Sabah & Sarawak

Sandakan students’ solar-powered road safety system wins innovation contest

KOTA KINABALU: An affordable, eco-friendly road safety system that uses AI-powered monitoring to detect risky driving behaviours developed by students of SM Sung Siew Sandakan here is the national champion for Shell NXplorers Malaysia 2026.

Nation

CSA not unusual, precedent set by previous governments, says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) signed between the federal government and opposition lawmakers, saying such arrangements are not unusual and follow precedent.

Markets

FBM KLCI bucks regional sell-off, ringgit hits near two-month high

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI closed higher on Friday, supported by gains in selected plantation heavyweights despite broad market weakness and a regional sell-off.

Nation

Penang targets record-low deficit in 2027 state budget

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has projected a record-low budget deficit of RM5.62mil for 2027, down from RM19.92mil this year, as the state seeks to balance spending with economic growth and public needs.

AseanPlus News

Immigration rules deter nearly half of Asia-Pacific air travellers, survey finds

Geopolitical tensions are also influencing travel decisions, annual survey by airline body IATA finds

Nation

RM500 cash aid for newlyweds in Penang next year, says CM

GEORGE TOWN: Newlyweds in Penang will receive a one-off RM500 cash assistance under a new state government initiative next year.

Cycling

Motorcycling-Martin cuts Sepang practice short to aid recovery from wrist fracture

(Corrects to 2024 ⁠champion, not reigning champion, in paragraph 2)

Nation

OIC member states join hands in anti-corruption push

PETALING JAYA: Several resolutions to strengthen the fight against corruption were adopted at the Third High-Level Meeting of Heads of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Entertainment

Meghan Markle’s dad’s personal devices probed for illegal content

Thomas Sr has called the allegations against him 'sick lies' and denies any wrongdoing.

Vietnam

Hanoi offers cash incentive to boost birth rate

HANOI: Hanoi will provide a one-off payment of VNĐ4 million (US$154) to women who give birth to two children before the age of 35 from 2027, under a policy approved by the city's People's Council.

World

Nigerian families and survivors seek justice over miners' deaths

MINNA, Nigeria, Oct ⁠30 (Reuters) - Families of 37 artisinal miners who died in custody in Nigeria want swift ⁠justice and the return of property seized during their arrest, saying no financial ‌compensation will make up for their loss.

China

Australia returns ancient stone heads to China after more than 30 years

The Song dynasty sculptures were given to the National Gallery of Australia in the 1990s, a time when art theft was rife in China

Wellness

It's never too late to start exercising and strength-training

Exercise will help women build strength, protect their bones and remain active for years to come.

Technology

In China, the war on mosquitoes has entered the AI era

Using sensors developed for self-driving cars, a Chinese start-up claims it can track and destroy tiny flying targets while avoiding people, pets and reflective surfaces.

Europe

Malaysian travellers charmed by Slovenia's car-free zone

Capital city Ljubljana is a charming destination with the largest car-free zone in the European Union.

Nation

Penang civil servants to receive one-month special assistance payout in December

GEORGE TOWN: Penang civil servants will receive a special financial assistance payment equivalent to one month's salary in December in recognition of their contributions to the state.

Technology

Foxconn working on a new tie-up with OpenAI, says there is no AI bubble

TAIPEI, Oct 30 (Reuters) - ⁠Foxconn, the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer, on Friday flagged that a ⁠collaboration with leading US artificial intelligence developer OpenAI was in the works, ‌though details were scant.

Nation

Govt steps up action against e-commerce scams, consumer complaints

PETALING JAYA: The government will step up action against scams and other consumer problems involving e-commerce platforms, including complaints over high commission fees and goods that do not match what was ordered.

Nation

Ex-Cameron Highlands fire chief claims trial to bribery charge

KUANTAN: A former Cameron Highlands Fire and Rescue Station chief pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here on Friday (Oct 30) to a charge of receiving a RM2,000 bribe in May last year.

Technology

Chip designer MediaTek says AI demand growth will continue 'for sure'

TAIPEI, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Demand ⁠growth for AI will continue "for sure" although the ⁠rate may vary, said Rick Tsai, CEO of Taiwan's ‌largest chip designer MediaTek, on Friday.