The national Budget 2024 tabled by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Dewan Rakyat last Friday (Oct 13) included allocations to support energy transition and biodiversity initiatives, and to spur the voluntary carbon market in the country.

Budget 2024: Support for energy transition, biodiversity and carbon markets

The government needs to provide a "clear mechanism" on the implementation of capital gains tax (CGT) on profits from the disposal of unlisted shares to avoid double taxation, said KPMG Malaysia executive director and head of tax Soh Lian Seng.

Govt needs to provide clear capital gains tax mechanism to avoid double taxation, says KPMG 

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in a statement on Monday expressed its support and confidence in Budget 2024, and reiterated its commitment to help members safeguard their savings.

EPF vows to fortify members' savings, retirement security

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Budget 2024, the second Madani Budget, reflects the government's determination to uplift the national economy and the people's well-being. (Read the full Budget 2024 speech here.Or go here for our comprehensive Budget 2024 coverage.)

Here are some of the national budget's key takeaways:

Highlights of Budget 2024

The government has announced several new tax reform measures in Budget 2024, which aims to broaden the country’s revenue base.

Budget 2024: More clarity needed for tax reforms — tax analysts 

The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) said certain measures introduced in Budget 2024 support the development and ongoing implementation of the institute’s competency framework (CFM).

MIA says Budget 2024 supports development of its competency framework

After years of spending more than it earned, the Malaysian government’s latest budget (Budget 2024) announcement reflected Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim administration’s cautious steps in navigating between pressure for more populist measures while maintaining a certain level of fiscal discipline.

Treading a fine line between fiscal discipline and populist measures

Budget 2024 strikes the right balance to bolster Malaysia’s resilience amid global headwinds, while advancing economic transformation and improving socio-economic outcomes for all, said Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.

Budget 2024 strikes right balance to boost economic transformation, says Khazanah MD

Budget 2024’s focus on sustainability is welcomed by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), which also reminded that monitoring of budget allocations would be crucial to avoid leakages and achieve the desired outcomes.

Budget’s sustainability related measures welcomed, close monitoring needed — Consumers Association of Penang

Go here for our comprehensive Budget 2024 coverage.

BUDGET 2024 SPEECH

BY YAB DATO’ SERI ANWAR BIN IBRAHIM
PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE

Full Budget 2024 speech

Tax leaders have lauded the proposed reforms of the tax incentive system under Budget 2024, which was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on Friday.

Tax leaders laud incentive reforms as timely, promoting high-value growth

The Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) has expressed disappointment that its "carefully outlined" wish list for Budget 2024 did not make it into the government’s budgetary priorities.

MPOA disappointed as Budget wish list unfulfilled

The government will lift the price controls on chicken and eggs, as supply has stabilised and the retail prices now are below the set ceiling prices, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Govt to lift price controls on chicken and eggs to allow market to function freely, says Anwar

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is of the view that Budget 2024, which it noted was drafted against a still uncertain macro backdrop, is overall a "well-balanced, prudent and forward-thinking" plan that rightly focused on more concrete fiscal reforms, with a notable effort and step in the right trajectory to restore public finances and strengthen the nation's collective resilience.

FMM hails Budget 2024 as 'well-balanced, prudent and forward-thinking', but disappointed it did not address sluggish trade growth

The Federal Reserve has spoken, and as far as investors are concerned, the message was clear - clearly hawkish. Now it's over to the Bank of Japan and Bank of England, the two biggest and most important of the clutch of central bank policy decisions on Thursday.

Fed's 'hawkish cut' slams markets, BOJ up next

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday the U.S. central bank has no desire to be involved in any government effort to stockpile large amounts of bitcoin.

"We're not allowed to own bitcoin," Powell said at a press conference following the Fed's latest two-day policy meeting, in which policymakers cut rates as expected while signaling a less certain path for monetary policy in the months ahead.

Powell says Fed cannot hold bitcoin, not seeking to change that

The U.S. central bank lowered interest rates on Wednesday, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said more reductions in borrowing costs hinge on further progress in lowering stubbornly high inflation, remarks that showed policymakers are beginning to reckon with the prospects for sweeping economic change under an incoming Trump administration.

Fed lowers rates but sees fewer cuts in 2025 due to stubbornly high inflation

The Federal Reserve did what markets expected Wednesday. But that didn’t stop investors from dumping risk assets in droves.

Stock sold off violently at the end of the session after the Fed cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, its third straight reduction, and Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank will likely put further reductions on hold while inflation stays above its 2% target.

Wall Street pros say fears of fewer Fed cuts sparking selloff

The Federal Reserve’s waning enthusiasm for rate cuts jarred US markets Wednesday, sending stocks lower and pushing Treasury yields and the dollar sharply higher. It was the worst loss for the S&P 500 on the day of a rate decision since 2001.

S&P 500 sees worst Fed day since 2001; yields up

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Penang has arrested an enforcement officer for allegedly soliciting a bribe of around RM80,000 from a woman.

According to an MACC source, the 40-something male suspect contacted the woman on Nov 30 following the arrest of her husband and demanded a bribe, claiming it was to help release her husband, who was detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA 2012).

Penang MACC arrests enforcement officer for soliciting RM80,000 bribe

China and India took a further step towards easing their long-running border dispute on Wednesday, with senior officials holding formal talks for the first time in five years and committing to finding mutually acceptable solutions.

