Daily Malaysian news — politics, business and world affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has warned that energy security and maritime security are now deeply interconnected, with geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains, insurance costs, and fuel prices for ordinary people.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Malaysia will maintain negotiations with the United States regarding newly imposed tariffs stemming from inadequate enforcement of forced labour bans, though he noted the 10% rate is relatively favourable.
Malaysia faces mounting pressure from illegal immigrant-run businesses operating under tourist visas and false licences. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed ministries to crack down on the practice, citing concerns over displaced local entrepreneurs and community stability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is advancing as intended, dismissing calls to expedite announcements and warning political figures against using the issue for partisan gain.
Malaysia's Cabinet has agreed to review the e-invoice system and mandatory EPF contributions for non-citizen workers, potentially postponing both measures amid concerns about their impact on traders and employers.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to accelerate its adoption of drone and UAV technologies, positioning them as critical drivers of economic growth. The government pledges full regulatory support for the sector's expansion across defence and civil applications.
Malaysia will exempt Service Tax on service charges and sinking fund contributions for non-residential buildings from July 2026, a move the Malaysian Institute of Property and Facility Managers says will ease operational costs for property owners and management bodies.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed local councils nationwide to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and expedite licensing and development approvals, citing the need to strengthen Malaysia's position in global markets.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2a1xlg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2a1xlp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22272%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EAnwar%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed local authorities nationwide to accelerate their approval processes, seeking to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that hamper Malaysia's ability to compete internationally and attract business investment.
Malaysia's labour market remains stable with unemployment dropping to 0.04% in June, down from 7,766 job losses in May, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah told Parliament. Job redeployment efforts show strong growth.
More than RM4 billion of the RM5 billion allocation under Bank Negara Malaysia's SME Stabilisation Relief Facility remains available to help small and medium enterprises manage cash flow and operational challenges amid global economic uncertainty.
Malaysia saw 42,807 job losses in the first half of 2024, with business closures and company downsizing accounting for over 40 percent of retrenchments, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Malaysia is pursuing Russian investors as part of a broader strategy to expand its Islamic finance ecosystem. The Securities Commission plans exploratory visits to Central Asia and has held bilateral meetings with Russian financial institutions.
Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development has drafted a comprehensive strategic plan through 2030 aimed at strengthening local MSMEs in the digital marketplace, addressing disadvantages against foreign competitors with lower operating costs.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry signals willingness to adjust the BUDI Diesel subsidy programme based on actual consumption data, following the model used for targeted fuel support in the e-hailing sector.
Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming has stressed that consistent policy implementation under the MADANI framework is vital for Malaysia's economic transformation, institutional strengthening, and sustained investor confidence.
Malaysia's competition regulator has concluded that the country's housing market is functioning without anti-competitive distortions, with price growth moderating to sustainable levels across 2025.
Malaysia's announcement of subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre from July is expected to reduce transportation costs and consumer prices, while standardising fuel subsidies across the country through MyKad verification.
Malaysia's investment ministry dismisses claims that political speculation and upcoming general elections significantly influence foreign investor decisions, though political stability retains importance.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph4otp8g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph4otp8p)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22170%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EMalaysia%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Malaysia's government expects to save up to RM2 billion annually by launching the BUDI MADANI Diesel programme at RM2.10 per litre from July, addressing rampant subsidy leakages through cross-border smuggling and misuse of fuel subsidies.
Pakatan Harapan has countered allegations of regional neglect, stating that Johor received RM14.6 billion in development allocations under PM Anwar Ibrahim's administration, representing increased funding levels compared to previous periods.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged robust action against the exploitation of Bangladeshi migrant workers, acknowledging their indispensable contribution to Malaysia's economic functioning and workforce sustainability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's active diplomatic engagement is positioned as essential for bolstering Malaysia's economic resilience as geopolitical tensions and global instability threaten regional prosperity and trade flows.
An economist warns that employing refugees remains blocked by unclear policy and past failures. Legal constraints and community resistance pose significant obstacles to workplace integration schemes.
TEKUN Nasional is piloting a scheme to approve business loans under RM20,000 within 24 hours, aiming to launch nationwide within two to three months. The initiative targets MSMEs needing swift working capital.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that subsidised diesel will be capped at RM2.10 per litre from July 2026, adopting a targeted subsidy model similar to the BUDI95 petrol programme.
The Malaysian government has committed RM9.8 billion in microfinancing through six major institutions to improve access to credit for small traders and hawkers, ensuring inclusive growth for grassroots entrepreneurs.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5orkrg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5orkrp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22272%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EJohor%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Pakatan Harapan in Johor has dismissed speculation about the menteri besar position, reaffirming its constitutional commitments and redirecting attention toward economic priorities.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted how Petronas' deepening involvement in Turkmenistan's energy sector positions Malaysia as a key player in global energy markets and provides crucial access to vast untapped gas resources.
Malaysia faces a growing property overhang with 14,201 completed residential units worth RM2.77 billion unsold in Q1, exposing fundamental misalignment between developer construction and household purchasing capacity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced Malaysia is transitioning into a knowledge-intensive economy anchored by semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted how Malaysia's policy of engaging with all nations while maintaining strict neutrality is bolstering investor confidence and supporting the country's economic expansion.
Malaysia's free World Cup broadcasts through RTM and Unifi TV are easing financial pressures on restaurants and households, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said after visiting traders in Butterworth.
A memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to resolve Middle East tensions could help stabilise global oil prices, though the recovery period will take several months, according to Malaysia's Political Secretary to the Finance Minister.
Malaysia's agricultural vocational training institutions have achieved an 81% employability rate for 2024 graduates, up from 78% the previous year, as the government strengthens its commitment to food security through skills development.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled Malaysia's intent to seriously pursue settling foreign trade transactions in ringgit rather than US dollars, citing proven success of similar arrangements with major trading partners like China.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that government-linked investment companies have increased their commitment to Bumiputera businesses to RM2 billion in 2026, up from RM1.3 billion the previous year.