Malaysia

Malaysian Construction Sector Poised for Significant Growth in 2H24 The construction sector in Malaysia is gearing up for a substantial acceleration in the second half of this year, propelled by the long-awaited rollout of major infrastructure projects. Following a robust performance in the first half of 2024, the sector is expected to surpass RM40 billion in contract awards this year, marking the highest...

Four Multinational Firms Cease Operations in Malaysia in 2024 During the first half of 2024, four multinational firms with total investments amounting to RM7 billion have ceased operations in Malaysia, according to Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. This significant development includes companies from the rubber-based product, transport, iron and steel, and...

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...

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...

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...

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 competitiveness has been on a downward trend for years, a phenomenon that cannot be attributed solely to short-term factors such as recent economic performance, US interest rates, or geopolitics. Prominent economist Prof Tan Sri Noor Azlan Ghazali emphasizes that the decline in Malaysia's competitiveness ranking is the result of the entire country's lack of full commitment to enacting necessary...

The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Johor Bahru and Singapore is poised to revolutionize connectivity and transportation in the region. This ambitious initiative promises numerous benefits, ranging from reduced congestion and improved safety to job creation and environmental sustainability. Here’s an in-depth look at the key benefits of the RTS Link and its historical context. Historical...

This year marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, celebrating 50 years of friendship and cooperation. The golden jubilee, designated as the "China-Malaysia Friendship Year," highlights a historical journey of mutual respect and shared growth. Amidst this celebration, the recent visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia has set a new precedent for future...