The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. It may have been relocated, revised, or removed from the site.
Please verify the web address for any typing errors. Alternatively, you can attempt a new search using relevant keywords.
Consider navigating back to the homepage to explore other available content. Our website structure is regularly updated for improved user experience.
A new regional trade agreement focused on the digital economy is set to transform business prospects for small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Southeast Asia. The upcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) aims to dismantle long-standing barriers to cross-border commerce, offering streamlined processes for online trade. This initiative promises to level the playing field, enabling smaller businesses to compete more effectively across the region.
Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, highlighted the practical benefits for local entrepreneurs. He explained that current challenges, such as differing customs procedures and incompatible payment systems, often hinder SMEs from expanding beyond their home markets. Once implemented, DEFA will harmonise product classifications, simplify approvals, and integrate digital payment platforms, making it far easier for a Malaysian business, for example, to sell goods in Indonesia or Thailand.
The agreement is not limited to physical goods but also encompasses digital services, creating avenues for professionals, freelancers, and tech firms to access new ASEAN markets. Minister Tengku Zafrul stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that SMEs constitute 99 percent of all businesses in the region and are the true backbone of its economy. He affirmed that DEFA is designed to ensure these smaller players reap the rewards of regional integration, rather than just large multinational corporations.
In addition to digital trade, ASEAN is prioritising support for SMEs in adapting to green and sustainability standards, which are becoming critical for international market access. The minister acknowledged that while large firms can invest heavily to meet these requirements, smaller enterprises need coordinated assistance. A regional framework is therefore being established to help them navigate the transition toward more sustainable operations.
The 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur will serve as a key platform for advancing the DEFA negotiations, with a target for conclusion by year-end. Minister Tengku Zafrul underscored the collective strength of ASEAN, describing it as an economic bloc that commands global investor attention due to its scale and integrated supply chains. This regional cohesion, he concluded, ultimately translates into greater stability, more investment, and expanded opportunities for Malaysian businesses and workers.
A significant government assistance program in Malaysia has seen nearly 13 million citizens utilize financial aid to purchase essential items, with total spending hitting RM1 billion. The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative is designed to support low-income households by enabling them to buy necessary goods at designated retailers. This effort is part of a broader strategy to alleviate financial pressure on vulnerable groups across the country.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan highlighted the program’s success, noting that it has been particularly impactful in rural and interior regions. In Sabah, more than 98 percent of the 1.2 million eligible recipients have redeemed their aid, while in Labuan, 65 percent of nearly 50,000 eligible individuals have accessed their RM100 allocation. The minister also refuted claims that the MyKad redemption process posed difficulties for senior citizens or rural residents, pointing to high uptake rates in states such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The initiative has also provided a boost to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which have experienced increased sales as a result of the additional purchasing power. The number of participating retail outlets has grown from 7,300 at the start of the year to over 8,100 nationwide. In addition, the SARA program was expanded on April 1 to cover 5.4 million recipients, a substantial increase from the previous 700,000, while the separate Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid program benefits nearly nine million Malaysians.
Recipients can use the SARA aid to purchase a wide range of essential goods, including staple foods like rice, bread, and eggs, cooking ingredients such as oil and flour, canned items, instant noodles, personal hygiene products, household cleaning supplies, medicine, stationery, and uniforms. According to the minister, these categories are intended to help families meet both their daily nutritional requirements and other essential household needs at reasonable prices, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
The official launch of NCT InnoSphere, the first certified Managed Industrial Park (MIP) in Northern Malaysia, at the Delapan Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. KUALA LUMPUR: NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group), together with Northern Gateway (NGX), has launched NCT InnoSphere, adding to its portfolio of managed industrial parks (MIPs).
The project, the first certified of its kind in the Delapan Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, is planned as an eight-phase development with an estimated gross development value of RM1.10 billion. Under the joint development agreement, NCT Group will undertake planning, construction and ecosystem development, while NGX, as landowner and facilitator, will handle infrastructure works, utilities and regulatory coordination.
Founder and group managing director Datuk Sri Yap Ngan Choy said the new park will boost long-term growth in the northern region and support national efforts to diversify logistics channels. “NCT InnoSphere is designed to harness the strengths of cross-border trade, logistics efficiency and smart infrastructure, creating a significant platform for advanced industries such as semiconductors, electrical and electronics, and smart logistics to flourish,” he said in a statement.
