January 2024 - Page 5 of 5

Malaysian Manufacturing Sector Endures Ongoing Weak Demand Despite Signs of Stabilisation

2Jan

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Business

Malaysian Manufacturing Sector Endures Ongoing Weak Demand Despite Signs of Stabilisation

The Malaysian manufacturing sector continued to face challenging conditions at the end of 2023, according to the latest PMI data from S&P Global. Demand remained subdued, leading firms to cut back production for the 17th consecutive month amid limited new orders. However, the rate of decline in output eased to the slowest pace since August. Despite weak demand, manufacturers added staff for the first time in eight months in December, albeit at a marginal rate. Input price inflation also slowed for the first time in three months to the weakest since September. The seasonally adjusted PMI was unchanged at 47.9 in December, signaling business conditions remained difficult. Manufacturers cited weak customer confidence and subdued demand. New orders fell for the 16th straight ...

Malaysian drug kingpin arrested in Laos

A Malaysian fugitive wanted in Thailand for drug smuggling was arrested during a Thai-Lao joint operation last week. The 39-year-old Malaysian, an alleged drug dealer and key member of a drug syndicate had been in hiding in Laos, according to Thai police. Assistant National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon said the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has been investigating the Malaysian man, a suspected drug trafficker who played a key role as procurer and coordinator in the drug trade in the Golden Triangle area since 2006. He said the man was arrested in Laos on Dec 29. “The suspect has been working with drug networks across Thailand, Malaysia, China, Singapore, and Laos. He also used Thailand for both money laundering and as a transit point for smuggling...

At least six dead after huge earthquake rocked Japan on New Year’s Day

The powerful earthquake that hit central Japan on New Year's Day killed at least six people, as police and local authorities early on Tuesday reported cases of bodies being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings. The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck in the middle of the afternoon on Monday, destroying buildings, knocking out power to tens of thousands of homes and prompting residents in some coastal areas to flee to higher ground. It also triggered waves about one metre high along Japan's long western seaboard as well as in neighbouring South Korea. Army personnel were dispatched to help with rescue operations, while one local airport was shut down after the quake tore open cracks in the runway. An elderly man was pronounced dead after a building col...