Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
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.
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Malaysia's economy is outperforming regional peers with 5.8% growth and 3% unemployment, yet the government faces mounting political pressure from state election losses and coalition fractures that threaten stability before 2028.
Pahang has achieved the highest labour force participation rate on Malaysia's east coast at 65.3% in the first quarter of 2026, maintaining an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, driven by government employment initiatives.
Malaysia's economy minister projects sustained growth in the second half of 2026, buoyed by strong first-half performance and government stabilisation measures. The nation hosted the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix announcement.
Malaysia's Academy in Industry programme is reshaping vocational training by combining workplace learning with formal qualifications, enabling participants to secure employment and entrepreneurial opportunities whilst helping employers fill critical skills gaps.
Tabung Haji's 2018 recovery programme has successfully addressed RM12.6 billion in losses through government-backed asset sales and restructuring, with profit distributions rising from 1.25% to 3.50% by 2025.
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's unsubsidised fuel prices are climbing sharply from July 30, with RON97 rising to RM4.40 and diesel to RM4.62 per litre. The increases reflect global crude oil volatility driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Malaysia's Royal Commission of Inquiry into Tabung Haji has flagged 14 investment decisions for forensic audit, citing substantial asset impairments. The inquiry also emphasises risks from UJSB sukuk obligations to the nation's financial stability.
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.
Bank Negara Malaysia warns that wage growth is lagging behind productivity gains, calling for a review of the country's wage-setting mechanisms. High-skilled underemployment remains a critical challenge.
Former Bank Negara Malaysia deputy governor Datuk Ooi Sang Kuang has called for the central bank's supervisory framework to move away from rigid, prescriptive rules towards a more collaborative model with financial institutions.
Malaysia's Ministry of Economy has spent RM1.214 billion of its RM2.115 billion development allocation by mid-July, outpacing the national average. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah aims for top-three performance ranking by year-end.
Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi believes hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix will deliver significant economic gains through increased tourism and international investment, positioning the nation as a premier sporting destination.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that a significant announcement regarding Malaysia's potential return to Formula One will be made within days, raising hopes for the sport's revival in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled a RM5 million investment programme designed to strengthen Bumiputera companies' involvement in Malaysia's semiconductor industry, a critical pillar of the nation's technological advancement.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed ministers to resolve a critical foreign worker shortage in Malaysia's restaurant sector within one month, signalling the government's commitment to addressing labour gaps while maintaining measured immigration policies.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Malaysia will maintain diplomatic channels with the United States regarding a newly imposed 10 per cent tariff, emphasising the government's commitment to resolving the trade matter through continued negotiations.
The ringgit opened stronger against most major currencies on Friday but retreated against the US dollar as markets adopted a risk-averse stance, with Trump's fresh tariff announcements weighing on sentiment.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signals the government may release the final Royal Commission report into Tabung Haji's crisis. Here's what went wrong and why it matters for Malaysia.
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.
Malaysia faces potential monthly fuel subsidy costs of RM3.5 billion if crude oil prices stabilise around US$90 per barrel, with RON95 consuming RM2 billion and diesel RM1.5 billion monthly.
Malaysia's Food and Drinks Expo 2026 is positioned to surpass last year's RM1.081 billion sales record, driven by robust international participation and growing demand despite geopolitical disruptions affecting regional food supply chains.
The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has disbursed nearly RM7 billion to more than 213,000 MSMEs nationwide during the first six months of 2026 through its Power Up 10K initiative, with plans to reach RM15 billion by year-end.
Malaysia's Economy Ministry is drafting new laws to combat rent-seeking practices, proxy businesses, and visa misuse by foreign nationals. The move comes as Malaysia climbs to 15th in global competitiveness rankings.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof stressed that energy security and maritime safety are now deeply intertwined, with distant geopolitical conflicts directly impacting Malaysia's energy costs, supply chains and daily life.
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 outbound direct investment has plummeted to its second-lowest level in two decades, prompting debate over whether local companies are too reliant on the domestic market and reluctant to pursue ambitious international growth strategies.
Malaysia's economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding forecasts and demonstrating the success of the Madani Economic Framework. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that while this growth showcases the nation's economic strength, continuous reforms are vital.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that strong second-quarter GDP growth masks ongoing economic hardship for ordinary Malaysians and small enterprises, signalling the government's recognition of inequality in economic recovery.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's second-quarter GDP growth to three years of structural reforms that have fortified the nation's economic foundations, signalling confidence in the government's policy direction.
Malaysia's gross domestic product expanded by 5.8% in the second quarter, prompting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to express gratitude during Friday prayers at a mosque in Nilai.
A parliamentary committee has uncovered that RM10.879 billion in cooking oil subsidies failed to reach intended recipients since 2019, raising serious concerns about government oversight and subsidy management effectiveness.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed Malaysia's second-quarter 2026 economic growth of 5.8%, marking an acceleration from the first quarter's 5.4%, signalling strengthening momentum in the domestic economy.
