Malaysia-Brunei ties at ALC-27: PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah wrapped up the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan, agreeing to strengthen cooperation on cross-border security (including contraband, SAR and emergency response) and to push finalisation of guidelines for information-sharing and contact points. Border and travel facilitation: The two sides said about 50% of the Malaysia-Brunei land border demarcation is done, with talks to resolve remaining land and maritime issues, and they agreed in principle to explore a “single checkpoint” to streamline immigration. Transboundary haze response: With haze again affecting the region, Malaysia and Brunei said they will use ASEAN diplomatic channels, with Malaysia’s NRES set to write to the ASEAN Secretariat and also coordinate with Indonesia. Brunei agriculture push: Brunei launched a one-year expert advisory programme with China to strengthen rice breeding and hybrid seed production, including plans for a hybrid rice research centre. Energy sector update: SLB won a contract from Brunei Shell Petroleum to support production restoration from shut-in offshore wells, covering evaluation, engineering, intervention, monitoring and logistics. Sports (Brunei in Malaysia): DPMM FC beat Penang FC 1-0 in their Super League opener, with Miguel Oliveira scoring in the 64th minute. Indonesia wildfire crackdown: Indonesian police arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest and peatland fires linked to dozens of cases across Borneo and Sumatra, as haze continues to drift into Malaysia and Brunei.