by Faiz Riziq | Mar 17, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Fakta & Informasi, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
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Ketika dunia sedang berusaha bangkit dari ketidaktentuan ekonomi, Presiden AS Donald Trump mengumumkan serangan tarif besar-besaran bermula 2 April. Kali ini, bukan hanya tarif balas, tetapi juga cukai tambahan yang menyasarkan sektor-sektor utama seperti automotif, keluli, aluminium, mikroprosesor, dan farmaseutikal.
Trump lantang menyatakan, “April 2 is a liberating day for our country,” sambil menuduh presiden terdahulu “foolish” kerana membiarkan kekayaan Amerika ‘dirampas’ negara-negara lain. Ini bukan sekadar kata-kata kosong, dunia kini bersiap sedia menghadapi perang perdagangan yang lebih dahsyat.
Malaysia: Mangsa Terhimpit di Tengah Perang Ekonomi?
Sebagai negara yang bergantung besar pada eksport, Malaysia tidak akan terlepas daripada kesan tarif ini. Beberapa sektor kritikal dijangka terjejas:
Industri Elektronik & Semikonduktor: Malaysia adalah pengeluar besar cip dan komponen elektronik yang dieksport ke AS dan China. Jika perang tarif ini terus memuncak, permintaan akan menjunam, kilang-kilang tempatan mungkin terpaksa mengecilkan operasi, atau lebih buruk — menutup terus.
Automotif: Tarif tambahan ke atas kenderaan bermakna kos pengeluaran meningkat. Proton dan Perodua mungkin terselamat kerana pasaran domestik, tapi pengeluar komponen automotif Malaysia yang bergantung kepada eksport akan terjejas teruk.
Kelapa Sawit: Malaysia sudah pun bergelut dengan larangan dan boikot Eropah. Jika AS turut memperketat import, industri sawit — yang menyumbang berbilion ringgit kepada ekonomi dan peluang pekerjaan — akan makin lemas.
Pelaburan Lari, Ringgit Terjejas? Pelabur antarabangsa benci ketidaktentuan. Jika perang perdagangan berlarutan, Malaysia berisiko kehilangan pelaburan asing (FDI). Ringgit pula dijangka lemah jika eksport menyusut dan ekonomi global meleset.
Apa Pilihan Kita?
Kerajaan Malaysia perlu bertindak pantas! Usaha perlu difokuskan pada:
- Diversifikasi Pasaran: Cari pasaran baru di Asia dan Timur Tengah untuk eksport utama.
- Pelaburan Teknologi: Beralih kepada produk bernilai tinggi dan hiliran.
- Perjanjian Dagangan Baharu: Percepatkan rundingan RCEP dan perjanjian dua hala lain.
Kita tak mampu lagi berdiam diri. Perang tarif ini bukan sekadar retorik Trump — ia bom ekonomi yang bakal meletup.
Persoalannya: Adakah Malaysia bersedia menahan letupan ini?
by Faiz Riziq | Mar 14, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Fakta & Informasi, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
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Batik Air has voiced its strong support for the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP), urging authorities to accelerate the approval of additional flight slots at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. This call follows AirAsia’s announcement to relocate its jet operations to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) by April 7, 2025, freeing up valuable slots at Subang.
A New Opportunity for Subang Airport
With AirAsia vacating four slot pairs, Batik Air sees an opportunity to expand its operations at Subang Airport. The airline aims to increase flight frequencies and introduce new routes in the coming months, aligning with the airport’s transformation into a modern regional hub.
“Our expanded presence will offer travellers greater choice and convenience, while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a key aviation hub in the region,” said Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.
A Call for Faster Slot Allocation
To ensure Subang Airport’s growth stays on track, Batik Air is calling on the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, the Malaysian Aviation Commission, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to speed up the slot allocation process. According to Datuk Chandran, faster approvals would enable the airline to boost connectivity, introduce more services, and support the airport’s long-term development.
AirAsia’s Departure: A Shift in Strategy
AirAsia’s decision to move to klia2 reflects its strategy to improve efficiency and meet rising passenger demand. The airline acknowledged Subang Airport’s convenience but stated that its redevelopment would take time to fully support future growth.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
Aviation consultant Brendan Sobie questioned the viability of Subang Airport’s expansion plans, especially after AirAsia’s exit. He noted that Malaysia’s domestic market is highly competitive and price-sensitive, with yields on certain routes even lower than pre-Covid levels. Sobie suggested that the policy behind Subang’s jet reopening may need re-evaluation.
Despite this, he predicted that Batik Air could seize the opportunity to take over AirAsia’s vacated slots, potentially positioning itself as a major player at the airport.
Subang’s Road to Revival
Subang Airport resumed jet operations in August 2024 after a 26-year break. Alongside Batik Air, other airlines such as FireFly, Transnusa, and Scoot have already established operations, signaling the airport’s growing importance.