Malaysia's Essential Goods Distribution Programme has successfully aligned prices for basic commodities in rural areas, with LPG and cooking oil showing significant reductions. The initiative benefits 1.03 million residents across six states with RM250 million allocated this year.
A RM81.92 million road project linking Lukut to Kampung Sirusa in Port Dickson has progressed to 60.57 per cent completion, running 43 days faster than originally planned. The 10-kilometre route aims to enhance connectivity and stimulate local economic activity.
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.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted talent development and artificial intelligence readiness as key priorities during discussions with Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia, positioning professionals as essential partners in advancing the nation's competitiveness and MADANI agenda.
Malaysia's government is leveraging the PAKW framework to understand and address cost-of-living differences between urban and rural areas, with the national poverty line increasing to RM2,705 in 2024.
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.
Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah has cautioned the nation against complacency over Iran's renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of cascading economic impacts on oil prices, shipping costs, and supply chains.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has tasked the agriculture ministry with developing immediate strategies to protect Malaysia's food security ahead of a predicted Super El Niño phenomenon expected to strike the country from November.
The Federal Land Development Authority has named Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir as its new chairman. The appointment recognises his extensive experience across Malaysia's financial and corporate institutions, including previous roles at the Treasury and EPF.
Malaysia is revamping its Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme through industry-recognised accreditation standards and specialised centres focused on emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and advanced manufacturing.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the government will prioritise local employment while studying the genuine need for foreign workers across sectors, addressing concerns from small and medium enterprises facing labour shortages.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced a fully sponsored umrah pilgrimage for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees who secure gold medals at the WorldSkills competition, signalling government investment in vocational excellence.
Malaysia's Economy Ministry and MITI are studying proposals from the plastics industry to address challenges stemming from global supply chain disruptions affecting manufacturing operations.
The National Economic Action Council will examine proposals from the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association addressing cost structures and competitiveness challenges amid global supply chain disruptions and rising raw material expenses.
Malaysia's rice buffer stock can sustain domestic demand for six months, the Economy Minister confirmed. The government pledges price stability for Local White Rice and has distributed RM45.98 million to nearly 119,000 paddy farmers to ease production pressures.
Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim has cautioned Malaysian businesses against viewing artificial intelligence purely as a cost-cutting mechanism, emphasising instead that AI should amplify human capacity while preserving investment in workforce development.
MBSB Investment Bank has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.5%, driven by stronger-than-expected first-half performance. The upgrade suggests Bank Negara Malaysia will maintain the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75% throughout the year.
Malaysia's government is implementing sweeping governance reforms to rebuild international confidence following the 1MDB scandal, with Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong highlighting new fiscal discipline measures and expanded auditing powers.
Malaysia's tourism association is challenging the government's exclusion of licensed tourism transport from diesel subsidies, arguing the policy ignores domestic travel demand and could undermine the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Malaysia has maintained relatively stable food prices despite Middle East geopolitical tensions disrupting global supply chains, thanks to targeted agricultural subsidies, strategic food reserves, and government intervention programmes that have bolstered the sector's resilience.
The Malaysian government is set to review its e-invoicing requirements and the 2% mandatory EPF contribution for foreign workers, following Barisan Nasional's business-focused proposals submitted to the Cabinet.
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The MADANI government is intensifying collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia and financial institutions to shore up system resilience while expanding affordable credit options and targeted relief for small businesses grappling with global headwinds.
Malaysia's food waste problem is fundamentally a phenomenon of prosperity, according to the country's Chief Statistician. As incomes rise and lifestyles shift, Malaysian households waste more food—a trend most pronounced in wealthy urban areas and high-income states.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced RM29 million in fresh allocations for FELDA communities, including digital literacy programmes, school repairs, and healthcare initiatives, during celebrations marking the authority's 70th anniversary.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that the government will seek detailed information and engage in discussions with oil companies regarding claims that petrol station operators experienced losses during the transition to the enhanced fuel subsidy system.
Malaysia's entrepreneur ministry has distributed RM25.27 billion to nearly 850,000 business owners and cooperatives since 2024, with strong repayment rates demonstrating the initiative's success in building sustainable enterprises.
The ringgit is expected to rebound from June's weakness following Bank Negara Malaysia's push to encourage foreign-exchange inflows, with analysts projecting strength to between 3.80 and 3.95 per dollar by year-end.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged rural entrepreneurs to venture beyond Malaysia's borders, emphasising that rural development must align with regional and global opportunities in ASEAN and the halal economy.
Policy analysts and economists have welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's directive to eliminate support letters in entrepreneur financing, arguing the move signals serious reform of Bumiputera lending and a commitment to merit-based allocation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged a fundamental shift away from political patronage in allocating financing to Bumiputera entrepreneurs, calling instead for merit-based criteria to guide fund disbursement decisions.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for experienced entrepreneurs to mentor newcomers in Bumiputera business development, rejecting centralised top-down approaches in favour of practical field knowledge.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has elevated Bumiputera empowerment from a specialised portfolio into a comprehensive national agenda requiring participation from every ministry, government agency, and linked company.