“As with NSIP, our goal is to foster a resilient environment on a foundation of digital readiness and innovation,” he said. Like NCT’s earlier NSIP project, Yap said the new park aims to foster a resilient industrial ecosystem anchored on digital readiness and innovation.
The project will comprise more than 230 units in semi-detached, detached, cluster, terrace and built-to-suit configurations to serve a range of businesses. The development has received a Silver Provisional GreenRE Certification, making it the first MIP in northern Malaysia with such recognition.
Bursa Malaysia closed marginally higher on Monday, in tandem with the positive performance of regional peers, said an analyst. NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM At 5 pm, the FBM KLCI added 1.90 points to end at 1,610.95, compared with last Friday’s close. The benchmark index opened 0.70 of a point higher at 1,609.75, and moved between 1,606.76 and 1,613.53 throughout the day.
The market breadth was, however, negative with decliners outnumbering gainers 645 to 459, while 487 counters were unchanged, 1,057 untraded, and 124 suspended. Turnover narrowed to 3.77 billion units worth RM2.47 billion, from 4.16 billion units worth RM3.17 billion on Friday. Rakuten Trade vice-president Thong Pak Leng noted that key regional indices ended higher with strong buying seen in electric vehicle (EV) and technology stocks.
On the local front, he said the market had been showing healthier signs of participation, suggesting sentiment is slowly turning more upbeat. Despite remaining in consolidation mode, the benchmark index appears to be building strength, underpinned by improving confidence. “If this momentum continues, it could pave the way for an advance toward 1,620 points, reinforcing the cautiously optimistic outlook.
Hence, we anticipate the FBM KLCI to trend within the range of 1,590-1,620 for the week,” Thong told Bernama. Among the heavyweight stocks, CIMB bounced 12 sen to RM7.37, Axiata rallied seven sen to RM2.67, and MRDIY rose five sen to RM1.67. CelcomDigi gained four sen to RM3.70, and IHH Healthcare added 10 sen to RM7.55.
In active trade, EA Holdings, MTouche, and NexG were flat at half a sen, 6.5 sen, and 9.5 sen, respectively. Pharmaniaga added two sen to 28.5 sen, Tanco dropped two sen to 88 sen, and Velesto shaved half a sen to 24 sen. CBH Engineering gained three sen to 47 sen.
في مشهد يعكس تعقيدات قطاع العقارات، تبرز ظاهرة التسويق التضليلي كتحدٍ جديد يهدد شفافية السوق واتخاذ القرارات السليمة. يحذر خبراء الصناعة من أن المبالغة في تقارير المبيعات، خاصة تلك التي تزعم بيع مشاريع بالكامل خلال ساعات أو أيام، تشوه التصورات الحقيقية لقوة السوق. تتفاقم هذه الممارسات عبر منصات التواصل الاجتماعي، مما يغذي المشاعر المضاربة ويخفي مواطن الضعف الهيكلية العميقة.
أكد صامويل تان، الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة أوليف تري للاستشارات العقارية، خلال ندوة عبر الإنترنت بعنوان “عقارات جوهور تحت المجهر: قصة نمو أم فقاعة مخاطرة؟” أن الادعاءات المبالغ فيها حول البيع الفوري أصبحت شائعة بشكل متزايد. أوضح تان: “نشاهد اليوم منشورات على وسائل التواصل تعلن عن فعاليات بيع ليوم واحد حيث يتم إطلاق المشاريع والإعلان عن بيعها بالكامل فوراً. هذه الادعاءات قد تكون صحيحة جزئياً أو كلياً، وفي بعض الحالات تكون مختلقة بالكامل”.
كشف مسؤولون في القطاع عن تورط بعض المطورين ووكالات التسويق في تضخيم أرقام المبيعات بشكل مصطنع. وفقاً لمستشار عقاري رفيع المستوى، قد يتم “حجز” الوحدات بدفع مبلغ رمزي لا يتجاوز بضع مئات من الرينجت، ثم يتم الترويج لها على أنها مبيعات مكتملة. في حالات أخرى، يتم الإبلاغ عن الحجوزات الأولية على أنها معاملات مؤكدة، مما يعزز تصور الطلب الساحق.
