Malaysia is targeting RM75.2 billion halal export value or 11 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2030, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

The country’s halal exports, totalling RM55 billion last year, he said, play a crucial role in driving the country’s economic growth.

Of this total, he said, halal food and beverage (F&B) was the largest contributor with an export value of RM29.4 billion.

This is followed by halal ingredients, cosmetics and personal care products; palm oil derivatives, the chemical industry, and pharmaceuticals.

“Despite facing the global economic challenges, Malaysia remains top in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) 2023.

“Malaysia’s 10th year achievement signifies its position as the industry leader at the global level,” he said in his speech at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2024.

Mihas 2024 is hosted by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

In the service sector, Islamic financing was well received and widely used on the principle of risk-sharing, and investments based on Islamic values such as fairness, transparency and social responsibility, he said.

He said those values were in line with the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principle, which is widely promoted in non-Muslim countries.

In driving the exports digitalisation agenda, the ministry also encouraged Malaysian companies, including the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to use eDagang platform for exports through e-TRADE, he said.

“Miti and Matrade also encourage Malaysian exporters to make use of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the biggest FTA Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“RCEP and CPTPP constitute 28 per cent and 11.5 per cent of global GDP, respectively,” he said.

Mihas 2024 runs until Sept 20 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (Mitec).

Themed ‘Globalising Halal Innovations’, the showcase will be positioned as the leading platform for global Halal companies to showcase their most innovative Halal products, services, and technologies through 14 clusters.

Source: NST

Malaysia targets RM75 billion halal exports by 2030

The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) is confident that Malaysia’s single window trade initiative, to harmonise with China’s customs system, will facilitate business and trade operations by reducing red tape, coordinate and launch Malaysia-China cross border trade processes.

Its minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said in the current digital era the national single window (NSW) initiative reflects both governments’ commitment to leverage technology from the bilateral trade standpoint.

“The government and MITI will also prioritise expanding the NSW’s reach to integrate with ASEAN’s single window (initiative),“ he said at MY E.G. Services Bhd and the Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders (FMFF) cooperation agreement signing ceremony today.

The partnership establishes ZTrade as a NSW platform with ZTrade putting together the best adapted features from China’s single window implementation.

“There is a lot of potential for ASEAN members to increase trade with each other,” he said, adding that intra-ASEAN trade is at the 23-25 per cent level.

“Thus, the ASEAN single window initiative is also able to strengthen the country’s position in the ASEAN economic community, and open up greater opportunities for regional trade and economic integration,“ he said.

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MITI is also committed to work closely with the Finance Ministry and China’s General Administration of Customs to ensure the successful implementation of “one interoperability window” to foster a more efficient, transparent, secure and resilient trade landscape.

On June 19, 2024, Malaysia and China agreed to implement another cycle of the five-year programme for economic and trade cooperation established in 2013.

This includes working together to ensure the successful implementation of the single window interoperability.

On ZTrade, Tengku Zafrul said companies can benefit from reduced costs, speedier clearances and improved communication with regulatory agencies.

“This raises competitiveness at the global level and fosters a conducive environment for businesses to thrive on innovation,“ he said.

The collaboration includes promoting the platform to businesses and government ministries and agencies, providing training and support to platform users, and introducing and jointly market services to FMFF members.

ZTrade is a Web 3 platform that verifies and exchanges digitised trade documents for the trading of goods between China and its global trading partners.

Source: Bernama

National single window initiative will boost Malaysia-China trade — MITI

Malaysia is making significant strides in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), having accomplished 43% of its targets, well above the global average of 17%, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In his officiating remarks at the Malaysia SDG Summit 2024 on Tuesday, Anwar said that achieving the SDGs requires a focus on sustainability, compassion and justice rather than solely on economic interests.

“Based on an analysis of 248 SDG indicators, Malaysia has achieved 43% of its goals, surpassing the global average of 17%. But I don’t think that is a fair assessment. Yes, we have achieved relative success, but we should ask ourselves: Is sustainability meant to fulfil just economic policy interests, or is it something critical for the survival of humankind?

“Now if we as a nation, as SDG assessment based purely on Malaysian interests and policies, then I would say that notwithstanding all these factors, we must have that resolve to do our level best and not to show not to be just satisfied with the rate of success that we have achieved this far,” he said.