Conclusion
The Subang Airport Regeneration Plan represents a bold vision for the future of Malaysia’s aviation industry. With Batik Air’s commitment to expanding its services and supporting the airport’s transformation, Subang Airport could evolve into a thriving regional hub. However, the success of this plan hinges on timely slot allocations and overcoming the challenges of a competitive market. The coming months will determine whether Subang Airport can rise to meet its ambitious goals — and whether Batik Air can take the lead in shaping that future.
by Faiz Riziq | Mar 13, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
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According to JPMorgan Chase & Co., the worst phase of the US equity market correction might be behind us. Credit markets — which have accurately predicted economic shifts over the past two years — are once again signaling lower recession risks than what equity and rate markets are currently suggesting. This insight, shared by strategists including Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou and Mika Inkinen, offers a more optimistic outlook than recent market sentiment.
Small Caps vs. Debt: A Tale of Two Probabilities
While small-cap stocks, which are highly sensitive to domestic economic growth, are pricing in a 50% chance of a US recession, JPMorgan’s analysis reveals a contrasting story in the debt market — pointing to a much lower 9% to 12% probability. Interestingly, rate and commodity markets seem to align more with equities, reflecting a cautious yet uncertain outlook.
Investor Relief Amid a Gloomy Backdrop
JPMorgan’s perspective brings some comfort to investors after weeks of rising fears about a potential US economic contraction. These concerns have dragged stocks close to correction territory. Adding to the anxiety, major banks like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup recently downgraded their outlook on US equities, citing slowing growth. Prominent market voices, including Ed Yardeni, have also softened their bullish predictions for 2025.
Trade Policies and Tech’s Tumble
Market volatility hasn’t been helped by former President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies and ongoing government job cuts, which have exacerbated economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 Index took a hit, falling nearly 9% from its February peak, with tech stocks plunging into correction territory — a painful reminder of how fast markets can turn.
Quant Funds and Hedge Funds Under Pressure
JPMorgan strategists noted that the latest market drop appears to be fueled more by quantitative fund adjustments than by fundamental shifts or discretionary asset managers reassessing recession risks. Some multi-strategy hedge funds are experiencing their toughest challenge since the early days of the pandemic. Firms like Brevan Howard Asset Management are now tightening risk limits after suffering performance losses that wiped out last year’s gains.
A Ray of Hope: ETFs and Pension Fund Rebalancing
Despite the turmoil, JPMorgan sees a potential safety net. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continue to attract inflows, which could stabilize the market. Moreover, end-of-month and quarterly rebalancing by mutual funds, US pension funds, and sovereign wealth investors — possibly totaling $135 billion — could inject fresh momentum into equities.
The Bottom Line: Recovery May Be Closer Than It Appears
JPMorgan’s analysis offers a more hopeful take on the market’s direction. If US equity ETFs keep attracting inflows, the likelihood of a continued market recovery increases. For now, the signs suggest that the worst may be over — leaving investors cautiously optimistic about what’s next.
by Faiz Riziq | Mar 12, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Violence against Tesla dealerships will be considered an act of domestic terrorism, and perpetrators will “go through hell,” declared US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. His statement came as a strong show of support for Tesla CEO and close ally, Elon Musk.
Tesla Stock Rebounds After White House Visit
Following Trump’s remarks, Tesla’s shares closed nearly 4% higher, recovering from the previous day’s biggest single-day drop in over four years. The president’s endorsement was further solidified when he appeared alongside Musk at the White House to select a new Tesla for his staff.
Protests Against Musk and His Government Role
Recent demonstrations, labeled “Tesla Takedown” protests, have been staged by activists opposing Musk’s influence in the government. His role in leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump has fueled dissatisfaction, especially following widespread federal workforce cuts and the cancellation of humanitarian contracts.
Trump Condemns Attacks on Tesla
At the White House, Trump condemned the demonstrators, emphasizing that harming Tesla is akin to harming a great American company. Standing beside Musk, who was sporting a black “Make America Great Again” cap, Trump reinforced his tough stance against those who target Tesla.
White House Calls Tesla Attacks Domestic Terrorism
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields described the attacks on Tesla by leftist activists as “nothing short of domestic terror.” Recent weeks have seen multiple incidents, including vandalism of Tesla showrooms and violent protests outside dealerships, particularly in Portland and New York.
Protesters Insist on Peaceful Demonstrations
Despite Trump’s strong remarks, organizers of the Tesla Takedown protests maintain that their actions are peaceful and lawful. In a statement on Bluesky, they asserted that “peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism” and vowed to continue their demonstrations.
Potential Legal Consequences for Protesters
Trump may direct the US Justice Department to prosecute Tesla dealership vandals under terrorism laws. However, legal experts are skeptical, arguing that vandalism does not necessarily meet the federal definition of terrorism, which involves violence intended to intimidate or coerce governments or civilians.
Trump Shows Support by Purchasing a Tesla
In a significant gesture of support, Trump chose to buy a Tesla Model S, which starts at around $80,000. While he admitted that he can no longer drive, he plans to keep the vehicle at the White House for staff use. Notably, he refused any discounts from Musk.
Tesla’s Market Challenges and Future Plans
Tesla’s market value has plummeted by over half since its record high of $1.5 trillion in December. Factors contributing to this decline include falling vehicle sales, investor concerns about Musk’s political entanglements, and protests against his government involvement. However, at the White House event, Musk announced plans to double Tesla’s production within the next two years.
