KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's palm oil market is expected to see a seasonal rise in production and softer export demand in the coming months, with inventories likely to rebuild gradually despite near-term price support from energy-linked factors, analysts said Monday.
Malaysia's palm oil production is expected to continue its month-on-month upward trend heading into the peak production season, research house UOB Kay Hian said in a note. (Malaysia-Palm Oil)
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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains intact, adding that Pakistan will continue efforts to facilitate dialogue and promote lasting peace in the region.
"Today, the ceasefire still stands. Efforts are underway to resolve outstanding issues," Sharif said in a televised address to the federal cabinet. (Pakistan-U.S.-Iran-Ceasefire)
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KATHMANDU -- A total of 496 people lost their lives in natural disasters in Nepal over the last 12 months from April 14, 2025 to April 13, 2026, a government agency said on Monday.
In its annual report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said fires accounted for the highest number of deaths at 106, followed by 101 deaths from snakebites and 76 from landslides. (Nepal-Natural Disasters-Casualties)
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PHNOM PENH -- Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn said on Monday afternoon that the conflict in the Middle East has driven up energy costs, posing significant risks to food security.
He made the remarks during the second special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the situation in the Middle East held via videoconference, said a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued after the meeting. (Cambodia-Mideast Conflict-Food Security) ■
