The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes rose 7.6 basis points to 4.038%, from 3.962% late on Friday while the 30-year bond yield rose 5.3 basis points to 4.6855%. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, rose about 0.9%. The euro was down 1.01% at $1.1694 while against the Japanese yen, the dollar strengthened 0.86% to 157.37. In precious metals, safe-haven gold advanced on Monday, driven by escalating concerns of prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Spot gold rose 1.09% to $5,335.04 an ounce.

As a result, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) are on high alert and prepared for all possibilities, including revising the competition schedule if any players are stranded. “The Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton England are closely monitoring the travel challenges arising from the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. We remain in regular contact with teams and players whose journeys to Birmingham for the All-England may be affected. “We will continue to share updates as the situation evolves and more information becomes available,” said BWF in an official statement. Among those affected is 2019 world champion P. V. Sindhu, who is stranded at Dubai International Airport with her coach.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s economy is expected to start the lunar year on a strong footing and remain stable, according to predictions from the Tua Pek Kong deity during the annual flame-watching ritual at Hai Choo Soo Temple in Tanjung Tokong. The ceremony began at about 11.40pm, once the sea tide reached its highest, with three flames emerging minutes apart, each representing a four-month period in the lunar calendar. “The first flame at 11.50pm was particularly strong, with the glow visible even at the base of the urn. “The third flame at 11.54pm took longer to rise and was weaker than the first, but it remained stable nevertheless. Held towards the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations each year, the ritual has been practised for generations.

RESIDENTS of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) in Kuala Lumpur have voiced concerns over potential noise pollution and parking issues arising from a proposed open-air pickleball court on Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi. Residents living along Lorong Burhanuddin Helmi 1, located directly behind the proposed site, said the development could disrupt daily life. Khairudin: Foundation works for the pickleball court began about a month ago. “The back part of my house is only about 2.13m away from the proposed site. Ng Heok Seong, 63, questioned the need for another pickleball court in the area, noting that existing facilities were already available nearby.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians could face higher unsubsidised fuel prices if global oil prices continue to climb. According to Khairul Annuar, Malaysia’s pump prices are based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), which reflects refined fuel prices in the region. “When diesel and RON97 wholesale prices increase, dealers must inject more capital to maintain normal stock levels. The unsubsidised fuel prices in Malaysia may increase if global oil prices climb to between US$80 (RM314.68) and US$100 (RM393.35) a barrel for a prolonged period, say economists and industry players. “Should oil prices hit these rates for a prolonged period, the government might have to raise pump prices gradually to maintain fiscal sustainability,” he said.

PETALING JAYA: The closure of airspace in the Middle East took a group of Malaysian volunteers, who were delivering aid to refugees in Syria, on a journey through three countries. Thanks to the (strength of the) Malaysian passport, the process of crossing over was fast,” added the 33-year-old. Travel is only possible if flights are operating and transit routes remain open,” she said. “We are also concerned about prolonged airspace closures that may leave us stranded longer than expected. But deep down I keep telling myself that it will be okay, and this will end soon if God permits.”

KUALA LUMPUR: The quality and quantity of RON95 petrol remain unchanged despite the subsidy targeting exercise under the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) programme, says Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He said the initiative, which began on Sept 30, 2025, only involved changes to the subsidy delivery and control mechanisms, not the fuel itself. “There is no difference in the quality or quantity of RON95 sold in the market before and after the implementation of targeted subsidies that would disadvantage consumers,” he said in a written reply to Hassan Saad (PN–Baling) on Tuesday (March 3). He said enforcement officers had previously investigated viral claims alleging that consumers were short-changed on RON95 quantities at the pump. “Firm action can be taken against any petrol station operator found to have breached the laws in force,” he said.

PETALING JAYA: Despite recent tensions in the Middle East triggering flight cancellations and airspace disruptions, most Malaysians are taking a wait-and-see approach rather than cancelling their trips. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) vice-president (air transportation) Dr Fazil Khan said the majority of changes to travel plans at this stage have been due to airline-imposed flight cancellations, rather than travellers abandoning their trips. “So far, we have not observed a significant increase in Malaysians cancelling or postponing leisure trips abroad with the current tensions in the Middle East. Fazil said travellers whose flights to affected regions have been cancelled, including those undertaking religious pilgrimages such as Umrah, are adjusting their plans accordingly. “Most travel agents, especially MATTA members, are equipped to provide informed advice on international travel and we strongly recommend consulting them before making any bookings.

