Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
Malaysia's government is carefully evaluating how to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure through various levy mechanisms while managing fiscal deficits and protecting consumer interests, says MITI Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.
Malaysia's fiscal deficit has contracted for five consecutive years, reaching 3.7 per cent of GDP in 2025, signalling the government's commitment to economic reform and prudent financial management.
Japan will temporarily reduce its consumption tax on food to just 1% from April 2025, cutting rates from the current 8% for two years. The unprecedented move aims to alleviate inflation pressures despite concerns over the nation's massive debt burden.
Japan's yen briefly surged past 158 against the US dollar on Thursday, prompting speculation the government may have intervened to support its currency as fiscal pressures mount under new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the government's significant financial commitment to fuel subsidies, disclosing that Malaysia allocates between RM40 billion and RM45 billion annually to protect consumers from rising petrol and diesel costs.
Malaysia has saved nearly RM5 billion through expenditure control measures implemented across government agencies since April 2026, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong told the Senate, while maintaining essential public services.
Malaysia's government is prioritising income growth over tax system reforms, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah said, pushing back on OECD recommendations to broaden the tax base and reintroduce consumption taxes.
Malaysia's Economy Ministry has projected development expenditure of RM58 billion for 2027, maintaining the government's commitment to allocating 70 per cent toward essential infrastructure and services as it seeks sustained economic momentum.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that Malaysia is spending up to RM50 billion annually on fuel subsidies to maintain the RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre, shielding consumers from volatile global oil markets.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Budget 2027 formulation will commence next month, with the government aiming to table the spending plan in early October. The budget will prioritize economic growth that translates into improved living standards for citizens.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government's fuel pricing approach, noting that Malaysia's RM40 billion annual subsidy commitment already stretches resources, making further price cuts fiscally untenable without jeopardising the nation's economic stability.
Malaysia's Retirement Fund Incorporated generates RM12.9 billion in annual investment returns, yet faces a significant funding shortfall against RM45 billion in government pension obligations, prompting fresh scrutiny of the nation's retirement security framework.
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Malaysia's parliament has approved the National Trust Fund Bill 2026, implementing the first comprehensive reforms to KWAN since 1988. The legislation establishes mandatory government contributions and strict withdrawal limits to preserve national wealth for future generations.
Malaysia's Parliament has approved the National Trust Fund Bill 2026, establishing mandatory contributions and withdrawal controls to ensure sustainable intergenerational savings and stronger governance of the RM22.43 billion fund.
Malaysia's parliament has passed the KWAN Bill 2026, expanding the National Trust Fund to tap broader natural resource wealth beyond oil and gas. Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah emphasises the nation's obligation to future generations.
A leading economist has cautioned Malaysia against rushing into large-scale petroleum reserves modelled on the United States and Japan, recommending instead a carefully calibrated approach that balances energy security with fiscal sustainability.
Lawmakers have passed legislation strengthening oversight of the State Fund, requiring parliamentary approval for future withdrawals after a controversial 2021 transaction exposed regulatory vulnerabilities.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong has indicated the government sees no immediate need to revise fiscal projections for Budget 2027, despite elevated subsidy costs from rising oil prices. Officials will reassess when tabling the budget in October.
The Dewan Rakyat has endorsed a proposal to channel RM14.5 billion in remaining Malaysian Government Investment Issues proceeds into the Development Fund, part of broader efforts to finance infrastructure and capital projects while managing the annual fiscal deficit.
Malaysia's government will maintain all existing subsidies and assistance programmes despite projecting nearly RM40 billion in petroleum product subsidies this year due to regional tensions in West Asia, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong announced.
Malaysia has introduced legislation to establish a National Trust Fund designed to accumulate wealth for future generations through mandatory government contributions, revenue from Petronas dividends, and export duties on depleting resources.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry has assured Parliament that federal statutory debt will stay below the 65% GDP ceiling in 2026, while the government implements cost-control measures and monitors geopolitical economic impacts.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan says the government will continuously monitor BUDI Diesel implementation through data collection and stakeholder input, with quota adjustments made only when usage patterns warrant change.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that the federal government faces an annual debt servicing obligation of nearly RM1 billion stemming from Felda's financial mismanagement under previous leadership.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated the federal government cannot routinely absorb financial burdens created by state-level policy decisions, marking a shift toward clearer fiscal boundaries.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made clear that the federal government will not automatically fund cost overruns from state projects, insisting any fresh requests for allocations or borrowing must undergo renegotiation.
Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the weakening yen, with authorities maintaining close contact with Washington. The currency recovered from 40-year lows but mounting bankruptcies linked to weak yen underscore economic strain.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry has commenced nationwide engagement sessions to shape the 2027 Budget, scheduled for October parliamentary tabling. The process draws input from multiple ministries while remaining aligned with the MADANI Economy framework and recent strategic initiatives.
Malaysia's fuel subsidy spending is forecast to reach RM40 billion in 2026, reflecting the mounting fiscal pressure on government finances. PM Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the nation's petroleum reserves remain secure.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared that any state government seeking extra funds for projects with Notices of Change must renegotiate terms with the Federal Government before additional allocations are approved.