Malaysia will restructure its foreign worker management system to improve coordination and efficiency, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced, citing the need to better align policies with industry requirements.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted Ant Group's decision to establish its inaugural Global Development Centre in Malaysia as evidence of strengthening international confidence in the country's digital innovation framework and political stability.
Malaysia has launched applications for the Subsidised Diesel Control System covering company-owned vehicles including jeeps and pickup trucks, with eligible subsidies beginning July 15 for registered micro and small businesses.
Malaysia's government is accelerating efforts to inform small business owners and traders about RM5 billion in micro-financing support available through multiple agencies, with ground-level activation beginning in earnest.
Malaysia's new MADANI Taxi Reform Programme shifts the taxi industry away from traditional leasing arrangements, allowing drivers to become legal vehicle owners through financing. The initiative features the Proton S70 and integrates digital services.
Hong Leong Investment Bank expects Malaysia's power sector to maintain momentum through a multi-year capital investment phase that will particularly benefit listed electricity grid operators in coming years.
Malaysia's government has approved more than RM500 million in micro-financing for over 30,000 entrepreneurs between mid-May and late June, Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan announced during parliamentary proceedings.
Tabung Haji and Bank Islam have jointly launched the DAYA INSANI programme with RM1 million in funding to provide skills training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth and orphans across Malaysia.
Malaysia's unemployment rate declined to 2.9 per cent last year from 3.2 per cent in 2024, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid attributing the improvement to expanded vocational training programmes.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to urgently strengthen workforce training and education systems to prepare citizens for an artificial intelligence-driven future, announcing plans for a new AI Governance Bill.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has lauded Ant International's establishment of its Global Operations Centre in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing job creation and strengthening local digital capabilities as Malaysia positions itself as a regional hub for technology and artificial intelligence.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed that Malaysia's household debt climbed to RM1.73 trillion as of March 2026, representing 84.4% of the nation's gross domestic product.
Malaysia's tourism ministry is pressing tour bus operators to urgently submit diesel consumption records and cost comparisons, essential for the Finance Ministry to evaluate targeted relief packages.
Malaysia's BUDI MADANI Diesel programme launches tomorrow, providing subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre to approximately 700,000 private vehicle owners across the country, representing a significant expansion of the previous cash-aid scheme.
The newly operational LRT3 Shah Alam Line is reshaping student mobility at UiTM Shah Alam, with free fares available until end of July. Higher Education Minister Zambry announced the parallel launch of a RM20 million Semiconductor@UiTM initiative.
Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has urged the World Trade Organization to reform itself to remain relevant amid intensifying strategic competition and shifting economic priorities focused on resilience and technology leadership.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced comprehensive restructuring of Malaysia's foreign worker management system following a special cabinet committee meeting, aiming to improve coordination and align recruitment with actual industry demands.
Malaysia's Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme has conducted 15,881 discounted shopping events across the country in the first half of 2025, covering all 600 state constituencies and 40 Federal Territory zones. The government has raised its annual target to 30,000 events.
Malaysia is finalizing a comprehensive review of engineering consultancy fees, updating a 25-year-old framework to reflect current economic conditions and operating costs. Once gazetted, the new minimum fee structure will become mandatory across all sectors.
Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and MIDA approved RM774.4 billion in manufacturing investments from 2020 to 2025, realising 86 per cent of projects and creating 416,914 jobs, with nearly 40 per cent in skilled positions.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled the Bakat MADANI initiative, positioning it as a transformative national effort to equip 25,000 Malaysians with employment-ready skills through strategic partnerships with major corporations and enhanced training programmes.
Malaysia faces a significant housing inventory challenge with 32,800 completed residential units valued at RM16.37 billion remaining unsold as of the first quarter of 2024, reflecting structural problems across affordable and premium segments.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled Malaysia Digital 2030, an ambitious five-year action plan positioning the nation as a regional artificial intelligence and digital innovation leader rather than merely a consumer of foreign technology.
Malaysian banks confront a complex second-half landscape as geopolitical tensions ease but a more hawkish US Federal Reserve stance poses fresh challenges to earnings and capital strategies.
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Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair a Cabinet Committee meeting next week to address mounting concerns over foreign worker management in Malaysia, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
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Johor's Barisan Nasional coalition has committed to generating 200,000 quality employment opportunities and allocating RM100 million toward housing and education initiatives in its state election manifesto.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have yielded tangible economic benefits, with the unity government attributing last week's reduction in subsidised diesel prices directly to these foreign missions.
Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad marks its 20th anniversary with RM46.88 billion in financing and investments driving water infrastructure across Malaysia. Deputy PM highlights urgent need to tackle 40% non-revenue water losses.
Malaysia's labour market has weathered recent economic headwinds effectively, with unemployment remaining minimal at 0.04% and job redeployment programmes demonstrating significant success, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah.
Petronas has confirmed adequate fuel supplies across its nationwide station network through August amid global energy concerns. A dedicated crisis management task force monitors supply security while diversifying crude oil sources beyond West Asia.