Asian Stock Markets Close Lower

HONG KONG, March 9 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's stock market ended lower on Monday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 1.35 per cent to close at 25,408.46 points, reported Xinhua.

Rubber Market Closes Higher Tracking Regional Gains, Oil Price Rally

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended higher on Monday, supported by the uptrend in regional rubber futures markets, coupled with a rally in crude oil prices, said a dealer.

Malaysia Well-positioned To Weather Middle East Conflict -- Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is well-positioned to manage potential economic fallout from escalating conflict in the Middle East, backed by its status as a net energy exporter and strong economic fundamentals, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said.

Next Gen Investors Focus More On Emergency, Travel Fund - SC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Younger investors tend to focus less on retirement and more on immediate priorities with building emergency savings ranked first with 46 per cent, funding travel at 39 per cent ranking higher than making large, long-term investments at 15 per cent.

Bursa Malaysia Lower At Midday Amid Oil Price Surge, Regional Sell-off

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia remained lower at midday, in line with regional markets, after Brent crude surged above US$105 per barrel amid the continuing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Lufthansa Sees Malaysia As Lucrative Aviation Market For Leisure, Business Travel

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Lufthansa Group, which is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia, views Malaysia as a lucrative aviation market, especially for leisure and business travellers as airlines recalibrate networks and seek growth opportunities beyond the increasingly volatile Middle East region.

Strong 2025 Growth Provides Tailwind For Malaysia To Bolster 1Q 2026 Performance - Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic performance last year, which recorded 5.2 per cent growth, is expected to cushion the country against global economic uncertainties and bolster its performance in the first quarter (1Q) of this year, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Xsolla Promotes Women’s Leadership In Global Gaming Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Xsolla has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women across the global gaming ecosystem through curated community initiatives, industry events, and thought leadership platforms in key growth markets, including Türkiye, Dubai, and Cyprus.

Govt Raises Pepper Industry Allocation To RM45.8 Mln In 2026 -- Noraini

BATU PAHAT, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has increased the allocation for the development of the pepper industry to RM45.8 million in 2026 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), compared to RM21.4 million last year.

Bursa Malaysia Opens Lower As Oil Price Surge Weighs

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia opened lower on Monday, tracking weaker Wall Street performance overnight as sentiment was dented by a spike in crude oil prices, with Brent crude hovering above US$105 per barrel.

RON95 Can Hold At RM1.99 Amid Oil Price Surge But Fiscal Pressure May Rise, Says Economist

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia may be able to maintain the price of RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per litre even if global oil prices rise amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, but doing so could increase fiscal pressure and affect fiscal consolidation plans, said an economist.

Ringgit Opens Lower As Oil Surge Boosts US Dollar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened lower against the US dollar on Monday as heightened risk aversion strengthened the greenback after Brent crude oil prices surged 15.5 per cent to US$107.04 per barrel, an analyst said.