THE Negeri Sembilan royal crisis, which developed more than a year ago, has now escalated to competing claims over several issues, including who lawfully holds several Undang offices, whether the process to remove current ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir was valid, and whether the ruler has the authority to remove the state’s elected officeholders or, conversely, whether those officeholders have the power to remove the ruler.The federal government and the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang-Undang (DKU) have continued to recognise Tuanku Muhriz as the rightful ruler, whereas Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim and his administration have endorsed a rival proclamation recognising Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the state’s ruler.

Politics: Chronology of Negeri Sembilan royal crisis 

The importance of proactive governance

DUOPHARMA Biotech Bhd (KL:DPHARMA), the country’s largest generic drug manufacturer by market share, is stepping up exports and expanding its biologics portfolio as it looks to offset a decline in domestic market share for human insulin.

Group CEO Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid says t...

Duopharma eyes biologics, export growth as insulin market share shrinks

ACCESS to Arm’s Compute Subsystem (CSS) would lower the technological barrier for Oppstar Bhd (KL:OPPSTAR) to develop an advanced chip.

But an Arm token is not an instant earnings booster, Oppstar’s senior executives acknowledge in an interview with The Edge.

Its chief operati...

Arm CSS gives Oppstar a head start, not a shortcut to earnings

FOR years, Oppstar Bhd (KL:OPPSTAR) was mainly confined to designing chips for others.

Now, the Penang-based integrated circuit (IC) design house wants to broaden its business scope, becoming a turnkey service provider in the IC chip industry. On top of that, Oppstar intends to tape out...

Oppstar’s ‘2.0’ push: From contracted chip designer to turnkey service provider

TWO years into his tenure as group CEO, How Kim Lian has helped steer Tune Protect Group Bhd (KL:TUNEPRO) out of three consecutive years of losses. The challenge now is to turn that recovery into sustainable growth as weaker travel demand, market volatility and geopolitical tensions weigh on its ...

Tune Protect seeks sustainable growth after turnaround

TUN Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, one of Malaya’s earliest Malay women doctors and a pioneering public health physician who would spend decades at the centre of Malaysian public life, died on Sept 28 at the age of 100.

Malaysians knew her as Siti Hasmah, though she said in a 2024 podcast intervie...

TRIBUTE | Tun Dr Hasmah — a trailblazer in women’s healthcare and community welfare

Malaysia’s fiscal position is improving, although pressure on the nation’s finances remains considerable.

The federal fiscal deficit narrowed from 4.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 to 3.7% in 2025, while federal government revenue increased to RM336.1 billion. Further consoli...

My Say: Tax better before taxing more

When you are in your 60s, a visit to the physio is almost a must. The neck and shoulders stiffen, and so do the glutes. To relieve the nagging pain and loosen the tight muscles, I go to Your Physio in SS15, Subang Jaya.

My regular physio is Akil, and I like him because he explains what ...

My Say: The worth of a degree

From design to the finished device, a chip goes through four main stages. Global giants dominate each stage, but Bursa Malaysia–listed companies are strongest in assembly and test, and in the equipment, machined parts and automation segments that the entire chain depends on.

Where Malaysian players sit in the semiconductor value chain

As Budget 2027 approaches, property industry players are looking beyond measures to support homeownership, calling for broader reforms to address affordability, rising development costs, infrastructure, sustainability and urban regeneration. While continued support for buyers remains a common the...

Property players look beyond homeownership in Budget 2027 wish list

MUCH has changed at Chemical Company of Malaysia Bhd (CCM) since it was acquired by Batu Kawan Bhd (KL:BKAWAN) in 2020 and privatised in February 2021 after a mandatory takeover offer.

CCM is substantially larger today after Batu Kawan undertook a strategic corporate restructuring in 20...

TMK’s acquisition of CCM to widen product offering

CHINA’s National Food Safety Standard, which includes the Code for the Control of 3-MCPD Esters and Glycidyl Esters in Foods, came into effect on Sept 2, a year after it was issued. According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), the standard is not expected to have an immediate impact on Mal...

China’s food safety code throws a curveball at palm oil industry

Banking

POSITIVE

BIMB SECURITIES RESEARCH (Sept 22): Global bond markets experienced higher yields amid tighter US monetary policy and higher-for-longer interest rates. ...

Brokers Digest: Local Equities - Banking, Solarvest Holdings Bhd, Gamuda Bhd, QL Resources Bhd

Oil edged higher after a report that the White House asked the Pentagon to draw up strike options against Iran that could be executed before the midterm elections, and as a storm shut some US output.

Oil edges higher on Iran strike options report and storm impact

A record-breaking run in stocks hit a wall as still-elevated oil prices stoked concerns that potential inflationary pressures could trigger Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes.

Stocks fall from all-time highs on inflation worry

Zetrix AI Bhd (KL:ZETRIX) has confirmed that it owes the Road Transport Department (JPJ) RM314 million in unremitted collections between May and September 2026, and said the liability has been recognised as a payable on its balance sheet.

Zetrix AI confirms RM314m JPJ arrears after Bursa demands direct answer

HSBC said on Wednesday consultations were underway, after the Financial Times (FT) reported that hundreds of jobs were at risk from the bank's adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

UK unit job cuts: HSBC says 'consultations' underway amid AI adoption

The holding company of Canada's Weston family has agreed to buy British health and beauty retailer Boots from private equity firm Sycamore Partners and the Pessina family for US$8.9 billion (RM36.4 billion), including debt, it said on Wednesday.

Canada's Weston family buys UK pharmacy chain Boots for US$8.9 bil

The International Energy Agency's (IEA) member countries stand ready to release additional oil from their strategic reserves if necessary and will prioritise diesel due to tight supplies of the fuel, the head of the IEA said on Wednesday.

