The week that was

Muhamed Badrul Anam Sulaiman, 30, (in pink) and Muhammad Faris Akmal Mohd Azmi, 27, (left) exchanging Briyani and drinks towards the end of the day as a form of tradition and to ensure no food or drinks are wasted at their stalls, at the Ramadan Bazaar outside Prangin Mall, in George Town, Penang. (March 9, 2026) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

March 9

New supreme ruler

Iran saw the appointment of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, replacing his father Ali Khamenei who was killed by a US-Israel attack at the beginning of the Middle East conflict.

March 11

Return of remote work

Authorities in Bangkok and Hanoi encouraged public employees to work from home and take other energy-saving measures as the Middle East conflict disrupted oil supplies and sent fuel prices up.

In south-east Pakistan, the holy month brings Hindus and Muslims closer as they experience fasting and iftar together in harmony. — AFP

March 14

Keeping fuel down

The government was determined to maintain the Budi95 fuel subsidy at RM1.99 which would cost RM24bil if the Middle East conflict persists until year end.

March 14

Enough food for Raya

The Agriculture Ministry assured the public that stocks of rice, poultry, eggs, fish, meat and vegetables are sufficient to last at least until June.

As global oil prices climbed over US$100 a barrel, Malaysian motorists expressed shock at just how much they were saving under the Budi95 fuel subsidy.

March 15

Right place to complain

Anyone who has a grouse about media organisations, journalists and other journalism-related issues can soon make a direct complaint to the Malaysian Media Council via an automated online portal, which is slated to begin next month.