Here’s a quick look at some of the stories that made headlines today.

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Pahang Islamic Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad has confirmed that a video alleging the allocation of durian plantation land in Pahang to retired soldiers is fake.

Video alleging durian land allocation is actually Skim Tanah Rakyat land rights handover, says Pahang MP's rep

The launch of a new direct route from Chennai to Penang, via IndiGo, commencing on Saturday, marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity, generating economic opportunities, and solidifying Penang’s position as a regional air travel hub.

Direct route from Chennai elevates Penang as key regional air travel hub, says exco

The world’s biggest stablecoin issuer, Tether Holdings Ltd, is on track to close the year with more than US$10 billion (RM45.07 billion) in net profits, chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino said in an interview.

World’s largest stablecoin issuer Tether sees US$10b in net profits for 2024

BNP Paribas SA finalised the €5.1 billion (US$5.3 billion or RM24.0 billion) purchase of Axa SA’s asset management unit, in the biggest acquisition under chief executive officer Jean-Laurent Bonnafe.

BNP Paribas signs €5.1b deal to buy Axa’s asset manager

At least five people were killed in a car-ramming attack at a German Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg that also left more than 200 injured, officials said, and a Saudi man was arrested on suspicion of driving a car into the crowd.

Death toll in German Christmas market car-ramming rises to five, more than 200 injured

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pursuit of closer ties with China has raised private questions from Donald Trump’s incoming administration, European diplomats and even some senior British officials.

UK's Starmer is deepening China ties while allies turn away

The US Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilising government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

US Senate passes govt funding bill, averts shutdown

Honda and Nissan are considering producing vehicles in one another's factories as part of their plan to deepen ties and potentially merge, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Saturday.

Honda and Nissan mulling mutual production of vehicles, Kyodo reports

The Cabinet draft paper on the separation of powers between the attorney general (AG) and the public prosecutor (PP) is expected to be ready by the middle of next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Draft paper on separation of AG powers expected to be ready by mid-2025 — PM

The government will continue its Special Appreciation for Pensioners (PKKP) initiative, aimed at supporting affected pensioners and derivative pension recipients, to ensure the welfare of this group is well taken care of.

Govt to continue special appreciation for pensioners — PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that an amicable solution will be taken to address the ongoing dispute between&nbsp;Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Sarawak's state-owned oil and gas (O&amp;G) company Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) over the distribution of natural gas in Sarawak.

PM: Amicable solution in the works for Petronas-Petros dispute over natural gas distribution

The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has warned that it will take a firm stance against associations that openly announce price hikes, minimum pricing or new trading conditions, particularly through the media.

MyCC warns stern action against cartel activities by associations

At least five people were killed in a car-ramming attack at a German Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg that also left more than 200 injured, officials said, and a Saudi man was arrested on suspicion of driving a car into the crowd.

Pahang Islamic Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad has confirmed that a video alleging&nbsp;the allocation of durian plantation land in Pahang to retired soldiers is fake.

The government will continue its Special Appreciation for Pensioners (PKKP) initiative, aimed at supporting affected pensioners and derivative pension recipients, to ensure the welfare of this group is well taken care of.

Honda and&nbsp;Nissan are considering producing vehicles in one another's factories as part of their plan to&nbsp;deepen ties&nbsp;and potentially merge, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Saturday.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pursuit of closer ties with China has raised private questions from Donald Trump’s incoming administration, European diplomats and even some senior British officials.

Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) expects inflation to rise in 2025, driven by domestic policy reforms such as RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation and an expanded sales and service&nbsp;tax (SST) scope. &nbsp;

HLIB sees higher inflation in 2025 on RON95 subsidy rationalisation, expanded SST scope

With Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ability to safeguard its foreign policy and economic priorities amid&nbsp;evolving global dynamics.

Malaysia to adapt to Trump era, says Anwar

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected in&nbsp;Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor and&nbsp;Johor until 4pm on Saturday.

Thunderstorms in six states until 4pm on Saturday — MetMalaysia

The world’s biggest stablecoin issuer, Tether Holdings Ltd, is on track to close the year with more than US$10 billion (RM45.07 billion) in net profits, chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino said in an interview.

The Johor government has completed seven housing projects, categorised as ‘sick’ and abandoned, this year, representing an estimated property value of about RM700 million.

Seven 'sick' housing projects worth RM700m completed in Johor, says exco

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday called for an immediate end to any narratives involving racial profiling in the context of aid distribution and efforts to combat hardcore poverty in the country.

Anwar calls for end to racial profiling narratives in tackling hardcore poverty

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Langkawi to discuss regional strategic issues and Asean developments.

Anwar to meet Prabowo, Thaksin in Langkawi next week to discuss regional issues, Asean

The Cabinet draft paper&nbsp;on the separation of powers between the attorney general (AG) and the public prosecutor (PP)&nbsp;is expected to be ready by the middle of next year, said Prime Minister&nbsp;Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Among the key agenda when Malaysia takes over the chairmanship of Asean next year are the Asean Energy Grid and digitalisation initiatives, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Asean Power Grid, digitalisation among key agenda as Malaysia assumes Asean chairmanship in 2025 — PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his commitment to upholding judicial independence and advancing governance reforms, stressing that he has not interfered&nbsp;in judicial matters during his two years in office.

Anwar says never interfered in judiciary, no compromise on any power abuse in Cabinet

BNP Paribas SA finalised the €5.1 billion (US$5.3 billion or RM24.0 billion) purchase of Axa SA’s asset management unit, in the biggest acquisition under chief executive officer Jean-Laurent Bonnafe.

The Malaysian government is constantly striving to repatriate its citizens who have fallen victim to job scams in Myanmar, said Foreign Minister&nbsp;Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

EVENING 5

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