He added: “We should do whatever is necessary to ensure that we achieve these goals in a more spectacular manner, because that is a reflection of what the Madani government stands for. It is about sustainability, ihsan (compassion), and understanding the need to survive as a nation and as human beings. In these post-normal times, this means addressing these issues with unprecedented speed and urgency, driven by the imperative of ensuring the survival of both the nation and humanity.”

According to Anwar, unprecedented challenges — ranging from political instability and environmental disasters to the ongoing crisis in Gaza — required a response centred on compassion, justice, and environmental preservation.

“We want Malaysians to understand that within the framework of Economic Madani, we place a strong emphasis on values like humanity and compassion, going beyond what is currently a core pillar of the SDGs,” he stressed.

SDG is a framework for guiding development efforts towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

The 2030 agenda for sustainable development — adopted by all UN member states in 2015 — outlines 17 SDGs to address various challenges including poverty, inequality and climate change.

Source: The Edge Malaysia

Malaysia has outpaced global average in sustainable development goals’ progress — PM

Mexico and Malaysia have great potential for significant cooperation in various technological areas, thanks to their growing innovation ecosystems and strategic geographical positions, said Mexico Ambassador to Malaysia Luis Javier Campuzano.

He said among the technological areas include smart factories, robotics production, semiconductors, electronics, renewable energy, green technology, agrotech, biotechnology, healthcare, aerospace, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.

“The future of technological cooperation between Mexico and Malaysia is promising across multiple sectors. Leveraging their respective strengths, the two countries could deepen their ties through innovation and technology-driven solutions,” he said in his remarks during the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Malaysia (1974-2024) here recently.

According to Campuzano, despite being geographically distant, Mexico and Malaysia’s bilateral trade has flourished, creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries.

Malaysia has been ranked among the top ten trading partners of Mexico for the last couple of years, with bilateral trade peaking at US$15 billion in 2022, he said.

On the golden anniversary, he said Mexico looks forward to deepening its partnership with Malaysia, to strengthen people-to-people ties, creating opportunities for businesses, students, and professionals and exploring new areas of collaboration that will benefit both nations.

Meanwhile Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary of Americas Division, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, who represented the government in the event, said Malaysia and Mexico ties are rooted in shared values, mutual respect and deep commitment to advance partnership in a wide array of fields.

“Over the past five decades our countries have built a robust framework of cooperation from strengthening economic ties, fostering cultural exchanges and championing shared goals at the global stage.

“Mexico has been Malaysia’s top trading partner in Latin America for the past two consecutive years,” he added.

According to Yubazlan, the Malaysia and Mexico collaboration flourished through the membership of Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as people-to-people ties, education, arts and gastronomy.

This golden jubilee is not a celebration of past achievement but a platform for a dynamic future with new opportunities based on the success of our past which will build a stronger foundation for the future and aspire to greater heights, he said.

The bilateral relations between Malaysia and Mexico were established on March 27, 1974. Since then, exchanges in various bilateral and multilateral areas have demonstrated increasing cooperation between the two countries.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Mexico was established in 1992.

Source: Bernama

Mexico, Malaysia have cooperation potential in various technology areas — Envoy

Recognising Malaysia as a key trading partner for Germany in Asean, Germany’s Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) is eager to explore new collaboration opportunities with the country.

By leveraging each other’s strengths, both nations will be able to ensure their respective long-term and sustainable growth, as highlighted during the recent Diplomatic Day of German Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Hosted by the Malaysian Embassy in Berlin on September 9 for Federal Economic Senate of BVMW SME Association members, the event provided a platform for diplomatic and business communities to convene and exchange ideas to enhance relations between Malaysia and Germany.

According to a statement from the embassy, the event was attended by 90 members of the BVMW Federal Economic Senate, led by BVMW federal executive board chairman Christoph Ahlhaus.

The Federal Economic Senate is an influential body within the BVMW that comprises high-level executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who represent SMEs’ interests in Germany.

It plays a critical role in shaping economic policy, advising the government and providing strategic direction for the growth of German SMEs.

Malaysia’s ambassador to Germany Datin Paduka Adina Kamarudin said Malaysia has been Germany’s largest trade partner in Asean over the past few years, and has continued to be Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the European Union.

In 2023, Germany was Malaysia’s 13th global trading partner, 14th export destination, and 11th largest import source.

According to the embassy, the total trade value between Malaysia and Germany stood at US$13.9 billion (RM63.45 billion).

