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#malaysia-economy

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Malaysia's National Petroleum Reserve Study Comes at Critical Time as Geopolitical Risks Reshape Global Energy

Malaysia's decision to study establishing a national petroleum reserve reflects growing urgency to shield the economy from recurring geopolitical disruptions threatening global energy supply chains, analysts say.

By Khairul Anuar · 23 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Government Ramps Up Push to Get Small Traders Access to RM5 Billion Micro-Financing Pool

Malaysia's government is stepping up ground-level campaigns to promote RM5 billion in micro-financing available through state agencies, with Treasury officials acknowledging that awareness remains insufficient among target beneficiaries.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

AI Skills and Professional Talent Development Central to PM Anwar's Vision for Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has prioritised artificial intelligence readiness and talent development as key drivers for Malaysia's competitiveness, meeting with the Malaysian Professional Centre to strengthen partnerships between government and professionals.

By Khairul Anuar · 17 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's 2026 Fiscal Deficit Edges Slightly Higher Despite RM25 Billion Fuel Subsidy Boost

Malaysia's 2026 fiscal deficit is projected at 3.6 per cent of GDP, marginally above the government's 3.5 per cent target, as the country accommodates an extra RM25 billion fuel subsidy through revenue growth and spending adjustments rather than increased borrowing.

By Khairul Anuar · 15 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Must Brace for Economic Fallout From Hormuz Strait Crisis, Warns Akmal Nasrullah

Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah has cautioned the public and businesses to prepare for economic pressures stemming from Iran's renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of cascading supply chain disruptions across multiple sectors.

By Khairul Anuar · 15 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar Vows To End Cronyism In Business Financing, Demands Merit-Based Lending

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared war on cronyism in business financing, insisting that political connections and support letters must cease determining loan approvals. He warned that such practices destroy businesses and waste public funds.

By Khairul Anuar · 14 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Rice Stocks Secure for Six Months as Government Pledges Price Stability

Malaysia maintains stable staple food supplies with six months of rice reserves. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah pledges unchanged Local White Rice prices and announces RM45.98 million support for paddy farmers amid global economic pressures.

By Khairul Anuar · 13 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Over 326,000 Public University Students Pursuing STEM Studies, Parliament Hears

More than 326,000 students at Malaysian public universities have enrolled in STEM programmes since 2023, underlining the government's push to develop technical talent aligned with industry needs and economic priorities.

By Khairul Anuar · 13 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Madani Government Deepens Financial System Partnership with BNM and Banking Sector

The Madani administration is intensifying collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia and the banking industry to maintain financial stability while expanding affordable access to credit and supporting businesses affected by global economic headwinds.

By Khairul Anuar · 12 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Bank Customers Advised to Report Continued RM1 ATM Fees to BNM

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on bank customers to report any continued RM1 charges for interbank ATM withdrawals to Bank Negara Malaysia, as the fee waiver took effect on July 1.

By Khairul Anuar · 11 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Economy Set for Stronger 2026 as MBSB IB Lifts GDP Forecast to 4.5%

MBSB Investment Bank has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.5% from 4.2%, citing robust export performance and controlled inflation. Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75%.

By Khairul Anuar · 10 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Rural Development Must Transcend Borders, Says Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for rural development to transcend national boundaries, encouraging Malaysian entrepreneurs to tap into regional and international markets including the ASEAN and global halal economies.

By Khairul Anuar · 7 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

The Growing Cost of Uncontrolled Foreign Business Operations in Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered an urgent crackdown on illegal foreign business operations in Malaysia, where hundreds of thousands of migrants exploit tourist visas and local licences to undercut local enterprises.

By Khairul Anuar · 6 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Business group urges transparency reports to tackle cronyism in MSME lending

Malaysia's Small and Medium Enterprises Association is pushing for mandatory transparency reports from financing agencies and stronger whistleblower protections to combat cronyism in MSME lending decisions.

By Khairul Anuar · 6 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Unemployment Rate Falls to 2.9% as Skilled Workforce Initiatives Gain Traction

Malaysia's unemployment rate has declined to 2.9 per cent in 2024 from 3.2 per cent the previous year, with government officials attributing the improvement to expanded vocational training and skills development initiatives.

