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...

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...