During the event, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation officials from its Frankfurt and Munich offices also held a briefing to promote Malaysia as an attractive destination conducive to foreign investments.

The event was a follow-up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Germany in March, where he delivered the keynote address at BVMW SME Future Day 2024.

Source: Bernama

German SMEs keen on exploring collaboration with Malaysia

Drawing a parallel between Sarawak and Bavaria in Germany, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is spearheading bold initiatives to transform the state into a major economic force in Malaysia.

In an interview with CNA, he stated: “Germany is a federation, but Bavaria is strong. So, in this particular case, because of our advantage in terms of our economic strength, we can be equated to be like what Bavaria is to Germany.”

Sarawak, with its abundant oil and gas reserves, is making significant strides toward self-sufficiency, CNA reports.

The state has recently reclaimed Bintulu Port from the Federal government, acquired regional airline MASwings from Malaysia Airlines, and is on the brink of taking a controlling interest in Affin Bank.

These strategic moves are part of the Premier’s broader vision to advance Sarawak’s economic and financial landscape.

According to Abang Johari in the August interview, these developments not only position Sarawak for future growth but also empower it to better serve its people.

Following the historic defeat of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 2018 General Election, four of the state’s parties exited the coalition and formed the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), led by Abang Johari. This move has propelled Sarawak into a period of rapid advancement.

With GPS holding a commanding supermajority in the Sarawak legislative assembly, the stable political climate has enabled Abang Johari to focus on major infrastructure projects aimed at attracting further investment to the state.

The Premier stated that Sarawak’s revenue for 2024 is expected to exceed the RM13.3 billion collected last year.

The state has established its own sovereign wealth fund and is planning to construct a new international airport in Kuching to enhance connectivity.

Sarawak is also making moves to solidify its status as one of Malaysia’s most significant states, currently negotiating with national oil company Petronas to regain its right as the sole buyer and seller of natural gas produced within the state.

This step could have substantial financial implications for the Federal government and reflects its broader push for increased autonomy within Malaysia.

Looking ahead, Abang Johari aims for Sarawak to become the second-largest contributor to Malaysia’s GDP by the next state elections, scheduled for 2026.

Data from Malaysia’s Statistics Department released in July shows that Sarawak contributed 9.1 percent to the GDP in 2023, ranking fourth after Selangor (25.9 percent), the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (15.9 percent), and Johor (9.5 percent).

The Premier noted that Sarawak is aiming to follow the example of nations that have heavily invested in infrastructure to drive economic growth.

“What Sarawak is doing now is to enhance our infrastructure, because we’ve got the strength, including energy, and we build our internal domestic connectivity.

“We are getting investment to Sarawak, and the benefits will be shared with the investors as well as the Sarawak government or, for that matter, Sarawak as a whole,” he said.

Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak’s rapid development and ambitious goals should not be interpreted as a push for independence.

He dismissed the calls from some activists who are advocating for Sarawak to leave Malaysia due to frustrations with what they view as insufficient progress by the Federal government in restoring Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. This agreement established Malaysia with Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners alongside Malaya.

“Of course, the Federal government also acknowledged how we governed the state and how we moved forward. It doesn’t mean that there is an urge for us — some (have this) perception — (to go) on our own,” Abang Johari was quoted as saying.

Education combats poverty

In December 2023, Abang Johari announced that free tertiary education at state-owned universities will be available to Sarawakians starting in 2026. This initiative, first proposed by Abang Johari as part of his birthday wish in August 2022, aims to address educational barriers for Sarawak’s youth.

“For any country to develop, you need quality human resources, and that is where I think with good education behind them, you can get people out of poverty,” he told CNA.

“If you don’t have that ability to provide the (tuition) fees to them… that is a loss to the country. So, since we have the means, why not we share with them?” he said.

He believes this approach will not only help lift people out of poverty but also strengthen the economy in the long run.

“That will be an approach for us to get people out of poverty, and that will also strengthen our economy in the long run,” he added.

This initiative applies to five state-owned universities, namely, Curtin University Malaysia Sarawak Campus, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University Technology Sarawak, Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.

CNA said local media have reported that around 25,000 students across these state-owned universities and higher education institutions could benefit from this new policy, which is projected to cost the government up to RM625 million annually.

However, the Sarawak government has stated that the free education initiative will be limited to specific science and technical fields.

This decision aligns with the state’s development goals and aims to make the most efficient use of resources.

