Latest news with #ISKANDARPUTERI
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
RON95 price will not be raised, assures Anwar
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The price of RON95 petrol will not be raised, even if there is a sharp increase in global crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel, assures the Prime Minister. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that although the price increase benefits the national petroleum company, the government aims to avoid burdening the people with higher fuel costs. Any future adjustments will be made carefully, taking into account the needs and financial capacity of the people, he told a press conference after a closed-door meeting with Johor PKR leaders and members. The price of RON95 for June 19-25 remains RM2.05 per litre. Anwar said the recent increase in global oil prices is due to sudden changes in the international market, despite prices previously remaining at relatively low levels. He said fluctuations in oil prices are a common occurrence, but the latest spike was particularly abrupt, triggered by the recent Israeli military assault on Iran. 'Oil prices go up and down. The increase this time has been quite sharp. 'This hike is partly due to increased demand and contributes to national revenue. However, we are not raising domestic fuel prices,' he said. The Prime Minister also said that a detailed explanation will be provided regarding the implementation of the review and expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) scope which will take effect on July 1. He said the government acknowledged there has been confusion regarding the implementation, but gave assurance that the government's initiatives will not burden the lower-income group or the M40. 'We will give an explanation. Sometimes, general statements, such as saying bananas will be subjected to SST, cause confusion. Actually, it refers to imported bananas. 'But I agree we need to clarify this because what is important is that we do not want to burden the lower-income group or the M40,' he said.
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
PM: JS-SEZ stands out globally due to trust and stability
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) stands out globally due to the strong trust and cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the zone's political stability and policy clarity, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'Look at this region, this SEZ. It would not have happened if the two governments, the two systems, do not share common interests in uplifting both countries. 'This is not an ordinary SEZ. You name me any economic zone that involves two countries based on total trust and working together as a team to uplift both societies and countries. 'And therefore I give credit not only to Malaysian leaders in Johor, but also our Singapore friends who have been articulating the support,' the Prime Minister said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum here. While many countries offer better incentives than the JS-SEZ, he pointed out that not many have a politically stable system, a strong coalition, willingness to acknowledge past blunders and commit to clear policies moving forward. 'That is why the JS-SEZ is now known internationally, globally, as a new dynamo, because of this collaboration, infrastructure in place and because it is politically stable with clarity of policies,' he said. Anwar, who detailed all the wars and turmoil around the world, said that Asean happens to be one of the most peaceful regions in the world which is vibrant and dynamic economically. He said that trade and investments remain paramount and must be based on the multilateral arrangements. The Prime Minister described Malaysia's relationship with China as very close, adding that not many countries could record the visits of China's President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang within a short span if relations were not extremely close. 'As a trading nation, we need all the investments, support, trading, and transfer of technology that China can offer, as the Japanese have offered for decades in the past,' he added.
The Star
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Japan to aid Johor's rapid economic development
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japan is ready to support Johor in easing traffic congestion as the state prepares for rapid economic development, says Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata. He said that addressing congestion was essential for the state as it anticipates significant economic growth with the rapid progress of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'Japan is eager to collaborate with Johor by offering cutting-edge solutions, including smart transportation systems and quality infrastructure development. 'By employing Japan's artificial intelligence-driven traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, we aim to support Johor in overcoming serious traffic congestion,' he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum. He said that traffic jams not only hamper economic activities, but also waste energy, harm the environment and increase the risk of accidents. 'We hope to cooperate with Johor in becoming a model smart city for transportation solutions, not only in Kuala Lumpur or Johor, but also other megacities in Asean and beyond that are facing traffic congestion issues,' he said. He said the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link, along with the proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system, are key to improving public transportation in Johor. On another matter, Shikata also noted that there have been extensive discussions on new green investments in Malaysia, which have resulted in concrete expressions of interest. 'Johor is also emerging as a vital hub for data centres, and these facilities require substantial energy for cooling, presenting a significant environmental challenge. 'In this regard, Japan's liquefied natural gas cooling technology offers an environmentally friendly and efficient solution. 'By adapting this technology, data centres in Johor can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce their environmental impact and enhance operational performance,' he said. Meanwhile, Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Harris said Johor is well-equipped with the necessary frameworks and support systems to welcome more Japanese investments. He said that elements crucial to Japanese investors, particularly talent development and policy consistency, are already in place in Johor. 