by Faiz Riziq | Feb 19, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
While Sarawak respects the federal and state laws pertaining to petroleum and gas development activities there, the state has requested that gas produced in areas offshore western Sarawak and in the continental shelf be designated for the state’s “domestic” use, says its Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In a statement, Abang Johari said the request is to ensure that Sarawak will have the supply of 1.2 billion standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), which is guaranteed by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), to advance the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.
“The Sarawak government will have to ensure that the guaranteed volume shall be delivered at a fair price or a price that would promote investments and industries in Sarawak.
“The Sarawak government, in the national interests, is firmly committed to ensuring that the guaranteed volume of gas as well as any additional gas produced from the offshore of western Sarawak and elsewhere in the continental shelf will be used sustainably, in support of the growth of industries in Sarawak, to meet the demand for energy in Peninsular Malaysia and the production of clean energy, consistent with the declared intention of the federal government that Sarawak will be the clean energy hub for Malaysia,” said the premier in the statement.
To give perspective, the 1.2 billion MMscf/d requested by Sarawak is around 17% of Malaysia’s current total gas production of seven billion MMscf/d, according to Petronas Activity Outlook 2024-2026.
The guaranteed volume of gas and any additional production from the requested offshore areas will be used “sustainably,” said Abang Johari, in particular, consistent with the federal government’s “declared intention” for Sarawak to be Malaysia’s clean energy hub.
Petronas’ Contractual Obligations Unaffected
Abang Johari said a mutual understanding was reached with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Petronas and Petros will work together “as partners to advance national and state interests and revenues,” but he also stressed that Sarawak’s interests “would have to be prioritised.”
Abang Johari stated that Petros’ role as Sarawak’s gas aggregator will not affect Petronas’ ability to fulfil its domestic and international contractual obligations.
However, this “must not in any way adversely affect the role of Petros as gas aggregator” and is not inconsistent with the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016), he added.
Abang Johari’s statement comes after Anwar’s parliamentary statement on Monday concerning Petros assuming control as Sarawak state gas aggregator effective March 1, 2025, and assurances that Petronas’ contractual obligations in Sarawak would be retained.
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 17, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat
Tahun 2024 menyaksikan prestasi mata wang ringgit Malaysia mencatatkan peningkatan nilai sebanyak 2.7% berbanding dolar Amerika Syarikat (AS). Data yang dikeluarkan oleh Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) menunjukkan bahawa faktor utama di sebalik kenaikan ini adalah keseimbangan pasaran kewangan global dan jangkaan pengurangan kadar dasar AS yang lebih kecil pada 2025. Selain itu, ketidakpastian dasar di bawah pimpinan baharu AS juga memberi impak kepada pelabur, sekali gus mendorong aliran modal yang lebih stabil ke rantau ini.
Ekonomi Malaysia Kukuh, Ringgit Makin Meyakinkan
Selain faktor luaran, pertumbuhan ekonomi Malaysia yang lebih baik pada tahun 2024 turut menyokong prestasi ringgit. Dengan kadar pertumbuhan 5.1%, ekonomi negara terus berkembang hasil daripada permintaan domestik yang kukuh serta peningkatan eksport. Keadaan ini memperkukuhkan keyakinan pelabur terhadap mata wang tempatan.
Bukan hanya berbanding dolar AS, ringgit turut mencatatkan peningkatan nilai berbanding beberapa mata wang utama lain seperti dolar Singapura, won Korea, dan yen Jepun. Malah, mata wang serantau seperti dolar Hong Kong dan baht Thailand juga mengalami peningkatan nilai, sementara beberapa mata wang lain di rantau ini mencatatkan penyusutan.
Jangkaan Prestasi Ringgit pada 2025
Melangkah ke tahun 2025, ringgit dijangka mengekalkan kestabilannya dengan sokongan daripada prospek ekonomi Malaysia yang positif serta pelaksanaan pembaharuan struktur ekonomi semasa. Namun begitu, BNM menegaskan bahawa faktor luaran akan terus memberi kesan kepada aliran mata wang secara berkala. Oleh itu, pihak bank pusat akan terus memantau pasaran pertukaran domestik bagi memastikan kestabilan dan keseimbangan mata wang negara.
Secara keseluruhannya, pemulihan ringgit pada 2024 memberikan harapan bahawa ekonomi Malaysia berada di landasan yang baik. Dengan dasar yang kukuh dan strategi yang mantap, negara dijangka terus menikmati kestabilan ekonomi serta keyakinan pelabur dalam tempoh mendatang.
