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): Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will utilise the RM10 million allocated in Budget 2025 to carry out an underground utility mapping study in the federal capital’s golden triangle, said Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

Budget 2025: DBKL to carry out underground utility mapping in KL Golden Triangle

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

Ukrainian forces carried out their first strike on a border region in Russia using Western-supplied missiles as President Vladimir Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine expanding the conditions for using atomic weapons.

Ukraine carries out first strike with US missiles in Russia

Trafigura was accused by Swiss prosecutors of channelling bribes to an Angolan official through a network of former employees, including one nicknamed “Mr Non-Compliant” by the company’s late founder.

Trafigura paid bribes via ‘Mr Non-Compliant,’ say Swiss prosecutors 

IFCA MSC Bhd posted a sharp year-on-year increase in its third quarter net profit, driven by strong revenue growth and operational efficiencies.

Net profit for the quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024) jumped to RM5.5 million, nine times the RM610,000 it made in 3QFY2023, on higher revenue contributions and improved cost management, its bourse filing showed.

IFCA MSC's 3Q profit surges on robust sales, announces plan to cap cash pile at RM70 mil

Comfort Gloves Bhd (KL:COMFORT) posted a wider net loss in the quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024) on higher provisions for slow-moving inventory, write-downs and sizeable foreign exchange loss.

Comfort Gloves' 3Q net loss widens on higher provisions, forex loss

Eden Inc Bhd (KL:EDEN) has bagged a contract worth RM20 million from the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the provision of outsourced food services at the National Cancer Institute.

Eden bags RM20 mil contract to provide food services to National Cancer Institute

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have expressed their hope that the new house arrest Bill proposed by the government will be studied and fine-tuned to ensure an orderly implementation and guarantee public safety.

House arrest Bill needs to be studied, fine-tuned to ensure orderly implementation — IGP

Cape EMS Bhd (KL:CEB) booked its first quarterly loss since its listing in March 2023, with a net loss of RM18.95 million in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024), compared with a net profit of RM15.21 million in the same quarter last year.

Cape EMS posts first quarterly loss since listing amid margin pressure

Despite the looming uncertainty in global trade arising from the US trade policy, economists are largely optimistic on Malaysia’s export growth outlook, citing trade diversions and front-loading opportunities, following October's rebound as growth in electronics and palm oil deliveries offset sharp contraction in shipments of petroleum.

Economists maintain forecasts for Malaysia's export growth despite October's below-forecast rebound

Melaka-based property developer Teladan Group Bhd's (KL:TELADAN) revenue expanded 17.7% to RM80.67 million — the highest since it was listed in March 2021 — for the financial quarter ended Sept 30 (3QFY2024) from RM68.56 million in the same quarter a year ago.

Teladan books record revenue in 3QFY2024; quarterly profit nearly flat

Penang-based SAM Engineering & Equipment (M) Bhd’s (KL:SAM) reported a drop of 23.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in its second quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (2QFY2025) net profits, amid lower contribution from its equipment segment.

Sam Engineering's 2Q net profit falls 24% on-year on lower revenue

THE share price of Johor-based dairy product specialist Farm Fresh Bhd (KL:FFB) plummeted to a low of RM1.06 in July last year — a sharp drop of 21% from its March 2022 initial public offering (IPO) price of RM1.35.

At the time, investor sentiment was shaken by reports of supply constra...

Farm Fresh hits record high — will the stock keep climbing?

Newly confirmed High Court judge Leong Wai Hong has recused himself from hearing 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and 10 other companies' US$346 million (RM1.63 billion) suit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Singaporean Shabnam Naraindas Daswani.

Rosmah succeeds in recusing judge from hearing 1MDB suit against her and Singaporean

(Nov 19):&nbsp;Marina Bay Sands is seeking a loan of around S$12 billion (US$9 billion, or RM40.24 billion), in what would be the largest financing from Singapore, as the company looks to fund the planned expansion of its casino resort in the city state.&nbsp;

Marina Bay Sands eyes Singapore’s largest loan of US$9b — Bloomberg

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): The widow of Tun Daim Zainuddin on Tuesday insisted that the criminal charge against him go for a full trial, confident that he will be exonerated.

