Independent Malaysian news, politics and national affairs.
Lau is the Business & Economy Editor at the publication, covering business across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officially launch the fully completed LRT3 Shah Alam Line on Sunday, spanning 37.8 kilometres and serving 20 stations across the corridor.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to accelerate investment in drone and UAV technologies, citing the sector's potential to drive innovation and economic growth. The MyDrone Expo 2026 showcased over 100 booths and attracted delegates from 46 countries.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed government resources to position Malaysia as a regional drone technology hub, pledging enhanced regulatory oversight, research investment, and closer collaboration between public and private sectors.
E-hailing platform Maxim is intensifying efforts to provide accessible, budget-friendly transportation for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income families across Malaysia through specialized services and strategic community partnerships.
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A Malaysian court has heard testimony that an alleged information leak could seriously damage ongoing negotiations between national oil company Petronas and Petros, with a witness describing her shock at the conduct of a former subordinate.
Malaysia will exempt Service Tax on service charges and sinking fund contributions for non-residential buildings from July 1, 2026, reducing operational costs for property management bodies and building occupiers across the country.
The 12-nation CPTPP trade partnership has endorsed the US-Iran agreement and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the critical importance of unimpeded maritime trade and energy security for their economies.
Bank Negara Malaysia has unveiled the Semak Kasih portal to assist beneficiaries in identifying unclaimed insurance policies and takaful certificates belonging to deceased family members, addressing an estimated 50,000 outstanding claims nationwide.
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Malaysia's cabinet has scheduled a special committee meeting for next week to tackle foreign worker challenges across multiple sectors, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi leading discussions.
Water asset management company PAAB celebrates its 20th anniversary, having channelled RM46.88 billion into restructuring Malaysia's water sector and improving supply security across ten states.
A major global consumer survey reveals that 52% of shoppers will pay extra for brands transparent about artificial intelligence use with their data, signalling a shift towards privacy-conscious purchasing.
Ajinomoto Malaysia is accelerating its Middle East expansion through partnerships with two prominent Saudi Arabian chefs, leveraging their culinary influence to promote halal-certified products and umami-focused cuisine across the region.
Petronas is deepening its engagement in Turkmenistan following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit, positioning Malaysia's national oil company as a crucial bridge for strengthened energy cooperation and economic partnerships between the two nations.
The Malaysian Press Institute has mobilised RM1.037 million in contributions and sponsorships for its flagship Malaysia Press Night 2026, scheduled for July. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will grace the occasion.
Petronas fuel supplies will remain stable until August across Malaysia's largest petrol station network, which handles half the nation's fuel demand. A government crisis task force is coordinating energy security amid global tensions.
Malaysia's labour market remained stable in the first half of 2026, with unemployment falling to 6,197 individuals by late June—a 20 per cent drop from May. Government job placement schemes recorded significant gains.
Malaysia is drafting comprehensive legislation to enhance e-commerce platform accountability and create fairer competition between local MSMEs and foreign sellers, with a Cabinet memo expected in July.
Malaysia and Uzbekistan are expanding their agricultural partnership by leveraging complementary expertise in smart farming, aquaculture, and food security technologies. The cooperation aims to double bilateral agri-food trade within five to ten years.
The Malaysian Association of Employment Agencies has introduced a new insurance programme offering domestic workers and employers expanded coverage, including abscondment compensation, hospitalisation benefits, and illness protection previously unavailable.
Malaysia and Indonesia are moving to strengthen their halal industry partnership through the establishment of new bilateral and regional councils aimed at harmonising standards and boosting trade across Southeast Asia and globally.
Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah has revealed that over RM4 billion of the RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility remains undrawn, with approved financing exceeding RM700 million for more than 1,000 enterprises.
Malaysian property developer MRCB has obtained a consent judgment against one defendant in a legal dispute stemming from online criticism of its Shah Alam Stadium redevelopment project, while its lawsuit against a blogger is set to proceed.
Malaysia saw 42,807 workers lose their jobs in the first six months of 2024, with business closures and company downsizing accounting for over 40 percent of cases. The government insists AI is not the primary culprit.
