HANOI, May 3 — Vietnam's consumer prices rose 5.46 per cent in April from the ‌same month last year, government data showed today, accelerating from 4.65 per cent in March, fuelled by higher energy costs due ‌to the Iran war.

The quickening of inflation was "due to higher domestic gas prices in accordance with global fuel prices," the National Statistics Office said in a report, adding rising material and transport costs also pushed up prices for services and construction.

April industrial production rose 9.9 per cent from a year earlier, higher than March's 4.6 per cent year-on-year expansion.

April exports ‌rose 21 per cent on year to US$45.52 billion, while imports ⁠rose 32.5 per cent to US$48.8 billion, ⁠the stats office said.

April's ⁠trade deficit widened to US$3.28 billion ⁠from US$677 million in ⁠March.

For the first four months of the year, exports rose 19.7 per cent to US$168.5 billion while imports ⁠increased 28.7 per cent to US$175.64 billion, creating a trade deficit of US$7.1 billion.

Foreign investment inflows in the first four months of this year rose 9.8 per cent to US$7.4 billion.

Public investment disbursement in the four-month period rose 16.4 per cent ⁠year-on-year to US$5.8 billion, accounting for 13.7 per cent of the government's full-year plan.

For the four months, Vietnam's ⁠trade surplus with the U.S. rose 24.4 per cent on year to US$46.9 ⁠billion, ⁠while the deficit with China expanded 33.4 per cent to US$46.4 billion.

Vietnam's Finance Ministry forecast inflation could reach 5.5 per cent this year, ‌above the government's 4.5 per cent target, driven mostly by the impact of the Iran war. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — The public has been reminded not to produce or disseminate content related to race, religion and royalty (3R), particularly material that is provocative, insulting, incites hatred or could trigger public tension.

In a statement today, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it takes seriously the misuse of network services and online platforms that could undermine social harmony.

"The public is advised to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it to avoid misunderstandings or hostility,” it said.

MCMC also said it will work closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant agencies to monitor, investigate and take action against content that violates the law.

"Offenders may face action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both,” it said.

The commission stressed that action will also be taken against platform providers that fail to cooperate and reminded them to comply with the law and prevent misuse of their services. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 3 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded 56 cases related to hot weather nationwide, including two deaths from heat stroke, from Jan 1 to today.

MOH in a statement today announced that the two deaths involved a two-year-old boy who was left in a vehicle and a 42-year-old man who participated in a marathon in Penang.

“Both cases occurred when weather conditions were below Warning Level 1.

“However, the main risk factors identified were exposure to extreme heat in an indoor environment and strenuous physical activity over a long period of time, which caused severe dehydration and failure to regulate body temperature,” the statement said.

According to the statement, there were 47 cases involved heat exhaustion, four cases of exertional  heat stroke, four cases of heat stroke and one case of heat cramps.

MOH said analysis showed that 58 per cent of cases of heat-related illnesses were related to physical activity during hot weather.

“Of the total, almost half involved sports and athletic activities such as cross-country, sports training, and marathons, while the rest involved high-intensity physical training by security and operations teams.

“In this regard, MOH would like to advise the public to always be careful and take preventive measures during hot weather,” the statement said.

Among the preventive measures suggested by MOH are to limit strenuous physical activity and prolonged exposure to hot weather, and for those working under hot weather to spend more time resting in the shade to cool down.

In addition, the public is also reminded to drink plenty of plain water even if they do not feel thirsty to ensure that the body remains hydrated, as well as to use personal protection such as hats, umbrellas, light and brightly coloured clothing.

Risk groups such as infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases should always be adequately hydrated, and parents and guardians are reminded to avoid leaving children alone in vehicles.

The public is reminded to seek immediate treatment at a health facility if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, or extreme fatigue.

“MOH also urges all parties including government agencies, educational institutions and care centres to take appropriate preventive measures, especially in planning and implementing outdoor activities to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“The public can get the latest information on the status of hot weather on the METMalaysia website and preventive measures to reduce the health effects of hot weather on the MOH website,” the statement said. — Bernama

KAJANG, May 3 — The body of nine-year-old girl Nur Qaseh Deandra Mohd Qayyum, who was reported missing after falling into a drain in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, has been found in Sungai Langat, ending a three-day search.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Operations Assistant Director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar confirmed the discovery, Harian Metro reported this afternoon.

