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The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Tariff talks on track, says Anwar
United front: Anwar delivering opening remarks during the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: With less than a month before the unilateral tariffs kick in, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described Malaysia's latest round of talks with the United States as 'going very well'. The Prime Minister said this was the message conveyed by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. 'This morning, I received a message from the minister that the meetings with the US Secretary of Commerce have been excellent. 'Our emphasis is on the need to secure what is fair for Malaysians and always represent the case for Asean. 'I have also urged my colleagues in Asean to do likewise, present bilateral positions and emphasise the need for Asean to remain as a cohesive force,' he said in his keynote address at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Malaysia faces a 24% tariff on certain exports to the United States unless both sides can reach an agreement before the 90-day pause ends on July 8. The Prime Minister said the imposition of unilateral tariffs by the United States had posed a significant challenge to Malaysia, as over 60% of its semiconductor exports were meant for the US markets. 'You can imagine the government's concern to secure a fair resolution to this issue,' he said. Anwar said Malaysia remained consistent in its stance that international trade must be governed by transparent rules and predictability, not by unilateralism or coercive economic measures. 'Disruptions in trade and the supply chain will leave detrimental effects on businesses, hampering economic growth. 'Malaysia will continue to engage constructively with the United States, China, India and the European Union in advancing our national and regional interests. 'Let there be no doubt; Malaysia's strategy of active non-alignment is a deliberate and principled framework, designed to maximise strategic flexibility, preserve decision-making autonomy and engage all partners on our own terms,' he added. Anwar said over the past two years, Malaysia had reached out to like minded nations in the Global South to cooperate. 'It is in this spirit that we have revitalised our pursuit of greater inter-regional connectivity and cooperation,' he said. He said the latest move by BRICS to include members and partner countries from the Middle East, South-East Asia, Central Asia, Africa and South America is the essence of bridging regions. BRICS was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for emerging economies.
The Star
12-06-2025
- The Star
Tourism image on the line
Towering beauty: Tourists taking photos of the Merdeka 118 tower at Petaling Street. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PETALING JAYA: From beaches to rainforests, captivating urban developments, vibrant cultures and great food, Malaysia has everything going for it as it prepares to welcome tourists ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). With less than six months to go, tourism industry players are geared up for an influx of tourists. However, many warn of unscrupulous folk posing as legitimate service providers, aiming to deceive and profit from tourists. They say this can stunt VM2026 promotional efforts, adding that one bad incident can make things go south. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said there must be no delay in weeding out illegal tourism service providers. 'We need increased enforcement by the necessary ministries and agencies now, not later. 'This needs to be eradicated even before 2026 comes around,' he said. On tourism products, Wong said MATTA has been working with agencies like Tourism Malaysia to target different markets leading into VM2026. This includes tourists from Europe, within Asean, and those from China, Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region. 'We are also focusing on sustainable tourism and promoting cultural experiences across different ethnic groups within city centres,' said Wong. He urged for improved land connectivity to help tourists explore more of what Malaysia had to offer. Malaysia Airports, on its website, is also warning holidaymakers of travel scams targeting tourists. These scams occur when travellers purchase tour packages, which are usually cheaper than what is offered in the market, from travel agents or agencies. After purchasing the packages, travellers would find themselves stranded at the airport with their details not found in the airlines' ticketing system. The public is advised to check with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry website to verify the legitimacy of a travel agent or agency. Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang expressed concerns over scams, unlicensed operators and inconsistent service standards. 