Tourism Malaysia and KL Hop-On Hop-Off operator Elang Wah Sdn Bhd have unveiled a domestic tourism campaign featuring six specially wrapped buses showcasing attractions nationwide ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Malaysia is actively courting Russian investors by deepening its Islamic finance ecosystem. The Securities Commission plans exploratory visits to Central Asia in 2026-2027, while Tatarstan has expressed interest in adopting Malaysia's Islamic finance model.
Malaysia has begun exporting its premium MD2 pineapple variety to New Zealand, a market expected to generate RM4.3 million annually and represent a significant expansion into the Pacific region.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry is prepared to review the BUDI MADANI Diesel subsidy programme based on actual consumption patterns, with initial data showing only 0.76% of users exceed 200-litre monthly quotas.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's significant advancement in the IMD World Competitiveness Index 2026 to the dedication and efficiency of the nation's civil service, reflecting broader institutional improvements.
Malaysia is actively courting German small and medium enterprises to invest in green technology, renewable energy and water management sectors, with discussions also covering technical education partnerships.
The Malaysia Competition Commission has completed a comprehensive study of the housing sector and found no evidence of anti-competitive practices affecting residential property prices or packages, according to a parliamentary statement.
Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development has introduced a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Strategic Plan 2030 to enhance local digital entrepreneurs' capacity, launching platforms and programmes to counter cost disadvantages versus international sellers.
Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming has stressed that maintaining policy consistency under the MADANI framework is vital for Malaysia's economic transformation, investor confidence, and competitive positioning in regional markets.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic missions to Russia and Turkmenistan have opened new avenues for Malaysia's energy security, marking a significant shift in regional engagement strategy.
Sime Darby Property's second real estate development vehicle, New Economy Venture, is raising RM2.6 billion through Islamic financing to expand its portfolio in growth-oriented economic sectors.
Ajinomoto Co Inc has announced a privatisation bid for its Malaysian subsidiary at RM20 per share, seeking to acquire the roughly 50% stake held by public shareholders and delist the company from Bursa Malaysia.
Malaysia's new diesel subsidy programme bringing prices down to RM2.10 per litre is anticipated to reduce transportation costs and consumer prices, with experts emphasizing the need for careful implementation in East Malaysia.
Universiti Utara Malaysia has secured a RM2.47 million damages award in a High Court decision concerning the renovation and management of a property. The court rejected the defendant company's RM7.7 million counterclaim.
Malaysia will maintain its BUDI95 petrol subsidy quota at 200 litres per month while closely monitoring developments in West Asia and their effect on global oil prices, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced.
Japan's Ajinomoto Co Inc, which owns half of Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Bhd, is seeking to take the monosodium glutamate producer private through a RM603.4mil capital reduction, offering minority shareholders a 31.58% premium to the last trading price.
Malaysia's union membership stands at just six per cent of the workforce, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan revealed, pointing to limited worker awareness of union benefits despite 1.06 million members across 786 registered organisations.
The HPM 2026 Carnival in Melaka successfully generated RM8.45 million in business potential through matching sessions and financing opportunities, attracting 70,000 visitors over three days.
Malaysia's government has tabled two competition-related amendment bills aimed at strengthening the Malaysia Competition Commission's investigative and enforcement capabilities, expanding regulatory scope beyond commercial activities.
The Usahawan MADANI Mega 2026 seminar drew 6,877 participants across physical and online platforms, setting a Malaysia Book of Records benchmark for student entrepreneurship engagement.
Investment company QEW has rejected fraud allegations linked to a RM20.45m scheme, contending that 111 investors who launched legal action understood the associated risks beforehand.
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Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry will offer technical and vocational training to workers displaced by the global supply chain crisis, with job placement support through PERKESO's MYFutureJobs platform.
Malaysia is creating a mechanism to prevent imports of goods produced using forced labour, responding to US pressure and international trade compliance requirements. The government faces potential 10% tariffs if it fails to act.
The United States is finalizing its investigation into forced labour practices in Malaysia, with a potential 10 percent tariff looming if violations are substantiated following July 24.
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Malaysia's Domestic Trade Minister has clarified that MADANI Mart is a private retail initiative managed by licensed business entities operating under Yayasan MADANI, not a direct government programme, though it remains subject to ministry enforcement.
Ajinomoto Co Inc, which holds a controlling stake in Ajinomoto Malaysia, is moving to privatise the monosodium glutamate producer for RM603.4 million. Minority shareholders will receive RM20 per share, representing a significant premium to recent trading prices.