Tesla’s Commitment to Growth
Musk reiterated Tesla’s dedication to increasing production and expanding its market presence. While he previously projected 20%-30% growth in vehicle sales, he stopped short of reaffirming that target. He also confirmed his commitment to remaining Tesla’s CEO while continuing his advisory role in Washington.
Conclusion
The escalating tensions surrounding Tesla reflect the growing intersection of politics and business. While Trump’s backing has provided a short-term boost, the company faces significant challenges, including market volatility, legal scrutiny, and public opposition. How Tesla navigates these challenges in the coming years will determine its long-term success.
by Faiz Riziq | Mar 12, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Fakta & Informasi, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Grab menjadi salah satu syarikat seru-pandu di Indonesia yang diperintahkan untuk memberikan bonus raya kepada rakan pemandu mereka menjelang sambutan Aidilfitri. Arahan ini dikeluarkan oleh Presiden Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, sebagai penghargaan kepada pemandu yang bertugas memenuhi permintaan pengguna sepanjang bulan Ramadan.
Meningkatkan Perbelanjaan Pengguna
Selain menghargai usaha pemandu, pemberian bonus ini juga dijangka membantu meningkatkan perbelanjaan pengguna di Indonesia. Dengan adanya insentif tambahan, pasaran tempatan boleh mendapat manfaat daripada peningkatan aktiviti ekonomi menjelang musim perayaan.
Perbincangan Bersama Grab dan GoTo
Dalam melaksanakan arahan ini, pentadbiran Indonesia telah mengadakan perbincangan bersama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Grab, Anthony Tan. Selain itu, syarikat seru-pandu GoTo juga turut terlibat dalam perbincangan ini melalui Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif mereka, Patrick Walujo. Ini menunjukkan komitmen kerajaan dalam memastikan pekerja dalam industri ini mendapat ganjaran yang setimpal.
Bonus Raya untuk Semua Syarikat Swasta dan Milik Kerajaan
Gesaan untuk memberikan bonus perayaan tidak hanya tertumpu kepada Grab dan GoTo. Sebaliknya, semua syarikat swasta serta syarikat milik kerajaan di Indonesia turut diarahkan untuk membayar bonus raya sekurang-kurangnya tujuh hari sebelum cuti Aidilfitri, yang dijangka berlangsung pada 31 Mac ini.
Kesimpulan
Langkah kerajaan Indonesia dalam mengarahkan pemberian bonus raya kepada pemandu seru-pandu dan pekerja sektor lain adalah satu inisiatif yang baik bagi menghargai tenaga kerja dan merangsang ekonomi. Dengan pelaksanaan yang sistematik, langkah ini dapat memberi manfaat bukan sahaja kepada pemandu tetapi juga kepada pasaran keseluruhan menjelang sambutan Aidilfitri.
by Faiz Riziq | Mar 11, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Fakta & Informasi, Kewangan, Keberhutangan & Pelaburan, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Keputusan Presiden Donald Trump untuk mengenakan tarif terhadap negara-negara BRICS serta rakan dagang utama seperti Kanada, Mexico, dan China telah mencetuskan ketidaktentuan dalam pasaran Amerika Syarikat (AS). Langkah ini bukan sahaja memberi impak kepada hubungan perdagangan antarabangsa tetapi juga menjejaskan kestabilan ekonomi domestik.
Tambahan pula, situasi ini diperburuk dengan tindakan pemberhentian pekerja yang diumumkan oleh salah seorang penasihat ekonomi Trump, iaitu Elon Musk. Keputusan ini menambah kebimbangan di kalangan pengguna dan pelabur, sekali gus menurunkan tahap keyakinan mereka terhadap prospek ekonomi negara.
Menurut laporan AFP, sekiranya keadaan ini berlarutan, AS berkemungkinan mengalami kemerosotan ekonomi pada tahun 2025. Walaupun Trump menolak dakwaan ini, pentadbiran beliau tidak menafikan kemungkinan kesan negatif tarif tersebut. Sebaliknya, mereka mempertahankan langkah ini sebagai satu usaha untuk mengembalikan kekayaan AS dalam pasaran global.
Walaupun ramalan kemerosotan ekonomi belum terbukti, Trump sendiri mengakui bahawa pertumbuhan ekonomi AS mungkin menjadi lebih perlahan pada tahun ini. Ini disebabkan usaha untuk mengimbangi kesan negatif daripada pelaksanaan tarif yang ketat.
Kesimpulannya, dasar tarif yang diperkenalkan oleh Trump membawa kesan yang bercampur-baur terhadap ekonomi AS. Walaupun ia dilihat sebagai strategi untuk meningkatkan daya saing ekonomi negara, kesan jangka panjangnya terhadap pertumbuhan dan kestabilan pasaran masih menjadi tanda tanya. Jika tidak ditangani dengan bijak, AS mungkin berdepan dengan cabaran ekonomi yang lebih besar dalam tempoh mendatang.
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