Reliable national and regional news coverage.
Malaysia's new Statistics Bill 2026 has cleared Parliament and is expected to be officially gazetted by year-end, replacing the 61-year-old Statistics Act 1965. The reform aims to modernise the country's data governance framework.
Malaysia's economy is expected to maintain momentum through the second half of 2026 following a 5.6 per cent growth rate in the first half, with the government implementing measures to stabilize oil supplies and capitalize on major events like Formula One racing.
Sabah is poised to gain a 40 per cent ownership stake in a floating liquefied natural gas project, with an agreement with Petronas expected within months, marking deeper state involvement in oil and gas development.
Malaysia's fuel supply through Petronas stations will remain stable and sufficient until September, according to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. The government is diversifying crude oil sources beyond West Asia.
A Royal Commission inquiry into Tabung Haji warns that the government's RM88 billion depositor guarantee will be activated only if the pilgrimage board fails to execute its recovery plan, threatening Malaysia's fiscal stability.
Malaysia's unsubsidised fuel prices will increase by 20 sen per litre from July 30, with RON97 reaching RM4.40 and diesel climbing to RM4.62. The hike reflects escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
A Royal Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Tabung Haji should not have announced RM2.75 billion in profit distributions for 2017, citing unsustainable payouts and creative accounting that masked the fund's deteriorating financial position.
Malaysia's Ministry of Housing has identified 303 struggling private housing projects worth RM40.25 billion as of June, with 100 confirmed abandoned. Selangor leads with 41 abandoned projects, affecting thousands of buyers nationwide.
Malaysia aims to achieve a minimum rubber price of RM5 per kilogramme by the end of 2027, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced, targeting improved livelihoods for over 500,000 smallholders who form the backbone of the nation's rubber sector.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to prioritising local employment opportunities, stating that foreign workers should only be hired when domestic candidates are unavailable.
Malaysia's Ministry of Economy has deployed RM1.214 billion of its development budget as of July, ranking fourth among ministries and exceeding the national spending average of 45.93 percent, with ambitions to climb into the top three performers.
Malaysia's Economy Ministry has outlined a preliminary RM58 billion development expenditure plan for 2027, maintaining the government's established allocation formula that directs 70 per cent toward foundational infrastructure and basic services.
Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng has written to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim outlining a strategic agenda centred on delivering tangible relief to Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises while pursuing significant reforms to the education system.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed government agencies to clear a backlog of foreign worker applications within 30 days, targeting the struggling restaurant and hospitality sectors among others.
Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit in October 2026, marking the championship's return after its 2017 departure. Industry leaders view the one-off event as economically beneficial and a potential gauge for permanent F1 reinstatement.
Malaysia has reached its highest-ever GNI per capita of USD12,380 and is positioned to achieve high-income nation status by 2027, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced at the National Training Week 2026 ceremony in Penang.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government's fuel pricing approach, stating that Malaysia's RM40 billion annual subsidy bill leaves little room for further price reductions without threatening the nation's financial health.
Malaysia is absorbing escalating global oil prices to maintain RON95 petrol at RM1.99, with the government allocating up to RM50 billion annually in fuel subsidies, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia's internationally recognised halal certification to be supported by capable industries and strategic global partnerships, citing interest from major world leaders.
Malaysia's Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is overhauling the Desa Lestari Programme to raise participating household incomes to RM2,300 monthly, moving beyond cosmetic changes to redesign delivery and recruit local professionals.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given Malaysian government ministries one month to streamline foreign worker recruitment, particularly for restaurants facing acute staffing shortages while maintaining controlled immigration standards.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia will commence Budget 2027 preparation next month, with parliamentary tabling anticipated in early October. The budget will prioritize translating economic growth into tangible improvements in living standards.
Malaysia's Food and Drinks Malaysia exhibition is on track to exceed last year's RM1.081 billion in sales, buoyed by stronger international participation and increased buyer confidence despite supply chain challenges and rising costs.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has indicated the government may increase funding for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash assistance scheme in next year's budget, subject to Malaysia's economic performance.
The United States has returned more than USD1.37 billion in assets connected to 1MDB fund misappropriation to Malaysia, according to Minister Azalina Othman Said. Additional funds remain frozen in US and foreign jurisdictions.
Malaysia's economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter, reflecting sustained recovery momentum. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the growth trajectory during Friday prayers in Nilai.
Malaysia's Public Accounts Committee has uncovered that RM10.879 billion in cooking oil subsidies disappeared between 2019 and February 2025, raising serious questions about government accountability and subsidy programme effectiveness.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pointed to Malaysia's second-quarter GDP expansion as evidence of the nation's economic durability, crediting three years of government reforms and structural policy changes for strengthening the country's financial footing.