Malaysia's BUDI MADANI Diesel programme launching July 1 will trim annual fuel subsidy costs by RM2 billion through eliminating leakages. The MyKad-verified system caps diesel at RM2.10 per litre for 700,000 eligible private vehicle owners.
Malaysia's higher education ministry is reshaping its research strategy away from publication-driven output towards commercialisation, with over 200 university products successfully brought to market since 2022.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Malaysian investors to capitalise on Bangladesh's strengthening business environment and expanding economic opportunities in the South Asian nation.
Selangor will implement assessment tax reduction guidelines for homeowners adopting green technologies from July 1, including solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and electric vehicles, as part of its Resilience Strengthening Package Phase 2.
Selangor has completed all land arrangements for Port Klang's third terminal on Pulau Carey, involving 1,012 hectares of seabed and 774 hectares of land. However, the project remains stalled pending federal government approval on ownership and port jurisdiction.
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Malaysia's government has announced a diesel price reduction to RM2.10 per litre from July, using MyKad verification for eligible citizens. The move reflects the success of targeted subsidy reforms under the MADANI administration.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the federal government returned RM16 billion to Johor over three years, surpassing the state's RM14 billion contribution to federal revenue—highlighting the administration's commitment to equitable regional development.
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Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry is intensifying efforts to improve the governance of foreign worker recruitment from Bangladesh, establishing a Joint Working Group to ensure safe migration and mutual benefit.
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Bangladesh has signalled its ambition to deepen regional engagement by pursuing ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status and exploring membership in the RCEP trade bloc, while expanding bilateral economic cooperation with Malaysia.
Malaysia and Bangladesh have agreed to expand their bilateral partnership into artificial intelligence, energy, and semiconductors, moving beyond traditional sectors like agriculture, PM Anwar Ibrahim announced during talks with visiting Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman.
Nations restocking depleted oil inventories following recent supply disruptions may provide ongoing price support, keeping crude above pre-conflict benchmarks, according to CIMB Securities analysis.
Malaysia's parliament convenes to examine the economic fallout from Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions and their effects on domestic industries, alongside discussions on haj reforms and artificial intelligence governance.
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Sarawak's troubled Tambirat Waterfront project appears headed for litigation after Phase One stalled, threatening to delay Phase Two construction and related regatta celebrations, according to state officials.
Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Steven Sim Chee Keong announced TEKUN Nasional will approve financing below RM20,000 within 24 hours, with a pilot launching within two to three months.
Penang Chinese Town Hall recorded RM12.61mil in revenue for 2025, with donations comprising 89% of income. The organisation achieved a modest surplus while upgrading facilities and planning a regional AI forum.
Malaysia's inflation is expected to stay moderate in the near term, but economists warn the economy remains exposed to global commodity fluctuations and ringgit volatility that could trigger price pressures.
The Malaysian government will reduce subsidised diesel to RM2.10 per litre from July 2026, verified through MyKad. The move aims to provide relief to transporters, traders and small businesses while ensuring subsidy reaches genuine users nationwide.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled constructive momentum in ongoing negotiations between national oil firm Petronas and Sarawak's state-owned Petros, marking potential headway in a longstanding revenue-sharing dispute.
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Rim state constituency in Melaka is pursuing rural economic growth by developing community tourism and supporting local industries including batik production, agricultural products, and homestays, with initiatives like the annual Jamboree Mountain Bike Challenge.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that subsidised diesel will cost RM2.10 per litre from July 2026, implemented through targeted subsidy reform using MyKad verification similar to the BUDI95 petrol scheme.
Malaysia's Housing Ministry will undertake a comprehensive review of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance framework to reduce bureaucracy, enhance digital integration, and support sustainable urban development across the nation.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic tour through Central Asia—visiting Tashkent, Kazan, and Ashgabat—reflects Malaysia's growing recognition that economic statecraft is reshaping geopolitical alignments amid rising trade protectionism.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic missions have yielded significant energy agreements with Russia and Turkmenistan, positioning Malaysia as a strategic hub within BRICS frameworks and enhancing long-term supply security.
Malaysia's government has committed RM9.8 billion in microfinancing through six major institutions to help hawkers and small entrepreneurs access capital more easily, addressing concerns that grassroots traders are excluded from conventional lending.
