The government is confident it can spend the RM510 billion allocated in Budget 2027 without introducing any new taxes, says Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Budget 2027: Govt confident of RM510 bil expenditure without introducing new taxes — Amir Hamzah

The iron and steel sector is among those frequently facing pressure from dumped imports of intermediate goods, with eight of Malaysia’s nine existing anti-dumping measures covering products in the sector.

Eight of Malaysia’s nine anti-dumping measures cover iron, steel products — Miti

Middle-income earners (M40) are among those benefitting from Budget 2027 through an increase in the individual tax relief limit to RM12,000 from RM9,000, alongside RM100 under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) Madani assistance to be disbursed twice next year to eligible adult Malaysians.

M40 to benefit from Budget 2027 tax relief, Sara aid — Treasury secgen

Investors fled US mortgage bond funds at historic levels over the past three weeks, with outflows ranking among the seven worst since the start of 2021, as surging interest rates spur a flight from volatility.

US mortgage bond funds suffer one of worst  outflows since 2021

The government must take “drastic” action to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen domestic manufacturing, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Minister urges ‘drastic’ action to cut reliance on imports amid review of China trade deficit

CGS International Securities Sdn Bhd calls for businesses to capitalise on Budget 2027’s benefits to increase investment and productivity and become globally competitive.

Budget 2027 a call to raise productivity, says CGS International

The government should consider corporatising the Customs Department so that it would have more autonomy to improve the efficiency of tax collection, said KPMG Malaysia tax policy adviser Dr Veerinderjeet Singh.

Govt should mull corporatising Customs Dept to boost tax collection, says KPMG policy adviser

India’s inflation accelerated to an almost two-year high in September, nearing the top of the central bank’s 2% to 6% tolerance band and reinforcing its decision to lift interest rates last week for the first time in almost four years.

India inflation hits two-year high, backs RBI tightening

The effectiveness of implementing Budget 2027 depends on how promptly the government disburses aid and how well the federal government, state governments and local authorities coordinate their efforts to reduce the bureaucratic burden on businesses, said an economist.

Budget 2027 effectiveness depends on prompt aid distribution, government coordination — economist

The government is in discussions with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) and the Energy Commission (EC) on measures it can take to subsidise households’ electricity next year, as fuel costs are expected to remain elevated.

Govt in talks with TNB, regulator on electricity subsidy measures for 2027

Indian factories, smelters and households are being hit by blackouts and rising energy costs as the impact of plunging coal stockpiles at the country’s power stations ripples through the economy.

Blackouts hit Indian factories as coal crunch feeds into economy

The National Cooperative Organisation of Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa) has suggested that all registered cooperatives, including mosque cooperatives, fulfil the qualification requirements to become MyKasih store business partners.

Angkasa wants all cooperatives to fulfil qualification process to become MyKasih business partners

European shares and US futures edged higher on Monday after a choppy session in Asia as oil prices retreated, while investors looked ahead to key US inflation data and the beginning of the earnings season.

Shares supported as oil retreats; focus turns to US CPI, earnings

Gold eased from a more than one-week high on Monday as investors stayed cautious ahead of key US inflation data due this week for fresh clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path.

Gold retreats as markets await key US inflation data

LVMH’s biggest division posted a slump in sales last quarter as its key Louis Vuitton brand suffered from a boycott in China.

LVMH sales at key unit fall as China woes hurt Louis Vuitton

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Monday:

AirAsia, IJM, Zetrix AI, IOI Properties, MN Holdings, Swift Energy, Kinergy, iCents, Infomina, LAC Med 

Malaysia will raise the issue of transboundary haze at an Asean foreign ministers’ meeting ahead of the bloc’s 49th Summit in Manila, the Philippines, next month to discuss more effective regional mechanisms to tackle the problem.

Malaysia to raise haze issue at Asean foreign ministers’ meeting — Tok Mat

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) is implementing a carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) pilot project at an iron and steel plant on the East Coast, expected to be finalised by the end of 2027.

Iron and steel industry CCUS pilot project expected to be finalised by end-2027 — Miti

US authorities conducted a predawn raid on Monday on the Washington-area home of Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, an outspoken critic of Donald Trump who has been the target of political insults by the Republican president, as part of an ongoing investigation, the Justice Department said.

US immigration authorities raid Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar's home

Russia does not want to accept an "energy ceasefire" in Ukraine announced by Donald Trump, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, accusing Moscow of attacking six sites on Monday.

Zelenskiy doubtful on Russian acceptance of Trump's 'energy ceasefire'

AS the life expectancy of Malaysians increases, Putrajaya is aiming for at least 60% of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members to meet the Basic Savings benchmark of RM390,000 by age 60 by 2030. However, the government acknowledges that many Malaysians still risk outliving their savings during a ...

