Aluminum rises as Middle East war threatens supply disruptions
(March 2): Aluminum climbed on concerns that critical supply routes for Middle Eastern producers will be disrupted by conflict in a region responsible for a significant chunk of global output. Conflict in the Middle East spread over the weekend after the US and Israel attacked Iran, and Tehran retaliated with strikes on multiple countries. Potential disruptions to flows of bauxite or alumina that feed the Middle East’s aluminum smelters present a “very significant risk”, said Li Xuezhi, head of research at Chaos Ternary Futures. Aluminum prices are likely to move higher, he said. The Middle East is a major producer of iron ore pellets, with a 13% global share, according to BMO Global Commodities Research.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 03:05 UTC
QuickCheck: Can pandan leaves keep cockroaches out of your car?
YOU'LL spot them in many cars of Malaysians; bundles of pandan leaves placed on dashboards, tucked behind sun visors or draped over the rear-view mirror. Verdict:TRUEYes, scientific research shows pandan leaves do have cockroach-repelling properties but the reality is more complicated than simply placing a few leaves in the car. from the School of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS) evaluated seven compounds and fractions prepared from pandan leaves and found that certain pandan compounds were indeed repellent to cockroaches. The study noted that pandan leaves contain low levels of essential oils, including 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, styrene, linalool and β-caryophyllene. In other words, placing fresh pandan leaves in the car will not provide reliable protection against cockroaches.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 03:04 UTC
CIMB Securities expects Padini to stage stronger 2HFY2026 rebound on festive demand, margin resilience
Following the group’s 1HFY2026 analyst briefing, CIMB Securities noted that Padini’s revenue declined in the first quarter as cautious consumer sentiment weighed on discretionary spending, resulting in negative same-store sales growth of about 6% year-on-year. Looking ahead, CIMB Securities expects earnings momentum to recover in 2HFY2026, underpinned by the timing as gross margin expanded to 39.8%, supported by a stronger ringgit and lower sales markdowns, which allowed the retailer to maintain healthier average selling prices. Previously, management indicated that the higher SST rate could have added between RM10 million and RM20 million to operating costs annually. CIMB Securities maintained its “buy” call on Padini with an unchanged target price of RM2.25, noting that the group’s mass-market positioning provides a relatively defensive demand profile amid economic uncertainty. Consensus estimates remain positive on the stock, with six “buy” calls, three “hold” recommendations and no “reduce” ratings currently recorded.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 03:00 UTC
Formal uniforms face phase-out
The country is moving to phase out traditional formal school uniforms, amid growing concerns over high costs. Officials will review uniform prices, bidding methods, selected contractors and contract amounts to assess whether prices are appropriate. The existing cap system, previously limited to formal uniforms, will be expanded to cover additional categories. Schools will also be encouraged to discontinue mandatory formal uniforms and adopt casual-style uniforms or sportswear as primary attire. Of the 17 education offices nationwide, 13 currently provide support worth 300,000 to 400,000 won (RM808 to RM1,080), typically covering formal uniforms.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 02:52 UTC
Anti-tobacco groups urge stronger vape crackdown
PETALING JAYA: The continued sale of unregulated vapes in physical stores and vape devices online reflects the urgent need for comprehensive enforcement, say anti-tobacco groups. Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control president Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said enough time has lapsed since the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) was passed, calling for a tighter crackdown. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations’ Tobacco Control coordinator Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah welcomed the removal of vape products from major e-commerce platforms. According to anti-tobacco activist NV Subbarow, more sundry shops are beginning to sell the products without any concerns. He also claimed that a store in George Town, Penang, is even giving complimentary vape juices to regular buyers if they introduce new “customers”.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 02:39 UTC
Daunting, confusing experience
Nurul Afiqah, who filed her tax yesterday, said the most confusing part was understanding tax reliefs and deductions. CLICK TO ENLARGESoftware engineer Muhammad Izzat Hakimi, 27, described his first filing experience as “stressful but necessary”. He suggests that basic tax education be introduced for undergraduates so they would not feel completely lost upon entering the workforce. Despite the initial anxiety, he said filing income tax for the first time marked an important milestone. “Even among degree holders, many are unclear about the income threshold or what allowances need to be declared.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 02:35 UTC
Israel strikes Lebanon following Hezbollah attacks, widening Iran conflict
Israel carried out air strikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday, with more than a dozen explosions rocking the Lebanese capital. Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire in 2024 after more than a year of fighting that left Hezbollah severely weakened. The Hezbollah and Israel tit-for-tat attacks widen the conflict that has spread through the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, sending oil prices soaring and snarling air travel. But in a video posted on Sunday, Trump vowed military strikes on Iran will continue until "all our objectives are achieved" without providing specifics. In interviews with multiple news outlets, Trump said the military campaign against Iran could continue for at least four weeks.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 02:35 UTC
Wisma Putra cautions against non-essential Mideast travel
