amid the conflict in West Asia, according to OCBC Research Group.

Hextar Capital Secures RM75.9 Mln Sub-contract For Kabota Camp Project In Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Hextar Capital Bhd’s subsidiary, Legacy Core Sdn Bhd, has bagged a sub-contract for the Camp Kabota Project in Tawau, Sabah, with a RM75.9 million contract value.