He said the discovery was made at 12.17pm, about 11 kilometres from the location where the child was believed to have fallen, by the Water Rescue Team.

Harian Metro also reported that Nur Qaseh had identified her body at the scene.

SINGAPORE, May 3 —Mainland Chinese firms have become the second-largest source of fixed-asset investment in Singapore, with their share of the market surging from just 2.5 per cent in 2024 to 21 per cent in 2025, as the city-state’s reputation as a safe-haven destination continues to attract global capital.**

According to a February report from the Singapore Economic Development Board, total fixed-asset investment commitments across all sectors reached S$14.16 billion (RM44.16 billion) last year.

Europe retained the top spot with a steady share of around 25 per cent, while the United States slipped to third place, its share falling sharply from 55.5 per cent to 17.3 per cent.

China-linked developers and business entities have grown increasingly active in Singapore’s property market, said Alan Cheong, executive director for research and consultancy at Savills Singapore.

“Chinese developers who have had experience in Singapore are now familiar with the rules, regulations and market behaviour, and are expected to continue bidding to replenish their landbanks,” Cheong told the South China Morning Post.

Several high-value transactions over the past year underscore the trend:

• At the end of the first quarter of 2026, a nearly 145,500 sq ft lot on Dover Drive was acquired by CNQC Realty (Prime), Forsea Residence and Jianan Realty Investments for S$951 million. The site is expected to yield 625 residential units.
• In April 2025, Kingsford Group, via Kingsford Huray, won a tender for a 222,161 sq ft plot called Lentor Gardens in the Lentor Hills estate for S$429.23 million.
• In November 2025, the same developer picked up a 147,350 sq ft plot on Telok Blangah Road via a tender for S$918.3 million. The two residential sites are expected to yield more than 1,240 units in total.
• In March 2025, SingHaiyi Group and Haiyi Holdings acquired a parcel on Bayshore Road of about 112,992 sq ft for S$658.9 million, expected to yield 515 units.
• Also in March 2025, a group comprising Qingjian Realty, China Communications Construction Company’s unit Forsea Residence and Hoovasun Holding, which is fully owned by Singapore citizen Zhang Song, paid S$315 million for Media Circle (Parcel A), an 82,125 sq ft plot likely to accommodate 345 flats.

Despite the influx of Chinese capital, Singapore has maintained strict cooling measures to keep the property market stable. Since April 2023, foreign buyers face an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 60 per cent when purchasing residential property. Industry groups have recently called for a calibrated rollback of the rate for ultra-luxury non-landed homes valued at S$10 million and above, arguing that such a move would encourage liquidity without impacting broader affordability.

Private Chinese capital continues to pursue opportunities in Singapore even as institutional Chinese investment recedes, according to a January report from JLL, which has identified Singapore’s prime office sector as a “top pick” for 2026. The report noted that while escalations in global geo-economic headwinds could derail investment mandates, Singapore remains a “safe haven”.

The Economic Development Board’s report also showed that overall fixed-asset investment commitments in Singapore rose 5.2 per cent to S$14.2 billion in 2025, helped by strong demand in the artificial intelligence and electronics sectors.

With global geopolitical tensions persisting and Singapore’s regulatory environment well-understood by Chinese players, analysts expect mainland Chinese investment in the city-state’s property market to continue growing in 2026.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed that the draft amendments to the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Act be completed within three months.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the move includes streamlining Mara’s role as a key umbrella for the Bumiputera economy as well as a one-stop centre for development through better coordination of related agencies and policies.

He said emphasis would also be placed on governance to ensure the Bumiputera agency not only speaks up on key issues, but also demonstrates stronger commitment to good governance practices.

“In its 60 years, Mara has seen its ups and downs. There were times when governance issues were seen as weak and problematic. That is why I thank the Mara chairman for giving due attention to governance.

“I therefore expect the new Mara Act to be ready before the end of the year. I do not want to wait too long. There is no need to take seven to eight months…submit the draft to me within three months,” he said when speaking at the Mara 60th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Mara director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman.

The prime minister said the amendments are in line with one of the seven thrusts under the Mara 40-Year Vision, which is designed to position the institution as a key driver of a more inclusive, competitive and globally oriented Bumiputera economic development agenda.

He said the first thrust focuses on transforming Mara into a successful conglomerate anchored in education and entrepreneurship.