PETALING JAYA: Wisma Putra has advised Malaysians to exercise vigilance and avoid areas of military activity and public gatherings in Iran and several of its neighbours. It said non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates should be deferred until the security situation stabilises. Social media user @athirah_tewah wrote about her husband and fellow Malaysian pilgrims stranded in Madinah. She said their flight from Madinah to Dubai was set for 7.10pm on Saturday, but was cancelled. Ting, hailing from Setapak, said she has not yet booked another flight as she is waiting to see how the situation develops.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 02:30 UTC
Opposition united in condemnation of US-Israeli strikes on Iran
PETALING JAYA: The Opposition has condemned the joint military strikes against Iran, demanding an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he strongly condemned the US-Israeli military strikes which violated international law. “Both the US and Iran must choose to continue diplomacy and dialogue,” he said in a statement yesterday. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin called on the major powers and countries in the Gulf region to take the path of peace and negotiation for the sake of security and stability. “Together with fellow Opposition MPs, I extend my condolences to the people of Iran who have lost their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 02:30 UTC
Asian airline shares fall as US-Iran conflict disrupts travel, raises oil prices
Shares in other Asian carriers, including Japan's ANA Holdings, Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia's AirAsia X and Taiwan's China Airlines and EVA Airways all fell at least 4%. Singapore Airlines cancelled flights to and from Dubai through March 7, while Japan Airlines suspended its Tokyo-Doha flights for the time being. Passengers left scramblingVirgin Australia, which leases planes operated by partner Qatar Airways for flights to Doha, said it had cancelled eight flights on Monday and was offering free booking changes. Qatar Airways passengers at Sydney Airport interviewed by Reuters said they were left scrambling to change plans with no guidance from the airline, which did not respond immediately to a request for comment. "We have no information at all, no answer on the phone from Qatar (Airways)," said Alessandra Giorgetti, who added the Qatar Airways flights had cost €4,000 (US$4,708.40 or RM18,381.20).
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 02:30 UTC
Netflix’s co-CEO explains why he quit the Warner Bros fight
We were in the books of Warner Bros, and the biggest cost centres are people in productions. Now that you aren’t buying Warner Bros, does the strategy go back to what it was? I met the top 200 employees of Warner Bros, [co-CEO Greg Peters] and I did. And I do think that the political pressure, even if it was noise, it spooked a lot of Warner Bros shareholders. Or if you look at the history of Warner Bros....
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 02:25 UTC
Anwar: PKR gains nearly 5,000 new members, reflects public confidence
PUTRAJAYA (March 1): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) recorded nearly 5,000 new members recently, reflecting the people's continued confidence in the party's struggle. Its president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said support for PKR remained solid despite facing a political situation described as "chaotic". "We have good news… that even in this chaotic situation, our membership has grown by about 5,000. Meanwhile, he urged PKR leaders at all levels to continue strengthening the party's machinery and to clarify issues that could cause unease among the people. Anwar said comprehensive and factual explanations are important for continuing to strengthen the people's confidence in the party.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 02:10 UTC
More LNG tankers divert from Hormuz in widening Iran crisis
(March 2): Liquefied natural gas tankers set to load shipments in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates appear to be temporarily abandoning those plans, as most shipowners and traders avoid the Strait of Hormuz. At least 13 empty LNG tankers that were on the eastern side of the chokepoint have diverted away, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. LNG vessels and other ships stopped crossing the waterway over the weekend following the initial strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Exports from Qatar, the world’s largest LNG supplier after the US, must go through Hormuz to reach customers in Asia and Europe. “We are in uncharted territory.”There was a string of mixed messages around Hormuz over the weekend, as well as attacks on oil tankers.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 02:10 UTC
PKR immediately suspends Fahmi Zainol from all party posts
GEORGE TOWN (March 1): The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Central Leadership Council has decided to suspend Penang state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol from all party posts with immediate effect. PKR secretary general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the decision was made at the council meeting on Sunday. She said the suspension from all party posts will be in force until the conclusion of his court case. Fuziah said the party has received his reply, and noted that Rafizi remains a party member, and reminded him to always adhere to the party's constitution, code of ethics and disciplinary rules. Meanwhile, the council said PKR received 14,225 new members between October 2025 and January 2026.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 02, 2026 02:05 UTC
MPs urge all-in-one elections
They say staggered state polls and a GE would waste time and moneyPETALING JAYA: With Malaysia facing staggered state polls this year and a looming general election, federal lawmakers across party lines are calling for simultaneous elections to curb non-stop politicking and ensure national stability. CLICK TO ENLARGEDrawing comparisons with Indonesia, Hassan, said that Malaysia could emulate its neighbour’s model of simultaneous elections. “If the current full-term tenures are maintained, there will be five elections within an 18-month period namely Melaka, Sarawak, Johor, the general election and six state elections. He noted that one of the main advantages of simultaneous elections would be reducing the near-continuous cycle of politicking from one state to another. He noted that separate elections force people to vote multiple times, which can be particularly burdensome for those living far.
Source:The Star
March 02, 2026 01:14 UTC