Malaysia Pulse delivers breaking news, politics, business, sports and lifestyle coverage from Malaysia and Southeast Asia — trusted, timely and independent.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the continued strength of Malaysia's federal unity government while asserting the economy remains on a secure trajectory. His remarks come as the coalition navigates ongoing political challenges.
Singapore's PM Lawrence Wong says the government will harness artificial intelligence to boost productivity and protect workers' livelihoods, while unveiling measures to support families struggling with childcare and elderly care costs.
Singapore's Parliament affirmed an amended motion on the nation's economic direction after nearly nine hours of debate. The Workers' Party rejected proposed amendments but lost the final vote, highlighting tensions over how to reform the growth model.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Ministry of Human Resources to fast-track processing of 15,000 foreign worker applications, signalling heightened focus on addressing labour shortages across key sectors.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Ministry of Human Resources to fast-track the processing of 15,000 foreign worker applications to tackle workforce shortages impacting Malaysia's economic sectors.
PKR's Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim has cautioned against calling an early general election, advocating the government remain in office through late 2027 or early 2028 to allow its economic agenda to mature.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has advised the MADANI government not to dissolve Parliament hastily, urging it to complete its five-year term until late 2027 or early 2028 to allow economic policies to take effect.
Malaysia has surged to 15th place in the International Institute for Management Development's World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, up eight positions from the previous year. The Malaysia Productivity Corporation credits the Bureaucratic Red-Tape Reform (RKB) programme as a major catalyst for this advancement.
Former Bank Negara Malaysia deputy governor Datuk Ooi Sang Kuang has called for the central bank's supervisory framework to become more collaborative with the financial industry, using regulatory sandboxes to nurture innovative sectors while managing emerging risks.
The number of millionaires in the United Kingdom has fallen to its lowest point since the 2008 financial crisis, dropping to 442,000 in 2025—a 7% decline from the previous year, according to new research.
Malaysia's Cabinet has approved a new ministerial committee to strengthen promotion and sales of locally-made products. The panel, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, aims to boost the Jom Malaysia initiative and reduce import reliance.
Negeri Sembilan has achieved more than RM30 billion in investments in approximately 18 months, surpassing Barisan Nasional's five-year target ahead of the 16th state election on August 1.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed his cabinet to devise solutions within a month to address critical labour gaps in Malaysia's restaurant industry, while maintaining controlled borders on foreign worker recruitment.
The ringgit opened stronger against most major currencies on Friday but retreated against the US dollar, reflecting risk-averse market sentiment triggered by escalating trade protectionism and elevated crude oil costs.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20 per cent reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April 2027, aiming to revitalise struggling hospitality sectors across the country.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia's economic policies to be grounded in humanity and moral purpose, arguing that development must uplift people's dignity rather than simply chase growth metrics.
Andy Burnham has assumed office as United Kingdom Prime Minister, pledging transformative changes to British governance and economics. Speaking from Downing Street, he committed to delivering the country's most substantial political and economic reforms in four decades.
Malaysia's outbound direct investment has plummeted to its second-lowest level in 20 years, with 2025 net flows at RM12.4 billion compared to RM62.8 billion in 2022, sparking debate over whether home-grown companies are neglecting international expansion opportunities.
Cambodia is pivoting toward artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to reverse economic slowdown, with PM Hun Manet courting Chinese investments and preparing for graduation from least-developed status by 2029.
Malaysia's economy expanded to 5.8% in the second quarter of 2026, accelerating from 5.4% growth in the first quarter. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the performance, highlighting sustained economic momentum.
Malaysia's government is leveraging the PAKW framework to understand and address cost-of-living differences between urban and rural areas, with targeted interventions designed around regional household spending patterns.
Sabah's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor has initiated consultations with the Finance Ministry to improve the targeted diesel subsidy programme following its expansion to the state in July.
Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah has instructed MITI and the Economy Ministry to assess proposals from the plastics industry, which faces mounting challenges from ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
Sarawak is exploring plans to broaden its Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) investment scheme beyond the Bumiputera community by launching ASSAR 2, reflecting the state's commitment to inclusive economic growth.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Malaysia's trade and economy ministries to work with manufacturers struggling under global supply chain disruptions, with particular emphasis on the plastics industry.
Malaysia's government has instructed MITI and the Economy Ministry to examine proposals from the plastics industry on cost pressures and competitiveness amid global supply chain disruptions and rising material expenses.
Malaysia's rice buffer stock can sustain domestic demand for six months, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah announced. The government has pledged to maintain Local White Rice prices unchanged despite global supply uncertainties, while allocating RM45.98 million in support to paddy farmers.
The Cabinet is reviewing e-invoicing implementation and the mandatory 2% EPF contribution for foreign workers following proposals from Barisan Nasional aimed at easing business concerns.
Malaysia's Cabinet has agreed to review the e-invoice system and mandatory EPF contributions for foreign workers, potentially delaying implementation as businesses cite economic hardship.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed to expediting loan approvals for Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises, announcing that government-backed schemes now process applications within five to 15 working days.
Malaysia's Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has distributed RM25.27 billion to nearly 850,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives since 2024, supporting working capital, business expansion, and equipment upgrades across the country.
Malaysia's chief statistician says Bumiputera economic participation is improving, but participation in high-growth sectors must be strengthened to narrow socio-economic disparities. A new data analytics platform has been launched to track progress.
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has urged Malaysia to adopt a National Rural Economic Agenda that keeps rural development aligned with global standards and opportunities.
Malaysia's small business association has proposed mandatory transparency reports from MSME financing agencies to combat cronyism and political interference in loan approvals, alongside whistleblower protections.
Johor UMNO Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros cautions the Barisan Nasional coalition that appealing to sentiment won't resonate with younger voters who demand substantive policy addressing employment, wages, and affordable housing.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repositioned Bumiputera empowerment as a collective government responsibility rather than the domain of specific agencies, unveiling the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 with mandatory reporting requirements across all ministries.