KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher on Friday as investors continued to accumulate blue-chip stocks in line with stronger performances across most regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.50 points to 1,724.90 from yesterday’s close of 1,720.40. The benchmark index opened 0.83 of a point higher at 1,721.23, and moved between 1,715.67 and 1,730.12 throughout the day. The broader market was positive with gainers outpacing losers 707 to 402, while 547 counters were unchanged, 1,085 untraded and 56 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.03 billion units valued at RM3.56 billion from 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion on Thursday.
Despite recent rainfall, the Jennings Creek Fire near the New York-New Jersey border continues to spread, covering about 5,000 acres and is only 20% contained . Strong winds have fueled the fire’s growth. The blaze, located approximately 30 miles from New York City, has led to "very high" fire danger warnings in Northern New Jersey, despite slightly easing due to overnight rain. Tragically, Daniel Vasquez, an 18-year-old New York State Parks employee , lost his life while fighting the fire in Sterling Forest. The fire has prompted authorities to keep the area on alert, with winds expected to strengthen. On the West Coast, California’s Mountain Fire, now 36% contained , continues to pose challenges with strong winds forecasted.