“The second emphasises the 3P approach - participation, ownership and control - to strengthen the economic foundation of the Bumiputera community.

“The third relates to talent development, including producing skilled and semi-skilled workers in line with evolving needs, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas and technologies like artificial intelligence (AI),” he said.

Anwar said the fourth thrust focuses on capital development for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand globally, including in the halal sector, while the fifth and sixth thrusts aim to position Mara as a one-stop centre for education, investment and entrepreneurship, as well as to penetrate international markets.

“And finally, the seventh focuses on governance, integrity and transparency, as we have consistently emphasised,” he said. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, May 3 — A twin blaze emergency unfolded in Punggol on the evening of May 1, when two separate fires broke out within an hour at the same Housing Board block, leaving six people including two firefighters hospitalised.

According to The Straits Times, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the first fire on the ninth floor of Block 223A Sumang Lane at about 6.50pm, followed by a second blaze on the fourth floor at around 7.40pm.

The initial fire, which involved discarded items along a common corridor, was extinguished using hose reels and resulted in no injuries. The second, far more serious fire—which involved the bedroom of a fourth‑floor flat—was also put out with hose reels, but not before causing extensive damage.

Four occupants from the fourth-floor unit were assessed for smoke inhalation. Three of them were taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and one was sent to Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Two firefighters who felt unwell during the operation were also taken to SGH as a precautionary measure. The SCDF confirmed that both firefighters have since been discharged. It is unclear whether the other four have returned from hospital.

According to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, the fourth‑floor fire is suspected to have been started by a six‑year‑old boy playing with a lighter. 

Around 30 residents were evacuated from the block. Authorities arranged temporary accommodation for the affected family at the local Residents’ Network Centre, with grassroots volunteers providing basic necessities such as food, baby formula and towels.

The causes of both fires are still under official investigation.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to affect the capital and eight other states until 3 pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

In an advisory issued at 12.30 pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas in Kedah include Langkawi, while in Perak, it involves Larut, Matang and Selama, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Muallim.

On the East Coast, the warning covers Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu, as well as several areas in Pahang, including Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Bentong, Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin.

The department also forecast similar weather conditions across Kuala Lumpur and parts of Selangor, namely Hulu Selangor, Klang, Gombak, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Sepang.

Similar conditions are also expected in Negeri Sembilan (Jelebu, Seremban, Kuala Pilah and Rembau) and Johor (Tangkak, Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru), as well as in Sabah involving Tawau (Lahad Datu), Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran and Sandakan) and Kudat (Pitas and Kudat). — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — TNG Digital has announced that it will discontinue Quick Payment and Auto Reload features for debit cards on the TNG eWallet starting 13 May 2026.

The change affects users who rely on debit cards for automatic top-ups and seamless payments. TNG eWallet users who currently use credit card for Quick Payment and Auto Reload are not affected.

According to the official statement, the feature had been placed under maintenance as part of an ongoing review of transaction performance and reliability. Following the review, TNG Digital decided to permanently discontinue support for debit card-based Quick Payment and Auto Reload “to ensure a more reliable payment experience.”

This means if you’re currently using a debit card for auto-reload, you’ll have to reload manually. 

Alternatively, you can use a credit card for auto reload to avoid any disruption in eWallet payments.

Debit card auto reload suspended after transaction performance review

Here’s the official statement from TNG Digital in full:

Take note that TNG eWallet charges a 1 per cent convenience fee of the reload amount for all credit card reloads using a credit card issued by Malaysian banks. This means if you reload RM200 via credit card, you will be charged RM202.

However, if you’re using a credit or debit card issued by a non-Malaysian bank, TNG eWallet charges a higher convenience fee of up to 2.6 per cent of the reload amount.

The convenience fee is waived for reloads using the following:

• Reloads via Malaysian-issued debit and prepaid cards
• Reloads via Reload PIN credited into Non-Transferable Balance
• Reloads via DuitNow Transfer

There’s an SOS feature on TNG eWallet for toll payments via PayDirect and TNG RFID that lets you pass through toll plazas when the balance is insufficient. — SoyaCincau pic

For those who use TNG eWallet for toll payments via PayDirect and TNG RFID, there’s an SOS feature which lets you pass through toll plazas when you have insufficient balance. 

The feature was introduced to allow seamless travel when you have insufficient eWallet balance.