أشار الخبراء إلى أن هذه التكتيكات تخلق وهم الطلب الهائل، مما يحفز سلوك القطيع بين المستثمرين ويضلل المشترين الحقيقيين. كما حذروا من أن تداول الإعلانات الكاذبة أو المبالغ فيها يهدد الثقة طويلة المدى في القطاع إذا لم يتم معالجته بشكل فعال.
دعا الخبراء إلى تعزيز آليات الرقابة وفرض عقوبات قانونية على التواطؤ بين المطورين ووكالات التسويق. كما اقترحوا اعتماد منصات إلكترونية شفافة لتقديم بيانات دقيقة عن المعاملات العقارية في الوقت الفعلي. شددوا على أن مواءمة العرض مع احتياجات السوق الحقيقية هي السبيل الوحيد لتحقيق نمو مستدام وتجنب التشوهات الناتجة عن الضجيج المضارب.
تشهد ولاية جوهور الماليزية تسارعاً ملحوظاً في تحولها إلى مركز استثماري رائد، وذلك عقب نجاحها في جذب اهتمام أربع شركات يابانية كبرى خلال لقاءات ثنائية حصرية ضمن فعاليات أسبوع جوهور في معرض أوساكا 2025. مثلت هذه الشركات قطاعات استراتيجية عالية القيمة تشمل الأجهزة الطبية، الأدوية، المكملات الغذائية، التصنيع الدقيق، المنتجات الغذائية والكيماويات.
قاد رئيس لجنة التجارة والاستثمار في جوهور لي تينغ هان، وبمشاركة المستشار الاقتصادي للولاية داتوك سيري حسني محمد وممثلين عن استثمر في جوهور والمركز الماليزي لتسهيل الاستثمار، سلسلة اللقاءات الاستثمارية في أوساكا. وأوضح لي أن هذه اللقاءات أسفرت عن إعلان الشركات الأربع عن اهتمام قوي بالاستثمار في جوهور، لاسيما ضمن المنطقة الاقتصادية الخاصة بين جوهور وسنغافورة.
تأتي هذه التطورات في إطار منتدى الاستثمار المشترك مع بنك سوميتومو ميتسوي Banking Corporation الذي شهد مشاركة 60 شركة يابانية. وأكد لي أن هذا الاهتمام يعكس مكانة جوهور كمركز استراتيجي ومدخل موثوق إلى دول الآسيان، مشيراً إلى أن الشركات اليابانية تجلب معها الخبرات التكنولوجية المتقدمة وقدرات تطوير سلاسل التوريد التي تتناغم مع النمو المستدام للنظام الصناعي في الولاية.
من المتوقع أن تساهم هذه الاستثمارات في خلق فرص عمل عالية القيمة، وتسريع نقل التكنولوجيا، وتعزيز أجندة جوهور المتقدمة 2030 والمنطقة الاقتصادية الخاصة. وتستند خطة التطوير الطويلة الأجل للولاية إلى تعزيز الصناعات الرئيسية، وخلق وظائف عالية الجودة، وتحسين مستوى المعيشة مع الحفاظ على التوازن بين النمو الاقتصادي والاستدامة البيئية.
بلغت الاستثمارات المحققة في جوهور أكثر من 56 مليار رينغيت ماليزي مع منتصف عام 2025، مما أسفر عن خلق أكثر من 8000 فرصة عمل. كما عزز إطلاق المنطقة المالية الخاصة في فورست سيتي من دور جوهور كبوابة مالية في جنوب شرق آسيا، بينما تعمقت التعاون مع اليابان في مجالات أشباه الموصلات، الأمن السيبراني والطاقة المتجددة، مما يعزز مكانة الولاية كوجهة استثمارية عالمية.
Hong Kong’s property sector continues to face significant headwinds, as evidenced by New World Development Co’s latest financial results. The prominent developer reported a substantial loss for the fiscal year ending June 30, marking its second consecutive year in the red amid ongoing market challenges.
