Security and Efficiency at KLIA’s Immigration Autogates The introduction of a Quick Response (QR) code system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for autogate immigration clearance aims to revolutionize efficiency without compromising security, especially for foreign nationals entering Malaysia. Comprehensive Security Protocols The Immigration Department assured that strict measures are in...

Malaysia’s Tourism Milestone: 1 Million Indian Tourists in 2024 Malaysia has reached a remarkable milestone, welcoming 1 million Indian tourists as of November 2024. This achievement represents a 71% year-on-year increase and a 47% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Tiong King Sing. Key Drivers of Growth Several factors...

The much-anticipated Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is finally set to break ground on January 11, 2025, at Bandar Sri Pinang, according to a report from CIMB Securities. Gamuda Leads the Pack Gamuda Bhd has emerged as a top beneficiary of the Mutiara Line, which is the first segment of the Penang LRT project. Its SRS Consortium was awarded the civil infrastructure works package in March 2024...

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to lower the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 2.75% in 2025, compared to the current 3.0%, according to economic analyst Associate Prof Dr. Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff. Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Dr. Ahmed Razman explained that the reduction could align with the United States Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut to 4.5%. He noted, "In 2022, when the US interest...

Iskandar Investment Bhd Drives Success of Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) has reiterated its commitment to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), aiming to make Johor a premier investment destination in Southeast Asia. Collaborating with government agencies and international stakeholders, IIB is prioritizing strategic investments, infrastructure...

Malaysia's evolving economy has sparked a heated debate on what it truly means to be "rich." The introduction of the T15 (top 15%) classification in the 2025 Budget has challenged the long-standing B40 (Bottom 40%), M40 (Middle 40%), and T20 (Top 20%) income groupings, sparking discussions about their relevance and accuracy. Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) researchers Gregory Ho and Dr. Suraya Ismail...

CMSB Halts Kuching Isthmus Hotel and Serviced Apartment Project Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMSB) has announced the termination of its joint venture (JV) to develop a four-star hotel and serviced apartments in Kuching Isthmus, Sarawak. The decision was reached mutually by all shareholders of Isthmus Developments Sdn Bhd, the JV company overseeing the project. The JV agreement will cease to be valid from...

TRX: A Vision for the Future of Kuala Lumpur The Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) is rapidly emerging as Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic central business district (CBD), thanks to the recent openings of The Exchange TRX retail hub and the TRX City Park. This meticulously planned development integrates world-class retail, public spaces, and residential living, setting a new benchmark for urban design in...

Malaysia Announces Expanded Rooftop Solar Quotas and Incentives In a push towards renewable energy, the Malaysian government has introduced additional quotas under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, alongside extended rebates for rooftop solar installations. Key Highlights of the NEM Expansion Quota Increases NEM Rakyat: Increased by 150 megawatts (MW) to a total of 600MW. NEM Nova:...

Malaysian Shopping Malls Push Back Against Proposed 2025 Electricity Tariff Hike Shopping mall operators in Malaysia are voicing concerns over the proposed 15% electricity tariff hike, which is set to take effect in July 2025. The increase, announced by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), threatens to exacerbate financial pressures on an already fragile post-pandemic retail sector, potentially triggering inflation...