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Sarawak’s upcoming state-owned airline, AirBorneo, symbolises the region’s ambition to strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation across ASEAN, according to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking through Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during the gala dinner of the 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting on Thursday night, Abang Johari said the airline, expected to begin operations in 2026, would serve as a strategic platform for enhancing trade, tourism, and investment across Southeast Asia. “In line with our aspirations for regional connectivity, Sarawak is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our airline, AirBorneo,” the Premier stated. He emphasised that improved air links would not only make travel more convenient, but also streamline business across ASEAN capitals and major cities. This move forms part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to leverage its strategic location, rich resources, and strong cultural ties to drive regional growth and uplift livelihoods. In addition to the airline, Sarawak is also advancing major infrastructure projects to cement its role as a regional hub. These include the construction of a new international airport and a deep-sea port in Tanjung Embang, Kota Samarahan. “These developments will enhance both air and maritime connectivity, making Sarawak more attractive to investors, businesses, and tourists alike,” Abang Johari added. He further highlighted the importance of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), a subregional initiative aimed at complementing ASEAN’s economic integration efforts. Sarawak’s shared land borders with Brunei and Indonesia’s Kalimantan position it as a key player in the region’s cross-border development efforts. “The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan will generate significant economic spillover effects throughout Borneo, creating new prospects for investment, trade, and infrastructure growth,” he said. The gala dinner was also attended by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. The ASCC Council Meeting, held from 22 to 26 April, brings together ministerial representatives from all 11 ASEAN nations, including the recently admitted Timor-Leste, to discuss pressing socio-cultural priorities across the region.

The heart of Kuala Lumpur is set for a cultural revival under the KL Heritage Project, a central component of the Malaysia Madani Capital Heritage initiative, officially launched today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. More than just a physical upgrade, the project aims to preserve the city’s rich cultural and historical character while reinforcing community values. According to Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a city that is both creative and culturally vibrant. Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Office Daily Briefing, which was streamed live on the official Facebook pages of Anwar Ibrahim and PMO Malaysia, Tunku Nashrul said the Prime Minister views the KL Heritage Project as a symbol of restoring the city’s soul. He added that the initiative is in line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration, which prioritises development rooted in values and civilisation. Since taking office, the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised that development should not be defined solely by skyscrapers and mega projects, but by initiatives that improve people’s quality of life. “The KL Heritage Project is a reflection of that principle. It builds the future while preserving our roots and values. It strengthens cultural and heritage identity for the benefit of the people and for appreciation by tourists,” he said. He stressed that heritage preservation must go beyond maintaining historic sites. It should cultivate a deep sense of love and respect for the nation’s legacy, which in turn can yield significant social and economic returns. “The government will not allow or take lightly the loss of historical landmarks that hold great significance in the nation’s development,” he added. The project brings together a wide range of strategic partners, including Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Think City, Khazanah Nasional, government-linked companies and investment bodies, as well as artists and cultural practitioners. All share a common goal: to make Kuala Lumpur a city for all and a true reflection of Malaysia’s identity. Through this collaborative effort, the KL Heritage Project aims to create a city that honours its past while embracing a progressive and inclusive future.

WASHINGTON:  Malaysia is preparing to revise down its 2025 economic growth forecast following new US-imposed tariffs that have clouded trade and investment prospects, Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said during the IMF-World Bank spring meetings in Washington. The government’s current growth target of 4.5% to 5.5% is under review, with a revised outlook expected to be released in the coming months. “What’s transpired over the past three weeks has been probably a lot harder than what people anticipated,” Amir said in an interview. “It is likely that global trade will come down. The key question is: how deeply?” Malaysia’s first-quarter performance fell short of expectations, even before the US introduced new tariffs on trading partners earlier this month. The International Monetary Fund has projected 4.1% growth for the country this year. Trade Talks with US Begin This Week Malaysia will officially begin trade negotiations with the United States on Thursday, in a bid to avoid a looming 24% reciprocal tariff, which is currently under a 90-day suspension. The meeting will feature Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Malaysia follows in the footsteps of Japan and Vietnam, which have also initiated formal discussions with the US. “Let’s put it all on the table and discuss what’s fair or what’s not fair,” Amir said, while declining to specify whether Malaysia might increase purchases of US goods to help offset the trade imbalance. While Malaysia maintains an overall trade surplus with the US, it runs a services trade deficit. Officials plan to stress Malaysia’s key role in global supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and as a base for US manufacturing operations. Economic Strategy Amid Global Headwinds Amir noted that while the US tariffs may dampen growth, Malaysia has room to maneuver. He pointed to fiscal space and increased investment from government-linked companies as buffers against external shocks. Despite a recent drop in oil prices, Malaysia is moving ahead with fuel subsidy reforms slated for mid-2025, introducing a two-tiered pricing model where only the wealthiest 15% of households will pay market rates. Amir also suggested that Malaysia could help bolster regional coordination as global trade dynamics shift. “We must be prepared to look at what we can, so long as it doesn’t disrupt the economic structure within the country.” As the current ASEAN chair, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to lead efforts to craft a collective Southeast Asian response to the US tariff agenda.

