MGCC Pressespiegel - 12.02.2025

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor has expressed disagreement with proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events, stating that the Quran and Sunnah already provide the best guidance for Muslims. He emphasised that Muslims with strong faith would not be easily influenced by external practices and criticised the guidelines for being introduced at an inopportune time, potentially affecting national unity and religious harmony. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also deemed the guidelines unnecessary, noting that Muslims are already aware of the rules of their faith. The guidelines would require permission from authorities for Muslims to attend non-Muslim events and impose restrictions on religious displays and performances.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Malaysia's civil servants for their effective management of the ASEAN Chairmanship preparations, highlighting their efficiency, discipline, and dedication. He emphasised that the smooth running of the country's administration, especially in organising international events, reflects their capability. Anwar acknowledged that while media often focuses on mistakes, the hard work and high standards of civil servants in preparing for such events often go unrecognised.

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Malaysia's Ambassador to the US, Nazri Aziz, clarified that the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants is not specifically targeting Malaysians. He emphasised that the crackdown is aimed at illegal immigrants in general and those with proper documentation will not be affected. The Malaysian Embassy in Washington has not received official notification regarding the deportation of 435 Malaysians, and no consular assistance requests have been made by those reportedly facing deportation under stricter US immigration policies.

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A social media post has sparked a debate about whether eating out in Malaysia is more expensive than in Singapore, considering income levels. The user @hee.reyyk shared an experience of paying RM42 for pastries and coffee in Klang Valley, comparing it to the cost of a similar meal in Singapore, which would be around SG$20 (RM65). They argued that dining out in Malaysia is relatively more expensive, given the lower average income. However, some users dismissed the comparison, pointing out that when converting currencies, Malaysia's dining costs are still cheaper than Singapore's.

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Malaysia's unemployment rate reached 3.1% in December, the lowest in nearly 10 years, with 544,300 unemployed individuals, a slight decline from November. The labor force grew by 0.1%, reaching 17.32 million people. Chief statistician Uzir Mahidin attributed the low unemployment to strong economic growth and a favourable labour market, particularly in the private sector. He expects consistent employment growth in 2025, driven by sectors like manufacturing and services, with notable decreases in youth unemployment rates for those aged 15-24 and 15-30.

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Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stated that it is too early to determine the impact of US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China on Malaysia. While Malaysia may benefit in the short term due to a shift in global supply chains, long-term stability in global trade is crucial. He highlighted Malaysia’s neutral stance, political stability, and strong investment climate, which have attracted record investments, including in the electrical and electronics sectors. Zafrul also emphasised the importance of increasing intra-Asean trade and diversifying export markets to reduce reliance on major global economies.

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Malaysia is optimistic about maintaining trade growth above RM2 trillion in 2025, driven by continued economic expansion despite global challenges like a potential slowdown in China and changes in the US administration, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The country's total trade for 2024 reached a record high of RM2.879 trillion, marking the fourth consecutive year above RM2 trillion. Tengku Zafrul remains confident in achieving positive growth, supported by events like Golf KITA 2025, which aims to raise funds for underprivileged communities.

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The three-decade-long monopoly of Puspakom over vehicle inspections in Malaysia ended last Friday (7 February). Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that several companies have been approved to operate new vehicle inspection centres, bringing more competition to the industry. This follows the termination of Puspakom's concession in August 2023, although it was granted a license to continue operations. The move is expected to enhance competition and improve vehicle inspection services.

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Ninja Van Malaysia's newly launched e-guide highlights the strong position of Malaysian businesses to expand across Southeast Asia, leveraging the country's advanced logistics network. The guide, based on a survey of 1,200 shoppers, reveals that Malaysian brands are trusted in markets like Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand, with fashion, food, and health being the top shopping categories. Key success factors for cross-border expansion include optimising logistics, navigating regulations, and tailoring products to local needs. The guide offers actionable strategies for SMEs to thrive in Southeast Asia’s diverse e-commerce landscape.

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As Malaysia prepares to reduce fuel subsidies in 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a slight increase in electricity tariffs in Peninsular Malaysia, alongside concerns from businesses about higher operational costs. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) revealed a 14.2% tariff hike for the 2025-2027 period, while the government also plans to introduce mandatory EPF contributions for foreign workers. Anwar reassured the business community, explaining that the tariff increase would not be significant, and would mainly impact the industrial sector and wealthier individuals. These changes are part of broader efforts to fund public utilities and improve services.

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In 2024, less than 18% of local data centres' applications for water usage were approved due to concerns over insufficient resources. Of the 808 million litres per day requested by 101 data centres across Johor, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan, only 142.06 million litres were approved. Data centres, which require large amounts of water for cooling systems, must explore alternative water sources like reclaimed water and seawater, though availability depends on location. The government is considering setting guidelines and limits on the development of hyperscale data centres to prevent strain on the country's water resources.

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Malaysia's new rooftop solar leasing scheme has been praised as a significant step in promoting renewable energy and reducing electricity costs for B40 and M40 households. Industry experts, including Muhamad Guntor Mansor Tobeng, have welcomed the initiative but called for clearer guidelines and awareness campaigns to ensure its success. The scheme allows homeowners to lease their rooftops for solar power generation, with third parties aggregating multiple rooftops to supply green energy. Guntor also suggested expanding the scheme to include religious and community buildings, which could benefit from generating income and contributing to sustainability goals.

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