Morning Brief

The government is set to table the Urban Renewal Act this year as a way to address ageing infrastructure and housing shortages. At its core, the URA will lower the threshold for en bloc sales, making it easier for developers to acquire ageing strata properties. Detractors say this benefits property developer more than the ordinary rakyat. Jamie Tan, Managing Director of JLL Malaysia shares his thoughts.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four months as Indonesia's new president, Prabowo Subianto, has already announced sweeping budget cuts across various ministries and institutions, sparking widespread protests among Indonesian youths. It has also affected civil servants. Erin Cook, a Journalist for Southeast Asian Affairs, shares her insights into these issues as well as how the new sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, are shaping conversations there.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent peak hour restrictions for heavy vehicles on highways are causing concern among logistics companies, with many claiming that their input was not sought before the implementation of these restrictions. The president of the Association of Malaysian Hauliers, Soo Che Yeong shares more on his frustrations about the lack of consultation and discusses the potential impact on operations, costs, and Malaysia’s logistics hub ambitions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s exports stumbled in January 2025, rising just 0.3%, well below the 5% forecast. With the trade surplus dropping to RM3.6 billion ringgit, is there cause for concern especially with a tariff storm brewing? Zafri Zulkeffeli, Deputy Chief Economist at BIMB Securities gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to step down in exchange for peace and his country’s NATO membership. We ask Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d'Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia, what are the next steps in the peace process against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump attempting to rewrite history as to who is the aggressor in this war.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following growing concerns over persistent child labour despite high-income ambitions, should the government review the legal frameworks? Srividhya Ganapathy, co-chair of the Child Rights Innovation and Betterment Foundation, highlights the critical legislative changes needed to safeguard vulnerable children whilst exploring the economic and social reasons behind this practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang recently told Parliament that Malaysia has enough laws to tackle racial discrimination. Yet incidents continue to crop up that test the fabric of our multi-racial society, exacerbated by the reach of social media. What policies are needed to strengthen national harmony? We discuss this with Jerald Joseph of Pusat KOMAS. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government is urged to review SOSMA to ensure fairness while maintaining national security. Lawmakers and Civil Rights groups stress balancing security needs with human rights in proposed amendments. We’ll be speaking with Sevan Doraisamy, Executive Director of Suaram (Suara Rakyat Malaysia), a Human Rights Organisation, for his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US could be teetering on the brink of a constitutional crisis as a result of President Donald Trump's executive actions that have challenged the limits of presidential powers. What does this mean for the balance of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the US? We discuss this with Prof. Cheryl Saunders of the University of Melbourne. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snap elections are happening this Sunday in Germany after the ruling "traffic light" coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed last November. Dr Frederick Kliem, Southeast Asia Director at the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network shares his insights into the issues at play, everything from immigration to climate and will comments from the Trump administration have an effect.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest parliamentary session saw the government reaffirm its commitment to housing affordability, highlighting the 10 billion ringgit Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (HCGS) and tax relief for first-time homebuyers. With urban migration set to rise by millions by 2030, is Malaysia ready to meet the demand for affordable homes? Joining us to discuss this is Dr. Nur Fareza Mustapha, Research Associate from the Khazanah Research Institute. Image Credit: SHutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are increasingly seeing more cases of Malaysians being lured by lucrative job opportunities abroad, only to awaken to a much darker reality of human trafficking and being forced to commit online scams. Do governments have the right tools to tackle this transnational crime? We get insights from Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation or MHO, a group advocating for the rescue of overseas scam victims.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recognising Sarawak's energy supply potential - both renewable and conventional - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested the state to begin supplying its excess electricity to the southern Philippines through Sabah, starting next year. Dr Renard Siew, Climate change and sustainability expert, shares his views on this development.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government allocated funds under Budget 2025 to build 44 new schools, the highest in four years. How much would this alleviate overcrowding in public schools, especially in urban centers? We discuss the policy measures to tackle overcrowding in the education system with Chan Soon Seng of Teach For Malaysia.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered the country’s expansionary Budget for 2025 amounting to about SGD$ 143 billion dollars, constituting almost 19% of GDP with a nod towards alleviating cost of living pressures whilst making the city state a centre for new ventures. But are these measures enough to help Singapore navigate the choppy waters that is 2025? Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank tells us her perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia cut benchmark interest rates for the first time since November 2020, lowering the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1% as softening inflation allows room for easing policy. Sophia Angala, an economist, ANZ Research, shares her perspective on the decision and what can be expected in an uncertain 2025 for the global economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel products imported into the country, which the Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation (MISIF) said would lead to steel and aluminium imports being dumped on our shores. Roshan M. Abdullah, President of MISIF joins us to paint a picture of how this could impact local steel players.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration's efforts to resume direct communication ties with Moscow and open negotiations to end the war in Ukraine has raised concerns that Kyiv and Europe would be left out of the discussions. We discuss these developments and possible foreign policy implications with Dr. Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is in talks with investment bankers, stockbroking companies, rating agencies, and other market participants to revamp existing fee structures and impose a levy on revenue from regulated activities. We ask Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder of Tradeview Capital if this is timely, and the panacea to the SC's financial deficit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the DAP party elections on March 16 draw near, tensions within the party are reaching a boiling point, with Lim Guan Eng's leadership under scrutiny. At a recent dinner honoring Lim Kit Siang, an incident involving Lim Guan Eng’s aide and potential Penang chief minister candidate Steven Sim raised questions about the party's direction and leadership. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at Pacific Research Centre joins us to discuss the impact on DAP and its future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak's move to launch AirBorneo is sparking discussions about the future of its aviation sector. As the region looks to chart its own course, the real challenge is not just growth—but ensuring sustainable success. We take a closer look at what’s ahead for AirBorneo with Khair Mirza, Head of Airport Investor Resource at Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Padi Farmers Brotherhood Association or PeSawah, has voiced concerns that the newly announced floor price of 1,500 Ringgit per tonne is insufficient, believing additional incentives are necessary in the face of rising input costs. Dr. Sarena Che Omar of the PNB Research Institute joins us to discuss if the new floor price helps or hurts paddy farmers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is reviewing vehicle valuation to ensure fair excise taxes, but experts warn that prices could rise by 10% to 30% from 2026. Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, President of Malaysian Automotive Association shares his insights on how these changes could affect the automotive industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent launch of Chinese startup, DeepSeek, has sparked a flurry of interest into AI-related stocks but Bloomberg Intelligence warns that this support could see some pressure in 2025. Robert Lea, Senior Tech Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence, shares his perspective on this as the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets record gains.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The abrupt resignation of a vice-chancellor from a prominent public university has raised serious questions about appointments of vice-chancellors and other leadership positions. We speak with Dr. Sharifah Munirah Alatas from the Allianz Centre for Governance on whether our ministers should still be the ultimate authority on the appointment of vice-chancellors.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Lewis, Director, Peter Lewis Consulting (China) Limited discusses what's behind the recent rally behind the Hang Seng Index, and whether this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Chap Goh Meh and Valentine’s Day falling in the same week, florists have been flooded with orders. However, rising costs and supply challenges are shifting consumer buying habits. Is the love for fresh flowers fading or will demand continue to bloom? To get an industry perspective, we speak to Esda Meow, Member of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA).Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act came into effect earlier this week after it was passed by Dewan Rakyat. These are aimed at creating a more secure internet ecosystem to provide better protection for users, especially minors. Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism, shares her perspectives on the impact of these amendments to journalistic freedoms.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has wrapped up a two-day official visit to Malaysia holding discussions with PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Topics ranged from the reconstruction of Gaza as well as doubling bilateral trade from the current 24 billion ringgit. Dr Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer with the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University, shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in influenza cases has put the Ministry of Health on alert, with free flu vaccinations offered for eligible individuals including senior citizens. How concerned should we be about the uptick? We discuss measures to enhance public healthcare with Dr Haji Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Specialist, Pantai Hospital.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government is facing intense backlash over recent measures to address the nurse shortage, particularly the lowering of entry requirements for nursing diplomas and the proposed 45-hour work week. Critics argue that these changes would only exacerbate burnout and brain drain, while compromising the quality of patient care. We speak with Chairman of the Malaysian Medical Association, MMA SCHOMOS Dr Timothy Cheng, for insight into how Malaysia can best tackle this growing issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had suggested the formation of a Asean stock exchange to bolster the 10-nation group’s economic growth. We speak to P Gunasegaram, Independent Writer and Founding Editor of Kinibiz for the feasibility of such a proposal and what would be the benefits of it.