DE-CIX, a carrier- and data-centre-neutral internet exchange point headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, believes that the Malaysian government is becoming more committed to advancing its digital infrastructure and its economy.

Putrajaya more committed to advancing digital infrastructure and economy — DE-CIX

Revised Budget 2023: Full speech of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25): RHB Investment Bank Research said consistent with its view, the revised Budget 2023 remains mildly expansionary with no major changes in the policies. The total allocation was revised upward to RM386.1 billion versus RM372.3 billion tabled by the previous government in October 2022.

No major surprises in revised Budget 2023, says RHB IB

Middle-income earners, more commonly known as the M40 group, were specifically mentioned in the revised Budget 2023, as they are also bearing the brunt of the rising cost of living, besides the B40 group.

Revised Budget 2023 offers various perks for M40 group

The revised Budget 2023 strikes a balance between the need to support the economy and the commitment on fiscal consolidation, said OCBC Bank.

Chief economist of OCBC Bank Selena Ling in a statement on Friday (Feb 24) said the budget tabled was in line with market and OCBC’s expectation, with a resolve to see the budget deficit reduced to 5% from 5.6% of GDP in 2022.

OCBC Bank: Revised Budget 2023 supports economy, prioritizes fiscal consolidation

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) said that the revised Budget 2023 tabled on Friday (Feb 24) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim lacked support for the manufacturing industry.

“We are disappointed that Budget 2023 has not provided any assistance to support trade for industries to expand their market access as many face severe impact to their existing markets due to the prolonged Ukraine-Russia conflict,” said FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai in a statement.

FMM: Revised Budget 2023 lacks support for manufacturing

The revised Budget 2023 enables inclusive and sustainable economic growth, instils confidence through institutional and governance reforms, as well as advance social justice, said Khazanah Research Institute (KRI).

Revised Budget 2023 ensures inclusive growth for individuals and corporates, says KRI and ICDM

The government proposed another round of special voluntary disclosure programme (SVDP) with full penalty waiver starting June this year till end-2024.

The Inland Revenue Board and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department will be tasked to revive this programme again, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of revised Budget 2023 to Parliament on Friday (Feb 24).

Govt proposes new round of tax amnesty with full penalty waiver

Banks in Malaysia believe the Madani Budget has a good balancing act on improving the welfare of the rakyat while supporting the growth of businesses to move Malaysia forward, especially in the post-pandemic era and amid inflationary pressures.

Banks view Madani Budget as having fine balance to help businesses and citizens

The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) has called on the government to include imposing an excise duty on electronic cigarettes and vaping products that do not contain nicotine as part of the revised Budget 2023 proposals.

In welcoming the government’s move to impose an excise duty on e-cigarettes and vaping products containing nicotine, MCTC said: "The government must also acknowledge that a large part of the e-cigarette and vaping product market consists of products which do not contain nicotine, and the consumption of these products make up a large part of the purported RM2 billion per year income reported by the vape industry.

Consider imposing excise duty on no-nicotine e-cigarettes, vapes, MCTC tells Govt

The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) urged the government to implement the Mass Rapid Transit Circle Line (MRT3) project, which will allow the construction industry to benefit from the multiplier effect, following the government’s decision to review the project.

Revised Budget 2023: MBAM urges govt to commence MRT3 project to revive construction sector

Some government-linked companies (GLCs) and private companies will take over the Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) programme.

Among them are Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), DRB-Hicom Bhd, Sunway Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his speech on the revised Budget 2023.

PM: GLCs and private companies to take over TVET programme

The roll-out of dual-class shares on Bursa Malaysia and capital gains tax on disposal of non-listed shares announced in the revised Budget 2023 may aid in reinvigorating the local capital market, MIDF Research said.

Touching on Putrajaya’s intent to review the implementation of a low-rate capital gains tax on the disposal of non-listing shares, the research house said the measure may attract more listings on the local bourse at the granular level.

Budget 2023 measures may aid capital market’s reinvigoration, says MIDF

The government’s plan to impose capital gains tax on disposal of non-listed shares in 2024 has caught the attention of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), which is concerned that it may eventually be widened to cover other asset classes.

Revised Budget 2023: ACCCIM concerned capital gains tax could be widened to cover other asset classes

Educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, and Penang will reopen and resume normal operations on Monday.

Schools in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Penang to reopen Monday

IPOH (Oct 18): DAP elected representatives who fail to meet their key performance indicators (KPIs) risk not being renominated in future elections, party secretary general Anthony Loke said.

He said Perak DAP, under the leadership of its chairman Nga Kor Ming, had set strict performance...

DAP reps who fail to hit KPIs risk being dropped, says Loke

The Sabah Cabinet has approved 24-hour operations for the Sepanggar Bay Container Port (SBCP) to address logistics congestion, but implementation depends on the industry ecosystem's overall readiness, as well as the readiness of related government departments and agencies.

