The Dewan Negara concluded its session on Tuesday after 12 days of sittings from March 3, during which 10 bills were passed.

Dewan Negara concludes 12 days of sittings with 10 bills passed

A survey conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to confirm if the number of X users (formerly Twitter) in the country is below eight million is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

Survey to confirm number of X users in Malaysia to be completed in 3Q, says Teo

KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): The Digital Ministry, through the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), has actively driven AI adoption in the public sector by implementing skills training, fostering engagement, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and undertaking various other strategic initiatives.

Digital Ministry has taken various initiatives to drive AI adoption in public sector

KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): The government does not plan to implement a congestion charge on private vehicles in Kuala Lumpur for now, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

No plans to impose congestion charge for now — Loke

A total of 48 abandoned premises and buildings had been identified in the federal capital as of Feb 20, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

Zaliha: 48 abandoned premises, buildings identified in latest DBKL records

Dewan Negara on Monday passed the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to provide provisions regarding the obligation to pay contributions and contribution rates applicable to foreign workers.

Dewan Negara passes Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (March 24): As part of efforts to accelerate military modernisation, and address emerging security challenges, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is assessing the need for a dedicated cyber force to counter cyber threats and misinformation campaigns.

Mindef mulls creating dedicated cyber force to counter emerging security threats — minister

Dewan Negara on Monday passed the Supplementary Supply Bill (2024) 2025 authorising additional expenditure of RM20.19 billion from the Consolidated Fund for government services.

Senate passes Supplementary Supply Bill (2024) 2025

The Transport Ministry (MOT) is drafting the national action plan on reduction of greenhouse gas emission from ships and ports to strengthen efforts in decarbonising the maritime sector.

The ministry said the action plan outlines short, medium, and long-term measures to ensure compliance with the targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

MOT drafts action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, ports

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) said that a sudden halt to the importation of plastic waste could impact domestic plastic product production and the supply chain of related sectors.

Sudden halt to plastic waste imports could affect industry, gradual shift needed — Miti

The Dewan Negara on Thursday passed the Parliamentary Service Bill 2025, which aims, among others, to ensure the effectiveness of Parliament in carrying out its functions as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

Dewan Negara passes Parliamentary Service Bill 2025

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the culture of establishing companies and maintaining unprofitable companies must stop immediately.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the government is implementing strict monitoring of companies under government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs).

He said that so far, only a small number of GLICs and GLCs have been closed.

Practice of maintaining unprofitable firms in government-linked companies must end — Anwar

Government-linked investment companies (GLICs) have been urged to make domestic direct investments (DDIs) of about RM120 billion over five years to stimulate the country's economic growth, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

GLICs urged to invest around RM120b over five years for economic growth, says Anwar

The Ministry of Economy will ensure that an integrated and appropriate policy focusing on high-growth and high-value (HGHV) industries continues in the preparation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to boost the economy towards a higher and more complex value chain.

Rafizi: 13MP to continue integrated policy, focus on high-growth and high-value industries

Asian markets will likely come under pressure Tuesday after US stocks, bonds and the dollar were sold off as President Donald Trump ramped up criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Asian stocks face pressure after selloff in US

Heavy selling lashed Wall Street anew Monday, with longer-dated Treasuries joining stocks and the dollar in a deepening slump, after President Donald Trump’s censure of Jerome Powell’s interest-rate policy sowed angst among investors already coping with a global trade war.

US stocks, bonds sink in broad retreat from American assets

The US set new duties on solar imports from four Southeast Asian nations that together provide the country with the bulk of its panels.

US imposes new duties on solar imports from Malaysia, Southeast Asia

(April 21): U.S. bond funds came under heavy selling pressure in the week to April 16, highlighting concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures could fuel inflation and push the economy into a recession.

Investors divested U.S. bond funds for a fifth successive week to t...

US bond funds suffer fifth weekly outflow on tariff-driven inflation fears

(April 22): The sell-America trade gathered momentum on Monday on concern President Donald Trump will act upon his threat of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and implement policies that lead to a recession.

The dollar and US stocks slid in thinner-than-normal, post-hol...

Trump’s push against Powell adds to doubts of US’s haven status

(April 22): Analysts are busy slashing earnings estimates in the US due to the risk of a severe economic slowdown, according to Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson.

The S&P 500’s earnings revisions breadth — or analyst estimates upgrades versus downgrades — is now at levels rarely ...

US profit outlook rarely this sour, Morgan Stanley’s Wilson says

Cocoa futures climbed to the highest in more than two weeks after key processing data, often used as a proxy for global demand, beat expectations last week.

Cocoa extends gains after global processing topped expectations

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there’s no agreement yet with her US counterpart Donald Trump after the two spoke last week about US tariffs on some of its southern neighbour’s goods.

