LATEST NEWS   Aichi-Nagoya 2026: S. Sivasangari completes nation's six-gold target via women's singles squash event. | Asiad 2026: Squash player Ng Eain Yow clinches gold number five for Malaysia in men’s singles event | LTdL 2026: XDS Astana Team rider Matteo Malucelli wins first stage from Shah Alam to Kampar | MCMC, Meta to hold meeting tomorrow on WhatsApp account blocking cases - Teo | MCMC blocked 101.66 million spoof calls from February to August – Teo | 

Economy

Indonesia’s External Debt Rises 4.4 Pct To US$453.4 Bln In Q2 2026 - BI

JAKARTA, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s external debt rose 4.4 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to US$453.4 billion (US$1=RM4.05) in the second quarter of 2026, driven by higher public external debt amid a slower contraction in private-sector debt.

THL Partners Makes Majority Investment In Queue-it

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- THL Partners (THL), a private equity firm investing in middle-market growth companies, has announced a definitive agreement for a majority investment in Queue-it, an online traffic orchestration solutions provider.

Palm Beach Resort, ASB Partner To Strengthen Support For Labuan Oil And Gas Sector

LABUAN, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Labuan and Sabah government-owned Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB) have formalised a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening hospitality and logistical support for Labuan's oil and gas (O&G) industry.

Automotive Sales Up Five Pct To 73,615 Units In July 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s automotive total industry volume (TIV) increased five per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to 73,615 units in July 2026 from 70,057 units in the same month last year, mainly attributed to the rise in monthly production volume and pick-up sales. 

Tunas Grow Synergy Turns Small-Scale Chilli Farm Into Thriving Business

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

KULAI, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- In just two years, Tunas Grow Synergy Sdn Bhd has proven that success in chilli farming is attainable regardless of land size or business experience. 

Malaysia’s Jewellery Trade Hits RM12.13 Bln In 1h 2026 – MATRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s total jewellery trade grew 10 per cent to RM12.13 billion in the first half of 2026 (1H 2026), sustaining the industry’s strong momentum following a record performance last year.

Malaysia Must Capture More Domestic Value From Global Trade Reconfiguration - McKinsey

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs to capture more domestic value from the ongoing reconfiguration of global trade and technological change, with the country’s next phase of growth dependent on stronger local capabilities, globally competitive companies and the ability to move up the value chain. 

GMO GlobalSign Expands TLS Connect To APAC, Middle East

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- GMO GlobalSign Inc, a global Certificate Authority, has expanded the availability of TLS Connect by GMO to businesses in the Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East, following its initial launch in Western markets in April.

Digital Economy On Track To Account For 30 Pct Of GDP By 2030

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The digital economy is on the right track to account for 30 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

MGA Targets RM100 Mln Turnover At Inaugural Malaysia Gold Festival 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Gold Association (MGA) is targeting RM100 million in turnover from the three-day Malaysia Gold Festival (MGF) 2026, scheduled to be held from Sept 18 to 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Govt Ready To Study Proposal To Combine GST, SST Elements For More Progressive Tax System - Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The government is prepared to study a proposal to combine elements of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Sales and Service Tax (SST) to ensure the country's taxation system is more progressive, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Budget 2027 Must Meet People's Aspirations, Drive National Development - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Budget 2027 must heed the voice of the people and meet their aspirations by driving the country’s development and improving the people’s well-being, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.