US Tariff Measures Pose Trade, Geopolitical Risks Despite Limited Near-Term Impact -- OCBC

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- The new Section 301 tariffs are expected to have a largely muted impact on exports to the United States (US) in the near term, given extensive product exemptions and relatively lower effective tariff rates than originally anticipated, although geopolitical risks remain significant.

Malaysia’s Leading Index Rises 0.8 Pct In May 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s economic prospects remain positive in May 2026 with the Leading Index (LI) rising 0.8 per cent to 114.4 points compared to 113.5 points in the corresponding period last year, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Gradiant Supports Europe’s Semiconductor Expansion With Water Solutions

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and wastewater solutions, has completed its work for a major new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Dresden, strengthening Europe’s capacity to produce technologies powering an increasingly digital and electrified world.

Malaysia-Thailand BEZ To Boost Trade, Cut Logistics Costs -- Economists

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The proposed Malaysia-Thailand border economic zone (BEZ) could significantly strengthen bilateral trade and regional economic development, with improved border infrastructure expected to lower logistics costs, enhance supply chain efficiency and attract more investments, an economist said.

AirBorneo Adopts 'Sarawak Model' To Keep Fares Affordable Despite Rising Costs -- Abang Johari

SEPANG, July 20 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's state-owned airline AirBorneo will operate under a unique “Sarawak model” that combines government support with commercial operations to ensure affordable airfares while maintaining long-term sustainability, according to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Petroleum Reserve Should Be Part Of A Broader Economic Security Strategy -- Economist

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) -- A renowned economist has cautioned that a national petroleum reserve should not be a standalone energy initiative but rather be one component of a broader economic security strategy encompassing food security, critical minerals, semiconductors and digital infrastructure.

AmBank Sees Stronger 2Q GDP Growth, Raises 2026 Forecast To 4.8 Pct

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- AmBank (M) Bhd expects Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q2026) to grow by 5.6 per cent, supported by private consumption fuelled by festive spending during the quarter and steady private investment

Geoeconomic Fragmentation Prompts Malaysia To Rethink Energy Security -- Experts

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s move to study the establishment of a national petroleum reserve stock reflects a broader shift in national policy as rising geoeconomic risks compel countries to place greater emphasis on energy security alongside economic resilience, according to experts.

Southeast Asia’s Next Growth Cycle To Be Driven By ‘Fabulous Five’ - Economist

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- Southeast Asia’s next growth cycle will not be written by one economy, one commodity cycle or one manufacturing corridor, but will instead be shaped by five economies, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Structural Reforms Increasingly Key To Malaysia’s Growth As BNM Maintains OPR

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) highlights the growing importance of structural reforms and investment policies in driving Malaysia's long-term growth, with monetary policy providing a stable backdrop for economic expansion, according to an economist.

FMM Calls For Balanced US Approach To Proposed Section 301 Tariff Action

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has urged the United States (US) to adopt a balanced approach to its proposed Section 301 tariff action on imports linked to forced labour, cautioning that blanket duties could penalise compliant Malaysian manufacturers and disrupt established supply chains.

Belgium Seeks To Collaborate With Malaysia On Offshore Energy - Belgian DPM

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- Belgium is keen to strengthen collaboration with Malaysia in offshore energy, leveraging its expertise in offshore energy as both countries pursue the green energy transition.