Chinese, Indian officials in talks to ease dispute over Himalayan border area

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

MRCB, Berjaya Corp, YTL Power, SD Guthrie, EcoWorld, Supermax, Scientex, YNH Property, T7 Global, PTT Synergy, RHB Bank, Ge-Shen, Aeon, Pestech, Quality Concrete, Advancecon

South Malaysia Industries (KL:SMI) insisted again on Wednesday that no extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the company will take place on Jan 9,  amid ongoing clashes between two shareholder groups vying for control of SMI.

No EGM will be held until notice is issued and court rules on suits, says SMI

Wall Street's main indexes were subdued in choppy trading on Wednesday, as investors anticipated an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve in its final meeting of the year and awaited clues on what policymakers could do in 2025.

Wall Street muted as caution prevails ahead of Fed decision

Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (KL:MRCB) has withdrawn from the Berjaya-led consortium bidding for the multi-billion-ringgit Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project, Berjaya Group announced on Wednesday.

Berjaya says MRCB has pulled out of consortium vying for KL-Singapore HSR

RHB Bank Bhd has filed an appeal against the High Court's ruling last month that Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd's right to first refusal, under the bank's 10-year bancassurance arrangement with the bank, is still in effect until the expiry of the agreement on Dec 31, 2024.

RHB Bank appeals against High Court ruling on bancassurance deal with Tokio Marine

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

Pestech International Bhd (KL:PESTECH), now a subsidiary of Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd, has proposed a scheme of arrangement involving a one-off upfront cash payment of RM65 million to settle its RM267 million outstanding debt.

Pestech proposes scheme of arrangement to settle outstanding RM267m debt 

T7 Global Bhd (KL:T7GLOBAL) has been appointed by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) as a panel contractor to provide integrated well continuity services for a five year term.

T7 appointed Petronas panel contractor for well continuity services in sixth pan-Malaysia contract

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) on Wednesday created an operating company (OpCo) with a 50:50 interest ratio for the purpose of operating and maintaining the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

MRL and CCCECRL to jointly operate and maintain ECRL project

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EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

US authorities are considering a ban on China's TP-Link Technology Co over potential national security concerns after its home internet routers were linked to cyberattacks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

US mulls ban on China's TP-Link over national security concerns — WSJ 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has questioned the necessity of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) investigation into the proposed 30-year electric train lease project, valued at RM10.7 billion.

He clarified that the project is still conceptual and no contract has been finalised.

Loke questions need for PAC to probe RM10.7 bil electric train lease

The crude palm oil (CPO) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended lower on Wednesday, said palm oil trader David Ng.

He said that CPO prices hit their lowest in a month due to mounting concerns over the implementation of the biodiesel B40 programme starting next month.

CPO futures close lower amid concerns over B40 biodiesel implementation

At a time when the American consumer’s resiliency has been questioned amid signs of a slowing economy, Walmart Inc has thrived. The world’s largest retailer, famed for its discount prices but increasingly known for its pursuits in advertising and an online marketplace, is headed for its best year since 1998.

Walmart cements retail dominance with best year since 1998 

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) reported a 16.1% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic across its Malaysian and Turkish airport networks in November, reaching 11.2 million passengers compared to 9.6 million in the same month last year.

Malaysia Airports reports 16.1% y-o-y passenger growth in November

Cocoa futures climbed above US$12,000 (RM53,616) a tonne in New York, reaching a fresh record amid mounting worries over reduced output in top grower Ivory Coast.

Cocoa soars above US$12,000 to reach fresh record on supply fears

Aeon Co (M) Bhd (KL:AEON) plans to appeal the High Court's ruling that the department store and mall operator had breached a tenancy agreement it had entered into with Betanaz Properties Sdn Bhd, a 51%-owned subsidiary of Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (KL:AZRB).

Aeon to appeal High Court's ruling in tenancy dispute with Ahmad Zaki's unit

PTT Synergy Group Bhd (KL:PTT) is divesting its 70% stake in sanitary wares and tapware manufacturer Heap Wah Barakah Sdn Bhd (HWBSB) in a deal that is expected to result in a one-off loss of RM13.8 million.

PTT Synergy hives off 70% stake in sanitary wares firm to fund working capital

Wall Street's main indexes were subdued in choppy trading on Wednesday, as investors anticipated an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve in its final meeting of the year and awaited clues on what policymakers could do in 2025.

Malaysia will “double down” on its strategy of deepening trade and collaboration with other countries in 2025, guided by three fundamental tenets of how Malaysia deals with the world, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.&nbsp;

The three fundamental tenets are breakout development priority, good neighbour principle and “beyond-trade thinking”.

Malaysia to double down on collaboration, trade with other countries next year — Rafizi

South Malaysia Industries (KL:SMI) insisted again on Wednesday that no extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the company will take place on Jan 9,&nbsp; amid ongoing clashes between two shareholder groups vying for control of SMI.

Distressed Hong Kong property firm New World Development Co is in talks with banks to extend the due dates of some bilateral loans, people familiar with the matter said, adding to concerns over its ability to service one of the heaviest debt loads of its kind.

Hong Kong builder New World seeking banks' extension of due dates of loans — Bloomberg

（吉隆坡18日讯）杨忠礼电力（YTL Power International Bhd）（KL:YTLPOWR）指出，大马反贪污委员会（MACC）已完成对1BestariNet项目的调查，证明该集团持股60%子公司YTL Communications私人有限公司并无任何不当行为。

Budget 2024

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