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.
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 13, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
The financial implications of the ongoing dispute over gas rights in Sarawak remain uncertain as negotiations between stakeholders are still in progress, according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
She emphasized that any commercial terms agreed upon for the distribution of oil and gas resources in the state must take into account both Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) investments and the future potential of Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).
“The financial impact depends on the commercial terms and implementation mechanisms that are still being negotiated and have yet to be finalized,” Azalina stated in a written parliamentary reply to Fong Kui Lun (Pakatan Harapan-Bukit Bintang) on Wednesday.
Key Concerns Over the Petronas-Petros Agreement
Fong had inquired about how the agreement between Petronas and Petros would affect Petronas’ overall revenue, particularly its dividend contributions to the federal government.
Azalina previously disclosed that Petronas recognizes Petros as Sarawak’s gas aggregator, excluding liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, Petronas and its subsidiaries are not required to obtain additional licenses or comply with new procedures beyond those outlined in the Petroleum Development Act 1974.
This agreement stems from a settlement reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during their January 7, 2025 meeting.
The Bigger Picture: Petronas’ Contribution to Malaysia
Since its inception, Petronas has contributed RM1.2 trillion to the Malaysian government, including RM235 billion in dividends over the past five years.
The federal government and Petronas are now finalizing the legal, financial, and operational details of the agreement with Petros and the Sarawak state government.
“All parties are committed to ensuring that commercial decisions protect national interests and do not compromise the country’s economic stability,” Azalina affirmed.
As negotiations unfold, industry experts and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the agreement shapes the future of Malaysia’s oil and gas landscape—especially in resource-rich Sarawak.
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 12, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded his two-day official visit to Malaysia on a high note, departing for Jakarta on Tuesday. His visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reinforced the strong diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
Erdogan received a grand send-off at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, complete with a red carpet ceremony and a guard-of-honour by the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Capt Harith Iskandar. As a token of appreciation, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin presented him with a special album containing photos of his visit.
Ambitious Trade Goals
During his visit, Erdogan announced Türkiye’s ambitious goal of doubling its trade volume with Malaysia to US$10 billion (RM44.7 billion) after surpassing the US$5 billion mark in 2024. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of collaboration in key sectors such as semiconductors, agri-commodities, electrical and electronics, and food and beverages to achieve this target.
Strengthened Cooperation with 11 MOUs
One of the key highlights of Erdogan’s visit was the exchange of 11 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between Malaysia and Türkiye. These agreements pave the way for enhanced cooperation in energy transition, disaster management, defence, trade, and media collaboration.
The trade volume between Malaysia and Türkiye reached RM24.13 billion (US$5.28 billion) in 2024, reflecting a significant 18.7% increase from the previous year. With these new agreements in place, both nations are poised to elevate their economic and strategic partnership to greater heights.
Erdogan’s departure at 5.45pm marked the end of a productive visit, setting the stage for deeper collaboration between Malaysia and Türkiye in the years to come.
by Faiz Riziq | Feb 10, 2025 | Ekonomi, Perniagaan & Korporat, Luar Negara, English & Other Country
The Sarawak government’s long-awaited acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group, is set to be completed with the signing of a sale and purchase agreement next Wednesday, February 12. State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed the update during his speech at the Borneo Cross Border Cycling Tour 2025 dinner on Friday night.
Official Confirmation Expected on February 12
While Abdul Karim shared the news, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg remained tight-lipped when asked about the acquisition during the Sarawak Multimedia Authority’s Chinese New Year celebration.
“Wait for the 12th [of February]. Be patient,” he told reporters, indicating that further details would only be revealed upon the official signing.
Delays and Third-Party Audit
Originally, the acquisition was scheduled for completion by December 31, 2024. However, both parties opted to conduct a third-party audit to assess the full value of MASwings’ assets before proceeding. The deal is expected to mark a significant milestone for Sarawak’s aviation sector, potentially leading to improved regional connectivity and expanded air travel options for the state. Stay tuned for updates on February 12 as the acquisition is finalized.
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