Latest news with #Iftaar
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Car sales set to skid further as headwinds mount
KUALA LUMPUR: After a sluggish first half of 2025, Malaysia's auto market appears to be hitting the brakes hard, with analysts signalling a further slowdown in sales momentum for the rest of the year. Following three consecutive years of record-breaking sales, the market now appears to be settling into a more subdued phase, marked by shrinking order backlogs, tighter loan approvals and intensifying price competition. "The market is showing signs of normalisation amid weakening order backlogs, tighter loan approvals and intensifying price competition, particularly in the non-national segment," said RHB Research analyst Iftaar Hakim Rusli. Total industry volume (TIV) for the first half fell 4.6 per cent year-on-year to 373,636 units, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). Despite the softer start, MAA raised its full-year sales forecast to 800,000 units, up from an earlier projection of 765,000. RHB Research is holding a more cautious view, maintaining its 2025 TIV forecast at 730,000 units, which represents an 11 per cent decline from last year. Iftaar said the biggest drag is expected to come from non-national marques, many of which are now feeling the heat from an influx of aggressively priced models, especially from Chinese entrants. These new players have forced incumbents into deep discounting, a move that, while good for consumers, is destabilising the market. "Some buyers may delay their purchases in anticipation of further price cuts from both existing and new non-national marques, thereby destabilising the non-national segment," he said in a research note. Loan approval rates have also taken a hit, dropping to 55 per cent year-to-date from 58 to 63 per cent in the 2022 to 2024 period. Order backlogs, once a sign of healthy demand, are thinning too, with Perodua's backlog falling from 100,000 units to 90,000 and Toyota's from 20,000 to 15,000, said Iftaar. He added inflationary pressures are compounding the problem, squeezing household budgets just as competition heats up. In the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Iftaar expects growth to continue but remain modest due to high prices and limited charging infrastructure. The current tax exemptions for completely built-up (CBU) EVs, which have supported early adoption, are unlikely to be extended beyond end-2025, as the government shifts its focus to incentivising locally assembled EVs. "An extension of the tax holiday for CBU EVs would be counterproductive for incentivising original equipment manufacturers to establish local production facilities. "While we expect EV numbers to continue picking up in the coming months, growth in market share is likely to remain moderate due to structural headwinds, such as high pricing and limited availability of charging infrastructure. "As such, EVs are unlikely to influence overall TIV in the near term," he said. Another overhang is the impending implementation of the revised open market value (OMV) excise duty in January 2026. Iftaar said that although the measure was recently deferred again, it could lead to a 10 to 30 per cent price hike for completely knocked down vehicles unless mitigated by the authorities. He noted that the Finance Ministry has signalled that such a steep hike is unlikely but has yet to finalise the new pricing methodology. "The new OMV takes into account the engineering work, royalty payments and license fees, amongst others. "For CBU vehicles, prices are based on the cost, insurance and freight, on which import and excise duties are imposed," he said. Meanwhile, HLIB Research revised its 2025 TIV forecast slightly higher to 770,000 units to reflect stronger-than-expected demand, supported by aggressive sales and promotional campaigns as well as the launch of new, attractive models. HLIB analyst Daniel Wong said order backlogs have eased to between 120,000 and 130,000 units, with Perodua accounting for the bulk at about 100,000 units. He said Perodua is on track to sustain its sales momentum through year-end, aiming for 345,000 units in 2025, backed by steady order intake and production levels. "While the TIV outlook remains robust, we expect margins to come under pressure due to intensifying competition across the market. "We expect continued stiff competition for the RM100,000 to RM200,000-priced segment due to normalising of consumer demand and aggressive new launches and sales campaigns," he said. Wong added that companies with significant exposure to the US dollar, such as Toyota and Nissan, stand to benefit from the stronger ringgit. Meanwhile, Honda and Mazda, with heavier Japanese yen exposure, may continue to benefit from the relatively weak yen.
India Today
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Did you know that Ahaan Panday's father Chikki once bailed SRK out of prison?
Ahaan Panday's debut in 'Saiyaara' has caused quite a stir, catapulting the young actor into overnight stardom. His father, Aloke 'Chikki' Panday, a businessman, counts several of Bollywood's top stars among his closest friends. Nana Patekar and he once bailed Shah Rukh Khan out of has shared a three-decade-long friendship with Shah Rukh Khan. In 1994, when Shah Rukh was arrested for allegedly threatening a journalist, Chikki and actor Nana Patekar stepped in to bail him out. Even Ahaan shares a close bond with Aryan Khan, SRK's son and a budding shares a long-standing friendship with actor-filmmaker Sohail Khan and remains close to the entire Khan family. Their bond is so strong that pre-wedding celebrations for his daughter Alanna were hosted at Sohail Khan's Mumbai residence. His wife, Deanne Panday, a former model turned lifestyle coach, counts Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, Lara Dutta and Bipasha Basu among her clientele. Salman has supported her ventures publicly on multiple played a key role in resolving the infamous rift between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. In 2013, he facilitated their reunion by ensuring they were seated together at politician Baba Siddiqui's Iftaar gathering, paving the way for a reconciliation. Born in Bombay in 1966, Chikki Panday is the son of renowned surgeon Sharad Panday and the younger brother of actor Chunky Panday, who rose to fame in the late '80s and early '90s. While Chunky pursued acting, Chikki ventured into business. He has served on the Steel Consumers Council under the Ministry of Steel, as well as on the Telephone Advisory Committees of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. He also founded the Akshara Foundation of Arts & Learning, a non-profit that provides educational support to underprivileged his strong ties to Bollywood, Chikki Panday keeps a low profile and maintains a minimal presence on social media.- Ends
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pooja Hegde sets the fashion record by declaring that this silk saree is her favourite