SIBU: Members of Pakatan Hara­pan have been reminded to be fully prepared as Sarawak may hold its state election this year. Sarawak PKR chief Ahmad Nazib Johari said the party must be ready to contest and streng­then its position ahead of both the Sarawak state election and the next general election. “We must be prepared because this year, we may face the state election. In the 2021 Sarawak state election held on Dec 18, 2021, Pakatan did not win in any of the 28 seats it contested. Meanwhile, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said the proposal to hold concurrent national and state elections deserves serious and constructive consideration.

GEORGE TOWN: Four village houses near Jalan Tanjung Bungah here were destroyed in an early morning fire on Tuesday (March 3). Penang Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director John Sagun Francis said the fire caused about 80% damage to each of the houses. "The department received an emergency call at 3.14am, and a team of firemen was rushed to the location," he said in a statement on Tuesday. John said a total of 26 firemen from Bagan Jermal, Lebuh Pantai and Jalan Perak fire stations, in five fire engines, were deployed. The operation is still ongoing, with firemen conducting overhaul works to ensure there is no further spread of fire.

PETALING JAYA: While the Opposition appeared jubilant over the failure of the constitutional amendment Bill on the Prime Minister’s tenure, ­government MPs including members of the executive, were disappointed. But there were eight government MPs who were absent,” Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau said in a Facebook post. “Civil society and voters who wish to see institutional reform must condemn and question these MPs and the opposition bloc,” Loke said. Fellow Perikatan Nasional MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah) was jubilant. “Opposition or neutral parties, he said, could not speak about institutional reform if they fail on the fundamental aspect of strengthening reform.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his intention to attend the Developing Eight (D8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation Summit scheduled to take place in Jakarta next month. The matter was conveyed during a courtesy call by the newly appointed Ambassador of Indonesia to Malaysia, Raden Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, at the Parliament Building here on Monday (March 2). "This reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. During the meeting, Anwar said both leaders agreed that trade and investment cooperation should be enhanced to match the close fraternal ties and strategic relations between the two countries. At the same time, Anwar also extended his congratulations to Raden Mohammad Iman on the commencement of his duties in further strengthening the long-standing Malaysia-Indonesia relationship.- Bernama

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid spent about seven hours at the Malaysian Anti‑Corruption Commission (MACC) office to give a statement regarding alleged abuse of power in the purchase of land involving zakat funds. Among those summoned were MAINPP officers and staff members, the Mufti, State Secretary, State Financial Officer and the State Legal Adviser. At the same time, members of the state Zakat Board, including its officers and staff, were also called to assist in the probe. MACC opened the investigation following allegations raised by a state assemblyman during the state Legislative Assembly sitting late last year. He had also said that the MAINPP and its zakat collection body had handed over the relevant documents to the anti-graft agency.

Among the dietary culprits under the microscope is the humble plate of white rice. Multiple large-scale peer-reviewed studies have established a clear link between high white rice consumption and elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes, particularly among Asian populations. The glycaemic index of white rice averaged 64, higher than brown rice at 55, whole wheat at 41 and barley at 25. They advised replacing highly polished white rice with other cereals or healthier grain varieties, adding legumes and pulses to reduce the glycaemic index of meals and reducing overall white rice consumption. gov/22422870/2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC9516166/3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC3024208/4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC7576435/5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC3307808/6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.

For Kelly Khor, 28, Chap Goh Meh is a cherished family affair. To cap off the festivities, she said her family would have a ­simple dinner before heading out to watch others toss oran­ges and soak in the atmosphere. For Lye, Chap Goh Meh is also a precious occasion to reunite with relatives from abroad. Ng said this year’s Chap Goh Meh was especially meaningful as she could be with family. Although she has a boyfriend and does not toss mandarin oranges for romance, she said she still joined her friends in the ­tradition for luck.