KUALA LUMPUR : Restoration and maintenance works are in full swing at the iconic Kuala Lumpur Tower, as the new operator, LSH Service Masters Sdn Bhd (LSHSM), readies the national landmark for a safe and enhanced reopening. Following the conclusion of Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd’s (MKLSB) operating concession on 31 March, LSHSM assumed operational control on 1 April under a 20-year concession granted through a government-led request for proposal (RFP) process. Despite the change in management, the government has reaffirmed that KL Tower remains a state-owned asset. LSHSM’s chief executive officer, Khairil Faizal Othman, said the works go beyond cosmetic upgrades and are aimed at fully restoring the 421-metre tower’s safety, infrastructure, and functionality to world-class standards. Ongoing upgrades include electrical and drainage system enhancements, cleaning of the glass dome, reinstallation of flagpoles and CCTV units, repainting of parapet walls, and refurbishment of the revolving restaurant and office spaces with new furnishings and equipment. A Facility Condition Assessment (FCA), completed on 21 April, was instrumental in identifying critical areas requiring immediate attention. “The assessment ensures we not only meet international safety benchmarks but also exceed the expectations of our future visitors,” Khairil Faizal said. The operator is currently working in close coordination with the Ministry of Communications to determine a suitable date for the official reopening. “We are expediting on-site work while maintaining regular dialogue with the ministry,” he said. “Our focus is to ensure a seamless reopening and deliver an upgraded experience that reflects the tower’s status as a premier tourist attraction. We are confident that we will achieve this once full operations resume,” he added. KL Tower, closed to the public since 17 April, typically welcomes between 1,000 to 1,500 visitors daily—many of them international tourists. The temporary closure has already made an impact on local tourism. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had earlier confirmed the tower’s closure, citing safety and comfort as the top priorities behind the restoration efforts.

JAKARTA : In a meeting that went beyond formality and handshakes, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto reignited a long-standing personal and diplomatic bond, paving the way for stronger regional collaboration under the ASEAN banner. Held at the historic Istana Merdeka, the meeting wasn’t just a diplomatic courtesy. It was a reflection of a decades-long friendship — a foundation that allowed both leaders to delve into complex regional challenges, from economic uncertainty due to potential US tariffs to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The leaders reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional stability, ASEAN solidarity, and closer bilateral cooperation. Among the key breakthroughs was the mutual recognition of Malaysia’s halal certification by Indonesia, eliminating the need for new procedures and opening smoother paths for cross-border halal trade. In a joint vision for the halal economy, both nations agreed in principle to establish an ASEAN Halal Council—a move poised to unify and uplift the halal industry across Southeast Asia. Beyond trade, Ahmad Zahid also held discussions with Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, covering labour welfare, fisheries cooperation, and regional peace. Both countries agreed to honour a 2012 MoU that ensures fishermen unintentionally entering foreign waters will be warned, not punished—a continued sign of maritime goodwill. In education, Malaysia inked new Letters of Intent on TVET collaboration, enhancing ties with Jakarta and West Sumatra through partnerships involving UniKL and Education Malaysia Global Services. Economic growth was also on the agenda, with the two sides committing to joint ventures in the franchise sector to build a more competitive and resilient regional economy. Highlighting Malaysia’s regional vision, Ahmad Zahid launched the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025, focused on sustainable mobility and innovation, and held talks with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, advocating for the One ASEAN, One Response disaster framework. Malaysia also offered to help ASEAN nations develop elite search and rescue teams modeled after its own SMART unit. Religious cooperation saw another leap forward, with support voiced for haj dam rituals to be performed in pilgrims’ home countries, and for permanent facilities to be built in Mina—ideas to be sensitively proposed to Saudi Arabia. As the region navigates geopolitical uncertainties, Ahmad Zahid’s visit reaffirmed Malaysia’s role as a diplomatic bridge-builder and regional unifier.

As the United States tightens its grip on Chinese imports with punishing new tariffs, a murky trade workaround is making waves—this time, with “Made in Malaysia” stamped across it. Online retailers across the globe are reporting a sharp surge in unsolicited offers from foreign logistics firms promising to help them sidestep steep U.S. tariffs. These questionable services—often pitched via social media—include falsifying shipment values, obscuring origins, and re-routing goods through third countries such as Malaysia to exploit lower duties.   “We can help you save on costs,” reads one message from a freight firm, offering to understate the value of an incoming shipment while acting as the importer of record. While such schemes aren’t new, their brazenness has escalated since former U.S. President Donald Trump slapped higher tariffs on China earlier this month. Now, merchants say the offers are not only more frequent, but increasingly aggressive. Aaron Rubin, an online seller of martial arts gear, recounted an offer from a freight brokerage that proposed declaring a shipment valued at US$30,000 as merely US$10,000. The trick would have slashed his tariff bill by nearly US$29,000. Rubin refused—and reported the firm to U.S. Customs—but fears less scrupulous competitors may give in to temptation. “If people start saving US$10,000 in tariffs per container, it quickly adds up to billions,” warned Rubin, who also runs the logistics software company ShipHero. A Chinese freight broker, speaking anonymously to avoid scrutiny, confirmed that many clients are now opting to ship Chinese-made goods through Malaysia, claiming them as locally manufactured—where tariffs are about 24%, far below the over 125% levied on Chinese goods. Others, they say, are pausing shipments altogether, watching and waiting to see if U.S. trade policies shift again. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) declined to comment on enforcement strategies, experts warn the risk-reward calculus for desperate businesses is shifting. “Some are facing existential crises,” said William George of Import Genius. “They could be weighing the risk of paying fines against losing their livelihoods entirely.” Under U.S. law, falsifying customs documentation—whether it’s undervaluing shipments or misdeclaring origins—is illegal and punishable by both civil and criminal penalties. But enforcement relies heavily on tip-offs and self-disclosure through an online portal, making oversight especially challenging.