The State of the Nation: Recasting the age 55 EPF withdrawal into a lifetime pension promise  

FORMER Employees Provident Fund CEO Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan’s suggestion that employers raise their EPF contribution level to help lift the retirement savings of lower-wage earners raised eyebrows as it called attention to his illustration that employers could hypothetically contribute only...

The State of the Nation: Don’t penalise high-income earners when lifting EPF contribution for lower-wage cohorts

Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) has secured a 100% take-up for the first phase of Seroja Gardens at Nilai Impian, Negeri Sembilan, within three hours of its launch in September.

Sime Darby Property’s Seroja Gardens Phase 1 sold out in three hours

Zetrix AI Bhd’s (KL:ZETRIX) managing director Wong Thean Soon, better known as TS Wong, has continued to sell down his shareholding, further reducing his stake in the company.

TS Wong’s stake in Zetrix falls further, independent director Mohd Mokhtar resigns

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): United Malacca Bhd (KL:UMCCA) said minority shareholders will be compensated for missing a general offer that should have been launched in 2024.

United Malacca to compensate minority shareholders for missing general offer

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said Malaysia should develop new revenue sources to support its finances beyond petroleum, proposing the establishment of a national rare earth entity modelled on Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS).

Hamzah proposes PETRONAS-style rare earth entity to develop industry

IJM Corporation Bhd (KL:IJM) has secured a RM1.23 billion contract from AT&amp;S Austria Technologie &amp; Systemtechnik (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to construct semiconductor manufacturing facilities at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah.

IJM bags RM1.23 bil contract to build AT&S semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Kedah

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin urged the government and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to review the RM15,000 minimum savings requirement for eligibility to join the haj queue.

Opposition leader urges review of Tabung Haji’s RM15k minimum savings requirement for haj queue

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Batik Air has cancelled its scheduled flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing conflict.

Batik Air cancels Oct 12 KL-Jeddah flight

IN Malaysian restaurants, a telling sign of growing pressure on household budgets can be seen in what customers are increasingly omitting from their orders.

In its latest Malaysia Retail Industry Report, Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) says many diners are choosing cheaper dishes and drinks...

The State of the Nation: Malaysia’s economy growing, but consumers counting every ringgit

THE government’s move to support a fundraising drive for low-cost carrier AirAsia Group Bhd (KL:AAGB) is raising questions over how far it should go to help a heavily indebted private company and whether taxpayers could ultimately be left footing the bill.

People familiar with the matte...

Debate over government’s role in private enterprise

IOIPG Malaysia REIT has entered into an underwriting agreement with a group of six financial institutions for its initial public offering (IPO) on the Main Market.

Six financial institutions to underwrite 165m units of IOIPG Malaysia REIT Main Market IPO

Singapore rolled out subsidies for haze-related medical treatment Monday and schools were closed in parts of neighbouring Malaysia, as both countries grapple with persistently unhealthy air quality due to fires in nearby Indonesia.

Singapore rolls out haze subsidies as Malaysia extends school closures

The government must take “drastic” action to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen domestic manufacturing, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Kinergy Advancement Bhd (KL:KINERGY) has secured a RM47.5 million subcontract from Gamuda Bhd's (KL:GAMUDA) unit for electrical works at a hyperscale data centre in Bandar Spring Hill, Port Dickson.

Kinergy bags RM47.5m electrical works contract for hyperscale data centre

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Chin Hin Group Property Bhd (KL:CHGP) has officially launched the sales gallery for its latest residential development, Ophira Resort Residences, at The MET Corporate Towers in Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.

Chin Hin Group Property launches sales gallery for RM814m Ophira Resort Residences

PUTRAJAYA (Oct 12): A 10-year extension of income tax exemptions is expected to encourage more shipping companies to register their vessels in Malaysia rather than in other countries offering tax incentives, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

Loke: Tax exemption extension to attract shipping firms to Malaysia

Datasonic Group Bhd’s (KL:DATASONIC) decision to terminate its proposed acquisition of an industrial property in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, raises questions about its expansion plans and the circumstances surrounding the failed deal.

Frankly Speaking: Datasonic’s aborted property deal raises questions

Only individuals or company representatives registered as intermediaries and approved by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be allowed to conduct transactions on behalf of customers at all JPJ offices and branches nationwide from Jan 1.

JPJ: Only registered intermediaries can handle customer transactions from Jan 1

RAM Holdings Bhd announces the retirement of Chris Lee Wai Kit as group chief executive officer and executive director of RAM Holdings and RAM Rating Services Bd (RAM Ratings), effective Sept 30, 2026, with Julie Ng stepping in as its acting chief.

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