Technology

RBC lifts S&P 500 year-end target to 7,900 on AI optimism

May 8 (Reuters) - RBC Capital ⁠Markets raised its year-end target for the S&P ⁠500 to 7,900 from 7,750 on Friday, citing ‌resilient earnings growth and continued strength in artificial intelligence‑linked sectors.

Nation

PM Anwar proposes Asean food security standby arrangement during crises

CEBU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that the relevant Asean ministers urgently explore the establishment of a regional standby mechanism for food security during crises, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, to enable faster coordination and emergency response efforts.

Markets

Bursa Malaysia in negative territory on uncertain Middle East developments

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia maintained its downward momentum at midday, in line with the weaker performance across regional markets as sentiment was dragged by renewed developments surrounding the United States (US)-Iran conflict.

Economy

Manufacturing sales rise 5.3% to RM173.1bil in March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The manufacturing sector posted sales value of RM173.1 billion in March 2026, an increase of 5.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Nation

Working hours for housemen capped at 62 hours a week

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry says the average total working hours for housemen are limited to 60 to 62 hours per week.

Technology

One Tech Tip: Why digital devices and online accounts need spring cleaning

If the spring season has brought an urge to scrub your living space from top to bottom, why not clear out the digital detritus cluttering your electronic devices and online accounts at the same time?

Nation

Immigration Dept nabs 13 foreigners in Cyberjaya raid

KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen foreigners were detained following a raid in Cyberjaya.

Economy

IPI up 3.1% in March 2026 led by growth in manufacturing, electricity output

KUALA LUMPUR: The Industrial Production Index rose by 3.1 per cent year-on-year in March 2026, led by 5.5 per cent growth in the manufacturing output and a 4.9 per cent growth in the electricity output, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) today.

Nation

Two mule account holders plead guilty, fined RM5,500 in total

JOHOR BARU: A delivery driver and a technician have been fined a total of RM5,500 by the Sessions Court here after pleading guilty to letting their bank accounts be used as mule accounts for illegal transactions.

Nation

May 17 set for Aidiladha moon sighting

PUTRAJAYA: The sighting of the new moon of Zulhijjah to determine the date of Aidiladha this year has been set for Sunday (May 17) at 29 locations nationwide.

Nation

Not mandatory to replace existing MyKad from June 1, says Saifuddin

JOHOR BARU: Malaysians do not need to rush to replace their old MyKad with the new version once the latest identity card is introduced on June 1, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Corporate News

Zelan unit to settle RM5.22mil debt via transfer of properties

KUALA LUMPUR: Practice Note 17 company Zelan Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary Zelan Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd has proposed to transfer the ownership of two properties to MMC Engineering Sdn Bhd to settle RM5.22mil of debt owing to the company.

Living

How a kefir business sparked the idea for a pioneering Malaysian kefir ice-cream shop

Having been involved in her family's 20-year-old kefir business, Ho Su Mei recently decided to launch a kefir ice-cream brand.

Living

A talented baker has launched The Milk Society, arguably KL's first lactose-free dessert range

Home baker Madhu Vasudevan created a homegrown lactose-free dessert brand that is arguably the first of its kind in KL.

Smartphones

Some iPhones won't recharge over cable when they go flat, reports say

Letting your phone drain to 0% is never good for your battery's health, but sometimes you don't have a choice.

World

UK's Starmer vows to fight on after Labour punished in local polls

LONDON, May 8 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir ⁠Starmer vowed on Friday to stay in office to "deliver change" after his Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections that deepened doubts over his ability to govern.

Nation

Van driver claims trial to reckless driving charge over girl’s death

BATU PAHAT: A van driver pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate's Court here on Friday (May 8) to reckless driving resulting in the death of an eight-year-old girl on Tuesday.

Thailand

Thailand widens crackdown on foreign nominee businesses

BANGKOK: Thailand's Commerce Ministry is intensifying efforts to crack down on foreign nominee businesses, launching expanded investigations into companies suspected of using Thai shareholders to circumvent restrictions under the Foreign Business Act.

Nation

No Malaysians on hantavirus-hit cruise ship, says Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: No Malaysians were on board the international cruise ship that reported a hantavirus outbreak, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Nation

MyNIISe vendor told to proactively plan for any system glitches, says Saifuddin

JOHOR BARU: The vendor of the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) has been told to prepare mitigation plans ahead of Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link operations, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.