Over the past decade, more than 50% of fresh graduates had been drawing a starting salary of below RM2,000 a month, said the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in the Economic Outlook Report 2025.

Majority of fresh graduates entered job market with insufficient earnings

The Madani economy framework has set targets for compensation of employees (CE) to GDP at 40% by 2025 and 45% by 2033. This was 33.1% in 2023.

Low average wage growth highlights need for meaningful hikes  

The federal government's debt is projected to rise at a slower pace of 6% in 2025 compared with 7.5% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in its Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates report.

Federal govt debt growth seen slowing to 6% in 2025, still within 64% of GDP — MOF

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 18): The federal government’s committed guarantee, which forms its debt and liabilities exposures, increased to RM231.4 billion as at end-June 2024, against RM227.4 billion in 2023.

Federal govt’s committed guarantees rise to RM231.4b as at end-June 2024, lifting total to RM407.8b

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 18): The federal government plans to rein in its development expenditure in 2025 with more “strategic” spending, putting a cap on the rise in spending over the past decade.

Development expenditure to plateau with ‘strategic’ spending after peaking in 2023

In anticipation of a better economic outlook on both domestic and external fronts, Malaysia's labour market is poised to remain stable in 2025. The unemployment rate is expected to drop further to 3.1%, reaching its lowest point in a decade as the economy gains momentum and structural reforms take effect.

Unemployment rate to hit decade low of 3.1% in 2025

The federal government expects to hit a fresh record high of RM339.71 billion in 2025, up 5.5% against a revised estimate of RM322.05 billion in 2024, driven by an increase in both direct and indirect tax collection, according to the Ministry of Finance’s (MOF) 2025 Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates.

Public revenue seen reaching record RM339.7b in 2025, but only 16.3% of GDP

As of the end of August 2024, the number of registered low-skilled foreign workers accounted for 2.5 million persons, nearing the allowable threshold of 15% of total employment, according to the Ministry of Finance in its 2025 Economic Outlook report.

Number of low-skilled foreign workers near allowable threshold at end-August 2024

The federal government's debt service charges (DSC) are expected to reach RM54.7 billion in 2025, a 7.7% rise from RM50.8 billion projected in 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance's (MOF) Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates report.

Debt service charges to rise to RM54.7 bil in 2025, up 7.7% y-o-y

Malaysia's headline inflation may accelerate in 2025 to its fastest in eight years as the Ministry of Finance (MOF) flagged potential price pressures from subsidy rationalisation and external shocks.

Inflation in Malaysia may hit eight-year high in 2025 as MOF flags subsidy rationalisation

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will cover an area governed by six local authorities in Iskandar Malaysia and Pengerang, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The sites in southern Johor proposed by the state government would span an area about five times larger than Singapore, the ministry said in the 2025 Economic Outlook report.

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone to cover Iskandar Malaysia, Pengerang

Malaysia’s economy is projected to expand steadily as household spending picks up while business investments and exports continue to rise, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

Malaysia's economy to expand steadily after 2024 forecast revised up — MOF report 

Malaysia’s current account balance will improve this year as well as in 2025 after hitting a 26-year low in 2023, thanks to exports, tourism activities, and investment, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said.

Malaysia’s current-account surplus will widen further after 26-year low in 2023

The government will implement the global minimum tax (GMT) on multinational enterprises (MNEs) in as early as January 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen the country's tax base, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in its Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates Report.

Global minimum tax on multinational enterprises to start as early as January — MOF

A total of 8,000 businesses in Kuala Lumpur renewed their business licences within two months after a new multi-year renewal initiative was introduced in July.

A total of 8,000 businesses renew DBKL licences in two months — Hannah

Saudi Arabia is planning an offensive against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, with options being considered including a coastal push to secure the Red Sea shipping route or an assault on multiple fronts, regional and Western officials told Reuters.

The operation, expected to be launched in the coming weeks, will by led by Yemeni forces on the ground, which are overseen by Riyadh, and supported by Saudi air strikes, according to six people with knowledge of the preparations.

Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) said its wholly‑owned Indonesian unit, PT Perindustrian Sawit Synergi (PT PSS), has received the arbitral award in a dispute involving the termination of a gas supply agreement.

KLK says arbitral award received in gas supply dispute in Indonesia, won't have material impact on earnings

Malaysia is exploring cooperation with Embraer Defense & Security of Brazil to join the company's regional and global supply chain.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the matter was discussed during a courtesy call by the company’s chief commercial officer, Frederico Lemos, at Wisma Pertahanan on Friday.

Malaysia explores opportunities to join Embraer aerospace supply chain

Construction of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Multi-Purpose Mission Ship 1 (MPMS 1) is progressing smoothly and ahead of schedule, with the vessel expected to begin its voyage home in late January next year.

Multi-Purpose Mission Ship 1 construction ahead of schedule, voyage home in January

Group of Seven countries agreed on Friday on the release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from emergency reserves in a move cheered by US President Donald Trump as he seeks help to cool off surging fuel prices linked to the Iran war.

G7 countries agree on release of diesel and oil stocks after US pressure

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 2): PMCK Bhd (KL:PMCK) has proposed to diversify into the import and supply of medical consumable products by acquiring Derberg Sdn Bhd and Marpoliq Sdn Bhd for RM52.77 million in cash.

In a Bursa filing on Friday, the healthcare services provider said it had entered i...

PMCK to diversify into import and supply of medical consumables with RM53m acquisitions 

Builder Inta Bina Bhd (KL:INTA) has launched its second property development project — a 499-unit serviced apartment project — in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, with a projected gross development value of RM290.96 million.