'For talent, we already have the Johor Talent Development Council, which includes collaboration between academia and industry. 'And on the policy side, we have the Johor Super Lane and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor. 'We already have many things to offer. Now it's a matter of ramping up promotion,' he said when met on the sidelines of the forum here in Medini. He said Invest Johor is focusing its efforts on real projects and partnerships that showcase ongoing progress on the ground. 'These initiatives are not just theoretical, they are already being implemented. 'We have strong case studies to highlight, particularly in Kulai under the Kulai Fastlane, and now with the rollout of the Johor Superlane,' he added. Natazha said the two-day forum here was a good platform for Japanese investors to learn more about what the state has to offer. 'Japanese companies already have a presence in Johor even before the forum. 'Now, interest is growing stronger as Japanese companies have more clarity about what Johor has to offer, on top of the ecosystem already in place. This helps us tell our story to a wider audience, especially with the added leverage from the JS-SEZ,' he said. During the closing ceremony here, Invest Johor also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Yokohama-based listed technology company NEOJAPAN Inc. Natazha said the MoU marks the start of a strategic collaboration to establish the South-East Asian Centre of Excellence (SEA CoE) within the JS-SEZ. 'Through this initiative, Johor aims to position itself as a leading Asean hub for digital transformation by promoting the JS-SEZ as a base for cutting-edge innovation and talent development. 'As part of the effort, the SEA CoE is expected to train over 1,000 local talents in cloud infrastructure, multilingual IT support, and no-code development, while creating 300 high-skilled jobs in the region,' he said.
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor forges strategic pact with Japan's NEOJAPAN to build Asean digital talent hub
jashadiqe@ ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor state government has taken a bold step to anchor itself as Asean's next digital powerhouse by sealing a strategic partnership with Japanese tech firm NEOJAPAN Inc today (June 19). The MoU inked between Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Harris and the Yokohama-based digital solutions provider president Akinori Saito, will pave the way for the Southeast Asian Centre of Excellence (SEA CoE) to be establish within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Japan's Economy Minister Yoji Muto and Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata, the agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025. The SEA CoE will serve as a regional training and innovation hub, aiming to upskill more than 1,000 local tech talents in areas such as cloud infrastructure, multilingual IT support and no-code development. The initiative is also set to generate 300 high-skilled jobs, boosting Johor's position as a tech-driven investment destination. "This collaboration aligns perfectly with our goal of turning Johor into a regional hub for digital excellence," Onn Hafiz said. "By fostering innovation, talent development, and strategic investments, we believe the JS-SEZ can become a catalyst for Johor's digital economy." NEOJAPAN, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, will contribute its expertise in cloud-based platforms and digital transformation tools, including desknet's NEO, AppSuite and NEOPORT. The partnership signals deepening Malaysia-Japan economic ties and supports Malaysia's wider digitalisation push under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry's regional strategies.
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt won't raise price of RON95 amid geopolitical tensions
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given assurance that the government will not raise the price of RON95 petrol, even if there is a sharp increase in global crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel. He said that although the price increase benefits the national petroleum company, the government aims to avoid burdening the people with higher fuel costs. 'Oil prices fluctuate. Currently, it is relatively low. (If) there is a sharp increase, the returns are good for Petronas, but it affects other countries. We are not increasing fuel prices,' he said. Anwar, who is also PKR president, told reporters this after a meeting with the Johor PKR leadership here today. At the same time, Anwar stressed that fiscal policies, including the reimplementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), must be implemented carefully so as not to pressure the lower-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups. 'Sometimes people get confused. For example, it was said that bananas are subject to SST. Actually, it's imported bananas. But we will clarify the matter. The important thing is, we do not want to burden the lower-income group,' he said. He also suggested that government departments and agencies serve local fruits during official functions as a way to support domestic production. 'For official receptions or government office events, use local food and fruits only. It's doable. Let's support local products,' he added. Anwar said the government is open to reviewing the list of goods and services subject to tax if there is confusion or unfairness in its implementation. Commenting further on the issue of SST on educational institutions, the prime minister explained that tax is only imposed on international schools that charge fees above a certain high threshold. 'Regular schools, private schools that charge RM10,000 or RM20,000 are not taxed. But if it's RM60,000 a year, then pay a little tax,' he said. Anwar also stressed that tax revenue will be used to fund public needs such as the construction of schools and the upgrading of public healthcare facilities. 'Wherever I go, hospitals are crowded. Many schools also need repairs. We need funds, and those come from taxes, but not from ordinary citizens. We target the upper class and foreign sectors,' he said.
