3d ago
By Sakini Mohd Said
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The success of government subsidies and cash assistance should be measured not merely by allocations or the number of recipients, but by their effectiveness as temporary financial buffers while helping recipients raise their incomes and achieve long-term financial independence.
3d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Fitch Ratings estimates Malaysia’s Islamic finance industry to have exceeded US$800 billion (US$1 = RM4.08) at the end of the third quarter of 2026 (3Q26), with growth expected to continue, supported by a deep domestic market, a mature ecosystem and policy support under Budget 2027.
4d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The initiative to expand electricity bill protection threshold for domestic customers until December 2026 will not affect Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) ability to fulfil its dividend payment commitment to shareholders.
4d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The government is taking immediate steps to strengthen the governance of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), including a proposal to introduce legislation governing state-owned entities, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
4d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance programmes must remain short-term measures rather than permanent features, as they are designed to help households cope with rising living costs and maintain their purchasing power, an economist said.
5d ago
SIBU, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Improved air connectivity and high-tech infrastructure must be prioritised under the proposed Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ) to attract investment, skilled talent and high-value industries to central Sarawak, says local entrepreneur Dr Gregory Hii Sui Cheng.
5d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) –- The government will implement the Net Disposable Income (NDI) approach in 2027 to ensure that the assessment of eligibility for aid takes into account demographic factors and liabilities, in addition to income.
5d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank) will strengthen Malaysian businesses’ capacity to compete internationally and adopt sustainable practices through over RM1 billion in strategic initiatives mandated by the government under Budget 2027.
7d ago
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 5,879 micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs in Sabah have benefited from the SME-UP Assistance Programme implemented from 2017 to 2025, said Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
8d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The RM2,000 minimum wage exemption for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with annual sales revenue below RM50 million in Budget 2027, effective June 2027, would help businesses adjust their workforce recruitment and salary structures, said SME Corporation Malaysia.
8d ago
BANGI, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should use data and analytics to improve subsidy targeting based on household needs, helping those most in need while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
8d ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The government’s higher RM16 billion allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), along with the personal income tax measure under Budget 2027, is expected to sustain household consumption and support retail sector earnings, particularly among essential goods and value retailers.