MALAYSIA

Melaka will highlight kebaya, pantun and Wangkang at a cultural exchange festival. Public exhibitions and palace-ground activities run Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

MetMalaysia expects the inter-monsoon phase to begin Oct. 9. Local storm warnings matter even as parts of Southeast Asia face a dry seasonal outlook.

Petaling leads Malaysia's 2026 district population estimates with 2.4 million residents, while national data shows a rising share of older people.

Malaysia's 2026 life expectancy rises to 75.5 years. DOSM data shows a 4.9-year gender gap and wide differences between administrative districts.

Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance have differing economic growth forecasts for 2026, with Bank Negara predicting 5.0% growth, while the Ministry forecasts 4.0-4.5%. This divergence raises questions about future budget assumptions.

A Malaysian rescue team has been deployed to Nepal ten days after devastating floods, raising concerns among families of missing Malaysians about the delay and the mission's objectives.

Malaysia declares an emergency in Serian, Sarawak, after the Air Pollutant Index hits 521, marking the first emergency-level reading. Schools are closed, and non-essential activities may be halted.

The number of Malaysians missing after flash floods in northern Nepal has risen to 54. Communication disruptions are blamed, and efforts are underway to ensure their safety.

Former Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob faces trial for failing to declare assets, including cash and gold, amid a broader anti-corruption investigation. He pleads not guilty and is released on bail.