Local News
Southeast Asia’s economic corridors, building resilience amidst global and regional friction
Southeast Asia is subtly growing as an important part of global commerce as emerging risks shake the region. But as the recent brief border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia revealed, regional connectivity also faces challenges from within.“ASEAN is already among...
Malaysia reopens doors to foreign labour: Lifeline for industries or looming local job crisis?
MALAYSIA: The Malaysian government has welcomed foreign workers back into major economic segments such as agriculture, mining, and plantations, in order to meet severe labour scarcity. In the latest report from HRD Asia, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution...
Malaysia strengthens economic zones to bridge regional development gaps
KUALA LUMPUR: The government continues intensifying efforts to attract investments into special economic zone development areas to bridge regional gaps throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan period. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that investment...
Johor–Singapore SEZ touted as ‘next Shenzhen’ in push to reshape cross-border growth
JOHOR BAHRU: For decades, the Causeway has been a bottleneck; millions of people crossing daily, traffic jams stretching for hours, and businesses caught between two very different economies. Now, the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is being pitched as...
Malaysia, China to unlock services sector’s potential in digital, green tech
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to fully unlock the potential of its services sectors through enhanced collaborations with China, particularly in the areas of digital economy, green technology, and connectivity. Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry’s (MITI) Services...
Service tax exemption on ship and aircraft leasing clarified by MOF
The exemption aims to maintain the competitiveness of Malaysia’s local industries. Without the exemption, local ship and aircraft owners might register their assets abroad, reducing economic activity in Malaysia. The MOF stated that taxation could drive owners to...
Sepanggar welcomes Singapore shipping route
Kota Kinabalu: Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) welcomed the maiden call of the Ji Yun 16, operated by Warisan Shipping Line under its newly launched Singapore Express Service. The service connects Muara – Sapangar – Singapore – Muara on a regular schedule,...
Johor leads Malaysia in growth for the first time, charting a new economic era
MALAYSIA: Johor has emerged as Malaysia’s fastest-growing state in 2024, recording an economic growth rate of 6.4% compared to the national average of 5.1%, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s July 2025 report. In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 13),...
Finance Ministry defends exemption, says to stop ship, plane owners from registering abroad as Malaysia’s neighbours don’t tax leases
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — The service tax exemption on ship and aircraft leasing was not done discreetly, with the exemption aimed at maintaining local industry competitiveness, says the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The MOF emphasised that the imposition of such a tax...
Finance Minister II : Budget 2026 will address cost of living
PUTRAJAYA: The government’s upcoming 2026 Budget will focus on safeguarding public welfare while addressing structural economic challenges, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking at the opening of the Budget 2026 consultation sessions here...