An increased allocation in rice subsidies and incentives from RM2.46 billion this year to RM2.6 billion next year, reflects the government's determination to enhance rice and agro-food production in the country, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.

Increase in rice subsidies, farmer incentives to boost agro-food production

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has urged the government to delay by two years its plan to implement mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) coverage for foreign workers in the country, to allow sufficient time for stakeholder consultations.

FMM wants govt to delay mandatory EPF coverage for foreign workers

The government has been told to re-examine the classification of household income so that those who really need aid and petrol subsidies would not be left out, said the Backbenchers Club on Monday.

Its chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said there is a possibility of the needy missing out and there will be some confusion if the classification is still based on the old income class model.

Govt urged to carefully classify household income so that those in need would not be left out of aid and subsidies — Backbenchers Club

The Budget 2025 announced last Friday (Oct 18) has highlighted efforts to strengthen the Madani Economy framework; however, it does not provide the necessary boost required by the oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector, said the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC).

MOGSC sees lack of support for O&G sector in Budget 2025, seeks more tangible support measures

The measures outlined in Budget 2025 aim to reshape the economy by fostering growth and attracting quality investments while balancing fiscal consolidation, "raising the ceiling" for economic growth, and "raising the floor" to elevate living standards, according to analysts.

Budget 2025 aims for growth and elevated living standards — analysts

The government's desire to create a livable and humane People’s Housing Programme (PPR) can be achieved through home purchase tax incentives and provisions for maintenance and upgrading projects as announced under Budget 2025.

Budget 2025 can help achieve livable and humane People’s Housing Programme

While the newly announced Budget 2025 is not a “property budget”, property consultants applaud the introduction of tax relief for housing loan interest payments up to RM7,000, which is expected to encourage first-time homeownership.

In the Budget 2025 tabled last Friday, the government announced individual tax relief for housing loan interest payments to encourage first-home ownership. Tax relief of as much as RM7,000 will be provided for homes worth up to RM500,000, while tax relief of up to RM5,000 will be provided for houses priced between RM500,000 and RM750,000.

Consultants see tax relief for housing loans supporting first-time buyers amid limited property measures in Budget 2025

Malaysia’s record spending plan is set to drive further foreign interest in its assets as the government continues to build on its fiscal reforms, even if the immediate impact on equities is muted.

Budget 2025 poised to draw foreign interest — analysts

The second 5G network can increase the country's competitiveness as well as attract investment from technology-based companies to establish business facilities in Malaysia, said the Academic Coordinator of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Associate Prof Dr Leow Chee Yen.

He said the second 5G network to be announced by the government, as tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat last Friday, will showcase the country's infrastructure development, which is on par with that of developed nations.

Second 5G network can increase country's competitiveness, attract investment — academicians

The new PROTEGE–Veterans programme, mandating contractors to provide jobs for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans, especially those with Technical and Vocational Education and raining (TVET) qualifications will help guarantee employment for MAF personnel after completing their service.

Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (Academic and International), Dr Mohd Hasril Amiruddin, said many low-ranking veterans had problems getting suitable jobs after completing their service.

'PROTEGE-Veteran' provides job assurance for Armed Forces retirees

Malaysia’s government is bracing for public backlash as it commits to rolling back petrol subsidies in mid-2025, a politically sensitive and long-delayed pledge that’s key to convincing investors it’s serious about fiscal reform.

Govt bracing for backlash over fuel subsidy revamp, says Rafizi

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Full Budget 2025 speech

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): The upward adjustment to the windfall profit levy (WPL) threshold for crude palm oil (CPO) announced in Budget 2025 “does not address the financial burdens” posed by the mechanism, the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) said.

Upwards adjustment to palm oil windfall profit levy threshold not sufficient, says MPOA

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Malaysia’s smaller budget deficit for 2025 reflects the government’s continued commitment to gradual fiscal consolidation, S&P Global Ratings said on Saturday.

Malaysia’s smaller budget deficit reflects govt’s commitment to gradual consolidation — S&P

All parties to Israel-Hamas war have agreed that the Gaza ceasefire will take effect at 8.30am local time on Sunday, a few hours earlier than had been anticipated, Qatar announced.

Gaza ceasefire to start on Sunday morning following Israeli approval

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Saturday to argue against a request for his detention to be extended after his arrest earlier this week.

Impeached S Korean president Yoon defends himself in court against longer detention

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will hold talks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to enable the mobile application for the selling and buying of used motorcycles to be integrated with the mySIKAP system for simpler, faster and safer transactions.

MOT, JPJ to discuss integrating app for buying and selling used motorcycles with mySIKAP

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained four more individuals suspected of accepting bribes in return for assisting in processing and approving personal loan applications submitted by a financial consultancy firm.

MACC arrests four more suspects over loan bribery scandal

Phase 3 of the e-invoicing initiative has received over 4,900 early voluntary participants, according to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

In a statement on Saturday, the IRB noted that the e-invoicing implementation had now entered the second phase and shown a promising increase in participation.

Over 4,900 early voluntary participants in Phase 3 of e-invoicing, says IRB

JF Technology Bhd (KL:JFTECH) co-founder and managing director Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, who became the second-largest shareholder of Cosmos Technology International Bhd (KL:COSMOS) on Wednesday, said he intends to tap into the growing opportunities within Malaysia's water infrastructure sector.

JF Tech boss sees water infrastructure potential in Cosmos as he becomes second-largest shareholder

Deutsche Lufthansa AG completed the acquisition of a minority stake in Italian carrier ITA Airways late on Friday after first making an offer for its competitor in January 2023.

Lufthansa finalises deal for 41% stake in Italy’s ITA Airways

Malaysia's economy is projected to grow at a moderate pace of 4.5% to 5.0% in 2025, benefiting from strong economic fundamentals and an uptick in foreign investments, Hong Leong Bank Bhd or HLB (KL:HLBANK) said.

HLB forecasts M'sian economic growth at moderate pace of 4.5% to 5% in 2025

A four-day road ban on goods vehicles will be enforced in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration to alleviate traffic congestion and minimise the risk of accidents.

MOT to enforce road ban on goods vehicles during Chinese New Year

Discussions are underway between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, regarding the licensing of the social media platform, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Budget 2025

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