By Khairul Anuar · 4 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia to Overhaul Foreign Worker Framework Under Zahid's Leadership

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced a sweeping restructuring of Malaysia's foreign worker management system, placing the One Stop Centre under the Human Resources Ministry to boost efficiency and align labour policies with industry demands.

By Khairul Anuar · 3 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

25,000 Malaysians to Gain Skills and Jobs Through Bakat MADANI Initiative

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has launched Bakat MADANI, a comprehensive national skills initiative set to benefit 25,000 Malaysians. The programme partners government-linked investment companies, government-linked companies and Petronas to develop talent in high-growth sectors including semiconductors and renewable energy.

By Khairul Anuar · 29 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Government to Roll Out Affordable Housing Scheme Targeting Civil Servants Across Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that the government intends to construct affordable housing projects specifically designed for civil servants throughout Malaysia, aiming to ease the burden of accommodation costs for this segment of the workforce.

By Goh Beng Choo · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Cabinet to tackle foreign worker challenges as Zahid chairs emergency committee meeting

Malaysia's Cabinet is mobilising to address escalating concerns over foreign worker management. Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi will chair a dedicated committee meeting next week, signalling heightened government focus on labour policy challenges affecting the F&B sector and broader economy.

By Khairul Anuar · 26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

PM Anwar Directs Local Councils to Cut Red Tape and Accelerate Development Approvals

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed local authorities to eliminate bureaucratic delays and accelerate approval timelines, aiming to enhance Malaysia's standing in global business competitiveness rankings.

By Khairul Anuar · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Cabinet To Convene Foreign Workers Committee Next Week Under Ahmad Zahid

Malaysia's Cabinet will convene a dedicated committee meeting on foreign workers next week, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The move addresses mounting labour challenges across sectors including food and beverage.

By Goh Beng Choo · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar Ibrahim Directs Overhaul of Local Authority Approvals to Strengthen Malaysia's Global Standing

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed a comprehensive review of local authority approval procedures nationwide, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder business competitiveness and economic growth across Malaysia.

By Khairul Anuar · 26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Government to Build Affordable Housing for Civil Servants, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to develop affordable housing for civil servants, citing rental pressures across major Malaysian states. The government will utilise state-owned land to expedite the project.

By Khairul Anuar · 26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

PAAB Celebrates Two Decades Driving Malaysia's Water Sector Transformation

Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad celebrates 20 years of restructuring Malaysia's water sector, having invested RM46.88 billion in infrastructure while ten states have signed on to the national restructuring plan.

By Goh Beng Choo · 26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia's Labour Market Shows Strength as Job Losses Decline Sharply

Malaysia's labour market demonstrates continued resilience with unemployment declining 20% month-on-month, while government job redeployment initiatives achieve significant placement gains amid economic headwinds.

By Goh Beng Choo · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Over RM4 Billion Remains Available Under BNM's SME Relief Facility

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah announces that over RM4 billion of the RM5 billion allocation under Bank Negara Malaysia's SME Stabilisation Relief Facility remains available to support MSMEs facing cash flow pressures amid economic uncertainty.

By Goh Beng Choo · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Business Closures Drive 42,807 Job Losses in First Half of 2024

Malaysia recorded 42,807 job losses in the first half of 2024, with business closures and company downsizing accounting for 41 percent of retrenchments. The Human Resources Ministry says AI is not the primary threat to employment.

By Goh Beng Choo · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Tourism Malaysia Launches Domestic Campaign With Hop-On Hop-Off Buses Ahead of VM2026

Tourism Malaysia and KL Hop-On Hop-Off have partnered to launch a domestic tourism campaign featuring specially wrapped buses showcasing attractions across 15 states and federal territories, capitalising on strong growth in local travel.

By Goh Beng Choo · 25 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia Pursues Russian Investment in Islamic Finance, Eyes Central Asia Expansion

Malaysia is actively courting Russian investors for its Islamic finance ecosystem, with the Securities Commission planning visits to Central Asia in 2026-2027 and exploring partnerships with Russian financial institutions.

