Day: October 16, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, The ringgit appreciated against the US dollar and other major currencies at the close today, driven by positive sentiment ahead of the tabling of the national budget this Friday, said SPI Asset Management managing director Stephen Innes. At 6 pm, the local note improved to 4.2945/2995 versus the greenback from yesterday’s close of 4.3080/3120. Innes said that market sentiment has skewed towards the positive side in the midweek trading session, with the budget announcement later this week anticipated to be fiscally responsible, contributing to the ringgit’s recovery. ‘The ringgit showed notable strength today, reflecting its sensitivity to the

KOTA KINABALU, The Sabah government today agreed to implement the two-phase salary adjustment for 21,228 civil servants in the state, in line with the impending implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA). Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the salary adjustment, set to be implemented under the first phase from Dec 1 this year, and the second phase from Jan 1, 2026, involves an allocation of RM103.02 million. In fact, he said the state government has also agreed to standardise the daily part-time workers’ salary to a minimum of RM1,725 per month, along with improvements to the existing

KANGAR, The Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail has called for a focus on human resource development encompassing leadership, knowledge, and skills by the management of the Royal Ranger Regiment. His Royal Highness urged the corps leadership to adopt a committed approach in developing a reform plan that ensures personnel are fit for purpose in meeting their duties. ‘From the selection process to training and career development, emphasis must be placed on both know-why and know-how. ‘I am confident that the corps’ ambition to stand proudly as a combat element within an integrated, efficient and focused Future Forces framework

KUALA LUMPUR, Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed higher today, tracking gains in the US COMEX gold market, a dealer said. The spot month October 2024 contract improved to US$2,686.70 per troy ounce from US$2,661.30 per troy ounce yesterday, while November 2024 advanced to US$2,704.00 per troy ounce compared to US$2,683.10 per troy ounce previously. Meanwhile, the December 2024, January 2025 and February 2025 contracts all settled higher at US$2,709.80 per troy ounce compared with US$2,684.50 per troy ounce yesterday. Trading volume dropped to six lots from 13 lots on Tuesday, while open interest slid to 27 contracts from

KUALA LUMPUR, The number of flood victims has increased slightly in Perak and Pahang, while Melaka and Kedah have seen a decrease. As of 4 pm today, 3,950 people are being sheltered at 30 temporary relief centres across six states. In PERAK, the Info Bencana report from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) states that Kampar is the latest district affected by floods, leading to the opening of a relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kota Baharu. As such, the number of flood victims now stands at 1,170, who have been relocated from six districts to 10 relief centres. This is