Capital city and federal territory of Malaysia, a fast-growing hub
The Pardons Board has granted Najib Razak a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 2028, contingent on a 50 million ringgit fine. The decision follows renewed consideration of his clemency bid amid ongoing graft cases linked to 1MDB. Several sources report the board’s action taken at a recent meeting.
Cred’s leadership shift and Meta’s $900 million investment strengthen WhatsApp’s push into payments and business services. Kunal Shah departs Cred to lead WhatsApp; Miten Sampat becomes interim WhatsApp chief strategy officer as Cred scales toward an IPO.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as Iran asserts control over shipping corridors, warning ships following foreign routes and linking traffic to energy security. The US and allied nations have urged restraint while monitoring potential disruptions to global oil and gas shipments.
A study with 23 healthy men shows that sniffing dark chocolate (90% cocoa) before and during leg extensions increases repetitions by about 18, and sniffing milk chocolate (60% cocoa) increases by about 9, without raising perceived effort. Dark chocolate may cue fullness; milk chocolate offers a more pleasant scent.
ASEAN foreign ministers are in Manila for high-level talks armed with a focus on Myanmar. The meeting also touches on regional energy, border tensions, and economic concerns as international players participate. The discussions follow a prior in-person engagement in Bangkok and come amid Myanmar’s ongoing conflict and Indonesia’s currency volatility.
Brent crude has fallen about 8–9% to below $88–$92 a barrel after prices briefly topped $100 last week. The drop follows pauses in US–Iran strikes and reports that both sides have halted attacks to allow diplomacy. Markets remain volatile because shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is still disrupted and analysts warn supply risks and inflationary pressure persist.
Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto has died in Lebanon at 78, according to the PFLP. The Lod Airport attack of 1972 killed 26 people and shaped decades of militancy and regional politics. Okamoto lived in Lebanon under asylum, later facing forgery charges, and was celebrated by supporters as a fighter for the Palestinian cause.
Malaysia has reaffirmed its policy of not recognizing Israel and will continue to bar Israeli citizens from entering the country. The stance follows scrutiny of a digital nomad group with alleged Israeli ties and a wider debate in Washington over security and military ties. Eight US lawmakers have urged Washington to suspend IMET funding and reassess relations within 15 days.
Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled earlier this year due to regional conflict. With the calendar tight, F1 is considering Sepang in Malaysia to host a double-trace schedule in late September to early October, effectively substituting a Bahrain date and linking Asia and Europe before Singapore. The Bahrain event would be branded as Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia for contractual reasons.
Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, branded as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, slotting the race between Azerbaijan and Singapore. The move follows Middle East tensions and calendar revisions, with Imola considered as a contingency for Qatar if needed. Fans are assured a full calendar as the FIA and F1 adapt.
Refugee-hosting states have tightened controls and pushed a limited repatriation plan while Rohingya camps in Bangladesh are reporting worsening conditions. Malaysia has begun screening Myanmar nationals for a 5,000-person return scheme and has detained and processed groups of Rohingya; rights groups warn returns could put people at risk. Cox's Bazar refugees are protesting and aid cuts are worsening hunger.
FIFA has unveiled a $20 billion subsidiary to run World Cup rights, offering 20% stakes to private investors. UEFA and other confederations decry the move as dangerous for football, with potential funding promises to member associations. The plan has triggered swift political and sporting backlash as the global football community weighs the risks and rewards.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
A Malaysian airline pilot has been arrested at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport after arrival from Kuala Lumpur. Authorities say the officer, identified by initials MS (or MSO in some reports), is connected to a haul of more than 70,000 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine found in his luggage. Drug tests indicate impairment during the flight; Malaysia Airlines is conducting an internal review.
FIFA has withdrawn a plan to privatise parts of the World Cup after widespread condemnation from UEFA and others. Infantino’s leadership is under intense scrutiny as allies distance themselves and potential successors emerge.
President Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in this month’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, citing his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un and the drills’ cost. The US and South Korea have agreed to shorten and scale back the exercises; Seoul has said the drills started as scheduled while Pyongyang has dismissed outreach and warned that scaled-back drills remain provocative.
Wildfires across Kalimantan and Sumatra have intensified under El Niño-driven drought, pushing smoke into Malaysia and Brunei. Authorities deploy cloud-seeding, water-bombing aircraft, and ground crews as hotspots rise and air quality deteriorates, threatening health and livelihoods.
Unknown man has been found dead in the landing‑gear wheel well of an Air Arabia plane that arrived from Tangier, Morocco. Coroners say conditions inside the wheel well are extremely cold and oxygen is scarce; post‑mortem results list cardiac arrest, hypoxia and hypothermia as the cause. An inquest is ongoing.
Ismail has pleaded not guilty in Kuala Lumpur to a charge under Malaysia’s anti-graft law, accusing him of failing to provide a complete declaration of assets. The case could carry up to five years in prison. He previously served as Malaysia’s prime minister for 15 months and is among several former leaders facing graft proceedings.
Anak Krakatau has erupted since late Friday, producing lava fountains and ash plumes up to 50,000ft and forcing temporary closures at Soekarno‑Hatta and multiple regional airports. Authorities have suspended operations at several airports, delayed or cancelled hundreds of flights and stranded tens to hundreds of thousands of passengers while marine and air exclusion zones remain in place.
Rohingya refugees remain at the center of regional diplomacy as Malaysia invites Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing to discuss repatriation, while Bangladesh and China explore a broader political settlement. Officials stress voluntary returns and safety, amid concerns over refugee rights and regional stability.
Airports serving Jakarta have reopened after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has moved away. Authorities are conducting inspections and cleaning as flight disruptions affect thousands of passengers across eight airports.
Singapore has revised ministerial pay, boosting the prime minister’s benchmark to S$3.6 million and other ministers’ salaries. Existing officeholders will receive a one‑off up to 9% raise this Oct, with further adjustments based on performance. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledges to donate his increase to charity.