By Goh Beng Choo · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Trump Orders Investigation Into Major Oil Companies as Gas Prices Remain Elevated

Donald Trump has initiated an investigation into major oil companies, citing elevated gasoline prices as a concern. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the impact of Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions on fuel costs.

By Aiman Tan · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Competitiveness Gains Rooted in Civil Service Excellence, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's enhanced position in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking to the dedication and efficiency of the nation's civil service, recognising their pivotal role in driving economic performance.

By Khairul Anuar · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Policy Consistency Essential for Malaysia's Economic Transformation, Says Nga

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has stressed that sustained policy continuity under the MADANI framework is vital for Malaysia's economic transformation, arguing that consistent governance will strengthen investor confidence and competitiveness.

By Goh Beng Choo · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Housing Market Shows No Signs of Anti-Competitive Behaviour, Says MyCC Study

The Malaysia Competition Commission has conducted extensive investigations into the housing sector and found no evidence of anti-competitive practices affecting house prices, Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh told Parliament.

By Goh Beng Choo · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Diesel Price Cut to RM2.10 Expected to Ease Supply Chain Pressures Across Malaysia

Malaysia's diesel subsidy reduction to RM2.10 per litre from July is forecast to ease transportation costs and lower consumer prices, though experts urge vigilance on rural communities and subsidy targeting.

By Goh Beng Choo · 24 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia Maintains RON95 Petrol Subsidy Cap at 200 Litres as Government Watches Middle East Oil Tensions

Malaysia will maintain its BUDI95 petrol subsidy quota at 200 litres per month, with the government waiting to assess the impact of recent US-Iran ceasefire negotiations on global oil prices before reconsidering restoration to the previous 300-litre allowance.

By Goh Beng Choo · 23 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Selangor Invests RM1.5 Million in Career Programme to Speed Up Job Placement

Selangor has committed RM1.5 million to accelerate job-matching efforts for displaced workers through its Career Programme, addressing a critical gap in employment re-engagement despite rising job availability.

By Aiman Tan · 22 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Anwar vows crackdown on abuse of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged strong action against the exploitation of Bangladeshi migrant workers, acknowledging their vital contribution to Malaysia's economic stability and labour-dependent industries.

By Khairul Anuar · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Government Cuts Subsidised Diesel to RM2.10 Per Litre from July 2026

Malaysia's government will reduce subsidised diesel to RM2.10 per litre from July 2026, verified through MyKad. The move aims to ensure subsidies reach eligible citizens while lowering fuel costs for small businesses and transport operators across the country.

By Goh Beng Choo · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Price Stability Remains Resilient, Though Global Shocks Pose Lingering Risk

Malaysia's immediate inflation trajectory appears stable, yet the economy remains structurally exposed to volatile commodity markets and exchange rate movements that could destabilise prices.

By Goh Beng Choo · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Government Channels RM9.8 Billion to Boost Microfinance Access for Small Traders

The Malaysian government has committed RM9.8 billion in microfinancing through six major institutions to help hawkers and small business owners access affordable capital, with direct outreach programmes now bringing lenders to grassroots traders.

By Goh Beng Choo · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Nearly RM100 Million In KUSKOP Financing Supports Over 4,300 Melaka Entrepreneurs

Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has approved nearly RM100 million in financing for over 4,300 entrepreneurs in Melaka, strengthening MSME growth across the state as part of a nationwide RM5 billion initiative this year.

By Goh Beng Choo · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Set for Tech-Driven Economic Transformation, Anwar Says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled Malaysia's transition into a technology-centric economy centred on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and innovation, marking a deliberate departure from traditional economic models.

By Goh Beng Choo · 20 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Malaysia Secures Long-Term Energy Deals With Russia and Turkmenistan, PM Anwar Says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced major energy cooperation agreements with Russia and Turkmenistan, securing Malaysia's oil, gas and diesel supplies for at least 20 years and providing access to world-class gas reserves.

By Goh Beng Choo · 20 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Development Must Benefit All Income Groups, Anwar Insists at Industrial Park Launch

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for development projects funded by government-linked companies and private firms to create tangible opportunities for middle- and lower-income Malaysians, cautioning that exclusive growth risks deepening societal divisions.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

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