IEA says member countries ready to release more oil reserves if necessary

The government is reviewing a formal agreement with Dapat Vista Sdn Bhd, the company that operates the eJamin system for online payment of court bail, before submitting it to the Cabinet soon.

eJamin: Govt reviewing formal agreement with Dapat Vista before presenting it to Cabinet

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is disputing the auditor general’s projection that the first of the long-delayed littoral combat ship (LCS1) would only achieve full operational readiness by December 2035.

Defence Minister disputes AG's 2035 readiness projection for long-delayed combat ships

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Wednesday.

Yinson, Northern Solar, Aemulus, Datasonic, CIMB, AMMB, PJBumi, MMM Group

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is finalising a proposal to enact the Statutory Bodies and Controlled Entities (Financial Governance) Act to strengthen the governance of government-owned companies.

MOF finalising proposed law to strengthen governance of govt-owned companies

Police have arrested seven people, including several foreigners, in connection with&nbsp;the theft of 2.5kg of jewellery worth over RM1.7 million from a shopping mall in Genting Highlands, Bentong, in August.

Seven arrested over RM1.7 mil jewellery heist in Genting Highlands

The first witness for the Federal Land Development Authority conceded in High Court on Wednesday that competing bidders for the agency's prime land along Jalan Semarak were not owned by Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd shareholder and director Abdul Rahman Soltan, after initially suggesting otherwise.

Felda fraud suit: Witness admits rival bidders for Jalan Semarak land not owned by Synergy Promenade director

Zetrix AI Bhd (KL:ZETRIX) has confirmed that it owes the Road Transport Department (JPJ) RM314 million in unremitted collections between May and September 2026, and said the liability has been recognised as a payable on its balance sheet.

Datasonic Group Bhd (KL:DATASONIC) has terminated its proposed RM28.5 million acquisition of an industrial property in Petaling Jaya after a condition precedent requiring approval from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia was not fulfilled.

Datasonic axes RM28 mil property deal after Fire Dept condition unmet

Malaysia still faces RM20.1 billion in outstanding obligations related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) if no additional funds are recovered, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

Govt still has to bear RM20.1b 1MDB burden if no further funds recovered — MOF

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Wednesday.

Bursa Malaysia Securities has dismissed MMM Group Bhd’s (KL:MMM) appeal against the rejection of its proposed regularisation plan, paving the way for the company to be delisted on Oct 12.

MMM Group to be delisted on Oct 12 as Bursa Malaysia dismisses appeal

British 30-year bond yields rose to a 28-year high on Wednesday as a global bond sell-off pushed equivalent US borrowing costs to their highest since 2002, adding to pressure on finance minister John Healey before his first budget in three weeks' time.

UK 30-year gilt yields hit 28-year high in global sell-off

Retail prices for unsubsidised petrol will increase by 15 sen from Oct 8 to Oct 14 as Brent crude oil hovers around US$100 per barrel despite the recovery of crude oil flows from West Asia.

Unsubsidised petrol up 15 sen from Oct 8, diesel prices stay

Northern Solar Holdings Bhd (KL:NORTHERN) has secured a RM34 million engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) contract to develop a 9.5MW large-scale solar photovoltaic plant.

Northern Solar bags RM34m solar plant contract a day after Main Market transfer

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the fifth Madani&nbsp;budget is based on a clear resolve to strengthen the nation’s economy and translate growth into a better life for the people.

Anwar: Budget 2027 based on 'clear resolve' to strengthen economy, translate growth into better life

Crude palm oil (CPO) prices could trade at a premium to soybean oil as early as April next year, as weather risks and rising biodiesel demand in Indonesia tighten global vegetable oil supplies, said industry analyst Thomas Mielke.

CPO could trade at premium to soybean oil as early as April next year, says Mielke

The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) has initiated intervention measures to protect the rights and assist 372 workers of CJ Bio Malaysia Sdn Bhd affected by the closure of the company's plant in Kerteh, Terengganu, from Oct 15.

CJ Bio plant closure: Intervention measures taken to protect rights of workers, says MOHR

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is disputing the auditor general’s projection that the first of the long-delayed littoral combat ship (LCS1) would only achieve full operational readiness by December 2035.

JOHOR BAHRU (Oct 7): All schools in Johor will be closed for two days from Thursday due to haze and deteriorating air quality across the state.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made on the orders of the Regent of Johor...

Johor schools to close for two days due to worsening haze, says exco

EGH International Bhd, an interior fit-out services company, said the public portion of its initial public offering (IPO) was oversubscribed by 2.63 times, ahead of its Oct 16 listing on the ACE Market.

Interior fit-out firm EGH International IPO oversubscribed 2.6 times

The additional tax claim against Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) will not&nbsp;result&nbsp;in the cost being passed on to consumers through electricity tariff hikes, said the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

TNB's additional tax claim not passed on to consumers via tariffs, says MOF

Lighting solutions provider Speedy Best Holdings Bhd, which also manufactures and sells steel poles and provides smart city solutions, is planning an ACE Market listing to raise funds for capacity expansion and to further develop its proprietary platform that uses artificial intelligence for smart city management.

Speedy Best plans ACE Market IPO to raise funds for capacity expansion

Enterprise IT services provider Ancile Tech Bhd has filed its draft prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market, as it seeks funds to set up an in-house network operations centre (NOC) and security operations centre (SOC), and expand its business beyond northern Peninsular Malaysia.

IT solutions provider Ancile Tech files draft prospectus for ACE Market listing to fund business expansion

ACE Market-listed Aemulus Holdings Bhd (KL:AEMULUS) has secured new orders worth US$3.86 million (RM15.77 million) from an undisclosed Singapore customer for test systems used in the data centre and artificial intelligence (AI) market.

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