The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has approved nearly RM100 million in financing for more than 4,300 entrepreneurs in Melaka, reinforcing efforts to expand microenterprises and small-to-medium businesses across the state.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Petronas' growing involvement in Turkmenistan's energy operations enhances Malaysia's standing internationally and unlocks access to significant gas reserves.
Bank Rakyat has successfully issued RM300 million in sukuk securities, drawing from its RM5 billion subordinated sukuk Murabahah framework to enhance financial stability and fund expansion plans.
Takaful IKHLAS, a subsidiary of MNRB Holdings, rolled out its Kasih Korban Programme during Aidiladha, distributing 700 packets of sacrificial meat to 106 asnaf recipients in Seremban. The initiative mobilised RM59,500 in contributions.
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The ASEAN Property Developers Awards 2025/2026 and Top Quality Brand Awards 2025/2026 recognised over 70 industry leaders and organisations for excellence in property development and business innovation across Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding stable oil and gas supplies to Malaysia over the next two decades, bolstering the nation's energy security.
Malaysia's property market faces a surplus of unsold homes worth RM2.77 billion, exposing a fundamental mismatch between what developers build and what households can afford to purchase.
Malaysia's Transport Minister says diesel trains operating the Southern Shuttle between Johor Bahru, Kulai, and Pasir Gudang are temporary. New electric trains will replace them once available, with annual subsidies of RM11-15 million supporting the service.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has outlined a transformational economic strategy centring on advanced technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and artificial intelligence to drive Malaysia's next phase of development.
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Johor's workforce development accelerates with 13,425 employers enrolled in HRD Corp programmes last year, delivering skills training to nearly 480,000 workers. Levy collections topped RM208 million.
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Malaysia's Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show will feature international exhibitors for the first time in 2026, with confirmed participation from seven countries and regions aiming to boost value for local farmers and visitors.
Telekom Malaysia has become strategic partner of Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, contributing RM500,000 to support media practitioners. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged other companies to follow suit as the industry faces declining advertising revenues.
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Malaysia's media industry has welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of an additional RM1 million for the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA welfare fund and continuation of the Media Innovation Fund, seen as crucial support amid technological disruption.
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Malaysia and Thailand are in active negotiations to resolve a temporary suspension on five shrimp species imports, with officials assessing Thailand's biosecurity compliance through a questionnaire response.
Penang is pursuing expanded collaboration with Hungary in higher education, green technology, water management and cultural preservation, following high-level discussions between state leaders and a visiting Hungarian diplomatic delegation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged RM1 million to Tabung Kasih@Hawana 2026, a welfare fund for journalists. The announcement reflects broader government efforts to support and modernize Malaysia's media sector.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia has secured long-term energy agreements with Russia and Turkmenistan, guaranteeing supplies of oil and gas for at least two decades and bolstering the nation's energy security significantly.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has outlined how Malaysia's diplomatic approach of engaging multiple powers while maintaining neutrality strengthens investor confidence and supports economic expansion across the region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Turkmenistan's decision to grant Petronas a stake in one of the world's largest gas fields reflects global confidence in Malaysia's political stability, national unity, and economic competence.
The Malaysian Inland Revenue Board reports that 52,540 taxpayers have voluntarily declared RM4.07 billion in income following the implementation of the e-Invoicing system, which launched on August 1, 2024, signalling improved tax compliance.
Malaysia and Turkmenistan have committed to deepening partnership in energy and economic sectors, with agreements spanning trade, investment, transportation, education and technology following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit.
A group of 111 investors has launched legal action against QEW Group Bhd and its directors over alleged losses of RM20.45 million from a Shariah-compliant investment scheme, raising fresh concerns about oversight of Islamic finance products.
Malaysia's Competition Commission and Department of Statistics have partnered to share data and expertise in monitoring market competition and enforcing fair trade practices across economic sectors.
Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has dismantled a counterfeiting operation in Johor Bahru, seizing goods valued at RM600,000 and detaining four individuals suspected of selling fake branded merchandise.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has updated Perak's Sultan Nazrin Shah on the government's plans to enhance communication infrastructure, expand service coverage across the state, and bolster digital safety measures.
A US-Iran peace agreement could stabilise global oil prices benefiting Malaysia, though supply recovery will take several months as logistics and insurance costs remain elevated from the crisis.
