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Mideast conflict clouds Malaysia's palm industry

Kuala Lumpur, March 18 -- The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is casting a shadow over Malaysia's plantation sector, driving up costs and potential demand disruption. RHB Research analyst Hoe Lee... Read More


Thomas Cup draw: Japan emerge as biggest threat to Malaysia in Group B despite favourable grouping

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 -- Malaysia have been handed a favourable draw in the Thomas Cup Finals 2026, with Japan shaping up as their main rivals in the race to reach the knockout stages. The Thomas Cu... Read More


Qatar intercepts missile attack amid escalating tensions

Doha, March 18 -- The Qatari Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its "armed forces have intercepted a missile attack" that "targeted the country" on Wednesday. The official statement comes as coun... Read More


Kim Jong Un sweeps North Korea polls with "99.93 per cent" mandate

Seoul, March 18 -- In North Korea's 2026 parliamentary elections, Kim Jong Un achieved a landslide win as the Workers' Party of Korea and its coalition partners reportedly captured 99.93 per cent of t... Read More


Indonesia's fishery exports reach US$983 million as of March 2026

Jakarta, March 18 -- The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries recorded that Indonesia's fishery exports from the beginning of the year until mid-March 2026 have reached US$983.1 million. Head of ... Read More


UN Body calls for investigation into Pakistan's bombing of de-addiction centre in Afghanistan

New Delhi, March 18 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) has called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into Pakistan's airstrike on a drug de-addiction centre in ... Read More


France rules out Hormuz military role as Macron defies Trump

France, March 18 -- Speaking on Tuesday at the start of a defence council meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron firmly rejected calls from US President Donald Trump for allies to help reopen the strate... Read More


France holds back on Hormuz intervention, weighs escort plan once tensions ease

France, March 18 -- Speaking on Tuesday at the start of a defence council meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron firmly rejected calls from US President Donald Trump for allies to help reopen the strate... Read More


Decline in Japanese chum salmon linked to climate change: Study

India, March 18 -- Marine conditions in the North Pacific have significantly reduced suitable habitat for Japanese chum salmon over the past 25 years, according to new research from Hokkaido Universit... Read More


Middle East crisis: What it means for oil-rich but refining-poor African economies, By Adewale Sanyaolu

Nigeria, March 18 -- Rising tensions in the Middle East have once again exposed the fragile energy architecture of many African economies, particularly oil-producing nations that lack sufficient domes... Read More