KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's retail industry has reported a lower-than-expected growth rate of 2.4 percent in 2025 after recording a disappointing growth rate of 2.5 percent in retail sales in the fourth quarter, according to the latest Malaysia retail industry report.
Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) said in a statement on Thursday that despite the year-end festive celebration, Malaysian consumers were careful in their spending. (Malaysia-Retail-Growth)
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WELLINGTON -- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon warned Thursday of a prolonged Middle East conflict that could disrupt global oil supplies, as the government considers raising its fuel escalation level next week.
Kiwi drivers have queued at petrol stations amid the escalation of the Middle East conflict, but Luxon praised New Zealanders' restraint in avoiding panic-buying at a press conference, saying national fuel supplies remain adequate for now. (New Zealand-PM-Mideast)
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BANGKOK -- Anutin Charnvirakul, a candidate from the Bhumjaithai Party, was re-elected Thailand's prime minister after securing a simple majority in a vote cast by the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Anutin, whose party holds the most seats in the freshly elected House of Representatives, was nominated for the prime minister's post against Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, which finished second in the February polls. (Thailand-PM-Election)
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HONG KONG -- The independent committee set up to investigate the deadly residential fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, held its first public hearing on Thursday, taking evidence on matters outlined in its terms of reference.
According to the committee's latest announcement, a total of 38 stakeholders have so far been admitted as interested parties to the hearings. They are allowed to deliver opening and closing submissions, raise questions and call witnesses. (Hong Kong-Fire-Probe) ■