Twenty participants in the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic-MAINPP Entrepreneur programme received motorcycles at a ceremony in Kepala Batas, Penang. The initiative aims to empower the asnaf community through delivery work and structured entrepreneurial support backed by RM400,000 in seed funding.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Turkmenistan's President witnessed PETRONAS signing a strategic partnership in Ashgabat, cementing 30 years of energy sector cooperation and opening doors for Malaysian investment in Central Asia's vast natural gas reserves.
More than 100 investors have taken legal action against QEW Group and its directors at the High Court, seeking recovery of RM20.5 million in lost investment capital from what appears to be a failed investment scheme.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall is investing RM200 million to upgrade 287 hawker sites under its Lestari Niaga 2026 initiative, aimed at benefiting over 11,000 traders with safer, more organised trading environments.
MSCI has raised fresh transparency concerns about Indonesia's stock market, citing opacity in shareholdings and trading behaviour. The index provider's decision next week on whether to downgrade Indonesia from emerging to frontier status could trigger outflows exceeding $13 billion.
Kelantan's Malay Malaysian Chamber of Commerce has raised alarms over foreigners allegedly using marriages to local women and business partnerships to circumvent Malaysian business regulations, particularly in retail and food sectors.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is concluding his official visit to Turkmenistan with intensive high-level discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment opportunities between Malaysia and the Caspian Sea nation.
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The Carey Island port megaproject maintains its development timeline as the Selangor State Government works through final land settlement negotiations, the transport minister confirmed.
AirAsia has inaugurated a direct service between Jakarta and Kota Bharu, aiming to accelerate tourism growth in Kelantan and support the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative through improved regional connectivity.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is visiting Turkmenistan to explore expanded trade, energy cooperation and investment opportunities, signalling Malaysia's strategic focus on Central Asian markets.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has indicated that construction on the Port Klang 3 expansion project could commence within the current calendar year, contingent on resolving outstanding land-related complications with the Selangor state government.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled Malaysia's intention to seriously pursue settlements in local currencies for foreign trade, drawing inspiration from successful bilateral arrangements particularly with China.
Japan's refreshed Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy complements Malaysia's push to become a regional technology hub, with Japanese Ambassador Noriyuki Shikata emphasizing alignment on digital innovation, semiconductor leadership, and strategic economic resilience.
Port Klang Free Zone has generated RM108 million in revenue with 86% of facilities now reactivated, marking a turnaround in the troubled logistics hub's performance over the past 18 months under Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook.
Selangor is resolving land ownership disputes to advance the Port Klang Third Terminal project on Carey Island. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed the government aims to begin construction this year under a Build-Operate-Transfer model involving private sector concessions.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has uncovered a coordinated fraud involving company owners, agents and accountants who exploited personal data to illegally claim approximately RM9 million from a government employment incentive scheme.
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MARA Perlis has been allocated more than RM125 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan to support entrepreneurship programmes, with women entrepreneurs capturing 58% of the funding to strengthen business development in the state.
Austrian electronics manufacturer AT&S is investing RM9.4 billion in a new facility at Kulim industrial park in Kedah, marking a significant endorsement of Malaysia's semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector and regulatory environment.
Malaysia's carbon tax framework remains under refinement, with the government still determining implementation timing while considering industry readiness and policy development.
Malaysia's Transport Ministry has launched Shuttle Selatan, a new rail service connecting Kulai, JB Sentral and Pasir Gudang. The service is projected to benefit more than two million residents across the three municipalities with faster journey times and integrated first-mile connectivity.
Malaysian authorities raided an animal feed factory in Kedah's Kuala Ketil Industrial Area, seizing over 53,000 kilogrammes of wheat flour worth approximately RM100,251 after discovering the facility lacked proper authorisation for storage.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announces government-linked investment companies have boosted Bumiputera business funding to RM2 billion for 2026, marking a significant 54% increase from the prior year's RM1.3 billion.
PERHEBAT and the National Entrepreneurship Institute have partnered to launch an intensive three-month coaching programme aimed at transforming 180 veteran entrepreneurs into successful business owners and millionaires.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is travelling to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin, focusing on securing Malaysia's energy supply and maintaining fuel price stability amid regional geopolitical risks.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Malaysia's economic expansion must benefit all Malaysians, particularly those in rural communities, not just large infrastructure projects.