RTS Link Project Costs Rise by 29.9% to RM5.24 Billion: Auditor-General’s Report The estimated cost of the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) infrastructure project has surged by 29.9%, reaching RM5.24 billion as of December 31, 2023. This increase, up from the original estimate of RM4.03 billion in January 2018, highlights several key factors driving the escalation in expenses. Reasons for Cost...

Malaysia’s revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme under the "Silver" plan now requires foreign applicants to invest over RM1.3 million by purchasing property worth at least RM600,000 and placing US$150,000 (approximately RM710,000) in a fixed deposit. This change reflects Malaysia’s effort to attract high-value residents. However, Ananth suggests that tapping into the potential of...

Malaysia to Introduce New Cost of Living Indicator by November 2024 In a significant move aimed at providing a more accurate reflection of the financial pressures faced by households, the Malaysian government announced a new indicator to measure the cost of living, set to be introduced by November 2024. This new indicator will complement the existing Consumer Price Index (CPI), which primarily measures...

Singapore has become a hive of activity for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) this quarter, reflecting a return of investor confidence driven by the island nation's relative economic and political stability. Recent significant deals underscore Singapore's position as the focal point for transformative M&A activities in Southeast Asia. Recent M&A Activity in Singapore In the past few days...

PJD Link Project Review: Selangor Government Reconsiders Canceled Highway The Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link) project, which faced cancellation in April, may see a revival according to recent updates from the Selangor government. Infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim revealed that the federal government has requested a review of the developer's adjustments to the...

In 2023, Malaysians experienced a decline in their freedom to be safe from their government, according to the Human Rights Measurement Initiative’s (HRMI) Index Right Tracker 2024. The report indicates an increased risk of persecution or worse by authorities, with several key human rights metrics showing a significant downturn. Decline in Safety from the State According to the HRMI Index Right...

Malaysia’s Path to Carbon Pricing: Preparing for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Malaysia is gearing up to implement carbon pricing as part of its efforts to facilitate carbon trading and consider carbon taxing, in anticipation of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) set to commence in 2026. This initiative, announced by the Investment, Trade, and Industry...

The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) project is more than just a strategic initiative to reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to an estimated 90 minutes. It represents a significant effort to boost regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth, positioning Malaysia as a vital part of the larger Pan-Asian Railway Network. The integration with the Pan-Asian HSR, a...

Improving Life-Work Balance in Malaysia: Government's Commitment to Healthier Workplaces The Malaysian government is taking significant steps to ensure healthier, safer, and more humane workplaces for its citizens. Despite Malaysia's low ranking in the Global Life-Work Balance Index, where it placed 59th out of 60 countries, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has outlined several initiatives...

The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) of Malaysia has intensified efforts to curb tax revenue leakage by identifying individuals and companies engaged in high-frequency cryptocurrency trading. This move aims to enhance national tax administration and ensure compliance with tax regulations. LHDN chief executive officer Datuk Dr. Abu Tariq Jamaluddin highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of cryptocurrency...