Abang Johari suggested to CNA that the subsidised programmes may focus on areas such as aerospace, semiconductor technology, and green energy, which are essential for supplying skilled professionals to industries that drive economic growth.

He added that Sarawak is working with the United States and the United Kingdom to bring in capable instructors in this field.

“Even the (area of) renewable hydrogen energy is new, so we need a lot of people who are knowledgeable in this new economy, because we are focusing on the green economy,” he said.

Going green

Further to this, the Premier informed CNA that Sarawak has achieved carbon-negative status thanks to its power generation mix of 70 percent hydro and 30 percent gas. This accomplishment positions the state to provide renewable energy to the region.

Sarawak intends to install floating solar panels on its four dams, which could potentially generate 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2035 — far exceeding local demand.

Abang Johari also mentioned that Sarawak has been supplying power to Indonesia’s West Kalimantan for the past five years and is planning to extend this supply to Sabah, Brunei, and Singapore. This positions Sarawak as a key player in a potential South-east Asian electricity grid.

According to a May report by Bernama, the Sarawak-Singapore electricity supply interconnection project is slated to begin commercial operations by 2031, as stated by Sarawak’s Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Julaihi Narawi. He noted that the project is currently in the technical research phase, which includes surveying the route for the undersea cables. The initiative aims to export up to 1 gigawatt of renewable energy from Sarawak to Singapore.

In exchange, Sarawak has proposed that Singapore invest in projects such as data centres within the state. Abang Johari also revealed to CNA that Singapore will be responsible for laying the undersea cables connecting Kuching to the island nation.

Singapore’s Energy Market Authority informed CNA that it has not yet granted conditional approval for the electricity import plan from Sarawak and cannot provide further details due to commercial sensitivities.

The authority is currently in discussions with “relevant parties” and will keep engaging with companies that present “credible and commercially viable” proposals to support Singapore’s decarbonisation goals, according to a spokesperson.

CNA has also contacted Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries, which is spearheading the negotiations with Sarawak Energy Berhad, for the latest updates on the project, including information about the undersea cables.

“We have a good trading relationship between Singapore and our side. We are working closely with the Singapore government as well as the Singapore private sector, which will enhance the economic collaboration between Singapore and Sarawak,” the Premier said.

Powering Kalimantan

Abang Johari stated that Sarawak aims to extend its power supply to the entire Kalimantan region, including East Kalimantan where Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, is being developed.

Sarawak already holds a 25 percent stake in a hydroelectric plant in East Kalimantan, which is essential for powering the area. Abang Johari added that Sarawak is collaborating with Indonesia to explore further economic opportunities.

“We are also planning to have a newer international airport in Kuching that will complement what we can do for Borneo,” he noted, emphasising that Nusantara is just a 30-minute flight from Kuching.

“As far as our relationship with Indonesia goes, with West Kalimantan particularly and the rest of Kalimantan, there is a common platform between Indonesia and our side, and it’s doing quite well,” he concluded.

Source: Malay Mail

Sarawak’s bid to become Malaysia’s Bavaria: Abang Johari’s vision for economic growth

Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia surged to US$117.52 billion (US$1 = RM4.30) in the first seven months of 2024, a 10.8 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, said Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.

Additionally, China’s non-financial direct investment in Malaysia grew substantially to US$1.28 billion, marking a year-on-year rise of 28.8 per cent, he said.

During this period, the ambassador said tourist arrivals from mainland China to Malaysia surged to 1.8 million, representing a 160 per cent increase, with nearly 450 flights per week now connecting the two countries, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Speaking at a dinner celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ouyang emphasised that this year marks a historic milestone as China and Malaysia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, the construction of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future is making solid progress, he said.

The event was also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, as well as other diplomats, Chinese community leaders, and business representatives.

Reflecting on the past 50 years, Ouyang said the healthy and stable development of China-Malaysia relations is rooted in mutual respect and trust.

“They are the mutual respect and trust rooted deeply in our commitments to embarking on our journey together, our adherence to independent foreign policies advocating peace, development and justice, and our sincerity and integrity in treating each other as genuine friends,” he added.

Ouyang said this transitional period offers an opportunity to draw strength from the past and to write a more brilliant chapter for the future of China-Malaysia relations. 