However, take note that you’ll need to settle your outstanding SOS balance within 24 hours. — SoyaCincau

KOBE, May 3 — Astronomers in Japan have recently launched what they say is the country’s first organisation dedicated to the search for alien life, with radio observations planned in the summer next year, Kyodo News reported.

“They must exist somewhere in the universe. I’m excited to be putting this into action,” said Shinya Narusawa, an astrophysical expert at the University of Hyogo and head of the Japanese Society for SETI – the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Narusawa, a 61-year-old leading expert in the SETI field, was behind the initiative, bringing together some 10 people such as astronomers and observatory researchers to form the group.

It is planning to conduct observations in August next year in the direction of the Sagittarius constellation at the Misato Observatory in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, to mark 50 years since a strong radio signal believed to have come from space was detected by an Ohio State University telescope in the United States in 1977.

Dubbed the “Wow! Signal”, it originated from near the Sagittarius constellation and is known as the strongest candidate for an alien radio transmission ever detected. 

The signal continues to be studied in the United States as a potential sign of extraterrestrial intelligence, but it remains a mystery.

“We will call on the world to conduct concentrated observations toward the source of the radio wave,” the group launched in April said on its website.

In the future, the group aims to build a domestic antenna network to enable constant observation, in the hope that sustained monitoring would improve the reliability of the search.

“We want to eventually build a research network in Japan comparable to that in the United States,” Narusawa said. 

“I hope people learn about our efforts to search for extraterrestrial civilisations, and that it can also prompt us to rethink Earth, where wars between humans continue.” — Bernama-Kyodo

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Veteran singer Khadijah Ibrahim has advised artistes, particularly those from the younger generation, not to be arrogant but instead remain humble and appreciative of fans, who are the lifeblood of their careers.

Khadijah, 66, said in the fast-moving entertainment industry, humility and professionalism are essential foundations to ensure an artiste remains relevant and respected over the long term.

According to her, fans are the most crucial element in the arts ecosystem, as without their support, an artiste’s career would not last.

“If we are arrogant, who loses? In the end, we are the ones who lose. We need fans, we need people to support this career,” she told Bernama when asked to comment on netizens’ claims about artistes behaving arrogantly.

She added that as public figures, artistes must realise their lives are no longer entirely private, as they are constantly under public scrutiny.

“As artistes, we automatically become public figures who no longer have the same exclusive personal space as ordinary people; we belong to the public, so there is no place for arrogance. Always remember, we will be happy when we make others happy,” she said.

Khadijah, who is also chairman of Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan), also touched on the attitude of some industry players who are overly selective or slow to respond in professional matters, making production planning difficult.

She stressed that professionalism is not only about talent, but also involves discipline, communication and respect for other people’s time.

“As chairman of Karyawan, there are now many welfare programmes, concerts, dinners and more, all aimed at helping artistes earn a living and stay visible. We do not want young artistes to be left behind.

“However, when we invite them to collaborate with veteran artistes like us, it sometimes feels as though we have no value. We have to wait weeks, even months, just to get a response,” she said, adding that Karyawan’s intention is to help elevate young artistes’ careers.

Khadijah emphasised that experience and discipline are the key factors that enable an artiste to endure in the industry, not just fleeting popularity.

She said all industry players must uphold good manners, respect fans and never forget their roots, as these form the foundation of dignity in the entertainment world.

The Ku Pendam Sebuah Duka singer also took aim at a culture fixated on ratings, warning that it risks overshadowing genuine talent.

“Sometimes ratings kill talent. If we are good, we should still be appreciated based on our ability, not numbers,” she said. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, May 3 — Five vehicles in the parking area of ​​a flat in Jalan Perak, here, were engulfed in flames early this morning.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant operations director John Sagun Francis said his department received a call about the fire at 4.30 am and a fire brigade team from the Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) immediately went to the location.

“Upon arrival, the fire department found that the fire involved five vehicles in the ground floor parking area of ​​the flat and it also involved part of the garage with an estimated 50 per cent damage.

“No casualties were reported in the incident and the fire department managed to control the fire at 4.38 am before the fire was completely extinguished at 5.09 am,” he said in a statement today.

He said the vehicles involved in the incident were a Nissan Grand Livina, Mitsubishi Xpander, Perodua Myvi, Toyota Hiace van and Poton Preve with five and 80 per cent burns.

According to him, the cause of the fire and the amount of loss are still under investigation by the fire forensic team. — Bernama