Malaysia and Maldives launch trade talks as former prime minister cleared, RTS Link nears completion

Negotiations for a preferential trade agreement between Malaysia and the Maldives are set to begin, aiming to boost bilateral commerce and investment. Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin celebrated a High Court verdict that cleared him of four Jana Wibawa offences, saying he felt vindicated. The cross-border rail project linking Johor Baru and Singapore marked progress with the completion of Woodlands North station, keeping the target 2027 launch on schedule. Meanwhile, Indonesia reported a surge in fire hotspots, especially in Central Kalimantan, worsening regional haze.