(Dec 30): US home prices rose in October at the slowest annual rate in more than 13 years, government data showed on Tuesday, in a sign of improving affordability in the long-struggling housing market. The Federal Housing Finance Agency said home prices rose 1.7% from a year earlier in October after climbing by an upwardly revised 1.8% in September. That marked the smallest annual price increase since March 2012, when prices first started rising after a five-year slump triggered by the global financial crisis. On a regional basis, annual price changes ranged from a drop of 0.7% in the lower Midwest to an increase of 5.3% in the Mid-Atlantic region. On a monthly basis, US home prices rose 0.4% in October following a downwardly revised decline of 0.1% in September.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued an alert level for continuous rainfall in several areas of Sarawak, effective from Wednesday (Dec 31) until Jan 1, 2026. In a statement on Tuesday (Dec 30), MetMalaysia advised that the affected areas are expected to include Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong. The public is advised to obtain the latest weather information through the official MetMalaysia website, the myCuaca mobile application, MetMalaysia's official social media channels, or by contacting the MetMalaysia hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for further inquiries.

KOTA KINABALU: Newly appointed state Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has paid a visit to the SBH Kibing New Solar Energy at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) in Sepanggar here, one of the state’s major industrial investments. The visit was made to review the company’s performance and expansion progress, during which Ewon was also briefed on its operations, achievements, and future plans. Ewon also expressed his appreciation for the company’s implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs for the community, in addition to contributing to the state’s economic development. Kibing Solar is a solar glass manufacturing company operating in KKIP. It is part of Kibing Group, a Chinese conglomerate specialising in glass and high-tech solar materials.

PUTRAJAYA: The runway at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport reopened at 7.30pm on Sunday (Dec 30) after receiving final safety clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). Malaysia Airports said that flight operations at the airport have since resumed and are now running as normal. "Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” the airport operator posted on Facebook. Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended earlier following a runway-related safety issue, prompting inspections and assessments by the relevant aviation authorities before clearance was granted for reopening. Sultan Abdul Halim Airport serves as the main air gateway to Kedah and northern Perlis, handling both domestic commercial flights and military aviation operations.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is continuing to invest ahead of sustained passenger demand at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG), reinforcing its long-term focus on capacity, efficiency and resilience across its airport network. In a statement, MAHB said it recently inaugurated Phase 1 of ISG’s expansion following the completion of Terminal 1’s modernisation and optimisation works, highlighting its approach to planning and delivering infrastructure that supports growth over time. The group emphasised its phased, demand-driven investment strategy, designed to strengthen airport performance while safeguarding passenger comfort and operational stability. "The 70 million euro (€1 = RM4.77) expansion project, targeted for completion by the second quarter of 2026, is being delivered through close collaboration between Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Authority (HEAŞ), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Investment Development and Operation Inc., and MAHB. MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the Terminal 1 modernisation and optimisation works were driven by sustained passenger growth and the need to enhance capacity and passenger flow in a measured, structured manner.

PETALING JAYA: Badminton coach Yeoh Kay Bin and men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia have decided to part ways. Kay Bin, who only joined Team LZJ a year ago, will not be renewing his contract. Zii Jia, who has had an injury-riddled year, said he understood Kay Bin's desire to move elsewhere. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for coach Kay Bin, who has been through my side the past year. Former player Liew Daren, who guided Zii Jia for nearly two years until 2023, will return to team LZJ in a coaching capacity.

PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has been handed a tough draw in the Malaysian Open from Jan 6-11 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. Zii Jia, who is set to make his first competitive appearance since September, could go up against China's world No. Zii Jia has struggled with injuries throughout the year and will be hoping to put his fitness issues behind him in 2026. Meanwhile, Malaysia's other representative in the men's singles in the home event, world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, will open his campaign against China's world No.

KANGAR (Dec 30): The appointment of new members to the Perlis state executive council (exco) can proceed with a minimum of four members, following PAS’ decision not to join the state administration under his leadership, said Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah. “Without the menteri besar, it is four. With the menteri besar, it becomes five. He said all existing PAS exco members will resign in solidarity following the resignation of former menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. Abu Bakar, 57, who is also the Kuala Perlis state assemblyman from Bersatu, was sworn in before the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail on Sunday.

