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...

Malaysia Rises to Seventh on the Edelman Trust Index 2024 Malaysia has achieved an impressive seventh place on the Trust Index, according to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, which surveyed 32,000 people across 28 countries. This marks a significant increase in public trust, rising from 62% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. Trust Index Rankings and Regional Comparison Malaysia’s score places it between its...

Malaysia's AI ambitions are set to revitalize its economy, building on its historical success in electronics and semiconductors. With a pledge of RM25 billion to support the semiconductor industry, Malaysia aims to become a key player in AI and semiconductor technology, positioning itself as a neutral and attractive destination for global investment. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's vision for the...

Malton Bhd Acquires Prime Land in Genting Highlands for RM65 Million Malton Bhd (KL) is set to expand its footprint in Genting Highlands with the acquisition of four parcels of land from Sering Manis Sdn Bhd, a 51%-owned subsidiary of Global Oriental Bhd (KL), for RM65 million. This strategic purchase aims to develop serviced apartments and luxury villas, enhancing the group's portfolio in a prime...

Kuala Lumpur's Skyline: A Global Architectural Marvel Kuala Lumpur's iconic skyline, dominated by the Warisan Merdeka Tower, the Exchange 106 @ TRX, and the Petronas Twin Towers, is a familiar and comforting sight to many. This skyline has also drawn the attention of the prestigious architecture and design magazine, Architectural Digest (AD), which has listed Kuala Lumpur among the top 17 city skylines in...

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, a transformative infrastructure development in Malaysia, aims to significantly enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Spanning 665km and traversing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, the ECRL project has reached 67% completion despite various challenges. Expected to be completed by the end of 2026, the ECRL is poised to be an economic...