Inta Bina undertakes RM291m serviced apartment project in Bukit Jelutong

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

Gas Malaysia, PETRONAS Chemicals, TXCD, Berjaya Corp, Zetrix AI, Country Heights, Lim Seong Hai, Mah Sing, Kinergy Advancement 

SEPANG (Oct 2): The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has become a showcase of Bahrain's prowess at staging world-class sporting events, as evident in the preparations for the hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia which took less than 10 weeks to be completed.

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Sepang a showcase of Bahrain's prowess at staging world-class events

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 2): Country Heights Holdings Bhd (KL:CHHB) said its 80.90%-owned subsidiary Golden Horse Palace Bhd (GHPB) has been served with a winding-up petition over two outstanding Industrial Court awards.

Palace of the Golden Horses operator served winding-up petition over industrial court award claim

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will suspend MyEG Sdn Bhd and Zetrix AI Bhd (KL:ZETRIX), both under MYEG Group, as its collection agents effective 12.01am on Oct 5, 2026.

JPJ suspends MYEG Group’s services as collection agent from Oct 5

Berjaya Hills Resort Bhd, part of Berjaya Corp Bhd (KL:BJCORP), said the enforcement on its properties by the Pahang authorities was “unconscionable and totally unacceptable”.

Berjaya calls enforcement on its hill resort ‘unconscionable and totally unacceptable’ amid quit rent hike dispute

Zetrix AI Bhd's (KL:ZETRIX) shares fell to a 13-year low of 10 sen in intraday trade on Friday following reports that the company owes the government more than RM200 million it had collected on behalf of the Road Transport Department (popularly known as JPJ).

Zetrix AI falls to 13-year low of 10 sen following reports it owes JPJ RM200m

PETRONAS Chemicals Group Bhd (KL:PCHEM) announced on Friday that its chief executive officer Mazuin Ismail will retire effective Jan 1, 2027.

PETRONAS Chemicals announces CEO's retirement, Izwan Ismail to take over effective Jan 1, 2027

A months-long crisis over the monarchy in a small Malaysian state has become a potential stumbling block for the United Malays National Organization, which had been gaining ground on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Negeri Sembilan crisis complicates Umno’s comeback

Passenger service for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is expected to commence in February 2027, with all system tests and trial runs targeted for completion by Dec 31 this year.

RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) said in a statement on Friday that the timeline takes into account the expected duration of the remaining works, as well as the time required for safety certification by a third party and approvals from the grantors of both countries.

RTS Link passenger service expected to begin in February 2027

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

UWC Bhd (KL:UWC) rose to a fresh high on Friday as analysts flagged upside for the engineering services firm from Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing semiconductor supply chain.

UWC shares hit fresh high with new ‘buy’ call from UBS

Malaysian manufacturers must accelerate the adoption of automation to boost productivity and reduce their dependence on foreign labour, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin.

Manufacturers urged to speed up automation as govt cuts foreign worker quotas

The chief executive of Thai Airways, Chai Eamsiri, has been fired by the company's board following the flag carrier's chaotic response to the heavy floods that hit Bangkok last week, he told reporters on Friday.

Thai Airways chief says fired by board after Bangkok flood chaos

Both the SME Association of Malaysia and Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) have called on the government to defer any minimum wage increase for now, citing challenging operating conditions.

SME Malaysia, MRCA seek deferment of minimum wage review

Seal Incorporated Bhd (KL:SEAL) non-interested shareholders are advised to vote in favour of providing associate company MSR Green Energy Sdn Bhd (MSRGE) a corporate guarantee of RM58.72 million to help it complete several solar projects.

Seal Inc shareholders advised to back RM58.7m corporate guarantee for associate firm

James Dyson’s vacuum cleaner maker has ramped up its annual dividend to the billionaire’s family holding company following years of declining payouts for one of Britain’s richest entrepreneurs.

Dyson’s US$995 mil dividend reverses years of falling payouts

Group of Seven countries agreed on Friday on the release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from emergency reserves in a move cheered by US President Donald Trump as he seeks help to cool off surging fuel prices linked to the Iran war.

The SME Association of Malaysia (SMEAM) and Malaysia&nbsp;Retail Chain Association (MRCA) have stressed the need for stronger enforcement of e-commerce and product regulations as the government prepares to revise the country’s e-commerce law, amid concerns over the influx of low-priced products through online cross-border e-commerce platforms.

SME, retail groups call for stronger enforcement amid revision of E-Commerce Act

The Putrajaya Media Club (KMP) has lodged reports with police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over a social media post that altered an image of journalists covering Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to his late wife’s grave.

Putrajaya Media Club lodges reports over altered image of journalists covering Mahathir

Meridian Bhd's (KL:MERIDIAN) auditors are doubting survival of the property company, drawing attention to multiple material uncertainties and missing accounting records.

Auditor doubts Meridian’s survival, flags missing records

An unemployed woman was fined RM24,000 by the Sessions Court here on Friday after pleading guilty to two charges of fraudulently transferring RM1.1 million belonging to a retiree into her own bank account eight years ago.

Unemployed woman fined RM24,000 for RM1.1 mil fraudulent transfer of retiree's savings

（吉隆坡2日讯）陆路交通局（JPJ）将于2026年10月5日凌晨12时01分起，暂停MYEG Group旗下My E.G.私人有限公司及Zetrix AI Bhd（KL:ZETRIX）两家公司作为收款代理的资格。

Economic Report 2024/2025

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Economic Report 2024/2025

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