From Malaysia’s heritage landmark closure to courtroom drama in the US and rising trade tensions in Asia—here’s what you need to know this afternoon.

Malaysia News:
Putrajaya has shut down the Kuala Lumpur Tower indefinitely, citing unauthorized operations by the former concessionaire, Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd. The tower is now under new management, but remains closed for maintenance and safety. The ongoing dispute involves legal action and a RM1 billion claim by Hydroshoppe, MKLSB’s parent company.

International News:
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted under oath that TikTok was seen as a serious threat to Meta’s dominance, prompting major strategic shifts. The FTC is seeking to force Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing monopolistic behavior. If successful, the ruling could significantly reshape the digital economy.

Asia News:
China has declared it is prepared for a trade war, rebuffing President Trump’s call for negotiations under current conditions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized its readiness to defend national interests and accused the US of escalating the situation with aggressive tariffs.

Stay informed—watch the full AGN Afternoon Update on YouTube now.