Daim’s widow wants trial against her husband to proceed to clear his name

The transformation of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) must begin immediately as a prolonged suspension of the pension fund's activities risks liquidation of its assets, according to a report by the Public Accounts Committee.

Parliament watchdog flags RM5b risk amid LTAT-Boustead restructuring halt, calls for immediate action

LAST Monday, Datasonic Group Bhd (KL:DSONIC) announced that it had bought 51% equity interest in Innov8tif Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM40 million in cash from Revenue Group Bhd (KL:REVENUE).

Innov8tif Holdings and its subsidiaries Innov8tif Solutions Sdn Bhd, Xendity Sdn Bhd and Innov8tif So...

The tale of Innov8tif and five public-listed companies

SINGAPORE (Nov 18): Genting Singapore’s licence to operate a casino here has been renewed for two years with effect from next February.

Genting Singapore receives two-year extension of its casino licence

Malaysia has raised its December export tax for crude palm oil to 10% from 8% and increased its reference price, a circular on the Malaysian Palm Oil Board website showed on Tuesday.

Malaysia raises December crude palm oil export duty to 10%

Emerging Asian stock markets rallied on Tuesday, with Bangkok and Manila trading higher on expectations of rate cuts in the near future, while Singapore stocks hit a 17-year high.

EM stocks rally; Manila, Bangkok up on rate-cut bets

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Tuesday that all immigration counters and automatic gate systems (autogates) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as well as at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar’s customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex in Johor Bahru, must remain open during peak hours to ease congestion.

All immigration counters, autogates at KLIA and Bangunan Sultan Iskandar to stay open during peak hours — home minister

PUTRAJAYA (Nov 19): Imprisoned former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s appeal of his RM1.9 million malfeasance in public office suit against former attorney general (AG) Tan Sri Tommy Thomas has been vacated yet again.

Another COA judge recuses herself, Najib’s appeal in suit against Tommy Thomas postponed

Two of the world’s biggest foreign holders of US government debt offloaded a pile of treasuries in the third quarter as they rallied before the presidential election.

Japan and China dump US treasuries before Trump’s victory

Malaysia’s initial public offering (IPO) market continued to outperform its Southeast Asian peers so far this year, leading in terms of IPO count, funds raised and market capitalisation, according to Deloitte's latest report.

Malaysia's IPO market remains in the lead in Southeast Asia, with highest listings, funds raised, market cap — Deloitte

Malaysia’s poultry players may see an expansion in their profit margins thanks to declining feed expenses and other input costs that will help soften the blow from the ringgit's depreciation, an analyst said.

Poultry sector may see profit margins expand on lower feed costs — MIDF

Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd’s (KL:HIBISCS) net profit fell 51% year-on-year (y-o-y) in its first financial quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (1QFY2025), dragged down by planned shutdowns at four of its assets, lower oil and gas prices and the strengthening ringgit versus the US dollar in the quarter under review.

Lower selling price, volume, strong ringgit drag Hibiscus Petroleum's 1Q profit down by half

CelcomDigi Bhd’s (KL:CDB) short-term outlook may be subdued following an underwhelming third-quarter, though analysts are cautiously betting that earnings will accelerate in 2025.

CelcomDigi's short-term outlook tepid after underwhelming 3Q as analysts bet on 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): Malaysia’s exports rebounded in October this year, as growth in deliveries of electronics and palm oil offset sharp contraction in shipments of petroleum, official data on Tuesday showed.

Malaysia exports rebound in October on shipments of electronics, palm oil

The Malaysian automotive sector could see sustained growth in 4Q2024 on high order backlogs and promotional activities, analysts said after a month-on-month (m-o-m) rebound in October sales.

Backlog to support 4Q auto sales, say analysts after October m-o-m rebound

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will no longer award pharmaceutical procurement contracts to just one company, in order to ensure a secure and stable supply of medication in the country.

No more pharmaceutical procurement through just one company — health minister

Lawyer for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said he has a suspicion fugitive Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, is currently residing in Myanmar under the protection of the military junta there.

Budget 2025

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