The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data for the month of March 2026, reporting that a total of 63,489 units units were delivered to buyers last month. This represents an increase of 21.1%, or 11,075 units, from the 52,414 units sold in February.

The government's move to increase the assistance rate under the Rubber Replanting Programme has been welcomed by smallholders facing challenges related to costs and uncertainty in commodity prices.

Malaysia currently has 19 biofuel production plants based on rubber waste, with a monthly capacity of approximately 1.5 million litres, thus having the potential to become a new alternative energy source amid the global energy crisis.

Rubber glove makers have raised prices and warned of production cuts as the Iran war chokes supplies of key inputs, raising concerns for the healthcare sector.

Concerns grew on April 20 that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran might not hold after the US said it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Iran vowed to retaliate.

Asian stocks rose on Monday, supported by modest gains in technology shares, although broader sentiment remained cautious amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.