Source: Bernama

China’s direct investment in Malaysia soars 28.8pc, trade climbs 10.8pc in first seven months of 2024

Malaysia will be leveraging on the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) to build on its strengths in the back-end process and outsourced assembly and testing or Osat component of the global industry value chain, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said this is integral to the country’s advance towards higher-value activities such as integrated circuit design, advanced packaging and equipment manufacturing.

He was speaking at the Invest Malaysia 2024 (IM2024) in Hong Kong, which was hosted by stock exchange regulator Bursa Malaysia as part of the latter’s Invest Malaysia series for this year.

Tengku Zafrul, who officiated the event, said the NSS will sharpen the local semiconductor sector’s competitive edge, while the Green Investment Strategy (GIS) will be keyed to attract sustainability-themed investments in propelling the nation’s resilient growth.

He pointed out, “The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry understands that investors – whether in industries or in our stock market – are looking for two key criteria: clarity of policies, and strength of implementation of those policies.

“Our efforts on both fronts appear to have paid off, judging from the 18% increase in approved investments for the first half of 2024, and the 12.7% rise in our equities market in the past year. Coupled with our strong economic fundamentals, Malaysia is fast becoming the preferred regional destination for high-quality investments under the Madani economy framework.”

Bursa Malaysia said in a statement yesterday the IM2024 in Hong Kong was focused on the investment opportunities available under the NSS and GIS.

Both strategies, the bourse added, are aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s long-term industrial resilience and sustainability, while positioning the country as a regional leader in green manufacturing and technology.

It said this would, in turn, make Malaysia a more competitive trading nation.

Source: The Star

NSS and GIS key to move M’sia up the value chain

Malaysia’s history will be lacking without talking about its foreign policy where it needs, in modern times, to navigate the ongoing tensions between the US and China.

Post-independence, Malaysia formed diplomatic relations with the US in 1957 and China 1974. This enabled Malaysia to pursue economic opportunities with both superpowers, its largest trading partners.

According to Malaysia External Trade Development Corp, China continued to be the country’s largest trading partner in 2023 for 15 consecutive years since 2009, taking up 17.1 per cent share of the total trade.

As for the US, it is the third largest trading partner since year 2015, and made up 9.5 per cent of the total trade last year.

Balancing Act

As a highly open economy, Malaysia’s neutral foreign policy helps it to navigate between US and China rivalry, although maintaining it becomes increasingly complicated.

Samirul Ariff Othman, an international relations analyst and a senior consultant with Global Asia Consulting, said Malaysia is walking on a tightrope in its international relations, balancing the East and the West, navigating between the US and China with a mix of strategic ambiguity and economic diplomacy.

“It is a careful dance, one that allows Malaysia to maintain relationships with both superpowers while not fully committing to either, enabling it to draw economic and security benefits from both directions,” he told Business Times.

Samirul, who is also an adjunct lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), said China poured its money into infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, and pushed Malaysia closer into its orbit.

At the same time, Malaysia keeps one hand firmly on the US, one of its top investors and trade partners, particularly in high-tech sectors, and a key player in the nation’s defence strategy.

“The beauty of this hedging strategy keeps Malaysia relevant, flexible and open to opportunities on both sides of the geopolitical divide.

“By being non-aligned, it managed to attract foreign investments from both countries, keeping the economy diverse and resilient in the process,” he said.

However, Samirul said the growing rivalry between the US and China puts Malaysia in an increasingly difficult spot, with each superpower expecting loyalty that it cannot afford to give.

“As long as Malaysia can keep this balancing act going, it remains a key player in Southeast Asia. But if the tightrope snaps, it could be forced into difficult choices that risk its autonomy and economic future,” he added.

Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said despite its small size, Malaysia has been influential on the international stage, especially within Asean and Indo-Pacific region, thanks to hedging strategy.

“We have been very neutral and never distancing ourselves from these two superpowers. But at the same time, we are not trying to be too close to either side. So I think we have been very successful not only in terms of geopolitics, but also economic matters with both countries,” he said.

Leveraging the influence, Azmi said Malaysia has been vocal on certain international issues, including about Palestine since independence and issues related to humanity.

“We are willing to go against superpowers so that our neutrality and responsibility as a nation can be heard,” he added.

Future of Malaysia’s international relations

Ever since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the plan to join BRICS grouping last June, it has gained domestic and international interests.

BRICS is an intergovernmental bloc of the south. The name was derived from the first five members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates joined the informal organisation on Jan 1 this year.