Malaysia is projected to maintain fiscal discipline in 2026, with the deficit rising only marginally to 3.6% of GDP despite allocating an extra RM25 billion for fuel subsidies to keep RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reasserted that Malaysia's subsidised petrol prices remain more affordable than those in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, defending the government's fuel pricing strategy amid criticism.
Malaysia's government will study proposals from the plastics manufacturing sector to address competitiveness issues stemming from global supply chain disruptions and rising input costs, signalling policy attention to a RM62.69 billion industry.
Malaysia's rice buffer stock is sufficient to meet domestic demand for six months, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir announced, with the government committing to freeze Local White Rice prices despite global uncertainties.
Malaysia's energy supply remains stable despite tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said, with Petronas and the Prime Minister engaging in multilevel negotiations to protect national energy security.
Malaysia's major research houses anticipate Bank Negara Malaysia will keep its overnight policy rate unchanged at 2.75% through end-2026, emboldened by accelerating economic growth and stable inflation dynamics.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed returning portions of FGV-managed land to FELDA, proposing restructured management could accelerate debt repayment and improve returns for settlers amid a nine-year recovery timeline.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to expediting loan approvals for Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises, with government-backed schemes now processing applications within five to fifteen days to unlock growth.
The Dewan Rakyat will debate MSME funding difficulties and Malaysia's drop in the World Press Freedom Index during today's Minister's Question Time, alongside constitutional amendments.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Malaysian rural entrepreneurs to look beyond domestic markets and tap into ASEAN and the global halal economy, highlighting recent development achievements.
Agrobank has secured over RM8 million in financing applications through direct engagement with hawkers and small traders at night markets and farmers' markets, with expansion efforts now reaching Sabah.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored Malaysia's strategic importance as a trading hub, emphasising the need to diversify economic partnerships beyond traditional markets while maintaining ASEAN centrality.
Malaysia faces mounting pressure from foreign nationals operating illegal businesses using tourist visas and exploiting local licences. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed swift government action against the practice, which increasingly threatens local enterprises.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for sweeping reforms to eliminate political patronage from the financing mechanisms supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs, signalling a significant shift in how Malaysia allocates business capital.
Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises represent 97% of all business transactions and contribute 52% of GDP, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid emphasising the sector's role in job creation and economic stability.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2skb6g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2skb6p)%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%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EPM%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has launched SParK 2026, a strategic initiative backed by Pumiputera Unity Bank's RM2.25 billion financing commitment, designed to accelerate Bumiputera business growth and entrepreneurship across Malaysia.
MITRA's Uyarvu MADANI Grant has received 1,340 applications within five days of launching, signalling robust demand among Indian entrepreneurs for financial assistance to grow their businesses.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is progressing as planned, urging political leaders to refrain from politicising the bilateral economic initiative.
Malaysia's government will offer a 10 per cent discount on home purchases during the ASEAN Real Estate Conference 2026 at MITEC in late July, as part of efforts to ease the homebuying burden and keep properties affordable for Malaysians.
Malaysia's unemployment rate has improved to 2.9% last year from 3.2% in 2024, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid attributing the decline to expanded technical and vocational training programs.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has instructed bank customers to report any instances of RM1 ATM withdrawal fees to Bank Negara Malaysia, as a nationwide waiver took effect yesterday. The initiative covers 84% of bank-owned ATMs across the country.
MARDI is developing local onion seed varieties expected to reduce Malaysia's import bill by RM300 million and raise self-sufficiency to 30% by 2030, strengthening the nation's food security strategy.
Malaysia's People's Income Initiative has reached 7,787 households in nearly three years, with beneficiaries earning monthly incomes exceeding RM2,000. The programme tackles food insecurity and living costs while complementing existing poverty reduction efforts.
More than 326,000 students at Malaysian public universities have enrolled in STEM programmes since 2023, representing nearly 59% of the 556,556 total intake. The government targets 341,200 research and technology professionals by 2030.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that Malaysia's household debt reached RM1.73 trillion at the end of March 2026, representing 84.4 per cent of the nation's gross domestic product—a figure highlighting deepening financial stress among Malaysian families.
Malaysia will restructure its foreign worker management system to boost efficiency and coordination, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced following a Cabinet Committee meeting.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry and banking sector have agreed to waive the RM1 fee for interbank cash withdrawals at ATMs and Smart Recycler Machines from July 1, addressing accessibility gaps in remote regions.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has conducted 15,881 Rahmah MADANI Sales events nationwide by June 30, achieving full coverage across 600 state constituencies. The government has nearly tripled its annual target to 30,000 events.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3p9pwg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph3p9pwp)%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 Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed government resources to position Malaysia as a regional drone hub, promising strengthened regulatory frameworks, research initiatives, and deeper collaboration with private operators to harness the sector's economic potential.
Malaysia and the European Union have concluded negotiations on five chapters of their landmark free trade agreement, with completion targeted for 2027. The next negotiation round is scheduled for September in Brussels.
Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development is rolling out grassroots programmes to help MSMEs and cooperatives capitalise on strong growth in the wholesale and retail sector, which recorded RM175 billion in sales in April 2026.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysia to rapidly advance its unmanned aerial vehicle and drone sector, positioning it as critical to the nation's economic competitiveness alongside artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5iud4g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5iud4p)%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%3EPetronas%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
A former Petronas manager is accused of leaking confidential documents to the Employees Provident Fund subsidiary Petros, potentially undermining delicate negotiations between the two major Malaysian institutions.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph32t42g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph32t42p)%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%22194%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3ECabinet%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Zainal Abidin will chair a Cabinet Committee meeting next week to address mounting concerns over foreign worker employment, particularly in Malaysia's food and beverage sector.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed local councils nationwide to eliminate unnecessary delays and simplify permit procedures, aiming to enhance Malaysia's standing in global business rankings.
Malaysia's Cabinet has scheduled a dedicated committee meeting for next week to address foreign worker issues across sectors including food and beverage, to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Malaysia's employment landscape remains stable with unemployment at just 0.04% as of late June, down 20% from May. Job redeployment programmes have accelerated placements significantly, signalling effective government intervention.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah says more than RM4 billion of the RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility remains available for micro and small enterprises, with RM700 million already approved for over 1,000 companies.
Malaysia's KUSKOP ministry has unveiled the MSME Strategic Plan 2030 to strengthen local digital entrepreneurs' competitiveness, addressing cost disadvantages against foreign competitors through platforms like MyMall and TikTok Shop collaborations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's advancement in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking to the professionalism and hard work of the country's civil servants, highlighting their pivotal role in national economic performance.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has stressed that consistent policy implementation under the MADANI framework is vital for Malaysia's economic transformation and maintaining investor confidence.
Malaysia's Competition Commission has found no evidence of anti-competitive practices in the housing market, Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh told parliament. House prices have remained stable with moderate growth.
Malaysia's union membership stands at just six per cent of the workforce, prompting Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan to call for greater worker participation and understanding of union benefits.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim led the 149th Meeting of Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers at Parliament, prioritising measures to bolster Malaysia's economy as global uncertainties from Middle East conflicts persist.
The Usahawan MADANI Mega 2026 entrepreneurship seminar drew 6,877 participants nationwide, earning Malaysia's record for largest student participation in an entrepreneurship event and reflecting rising interest in business ventures among Malaysian youth.
The United States is wrapping up its investigation into alleged forced labour practices in Malaysia, with officials indicating a possible 10% tariff could be imposed after July 24 if violations are substantiated.
Malaysia's mental health crisis threatens to impose an economic burden of RM25.3 billion by 2030 if intervention measures remain inadequate. Depression prevalence has doubled among adults since 2019, while one in four adolescents now experiences depression.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph1mc24g)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph1mc24p)%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%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EPM%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in Sarawak's readiness to manage Bintulu Port, as the strategic facility transitions from federal to state control, signalling enhanced autonomy for the eastern Malaysian state.
Malaysia's Parliament convenes for a 16-day session beginning today, with lawmakers set to examine the economic fallout from Strait of Hormuz disruptions and debate critical legislation on artificial intelligence governance and cybercrime.
Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has disbursed nearly RM100 million to over 4,300 entrepreneurs in Melaka, part of a nationwide push to strengthen the MSME sector and create employment opportunities.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2e74ng)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph2e74np)%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%3ETEKUN%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
TEKUN Nasional is piloting a 24-hour financing approval system for loans below RM20,000, set to roll out within two to three months. The initiative aims to accelerate working capital access for Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises.
Malaysia's government has committed RM9.8 billion in microfinancing funds across six major institutions to broaden credit access for hawkers and small entrepreneurs, with early success at grassroots farmers' markets.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has signalled Malaysia's transition toward a technology-centric economy, emphasising semiconductors, innovation and artificial intelligence as pillars of future growth.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph33m0rg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph33m0rp)%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%3EMedia%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged an additional RM1 million to the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA welfare fund and extended the Media Innovation Fund, drawing praise from media organisations and journalist associations across Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced strategic energy partnerships with Russia and Turkmenistan, guaranteeing Malaysia's oil and gas supplies for at least two decades while opening export opportunities to major Asian economies.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's policy of maintaining neutrality while engaging all major powers is buttressing investor confidence and catalysing economic growth across the region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up his official Turkmenistan visit and arrived in Penang to oversee National Journalists' Day 2026 celebrations and participate in major investment and development forums.
Deputy Prime Ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, alongside multiple Cabinet ministers, have called on Malaysians to embody the spirit of Hijrah during the Islamic New Year, emphasizing values of reform, perseverance and national unity.