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 17, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Thailand and Malaysia are ramping up efforts to unlock the full potential of cross-border trade and investment, aiming to establish a thriving economic corridor along their shared border. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the importance of stronger ties, streamlined regulations, and enhanced infrastructure to achieve a US$30 billion bilateral trade target by 2027. With border trade contributing over 30% of total bilateral trade, both nations are prioritizing special border economic zones (SBEZs) to drive economic growth.
Key Developments & Future Plans
Strengthening Special Border Economic Zones (SBEZs):
- Closer collaboration between Thai and Malaysian private sectors
- Boosting industries of common interest, particularly halal and rubber
- Creating more job opportunities in border areas
Improving Cross-Border Infrastructure:
- New road alignment linking CIQ Sadao (Songkhla) & ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah)
- A second bridge connecting Rantau Panjang & Sungai Kolok
- Advancing the integrated double-track rail link and high-speed rail at Padang Besar
- Andaman Gateway in Satun and a new bridge linking Tak Bai to Pengkalan Kubor
Boosting Border Security & Trade Efficiency:
- Synchronizing rules & regulations to facilitate seamless trade
- Strengthening border security to combat illegal migration, drug trafficking & smuggling
These initiatives align with Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link, Asean Express, and the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025, ensuring a more integrated and prosperous region.Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting cross-border transformation!
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 17, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Sarawak is set to surpass last year’s revenue, allowing the state government to enhance infrastructure and implement impactful programs for its people. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the state’s strong financial management, recognized by the World Bank and the auditor general. With last year’s revenue reaching RM14.2 billion, the highest recorded to date, expectations are high for further growth.
This financial boost will contribute to new infrastructure projects and improved healthcare facilities, including investments in private hospitals to attract medical tourists.
Defending Sarawak’s Rights Under MA63
Sarawak remains firm in asserting its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Abang Johari emphasized that Sarawak will uphold its constitutional rights while maintaining national unity. PBB members are now more vocal about Sarawak’s position within the federation, especially regarding gas resources and the continental shelf.
PBB’s Commitment to Leadership and Democracy
Following PBB’s recent election, Abang Johari assured that those not elected to the Supreme Council will still play key roles in the party’s initiatives. He emphasized that democracy is thriving within PBB, with all members contributing to the party’s vision for Sarawak’s future.Stay tuned for more updates on Sarawak’s growth and political landscape!
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 14, 2025 | Fakta & Informasi, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, the nation faces key challenges in cybersecurity, regional diplomacy, and economic collaboration. Experts highlight the urgent need for Malaysia to take a leadership role in addressing these pressing issues.
Cyber Scams: A Growing Threat
With cyber scams on the rise across ASEAN nations, Malaysia has a responsibility to spearhead a regional strategy to combat these crimes. Dr. Tunku Mohar Tunku Mokhtar, Associate Professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), emphasizes the need for strong collaboration among member states to curb this growing industry.
“Non-traditional security threats, such as cyber scams, require robust cooperation. Malaysia must lead the way in tackling these concerns,” he stated during the special segment Cerita ASEAN on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme.
Navigating Diplomatic Challenges
Beyond cybersecurity, Malaysia’s chairmanship will play a crucial role in managing ASEAN’s complex relationships with major global powers, particularly China. The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea require diplomatic finesse, and Malaysia, as a middle power, must exercise strategic diplomacy to maintain regional stability.
Enhancing Economic Collaboration
From an economic standpoint, Malaysia must drive ASEAN towards strengthening intra-regional trade and investment, which currently hovers between 20% and 25% of total trade. Dr. Tunku Mohar stresses the need for Malaysia to foster economic resilience by leveraging the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade bloc.
Furthermore, the upcoming ASEAN-GCC Summit and ASEAN-GCC+China Summit present significant opportunities for forming strategic partnerships amid global economic uncertainties. By focusing on trade ties and economic synergy, Malaysia can guide ASEAN toward a more integrated and prosperous future.
Malaysia’s Role in ASEAN’s Future
As Malaysia takes the helm of ASEAN for the fifth time, its leadership will be instrumental in shaping regional policies, strengthening economic ties, and ensuring security in an increasingly complex global landscape. With a proactive and strategic approach, Malaysia has the potential to drive ASEAN towards a more secure and economically vibrant future.
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