Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
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.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph22aleg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph22alep)%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%22226%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EMADANI%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
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.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2zu8ig)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2zu8ip)%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%22226%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EDeputy%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
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.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23phpuhpg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23phpuhpp)%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)
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.
The Malaysia Competition Commission has concluded its investigation into the housing market without finding evidence of anti-competitive conduct affecting property prices or residential packages, Parliament was told.
Malaysia has begun exporting its premium MD2 pineapples to New Zealand, with projections of RM4.3 million in annual revenue. The initiative marks the country's entry into Pacific markets and demonstrates efforts to strengthen agricultural exports.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph32a3vg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph32a3vp)%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)
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's improved standing in the global competitiveness index to enhanced efficiency within the civil service and ongoing administrative reforms across government agencies.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attributes Malaysia's rising position in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking to the dedication and operational effectiveness of the nation's civil service workforce.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's significant improvement in the IMD World Competitiveness Index to the dedication and efficiency of the country's civil service, with the nation rising eight places to 15th position globally.
Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming emphasises that maintaining consistent policy direction under the MADANI framework is vital for Malaysia to achieve lasting economic transformation and sustain investor confidence in the region.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim chaired the 149th Meeting of Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers at Parliament, focusing on strengthening the economy amid global uncertainties and preparing for El Niño impacts on agriculture and water supply.
The Empowering Malaysian Businesses Carnival in Melaka drew 70,000 visitors and facilitated RM8.45 million in business matching and financing opportunities, supporting KUSKOP's agenda to strengthen local enterprises.
The Ministry of Human Resources will offer upskilling and reskilling through TVET programmes for workers displaced by supply chain crises, with employment support via PERKESO's MYFutureJobs platform.
Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education is reorienting its research strategy away from publication-focused work toward impact-driven innovation that directly benefits industry, aiming to accelerate commercialisation of university discoveries.
Malaysia is reducing subsidised diesel prices to RM2.10 per litre from July, implementing targeted subsidies via MyKad to plug leakages and ease living costs.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3x3k8g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3x3k8p)%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 mental health crisis could impose an economic burden of RM25.3 billion by 2030 if intervention measures are not implemented urgently, according to a parliamentary committee report.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23pha5qfg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23pha5qfp)%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 Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have secured significant energy agreements and investment opportunities, positioning Malaysia as a strategic player in global markets and strengthening economic ties across diverse sectors.
Penang Chinese Town Hall posted RM12.61mil revenue for 2025, slightly exceeding expenditure. The organization plans a significant China-Asean AI forum and has modernized its venue facilities.
Malaysia's inflation trajectory looks controlled in the near term, but economists warn the economy remains structurally vulnerable to sudden commodity price swings and ringgit fluctuations that could rapidly push import costs higher.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a reduction in subsidised diesel to RM2.10 per litre beginning July 2026, with eligibility verified through MyKad. The measure aims to provide targeted relief to genuine users while standardising prices across Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that subsidised diesel prices will drop to RM2.10 per litre from July 2026. The move implements a targeted subsidy approach similar to the BUDI95 petrol programme, requiring MyKad verification for eligible Malaysians.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the strategic significance of Petronas' expanded presence in Turkmenistan, positioning Malaysia as a more influential player in the global energy sector through access to the world's largest untapped gas resources.
Malaysia faces a persistent property overhang with 14,201 completed residential units valued at RM2.77 billion remaining unsold as of Q1 2024, exposing a fundamental mismatch between developer supply and buyer affordability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled Malaysia's economic transformation strategy, positioning the nation as a high-technology hub centred on semiconductor production, innovation, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that government and private development projects must create tangible opportunities for middle- and lower-income groups, warning that unequal growth threatens social cohesion.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed an adviser to enhance collaboration between Malaysia's semiconductor industry and universities, emphasizing the move will not strain government finances.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Turkmenistan's decision to award Petronas a stake in a major gas field demonstrates global confidence in Malaysia's political stability, national unity and economic prowess.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted how Malaysia's diplomatic strategy of remaining neutral while engaging with all nations is strengthening investor sentiment and driving economic expansion across the country.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up his official Turkmenistan visit by flying to Penang for a packed day of ceremonies, including opening MKS Instruments Malaysia and attending the HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale honouring media professionals.
Malaysia's agricultural TVET sector has produced over 25,600 skilled workers, with graduate employability surging to 81% in 2024. The sector is gaining strategic priority amid global food security challenges.
Malaysia's government-linked investment companies have pledged RM2 billion for Bumiputera enterprises in 2026, a significant 54% increase from RM1.3 billion last year, signalling renewed commitment to indigenous business empowerment.