Sepanggar Bay Container Port gets nod from Sabah Cabinet for 24-hour operations 

The Malaysian Prisons Department is now in the final phase of drafting regulations and conditions for the implementation of home detention following the conditional pardon decision that allows former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence through this method.

Prisons Dept finalising house arrest rules, says home minister

Malaysia’s diversified economy, resilient export markets and stronger fiscal buffers will help cushion external shocks and support its growth outlook for 2027, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Amir Hamzah sees Malaysia’s diversified economy, fiscal buffers cushioning external shocks in 2027

The E-Commerce Bill will be tabled in Parliament at the first meeting next year to strengthen the regulation of online transactions, said Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh.

E-Commerce Bill to be tabled in first Parliament meeting of 2027, says minister 

China has proposed export controls on 12 technologies used to make solar equipment, citing national security concerns, as part of a broader revision that also covers AI and biotechnology.

China proposes export controls on solar-manufacturing technologies

Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein have signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam, the governments of Norway and Vietnam announced on Sunday.

Vietnam signs free-trade pact with European countries including Norway, Switzerland

China's exports of refined oil products in September surged 39.4% year-on-year, data showed on Sunday, with diesel exports reaching their highest in more than three years amid a tight global market as the Iran war and other conflicts curb output from the Middle East and Russia.

China's September refined fuel exports surge amid Iran war; diesel exports more than triple

The MediAsas scheme, set to launch in January 2027, will provide a financial and healthcare safety net for Malaysia's middle-income group (M40), who are currently facing medical inflation.

MediAsas offers safety net for M40 group, says health minister

Rioting erupted in cities across France on Saturday as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades.

Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years

The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) has been appointed the official sponsor of the revered Hans Christian Andersen Award, considered the highest global honour for authors and illustrators of children’s books. As sponsor for the 2027-2036 term, the statutory body’s duties primarily entail facilitating the judging process and covering costs incurred during the award’s administration. In this week’s Options cover story, PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad breaks down what this opportunity brings to the local literary community and the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds.

A new chapter 

Gombak is entering a new phase of growth, with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen the district’s residential and commercial prospects. Property consultants discuss the renewed attention to the area’s commercial potential, surrounding property market and prospects for transit-oriented developments.&nbsp;

Gombak picks up speed for next growth cycle

The MediAsas scheme, set to launch in January 2027, will provide a financial and healthcare safety net for Malaysia's middle-income group (M40), who are currently facing medical inflation.

The day after waiving sanctions and tariffs related to Russian exports, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he has yet to announce a final decision on the matter as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials want more time to evaluate the situation.

Rubio says Trump to take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions

China has proposed export controls on 12 technologies used to make solar equipment, citing national security concerns, as part of a broader revision that also covers AI and biotechnology.

The Johor government has extended the closure of schools and educational institutions across the state for another five days from Monday (Oct 19) due to the haze.

Johor schools to remain closed another week, says state exco

A pickup in UK inflation to a nine-month high in data this week is likely to set the stage for key decisions from the upcoming budget to a likely interest-rate increase.

UK inflation can seal the deal on BOE’s November rate hike

China's exports of refined oil products in September surged 39.4% year-on-year, data showed on Sunday, with diesel exports reaching their highest in more than three years amid a tight global market as the Iran war and other conflicts curb output from the Middle East and Russia.

The E-Commerce Bill will be tabled in Parliament at the first meeting next year to strengthen the regulation of online transactions, said Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh.

Malaysia’s diversified economy, resilient export markets and stronger fiscal buffers will help cushion external shocks and support its growth outlook for 2027, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has restructured its leadership in Sarawak, naming Mahmud Epah as the new state party chairman.

PKR shakes up Sarawak leadership, names Mahmud Epah chairman 

Venezuela expects nearly US$76 billion (RM310.3 billion) in oil investment over the next five years under recently signed agreements, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday, adding that a bilateral accord with the US includes plans to drill 250 rigs.

Venezuela expects nearly US$76b in oil investment over five years, acting president says

Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein have signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam, the governments of Norway and Vietnam announced on Sunday.

IPOH (Oct 18): DAP elected representatives who fail to meet their key performance indicators (KPIs) risk not being renominated in future elections, party secretary general Anthony Loke said.

He said Perak DAP, under the leadership of its chairman Nga Kor Ming, had set strict performance...

The Sabah Cabinet has approved 24-hour operations for the Sepanggar Bay Container Port (SBCP) to address logistics congestion, but implementation depends on the industry ecosystem's overall readiness, as well as the readiness of related government departments and agencies.

Educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, and Penang will reopen and resume normal operations on Monday.

The Malaysian Prisons Department is now in the final phase of drafting regulations and conditions for the implementation of home detention following the conditional pardon decision that allows former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence through this method.

Budget 2023

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