(Image Credits: Instagram) Woven by master weavers who were the descendants of Sage Markhendeya, Kanjeeveram sarees have stood the test of time and are the sacred attire of celebratory occasions. Known for holding the essence of culture and tradition for ages, the timeless grace of Kanjeeveram sarees remains pious and eternal. Bringing the raw energy and divinity of these silk threads to life, actress Pooja Hegde recently professed her love for Kanjeevarams and called the drape her 'all-time favourite'. Dressed in a deep purple Kanjeeveram saree against a pink background, she struck some regal poses for the camera, leaving us swooning for more. (Image Credits: Instagram) For an award event, Pooja opted for a deep purple-hued Kanjeeveram saree adorned with traditional floral motifs in gold, spread all over the main bodice. It also came with a thick border and abstract traditional floral motifs that instantly uplifted the overall grace of the drape. Pooja Hegde gets brutally TROLLED for wearing black saree with deep-neck 'backless' blouse at Baba Siddique's Iftaar party Pooja teamed it with a quarter-sleeved matching blouse and allowed her pallu to cascade from her shoulders. Creating a flawless overall charm, she further added a purple beaded statement necklace with matching earrings and a statement ring. (Image Credits: Instagram) For her makeup, the 'Radhe Shyam' actress decorated her eyes with a soft pink shade of eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, and a touch of kohl. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Adding a sleek purple bindi with glossy coral lipstick, the diva left her hair down and showed us exactly how to drape a divine Kanjeevaram saree, making it a mandatory choice for every occasion. How to properly style a Kanjeevaram saree? Let the rich and intricate zari embroidery of your drape take centre stage. Elegantly and with utmost patience, lay down the drapes at the front, and leave the pallu down to showcase the rich detailing. Next, team it with a well-fitted matching blouse and add elbow-length traditional sleeves or a modern sleeveless cut. Lastly, seek out traditional gold jewellery and aim to complete the look with stunning temple jewellery. Opt for a sleek, decorated eye look with a brown lip shade and create a sleek low bun with a gajra to get the perfect South Indian look. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
TAG 91.1
20-04-2025
- Politics
- TAG 91.1
UAE to build mosque and cultural centre in Chad
The UAE Aid Agency has signed an agreement to build a mosque and a cultural centre in Chad's capital N'Djamena. The agreement was signed by Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, and Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Chad's Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation. According to the agreement, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque will be built on an area of 5,000 square meters and will accommodate 10,000 worshippers — 5,000 inside the mosque and 5,000 in the courtyard and surrounding area. The facility will also include a public library and a religious school for teaching the Holy Qur'an and Islamic studies. The Cultural Centre will be built on a dedicated area of 2,000 square metres. It will include 16 classrooms, administrative offices, multi-purpose halls for lectures, workshops and cultural activities, and a library. The Centre will organise Iftaar meals, distribute sacrificial meat during Eid, offer training courses, and host joint Emirati-Chadian national events. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan stated said, 'The UAE continues to push its civilisational and humanitarian mission, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and reinforced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This mission emphasises the importance of international cooperation in development, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid, as well as enhancing cultural exchange between peoples and nations around the world — through establishing houses of worship and cultural centres regardless of race, colour, religion, belief, or geographic location.' 'The UAE has always been a pioneer in humanitarian, developmental, and charitable work, building bridges of culture, knowledge, and civilisational communication, and strengthening bilateral relations with various countries for the betterment of humanity. These efforts align with global priorities in advancing progress and prosperity and improving quality of life,' he added. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri emphasised the national and global responsibility of the UAE Aid Agency in implementing development projects and initiatives, providing vital assistance, improving living conditions, and creating tangible and sustainable positive impact across regions and continents. He stressed that these responsibilities included the construction of mosques and cultural centres, early recovery and stabilisation programs after disasters and rapid humanitarian interventions. Tahir Hamid Nguilin expressed deep gratitude and appreciation of the government and people of Chad to the leadership, government, and people of the UAE for their humanitarian, developmental and charitable efforts in Chad, including the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Cultural Centre in N'Djamena. He noted that these are not only iconic landmarks of worship and culture but also strong symbols of human connection and rich civilisational exchange, which promote joint action in various fields, particularly in enhancing spiritual values and fostering intercultural dialogue.
Sharjah 24
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE signs agreement to build mosque and cultural centre in Chad
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, was also present at the event. UAE and Chad formalise joint development agreement The agreement was signed between the UAE Aid Agency and Chad's Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation. Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, and Minister Tahir Hamid Nguilin represented their respective countries during the signing. Project details: Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Cultural Centre The Sheikh Zayed Mosque will span 5,000 square meters and accommodate 10,000 worshippers, including 5,000 within the mosque and 5,000 in the courtyard. The site will include a public library and a religious school for Qur'an and Islamic studies. The Cultural Centre, covering 2,000 square meters, will feature 16 classrooms, administrative offices, multi-purpose halls for events, and a library. It will also host Iftaar meals, distribute Eid meat, and facilitate training programs and Emirati-Chadian cultural events. Advancing UAE's humanitarian and cultural vision Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan emphasized that the initiative is part of the UAE's longstanding humanitarian and civilisational mission, rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued under the current leadership. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to building cultural bridges and fostering cooperation through development and humanitarian projects worldwide. A commitment to global development and dialogue Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri reiterated the UAE Aid Agency's responsibility to execute impactful development initiatives. These include not only building mosques and cultural centres, but also early recovery efforts and rapid humanitarian interventions in times of crisis. Chad praises UAE's ongoing support Tahir Hamid Nguilin expressed Chad's deep appreciation for the UAE's contributions, particularly the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Cultural Centre. He described the structures as iconic landmarks that symbolise civilisational exchange and reinforce spiritual values and intercultural dialogue between the two nations.