Malaysia joining BRICS will be an opportunity to leverage the Global South economies and ensure that fair trade practices are maintained.

The international financial infrastructure also is not monopolised by one country or one region.

Azmi said the move is good for a more multipolar world while not causing much impact to Malaysia’s relationship with the US.

“BRICS gives a balanced view due to the current situation where most of the established international platforms, such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, are controlled by the Western developed nations. Hence, BRICS is trying to balance out this particular monopoly,” he said.

While entering BRICS goes against the norm of the international community, Azmi said this may strengthen the nation’s influence rather than siding to one side.

“We want to be friendly  to all superpowers although they are not friendly with each other,” he said.

Dr Mohd Ramlan Mohd Arshad, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies in UiTM, said Malaysia relationship with the US may face some difficulties but there will not be a major issue since the former always open for negotiations.

“Joining BRICS does not mean Malaysia becoming Russia-China alligned or inclined towards these countries given that it is purely for economic purpose.

“Malaysia cannot work in silo, we have to deal with global competitivenes issue. To remain competitive, and attract investors and fund managers, we need to diversify our economic cooperation,” he said.

According to Mohd Ramlan, the country had previously signed an agreement in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, thus BRICS is just a new economic cooperation.

He added that BRICS has good future and economic opportunity if the union is managed wisely while not affecting the US, especially in Southeast Asia.

“BRICS needs cooperation from countries in Asean. With Singapore remaining close to the US, Malaysia can be the best option for BRICS,” he said.

Besides BRICS and cooperation with countries in the Global South, Mohd Ramlan said good government-to-government relationship with the US will maintain Malaysia’s good relationship and networking with Western countries.

“I believe the government will also focus on cooperation with the Middle East as we know the Prime Minister has strong ties with Arab countries, and we can see this from the action on the Palestine issue where Malaysia works with the Middle East countries.

“Additionally, Malaysia as the Asean chairman (next year) will improve our regional cooperation and understanding,” he added.

Source: NST

Malaysia to benefit from “neutral” foreign policy amid US-China rivalry

The Pahang and Perak state governments are ready for large investments from China in the halal industry by preparing and developing the infrastructure in the respective states’ halal hubs.

This includes providing sites to build factories and farms, infrastructure facilities and a skilled workforce to attract investors in the halal industry, which will also improve the economy and revenue of the two states.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state offers various initiatives and strategic locations to develop the halal industry, including halal industrial parks, halal logistics hubs and ports that are halal compliant.

He said the strategic locations offered to investors include the 304-hectare Gebeng Halal Hub, the Gambang Halal Hub (68.4 hectares) and Bentong Halal Hub (14.7 hectares)

“Chinese halal industry investors have shown their sincere interest in investing (in Malaysia), especially in Pahang. They wish to obtain more information, for example, on land and other (investment) procedures.

“I have instructed the local authorities in the state, district and land offices to reduce bureaucratic procedures. We want all matters to be expedited and not lengthy processes,” he told Malaysian media at the Malaysia-China Halal Business Forum here yesterday.

Last night, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia would benefit from potential new investments from China in the halal industry worth RM4 billion through the forum, which was attended by more than 30 halal industry players from Malaysia and China.

Ahmad Zahid, also the chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), said major investments from China cover various sectors, including herbal medicine, food and beverages, vaccines, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Meanwhile, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government is developing the 57.8-hectare Perak Halal Industrial Park (HIP) along the strategic West Coast Expressway near Lekir, and the first phase is expected to be in operation in early 2025.

He said the halal park’s strategic location and facilities would enable local and foreign investors to construct factories or farms for halal products.

Saarani said in a meeting that Chinese investors were provided with explanations on offers and guarantees from the state government to grow the halal industry.

“The sites (in Perak HIP) are there. If larger sites are needed (by investors), land belonging to the State Secretary Incorporated (SSI) can be transformed into industrial areas.

“There are also private land owned by individuals interested in collaborating to prepare areas for investors to build their factories,” he said.

Saarani added that a halal product company is interested in investing in Perak with a RM20 million investment.

The menteri besar said this foreign investment would significantly benefit Perakians, especially by offering job opportunities to the youth.

“Apart from improving the state economy, Perak’s participation in the halal forum is in line with the government’s goal to spur the halal industry’s growth, which is becoming more important at the international level,” he added.

Source: Bernama

Pahang, Perak ready for Chinese halal industry investments, which will spur state economies