Wednesday, September 23, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

Malaysia · Country watch

Melaka Assembly Dissolved, UPM Partners with Himalaya

Melaka's state assembly is dissolved for elections, and UPM partners with Himalaya Wellness for research.

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in Malaysia show mixed signals today. The dissolution of Melaka's assembly introduces political uncertainty, while UPM's partnership with Himalaya Wellness and a stronger ringgit offer positive developments for research and finance sectors.

In this briefing Kumaran Chandrasergaran · Universiti Putra Malaysia · Himalaya Wellness · Malaysian ringgit · Ab Rauf Yusoh · Melaka State Assembly

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • pharma

UPM and Himalaya Wellness Sign Research Agreement

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Himalaya Wellness Malaysia have signed a Letter of Intent to enhance research collaboration in herbal studies, talent development, and education, as reported by utusen Online. This partnership, formalized during the University Research and Innovation Investment Summit 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, aims to provide UPM students with real-world industry experience. The collaboration will focus on research and development in herbal wellness products.

Impact UPM students and the herbal wellness sector gain from enhanced research and industry collaboration.

Sources: utusen Online ↗, Kosmo! ↗

Markets

  • finance

Ringgit Opens Slightly Higher Against US Dollar

The Malaysian ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar and other major currencies on Tuesday, supported by improved market sentiment following a drop in global oil prices and geopolitical developments, BH Berita Harian reports. The ringgit's performance is influenced by external factors, including global market trends and regional geopolitical issues.

Impact Importers and exporters dealing in USD may see marginally improved currency exchange rates.

Sources: BH Berita Harian ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • public-sector

Melaka Assembly Dissolved for State Elections

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced the dissolution of the Melaka State Assembly effective tomorrow to pave the way for the 16th State Election, according to BH Berita Harian. The dissolution marks the beginning of the election process, which will determine the new governance of the state. This move is expected to impact local governance and public-sector operations in Melaka.

Impact Public-sector operations in Melaka will be affected as the state prepares for elections.

Sources: BH Berita Harian ↗, myMetro ↗

Also today in Malaysia

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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The same day elsewhere