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's top economic planning agency said on Sunday it was taking steps to scale back subsidies for renewable energy (RE) projects after a boom in solar and wind power installations. This announcement came after China broke its own records for new solar installations in 2024, and meeting targets that were meant for 2030. Pieter E. Stek, Senior Lecturer at the Asia School of Business explains what this pullback in subsidies for the Chinese RE sector means for industry players and global supply chains.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s Department of Environment, or DoE, estimates that 24.5 million units of electronic waste will be discarded this year alone, driven by rapid digitalisation. With mounting economic, legal, and health concerns, what steps should Malaysia take to address the growing e-waste issue and improve its recycling and disposal systems? Mohamed Tarek El-Fatatry of ERTH weighs in with his recommendations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To enhance financial transparency, Malaysia has rolled out four new auditing guidelines following amendments to the Audit Act 1957. These changes give the Auditor General expanded authority to audit over 1,800 entities that receive public funds, including government-linked companies and investment firms. Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy at KPMG shares his insights on how these changes could impact financial accountability and governance.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an uptick in China's consumer inflation for this CNY, signs are emerging that this might not be sustainable amid persistent deflationary pressures. Angela Han Lee, Senior Industry Analyst, Gaming & Hospitality, Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her insights into how these may impact China's F&B, gaming and travel segments.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new joint report between the World Bank and the Ministry of Economy, income inequality in Malaysia remains a major challenge, despite economic growth. Hawati Abdul Hamid, Head, Social Policy Research Section, EPF helps us distill the report and what policy measures are needed to improve economic mobility and in turn income inequality.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proposal for Malaysia's Senior Citizens Bill has been under consideration since March 2023 and has yet to be tabled. Meanwhile, there has been a steady rise in cases of children abandoning their parents at hospitals in recent years peaking during festive seasons. Chai Sen Tyng, a senior research officer at Universiti Putra Malaysia shares his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trumps' proposal to 'take over' the Gaza Strip and turn it into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has drawn backlash from Palestinian officials, several world leaders and human rights organizations. Israel has unsurprisingly thrown support for this plan. Dr Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer of Peace and Conflict Studies from The University of Sydney, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Tariffs against China were implemented this week which was swiftly followed by retaliatory action by Beijing. We examine in detail why China appears to have taken a muted response and what implications tariffs have on global trade. We would be talking to Tommy Xie, Head of Asia Macro Research, OCBC Bank. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of the region's biggest e-hailing platforms, Grab and Goto have long been said to be in talks over a potential merger. What would be the implications of the consolidation? We discuss the challenges and opportunities for both companies with Nathan Naidu of Bloomberg Intelligence. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is expected to table amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711), but how far do these improvements go? We discuss the needed reforms to the legislation with Dr. Muhammad Mohan of Transparency International Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is set to implement a mandatory 2% EPF contribution for foreign workers, instead of the initially proposed 12%. However, the increase in the minimum wage to RM1,700 and potential electricity tariff hikes might impact businesses. To gain industry views, we speak with Datuk William Ng, National President of Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to set up a US sovereign wealth fund within the next year. What could this look like and does the US need one? We discuss what makes an effective sovereign wealth fund with Dr. Elsa Satkunasingam of the Asia School of Business.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is overhauling the US Agency for International Development (USAID), disrupting ongoing humanitarian projects around the world. What will happen to USAID moving forward and how will this impact US relations with recipient countries? We discuss the implications with Grace Stanhope of the Lowy Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike Thailand, Singapore and Laos, Malaysia does not have a blanket ban on the use and sale of vapes; but should it? We discuss the present regulatory framework for vapes and e-cigarettes as well as the gaps in implementation with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Dewan Rakyat sitting will run for 18 days and among the issues in focus will be the long-anticipated revival of the Parliamentary Services Bill. We speak to Aira Azhari of IDEAS about the expectations for the session and measures to enable MPs to be more effective in their law-making duties.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After announcing tariffs against Canada and Mexico over the weekend, President Donald Trump delayed its implementation after speaking to the leaders of the respective countries. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education tells us how tariffs are now a political tool and how countries affected might respond in this new world order.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has scrapped the point-based system for foreign spouses applying for permanent residency, shifting to criteria based on marriage duration and children. Advocacy groups welcome the move but stress the need for clearer guidelines and fairer implementation. We speak to Bina Ramanand, Co-Founder of Family Frontiers to know if these changes will be enough to ensure a more inclusive and transparent process for binational families.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of Sabah and Sarawak are undergoing unprecedented flooding, following heavy rainfall since January 28th, which has displaced thousands across 26 districts. We get updates on the situation and efforts to channel aid on the ground from Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.