'Malaysia's reputation is on the line and strict enforcement is needed,' he said. He said the organisation was working closely with travel partners to curate thematic packages, focusing on culture, eco-tourism and experiential travel, especially across lesser-known gems in Malaysia. Agrotourism, he said, held significant untapped potential nationwide, citing Perlis and Tawau in Sabah as examples. 'Perlis offers a unique countryside experience, including visits to mango farms, with the state renowned for the Harumanis mango. 'Tawau, meanwhile, is home to one of the best cocoa plantations. 'These destinations exemplify the kind of hidden gems that can be spotlighted, helping to diversify tourism offerings and boost rural economies,' Tan said. Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association president Sri Ganesh Michiel said all forms of unlicensed tourism services and products should be nipped in the bud to enhance tourists' experience of Malaysia. 'Allowing short-term rental accommodations to continue operations into VM2026 efforts would see the hard work of tourism players and the government being ripped by unlicensed service providers,' he said. 'Legal businesses are the ones paying taxes and will not stand to benefit much from the campaign if this issue is left unchecked.' He described VM2026 as an opportunity to reintroduce Malaysia as a premier, safe and sustainable tourist destination. 'However, one bad experience from a tourist using such an unlicensed service could jeopardise the whole campaign,' he said. Sri Ganesh said unlicensed entities operating outside of any legal framework, and not subject to safety inspections were of concern as this undermines licensed operators who follow local laws.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Airport revamp needed before VM2026
Work in progress: The aerotrain performing a test run at KLIA Terminal 1. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PETALING JAYA: With just months to go before the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign kicks off, tourism industry leaders are worried about first impressions – they say KLIA and other airports need serious facelifts. Strangely enough, KLIA Terminal 1 – the bigger terminal – loses out to Terminal 2 when it comes to the range of food and services. 'At KLIA Terminal 1, the food in restaurants is often pre-prepared and simply reheated, which is not ideal. In contrast, Terminal 2 offers a much more diverse selection of dining options and shopping outlets,' says Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association president Datuk Angie Ng. Terminal 2 also provides essential travel items, such as luggage locks or new suitcases, at reasonable prices. Ng cited Singapore's Changi Airport as an example of what Malaysia should aspire to, with attractions like photo spots and a library for visitors, as well as a Food Republic outlet that offers a wide variety of freshly prepared meals. 'Unfortunately, the reheated food at our airport is unappealing,' she said. Ng did, however, commend KLIA's efficient Immigration clearance process, although there is still some congestion and confusion at baggage claim areas, particularly in Terminal 2. She said the airport needs more automated check-in machines and other state-of-the-art equipment. 'Other countries update facilities every two to three years. We should do the same, especially before VM 2026,' she said. Ng also highlighted the need for more airline staff to help elderly passengers at Terminal 2. Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong echoed these concerns. 'KLIA gives the first impression for visitors. Malaysia Airports has already made improvements, such as offering complimentary drinks upon arrival and speeding up baggage collection and immigration clearance for Malaysians using the MyBorderPass App,' she said. However, she said the aerotrain service needs to be up and running as soon as possible, as shuttle buses are inconvenient, especially for families. 'During peak travel times, waiting times for shuttle buses can be long,' she added. Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang noted that while the aerotrain was important, there is a broader need to ensure comprehensive infrastructure and service readiness. 'We hope the tourism industry and government can work together to achieve the goals set,' he said. Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce president Loo Kok Seong said Malaysia's position as Asean chair this year would see more diplomatic and business visitors arriving. 'Given the growing number of exchanges, we must complete the aerotrain upgrades swiftly,' he said. After a two-year hiatus, the KLIA Terminal 1 aerotrain is expected to resume operations soon. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced a media test run next week to preview the service before it officially reopens. In January, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani announced that the KLIA aerotrain, was expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
HSS Engineers bids for four data centres, eyes global growth