SEREMBAN: Labu assemblyman Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker has announced his resignation as Negeri Sembilan Perikatan Nasional chief, effective Jan 1. The state Bersatu chief and Opposition leader said in a four-paragraph statement that his decision was made because his appointment came under the purview of the Perikatan chairman. Earlieron Tuesday (Dec 30), Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced he would step down from the post on Jan 1. Hanifah said his decision was in line with the principle of respecting the structure, hierarchy and governance in Perikatan. "I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership at all levels, party friends and state Perikatan supporters for the trust given to me to hold the position all this while," he added.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 30): Solar District Cooling Group Bhd (KL:SDCG) has proposed a bonus issue of warrants on the basis of one free warrant for every two shares held in the building management systems company. The proposed exercise involves the issuance of 211.91 million warrants, with a five-year tenure, according to a bourse filing on Tuesday. SDCG currently has 423.82 million shares in circulation and no outstanding warrants. The final exercise price of the proposed warrants will be determined later. The proposed bonus warrants and ESOS will require shareholders’ approval at an extraordinary general meeting to be held later.

PUTRAJAYA: Amid the ongoing turmoil within Perikatan Nasional, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he is grateful that the Madani government remains intact. The Pakatan Harapan chairman said he is glad that there is no issue of sabotage within the Madani government. Shortly after, several senior Bersatu leaders also announced that they were stepping down from their respective Perikatan posts, including Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, among others. The rift within Perikatan started after eight of Perlis' 15 elected assemblymen – three from PAS and five from Bersatu –submitted statutory declarations withdrawing their support for Mohd Shukri Ramli's leadership as Perlis mentri besar. On Sunday (Dec 28), Bersatu's Abu Bakar Hamzah was appointed as the new Perlis Mentri Besar.

KUALA LUMPUR: A defamation lawsuit filed by former religious minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, against PAS over LGBT has been settled out of court. Lawyer Noorazmir Zakaria, representing Mujahid, informed the High Court that both parties have reached a mutual agreement and decided to end the dispute. Justice Roslan Mat Nor then struck out the lawsuit and thanked the parties for settling matters out of court. "The court expresses its appreciation to the plaintiff and defendant for settling out of court and for their lawyers' efforts in the negotiations. Mujahid filed the lawsuit on Dec 15, 2022, against PAS over the party's posting on Facebook that linked him to the LGBT community.

PETALING JAYA: Two time world junior championships silver medallist Low Zi Yu has hinted that she is set to join her national teammates at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on a full time basis next year. Zi Yu and Nor Dania Sofea also reached the final at the previous edition, only to lose to Ririna Hiramoto-Aya Tamaki in China. For next year, I hope to become world junior champion because Malaysia has never had a world junior champion in girls doubles, and I want to help Malaysia achieve that,” said Zi Yu. Zi Yu believes that a competitive environment and greater exposure are crucial for her to realise her ambitions. “In Johor, I train in Segamat and the training environment there is not the same as at BAM.

PETALING JAYA: With the 2025 season now behind them, seasoned mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie admit that physical demands have become their biggest challenge as they grow older. In the current top 10 world mixed doubles rankings, Soon Huat, 35, and Shevon, 32, are among the most senior pairs on the circuit. Most of their competitors are under 30, which makes it even more challenging for Soon Huat and Shevon to match the speed and stamina of the younger pairs on court. Soon Huat and Shevon are determined to work even harder in 2026. “Even though RTG has never questioned us about our results, Soon Huat and I feel that every opportunity carries a huge responsibility.

(Dec 30): While tariffs and shaky consumer confidence continue to create headwinds for corporate America, they’re set to lift earnings growth for US materials stocks to the highest in five years. Amcor expects to reach its 2026 outlook through synergies, without relying on macroeconomic improvement or a rebound in customer or consumer demand, CEO Peter Konieczny said on a call. Increased volumes from packaged food makers isn’t something seen from the rest of the group’s client base and overall packaging demand remains mixed. Still, its earnings are set to return to growth after four straight years of declines. In construction materials, companies like CRH plc should see demand strengthen as lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs.