Singapore

Plan to test driverless buses on two Singapore routes called off as authority explores smaller-scale trials

SINGAPORE: Plans to deploy six autonomous buses on two SBS Transit-run routes from mid-2026 have been called off as the authorities explore how the vehicles can be tested on a smaller scale.

Indonesia

Prabowo orders tougher action on Indonesia fires; foreign offers to help tackle haze not discussed

JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered more action to fight forest and land fires that have sent thick haze to Singapore and Malaysia, but offers of help from the two countries were not discussed at a meeting he chaired on Oct 12.

Thailand

A silent future? Bangkok debates banning motorised tuk-tuks

BANGKOK: Tuk-tuks are everywhere in Bangkok. The rattle of the iconic three-wheeled rickshaws dominates much of the Thai capital, and taking a ride in one of the colourful open-top vehicles is a must-do for any self-respecting tourist.

Markets

Profit-taking halts rebound on FBM KLCI

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI is seeing some profit-taking pressure despite improved domestic sentiment following the tabling of Budget 2027.

Entertainment

Action star Jet Li denies abandoning first family, says he left past marriage with nothing

Li says he gave all his assets and properties to his ex-wife after their divorce to ensure she had financial security, while also shouldering the expenses of raising their two older daughters.

Economy

Japan's wholesale inflation remains elevated, keeps alive BOJ rate-hike view

TOKYO: Japan's wholesale prices rose 6.8% in the year to September, according to data released on Tuesday, slowing from the previous month but highlighting mounting inflationary pressure that keeps alive market expectations of a near-term interest rate hike.

Nation

Form 2 student struck, killed by lightning in Pasir Mas

PASIR MAS: A 14-year-old Form 2 student died on Monday afternoon (Oct 12) after being struck by lightning while returning from a fishing trip at a paddy field near Kampung Tasek Berangan, Repek, here.

Forex

Budget 2027 optimism lifts ringgit despite external headwinds

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit edged higher against the US dollar at the opening, buoyed by optimism surrounding Budget 2027.

Markets

Nasdaq ends lower as oil prices surge ahead of earnings, economic data

THE Nasdaq composite closed lower on Monday as oil prices jumped nearly $2 a barrelafter attacks on a Saudi airport, and investors waited for banks to kick off the third-quarter earnings season and for economic data this week.

Sabah & Sarawak

QuickCheck: Is it true that a beetle was named after Tun Dr Siti Hasmah?

PETALING JAYA: Whenever researchers or scientists discover a new species, they name the flora or fauna based on circumstances such as geographic location, behaviour or patterns.

India

Disruption grinds Delhi to a halt

Authorities closed six metro train stations and warned of traffic disruptions in Delhi, as opposition parties planned to march to the Supreme Court in protest against a controversial revision of voter lists that has sparked days of unrest in the Indian capital.

Markets

Bursa cautious as global risks offset budget perks

PETALING JAYA: Despite the long-term, growth-supportive measures tabled in Budget 2027 – including fiscal deficit consolidation targets (3.3% of gross domestic product), a minimum wage hike to RM2,000, and elevated broad-based cash aid – near-term investor sentiment on Bursa Malaysia will likely remain cautious and constrained by global macroeconomic dynamics.

Nation

PAS prepares for rematch against Adly in Bukit Katil

MELAKA: PAS is gearing up for another battle against former chief minister Adly Zahari in Bukit Katil, with its Hang Tuah Jaya chief shortlisted to contest the seat in the upcoming Melaka polls.

Nation

Authorities cracking down on ‘rat lanes’ in Perlis

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have detected 25 illegal "rat lanes" in Perlis which may be used by human trafficking and smuggling syndicates, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

Focus

Kim’s fun economy

COFFEE bars. Waterparks. Retail therapy. North Korea – a country few would associate with leisure or pleasure – is experiencing an unlikely outbreak of fun.

India

Police abuses alleged during protests

Opposition leaders and journalists accused police of heavy-handed tactics during weekend demonstrations, as authorities locked down New Delhi ahead of a fresh rally against the election chief.

North Korea

Pyongyang fires ‘ballistic missiles’ into Sea of Japan

THE nation fired multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast, Seoul's military said, after weeks of mounting friction over a landmine explosion along their heavily fortified border.

South Korea

New crime agency targets critic of would-be chief

Just nine days after its launch, the nation's new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA) is set to conduct its first internal inspection, targeting a regional office chief who has repeatedly criticised the nominee to lead the agency.

Nepal

Copters race to the rescue

Rescuers from Nepal's military reached an area hit by a flash flood the previous day.

Nation

Schools take a haze break

PETALING JAYA: All schools in Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya will be closed today due to haze.