HSS Engineering Behad Excutive Vice Chairman Tan Sri Ir. Kuna Sittampalam spekas during press confences at Sime Darby Conventio Centre (6/6/202). —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: HSS Engineers Bhd is bidding for four data centre-related projects as part of a broader push for global growth. The projects include Sime Darby Data Centre Phase 2, Infinaxis Phase 2, Princeton Digital Group, and NTT Global Data Centres. Its group general manager, Anand Sharvanandan, said the company is also exploring new opportunities in Indonesia. "We have already completed two data centre projects in Johor - one in Sedenak and another for Yondr's Yellowwood Phase 1,' he told reporters at a press conference following the company's annual general meeting. Anand said the company has also just completed the first phase of K2 Strategic Infrastructure Malaysia Sdn Bhd's project and was recently appointed for Phase 2, with the team mobilised in March. "In addition, we are involved in several ongoing projects, including facilities in Kempas, Johor; Bagan Datuk, Perak; and Yellowwood Phase 2. "We are also working on two new data centres in Cyberjaya, Infinaxis and Basis Bay,' he said. The group's current order book for data centres stands at approximately RM70 million, with a tender book of around RM30 million. Meanwhile, HSS Engineers executive vice chairman Tan Sri Kuna Sittampalam said the group remains confident of maintaining strong growth in the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025 (FY2025) and beyond, as it expands and diversifies across multiple sectors and international markets. He added that the group's RM2.1 billion order book provides earnings visibility for the next eight years, building on momentum from a record-high net profit of RM25.2 million in FY2024. Key projects within the order book include the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah Phase 1A, Westport 2 Expansion Development, Klang Valley Double Tracking Phase 2, East Coast Rail Link, Jajaran Rel Selangor Kita, various water infrastructure developments, and data centre projects in Malaysia and abroad. He said the group maintains a healthy tender book of RM475 million and continues to pursue new contracts domestically and overseas. "We have secured RM65 million in contract wins year to date. "The group's overall order book currently stands at RM2.07 billion. FY2025 looks promising for us, both domestically and internationally, with several opportunities showing strong potential,' he said. On international operations, he said the group is on track to meet its target of deriving 25 per cent of revenue from overseas projects by 2027. "In Indonesia, we have acquired a 12 per cent stake in PT Oriental Indonesia, establishing a strategic foothold in the market,' he said. In Iraq, Kuna said the group is currently working on the Baghdad Metro contract - a seven-line, US$17.5 billion project. "We are in a 50:50 joint venture, with total fees amounting to RM1.5 billion (US$1 = RM4.23). "We are also in the final stages of contract negotiations for project management consultancy for the Najaf-Karbala high-speed rail (HSR), which will connect the two cities. If secured, the Najaf-Karbala contract would be worth US$100 million, also under a 50:50 arrangement,' he said. As of March 31, 2025, overseas projects contributed 18.8 per cent of the group's revenue, underpinned by multiple contract wins in developing Asian markets, he added. - Bernama
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's palm oil stocks hit 8-month high in May as output jumps
File pic — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star Malaysia's palm oil stocks jumped to their highest level in eight months in May as a surge in production and imports countered exports, which rose to their highest in six months, data from the industry regulator showed on Tuesday. Palm oil stocks rose 6.65% month-on-month in May, the third consecutive monthly increase, to 1.99 million metric tons, the highest since September 2024, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said. Crude palm oil production climbed 5.05% in May, also the third straight monthly rise, to 1.77 million tons, while palm oil exports surged 25.6% to 1.39 million tons, the highest since November last year, the MPOB said. Imports rose to 68,971 tons last month from 58,292 tons in April, the data showed. A Reuters survey had estimated inventories at 2.01 million tons, with output at 1.74 million tons and exports at 1.3 million tons. The MPOB report is slightly bullish for palm oil, as the market was already trading with the expectation of stocks rising to 2 million tons, said Anilkumar Bagani, research head of Mumbai-based vegetable oil broker Sunvin Group. "Unless production rises with greater force in (the) coming months, we expect demand, particularly from top buyer India, to support the market." Earlier this month, India halved the basic import tax on crude palm oil to 10% to bring down food prices and help the local refining industry. Palm oil has been trading at a discount to rival soyoil for the last few weeks and has started to lure buyers during the peak production season, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trade house. - Reuters