The company’s financial performance deteriorated further, with losses from continuing operations reaching HK$16.3 billion compared to HK$11.8 billion the previous year. These figures reflect substantial one-time impairment charges and operational losses that have compounded the developer’s financial strain during the prolonged property downturn.
Management has been actively pursuing financial stabilization measures, including securing a HK$3.95 billion loan facility and completing an US$11 billion refinancing arrangement earlier this year. The company is also engaged in discussions with potential investors, including Blackstone Inc, regarding additional capital infusion opportunities to strengthen its financial position.
Market conditions remain challenging across New World’s core business segments. Both Hong Kong and mainland China’s residential markets continue to struggle, with Hong Kong home values still approximately 30% below their 2021 peak. Commercial property values have also declined sharply, with office and retail space prices down 48% and 41% respectively from their 2018 highs.
The developer’s difficulties have been compounded by internal changes, including leadership transitions following Adrian Cheng’s departure last September. As one of Hong Kong’s major property firms, New World’s ongoing challenges reflect broader sectoral pressures that continue to impact the region’s real estate landscape.
A significant shift in Malaysia’s fuel subsidy framework is now in effect, with the nationwide implementation of the BUDI95 initiative commencing at midnight. This program grants over 16 million eligible citizens access to RON95 petrol at a fixed price of RM1.99 per liter, a notable reduction from the previous subsidized rate of RM2.05. The rollout marks a pivotal moment in the government’s effort to reform its subsidy system, transitioning from a broad-based model to one that is more targeted and efficient.
The initiative was first introduced in a phased manner, initially benefiting 300,000 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police. This was subsequently expanded to include more than five million recipients from the B40 demographic under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) program. The initial response has been highly encouraging, with transactions totaling RM3.7 million recorded on the first day alone, demonstrating strong uptake among the eligible groups and validating the program’s initial phase.
A central feature of BUDI95 is its monthly allocation of 300 liters per qualified individual, a volume deemed sufficient for 98 to 99 percent of the Malaysian population according to current usage data. This ensures that the vast majority of citizens, including daily commuters and families, continue to enjoy affordable fuel prices. The new system is designed to be straightforward for users, requiring only a MyKad or a valid driver’s license for automatic eligibility verification at the point of purchase, with the option to use a preferred digital wallet application.
This targeted approach directly addresses the shortcomings of the previous bulk subsidy system, which was fiscally unsustainable with annual expenditures reaching approximately RM20 billion in 2023 and 2024. The old model was also prone to significant leakage, with over 20 percent of subsidized fuel estimated to have been accessed by ineligible parties, including non-citizens and commercial entities. By restricting the subsidy to eligible citizens, BUDI95 effectively closes these loopholes and prevents such misuse.
Ultimately, BUDI95 represents more than just a fuel price control mechanism; it symbolizes a broader transformation towards a more prudent and equitable fiscal policy. The substantial savings generated from this reform are expected to be reallocated to critical national sectors such as education, healthcare, and social development. This initiative successfully balances public welfare with fiscal responsibility, creating a more sustainable economic model for the nation’s future. For further information, the public is encouraged to consult the official BUDI95 portal or contact the dedicated helpline.
A devastating collision at the Bukit Kajang toll plaza has highlighted the severe consequences of neglecting vehicle maintenance and safety protocols. The accident, which took place on the 27th, involved a commercial lorry that lost control and crashed into three other vehicles waiting at the toll booths. This resulted in the tragic death of an infant and injuries to seven other individuals.
Investigations into the crash identified a malfunction in the lorry’s braking system as the primary cause. It was further revealed that the transport firm responsible for the vehicle operated a very small fleet of only two lorries. Transport Minister Anthony Loke used this detail to underscore that regular maintenance is a fundamental duty for all operators, regardless of fleet size, and is not solely covered by mandatory PUSPAKOM inspections.
In the aftermath, Minister Loke also addressed the issue of child passenger safety. He confirmed that the infant who died was not properly secured in a child safety seat at the time of the impact. He clarified that his intention in sharing this painful detail was to foster greater public awareness about the life-saving importance of such regulations, not to assign blame to the grieving family.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. Adherence to maintenance schedules and the consistent use of appropriate safety restraints are non-negotiable elements in protecting all road users. The collective failure in these areas culminated in a preventable loss of life on a Malaysian highway.