Mexico’s Sheinbaum says trade talks continue after Trump call

(April 21): Bitcoin rallied to its highest level since US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, as the dollar slumped amid renewed fears over the US president’s efforts to remove Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell.

Bitcoin rebounds as Trump’s push against Powell weakens dollar

A gauge of future US economic activity fell sharply in March, potentially flagging tepid growth this year amid tariffs.

US leading indicator declines sharply in March amid tariffs

Medium-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X Bhd (KL:AAX) on Monday said that it will be increasing its flight frequency for the Kuala Lumpur to Almaty, Kazakhstan, route in the next quarter amid surging demand.

AirAsia X to increase flight frequency for KL-Almaty route as travel demand grows

The US set new duties on solar imports from four Southeast Asian nations that together provide the country with the bulk of its panels.

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

Panasonic Manufacturing, CIMB, WCE, Cahya Mata, Astino, KIP REIT, Salcon, HHRG, GDP, Ho Hup Construction Co, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering

The US economy could slow down unless interest rates are lowered immediately, President Donald Trump said on Monday, repeating his criticism of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.

Trump warns of economic slowdown unless Fed cuts rates

Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Bhd’s (KL:MHB) wholly owned unit received a notice of arbitration from its subcontractor Haumea Offshore Sdn Bhd (previously known as Trans Fame Offshore Sdn Bhd or TFO) in relation to the Bokor Phase 3 redevelopment project in Sarawak.

MHB unit receives RM57 mil arbitration notice from subcontractor in relation to Bokor Phase 3 project

Malaysia appreciates the recent policies introduced in China, as the government actively formulates measures to stimulate domestic consumption.

Malaysia welcomes China’s policies to boost domestic consumption — Zafrul

After defaulting on loan facilities last week, Ho Hup Construction Co Bhd (KL:HOHUP) is seeking a court order to facilitate the restructure of its debt.

Ho Hup seeks court order to formulate scheme of arrangement

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an internal investigation after one of its officers was inspected by police in the recent Op Noda Khas at an entertainment outlet in Kuala Lumpur.

MACC officer facing internal probe after being inspected by cops in entertainment outlet

Indonesia’s rapidly expanding franchise industry presents significant growth opportunities for Malaysian businesses seeking to strengthen their regional footprint, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Indonesia, with a population exceeding 270 million and a growing middle class, is now recognised as one of the most dynamic and strategic markets for franchising in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s booming franchise market opens doors for Malaysian brands — Ahmad Zahid

Asian markets will likely come under pressure Tuesday after US stocks, bonds and the dollar were sold off as President Donald Trump ramped up criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

(April 22):&nbsp;Analysts are busy slashing earnings estimates in the US due to the risk of a severe economic slowdown, according to Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson.

The S&amp;P 500’s earnings revisions breadth — or analyst estimates upgrades versus downgrades — is now at levels rarely ...

European equity funds drew massive inflows in the week ended April 16, while US funds faced hefty outflows, as investors continued to shift capital on concerns over US trade tariffs and mounting worries over the strength of the US economy.

Investors pour into European equity funds, flee US on tariff woes

Heavy selling lashed Wall Street anew Monday, with longer-dated Treasuries joining stocks and the dollar in a deepening slump, after President Donald Trump’s censure of Jerome Powell’s interest-rate policy sowed angst among investors already coping with a global trade war.

(April 21): U.S. bond funds came under heavy selling pressure in the week to April 16, highlighting concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures could fuel inflation and push the economy into a recession.

Investors divested U.S. bond funds for a fifth successive week to t...

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Johor government to strengthen infrastructure, expand Internet network coverage and enhance public awareness of cybersecurity and digital literacy.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said RM300 million in funding has been allocated over two years to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday.

MCMC, Johor govt sign MOU to boost digital infrastructure, programmes

As goes the price of oil, so go US rig fleets, which have been getting idled on the shale patch. BloombergNEF has issued its latest energy outlook before the group holds a summit in New York later this month. And exactly what are those rare earth metals China is guarding?

Five key charts to watch in commodity markets this week

A gauge of future US economic activity fell sharply in March, potentially flagging tepid growth this year amid tariffs.

Cocoa futures climbed to the highest in more than two weeks after key processing data, often used as a proxy for global demand, beat expectations last week.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there’s no agreement yet with her US counterpart Donald Trump after the two spoke last week about US tariffs on some of its southern neighbour’s goods.

(April 22):&nbsp;The sell-America trade gathered momentum on Monday on concern President Donald Trump will act upon his threat of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and implement policies that lead to a recession.

The dollar and US stocks slid in thinner-than-normal, post-hol...

Parliament

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