Bold, independent coverage of Malaysian politics, business and current affairs.
Malaysia's investment ministry is carefully evaluating how to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure expansion, considering a potential levy on EV sales while weighing impacts on consumers and manufacturers.
Malaysia's Dewan Negara has concluded its second meeting of the current parliamentary session after passing the National Trust Fund Bill and Statistics Bill, while addressing economic competitiveness and fiscal sustainability.
Japan will temporarily reduce sales tax on food to just one percent from April 2025 for two years, marking the first cut since the levy was introduced in 1989. The move aims to relieve cost-of-living pressures amid persistent inflation.
Japan's yen unexpectedly strengthened past 158 to the US dollar on Thursday, triggering speculation that Tokyo's authorities may have intervened in currency markets. The move comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pursues controversial spending plans despite Japan's deteriorating fiscal position.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the substantial annual cost of fuel subsidies, revealing that the government allocates RM40–45 billion yearly to shield Malaysians from global price volatility.
A royal commission of inquiry into Tabung Haji warns that a RM88 billion government guarantee protecting nearly 9.3 million depositors will be triggered only if the pilgrimage board's recovery plan fails, potentially destabilising national finances.
Malaysia's government has achieved nearly RM5 billion in budget savings through expenditure control measures introduced in response to global supply chain disruptions, according to Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong.
Malaysia's Economy Minister has signalled that raising wages and tackling structural income problems take precedence over broadening the tax base, pushing back against OECD recommendations for wider taxation reforms.
Malaysia's Economy Ministry has projected development expenditure of approximately RM58 billion for 2027, maintaining a 70 per cent allocation for basic infrastructure projects. The proposal awaits Finance Ministry approval.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that Budget 2027, to be tabled in October, will prioritise human dignity and social welfare alongside economic expansion, marking a philosophical shift in Malaysia's fiscal policy.
Malaysia's fuel subsidies could balloon to RM3.5 billion per month if crude oil holds around US$90 a barrel, according to Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong. Despite higher subsidy costs, government oil revenues offset some impact.
Sabah's state assembly has approved a RM1.61 billion supplementary supply bill following parliamentary debate. The allocation spans six spending categories, prioritizing statutory contributions and operational needs.
Malaysia's parliament has passed two landmark bills aimed at fortifying the National Trust Fund's governance structure and replacing a 61-year-old statistics law with modernised legislation aligned to international standards.
Malaysia's targeted RON95 petrol subsidy has generated savings that the government is channelling into expanded social protection programmes, food security measures, and SME support rather than accumulating as fiscal surplus.
The Retirement Fund Incorporated generated RM12.9 billion in investment earnings, but this falls significantly short of Malaysia's RM45 billion annual pension bill, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed.
Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat has approved the National Trust Fund Bill 2026, introducing comprehensive reforms to preserve national wealth for future generations through stricter governance, mandatory contributions, and disciplined withdrawal rules.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the National Trust Fund Bill 2026, introducing statutory contributions and stricter governance to the RM22.43 billion fund, which now has stronger legal protections for long-term intergenerational savings.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the National Trust Fund (KWAN) Bill 2026, a landmark reform expanding the sovereign wealth mechanism beyond oil and gas to encompass broader natural resource wealth and strengthen governance frameworks.
An investment economist recommends Malaysia pursue a carefully phased approach to establishing petroleum reserves, tailored to the nation's fiscal capacity rather than mimicking larger reserves held by developed economies.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry has defended the use of Asset Recovery Trust Account funds to repay debts owed by 1MDB and SRC International, stating all disbursements comply with established trust directives and governance protocols.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry is examining whether to exempt elderly care centres from the eight per cent sales and service tax, citing concerns about financial strain on families with ageing parents.
Malaysia will not revise its Budget 2027 fiscal projections for now despite higher oil prices increasing subsidy costs by RM40 billion, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong told Parliament, citing offsetting petroleum revenue gains.
Malaysia's parliament has backed a RM14.5 billion transfer of leftover Malaysian Government Investment Issues proceeds to the Development Fund, addressing part of the year's capital spending requirements.
Malaysia's fiscal deficit is forecast to reach 3.6 per cent of GDP in 2026 despite the government allocating an extra RM25 billion for fuel subsidies, only slightly above the original 3.5 per cent target, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank.
The Dewan Rakyat is examining internet service failures and the financial pressure on fuel subsidies stemming from West Asia tensions, while advancing telecommunications legislation.
Malaysia has introduced the National Trust Fund Bill 2026 in parliament to establish a sovereign wealth mechanism that will secure financial reserves for future generations through mandatory federal contributions and Petronas revenue sharing.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry has assured Parliament that the federal government's statutory debt will remain below the 65% GDP ceiling in 2026, maintaining fiscal discipline despite regional uncertainties.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that the federal government now bears responsibility for Felda's nearly RM1 billion annual debt stemming from historical administrative shortcomings that have accumulated over time.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has drawn a line on federal spending, stating that Putrajaya cannot be expected to automatically assume financial burdens arising from state-level policy decisions without scrutiny.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that Putrajaya will not automatically cover additional expenses incurred by state governments, particularly when project costs exceed initial budgets. States seeking higher federal allocations or fresh loans must undergo renegotiation.
Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama has reiterated Tokyo's commitment to supporting the yen, citing close coordination with Washington. The currency's persistent weakness is triggering corporate bankruptcies and forcing policymakers to balance competing economic pressures.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry has commenced nationwide consultation sessions for the 2027 Budget, which will be presented to Parliament in October. The process involves multiple government ministries and aims to align spending with the MADANI Economy framework.
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DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng has pressed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to settle what he characterises as a RM2.8 billion funding shortfall owed to Penang and to fundamentally reform how federal revenues are distributed to states.
Malaysia launches an expanded BUDI Diesel subsidy programme benefiting 700,000 private vehicle owners at RM2.10 per litre, up from 180,000 under the previous scheme. The initiative extends to East Malaysia and includes commercial vehicles.
As Malaysia's government defends spending on international travel, critics argue it must demonstrate tangible returns—particularly when public healthcare faces severe resource constraints and talent drain to private sectors.