US Midterms: Democrats Win Control of Congress as Texas, Kansas and South Carolina Flip, AFP Reports

Democrats have won control of Congress in the US midterm elections, flipping Republican strongholds including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, according to an AFP report carried by Malay Mail on Wednesday (November 4).

Notable results

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed claimed victory in the Senate race early on November 4 and is set to become the first Muslim US senator, Malay Mail reported. A photograph from Austin, Texas, showed supporters of Democratic Senate candidate and Texas state Representative James Talarico watching results at a watch party on election night.

Reactions

Another AFP report said Europe is relieved by what it called a stunning rout of Republicans, which left President Donald Trump weakened, while remaining wary of what follows. Iran's top negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Americans had voted 'NO TO WAR' in a midterm landslide and that Iran endorsed it. A further analysis headline on November 5 said a lame-duck Trump could still cause a flap after the defeat.

Caution on figures

The excerpts reviewed do not include final seat counts for the House or Senate, and results and projections can change as counting is completed and races are certified. Readers should check the Associated Press and other established agencies for official tallies.

The outcome is expected to shape US policy debates on the economy, immigration and the war with Iran, with knock-on effects for oil prices and global markets.

Sources: Malay Mail (AFP) - Democrats win control of Congress | Malay Mail (AFP) - El-Sayed claims Michigan Senate win | Malay Mail (AFP) - Europe relieved by Republicans' midterm bashing | Malay Mail (AFP) - Iran's top negotiator on 'NO TO WAR' vote

Bridge Collapses in Selangor as Flash Floods Hit Sungai Buloh and Petaling; State Deploys 7,677 Personnel for Monsoon

A bridge collapsed in Selangor as flash floods hit Sungai Buloh and Petaling on Wednesday (November 4), Malay Mail reported. Photographs showed residents being evacuated from Taman Saujana Aman in Sungai Buloh, and another resident leaving her house at Merbau Sempak in the same area after floodwaters rose.

State preparations

In a related report, the Selangor government said it has mobilised 7,677 personnel from various state agencies to prepare for disasters during the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to continue until March 2027. The deployment shows that the state is treating the monsoon season as a prolonged period of risk rather than a one-off event.

Weather outlook

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) also flagged heavy storms nationwide until 7pm on November 4, advising commuters to expect a wet evening. The reports reviewed do not give the location of the collapsed bridge, any casualty figures or the number of evacuees, so readers should rely on updates from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Fire and Rescue Department and local authorities.

Safety tips

Residents in flood-prone areas should keep emergency kits ready, move vehicles and valuables to higher ground when warnings are issued, avoid driving through floodwaters and follow evacuation instructions promptly. Drivers should also avoid crossing damaged or flooded bridges.

Sources: Malay Mail - Bridge collapses in Selangor as flash floods hit Sungai Buloh and Petaling | Malay Mail - Selangor gears up for north-east monsoon | Malay Mail - MetMalaysia flags heavy storms nationwide until 7pm

Fuel Prices Fall Again: RON97 Down 20 Sen, RON95 and Diesel Down 15 Sen From November 5

Fuel prices in Malaysia will fall again from Thursday (November 5), with RON97 petrol cut by 20 sen and unsubsidised RON95 petrol and diesel each cut by 15 sen per litre, the Finance Ministry (MOF) announced in a statement on Wednesday, as reported by Malay Mail.

How prices are set

The ministry said the new prices are determined using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) formula. According to the report, current prices are RM4.90 per litre for RON97, RM4.42 for unsubsidised RON95 and RM5.27 for unsubsidised diesel.

What the new prices work out to

Applying the announced reductions to those current prices, RON97 would be about RM4.70 per litre, unsubsidised RON95 about RM4.27 and unsubsidised diesel about RM5.12. These figures are my own calculation from the report's numbers, so readers should check the ministry's official notice for the exact prices.

Why it matters

The cut follows movements in global oil prices, which have been volatile because of the Middle East conflict and talks involving the United States and Iran. Lower pump prices can ease transport and logistics costs, although the benefit to consumer prices depends on how quickly businesses pass on savings. Because the APM adjusts prices based on market conditions, they can rise as well as fall, so motorists should watch for the weekly announcement.

Drivers using subsidised programmes should check the rules that apply to them, as this announcement refers to unsubsidised fuel and RON97.

Source: Malay Mail - Finance Ministry: Price of RON97 down by 20 sen, RON95 and diesel drop by 15 sen

Google Commits an Additional US$15 Billion to Malaysia Data Centre Expansion, Projects 37,000 Jobs

Google has committed an additional US$15 billion to expand its data centre operations in Malaysia over the next two years and projects that the investment will support 37,000 jobs, Malay Mail reported on Wednesday (November 4). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hailed the investment.

The announcement

The commitment was announced as Anwar officiated the 'Google Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI' programme at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on November 4. The programme's name points to a focus on artificial intelligence skills and adoption, alongside the infrastructure investment.

Why it matters

Malaysia, particularly Johor and the Klang Valley, has become a significant destination for data centre investment in Southeast Asia, helped by land availability, connectivity and energy supply. A commitment of this size would add to existing projects and is likely to be watched closely for its effects on electricity and water use, local supply chains and skilled employment.

Points to verify

The excerpt reviewed does not say where the new facilities will be built, how the 37,000 jobs are defined, whether they are direct or indirect positions, or what timeline applies to hiring. Readers should look for official statements from Google and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for those details. The news also arrives amid wider debate about technology spending, as shown by recent market volatility linked to AI investment worries.

Source: Malay Mail - Google commits additional US$15b to Malaysia data centre expansion

Over Five Million Malaysians to Receive RM1.1 Billion STR Cash Aid From Today, Says Anwar

More than five million Malaysians will receive about RM1.1 billion in Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid starting Wednesday (November 4), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced, according to a Malay Mail report that used a Bernama photograph.

Who benefits

Anwar said the disbursement is being made in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration and covers recipients from various ethnic backgrounds. The timing means households receiving the assistance can use it for festive and everyday expenses at a time when many families face higher costs.

What the report does not say

The excerpt I reviewed does not break down the amount each household will receive, explain how recipients can check their status or give the payment schedule beyond the start date. Readers should use official channels, such as the Inland Revenue Board's STR portal and announcements from the Finance Ministry, to confirm eligibility and payment dates, and should be cautious of unofficial messages or links claiming to speed up payments.

Why it matters

Targeted cash assistance remains one of the government's main tools for easing the cost of living, and the scale of RM1.1 billion across more than five million recipients shows how widely it reaches. The announcement comes shortly after Budget 2027 was tabled and debated in Parliament, where measures for different groups, including older Malaysians, have been discussed. Economists often note that cash aid supports consumer spending in the short term, while longer-term cost-of-living relief depends on wages, prices and subsidy reforms.

Source: Malay Mail - Over five million Malaysians to receive RM1.1b STR aid