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KUALA LUMPUR:  Malaysia’s consumer inflation rate eased to 1.4% year-on-year in March 2025, marking the slowest pace of price growth since early 2021, as gains in several non-food categories moderated, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 134.1 points in March, compared to 132.2 in the same month a year earlier, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said in a statement. “The softer inflation print was primarily driven by a slower increase in prices for personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services, which rose 3.6% in March, down from 3.7% in February,” he said. The restaurant and accommodation services segment also saw a notable deceleration, with inflation cooling to 2.9% from 3.5% the previous month. Similarly, price gains in housing, utilities, and fuel slowed to 1.9% (February: 2.3%), while the alcoholic beverages and tobacco category edged up 0.8% (February: 0.9%). Furnishings and household maintenance posted a marginal 0.2% increase. Some sectors, however, recorded higher year-on-year inflation. These included education, which rose 2.2%, and recreation, sport, and culture at 1.7%. Inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages, insurance and financial services, health, and transport remained unchanged from February, at 2.5%, 1.5%, 1.0%, and 0.7% respectively. On the downside, information and communication, as well as clothing and footwear, continued to register deflation, with prices falling by 5.4% and 0.2% respectively. The moderation in headline inflation aligns with recent central bank projections, suggesting that price pressures remain manageable amid a mixed economic environment.–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR:  Zoho Corporation, a global technology company is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), Malaysia’s focal agency for early-stage startups. Under this collaboration, Zoho will extend its Zoho for Startups program via Cradle’s MYStartup Single Window platform, an integrated hub supporting startup founders at various stages of their journey. Malaysia is the second ASEAN country that will have access to this program. This initiative aligns with Zoho’s global mission to equip startups with resources to launch and scale their ventures.  The strategic partnership was announced at MYStartup NXT – a micro conference in Cyberjaya witnessed by YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). As part of the strategic partnership, Zoho has committed over RM44 million in Zoho Wallet credits to empower 4,400 Malaysian startups with access to its comprehensive suite of business applications. Each participating startup will receive credits valid for one year, allowing them the flexibility to explore and adopt tools tailored to their specific operational and growth needs. Since its inception in 2017, the Zoho for Startups program has engaged with over 18,000 startups globally through impactful partnerships with more than 200 incubators, accelerators, and startup-enabling organizations. In Malaysia, this opportunity will be extended to startups with Cradle’s expansive ecosystem, which includes companies ranging from early-stage to those that have reached Series B funding. Promotion of the program will be carried out through various touchpoints, including WhatsApp groups, emails, events, and social media to ensure broad visibility and engagement. Startups interested in accessing this support may apply through the MYStartup Single Window platform (www.mystartup.gov.my) to be part of the program and leverage Zoho’s solutions for their next phase of growth.     “At Cradle, we believe startups grow faster when they’re equipped with the right tools and surrounded by the right ecosystem. Our collaboration with Zoho is all about making that happen, giving founders easy access to world-class software solutions that can power their next big leap. Through the MYStartup Single Window platform, we are not just connecting startups to the right tools and resources-we are opening doors to global opportunities and helping them build with confidence.” – Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO, Cradle “The Zoho for Startups program operates like any “pull model” responding to the startup ecosystem’s proactiveness, also keeping in mind Zoho’s growth strategy for the region. Malaysia is steadily focusing on its innovation landscape, strengthened by the support and budget from the government and the new policies in place. With the collective experience we have of running the Zoho for Startups program in more than 10 locations across the world, including India, we are poised to make this collaboration as one of the most impactful one for Malaysia.”   — Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head—Zoho for Startups “Malaysia’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem presents an exciting opportunity for us to engage with a dynamic, tech-savvy community. With strong government support and innovative founders driving growth, now is the perfect time to launch Zoho for Startups. Our solutions—Zoho CRM, Zoho Workplace, Zoho Books, Zoho Creator, Zoho Desk and Zoho One—are already popular among startups, and we look forward to seeing how Malaysia’s vibrant ecosystem shapes their adoption.” – Gibu Mathew, VP & GM, Zoho APAC In addition to providing wallet credits, Zoho is exploring opportunities around may also supporting other government-led startup initiatives by participating as an expert or speaker at relevant cohort events. This involvement reflects Zoho’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem in Malaysia and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. This partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening the Malaysian startup landscape, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of the next generation of successful tech companies in the country. For more information on Zoho for Startups and how your company can benefit from this program, please visit Zoho for Startups.

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is considering a structured mechanism to implement a phased 30% increase in port tariffs over the next three years, aimed at balancing market needs with the long-term development of Malaysia’s port infrastructure. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the review comes amid concerns that the current system lacks transparency and consistency. Speaking after the MoT’s monthly assembly and the Raikan Kasih Madani 2025 event on Tuesday, Loke outlined the need for a transparent formulaic approach, possibly linked to annual inflation rates. “If the inflation rate is 2%, for example, then the increase could be gradual, not sudden as it has been previously,” he said. The new proposal suggests a three-phase tariff hike: 15% in the first phase, followed by 10% and 5% in the subsequent phases. Loke emphasised that the changes will only be implemented after extensive consultation and will be carefully reviewed by the Port Klang Authority and Johor Port Authority, who have yet to submit final documents for approval. Responding to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers’ (FMM) request to delay the proposed hike due to concerns over rising business costs, Loke clarified that tariff increases are not imposed arbitrarily but are subject to strict oversight and stakeholder engagement. “The last review was done a decade ago, with a 15% increase in 2015 and another 15% in 2018,” he noted. “Revenue from port operations must be sustainable to encourage investment and capacity expansion.” He added that without a reassessment of port charges, declining operator revenue could deter critical infrastructure investments, undermining the competitiveness of Malaysia’s ports. The phased increase aims to avoid sudden shocks to the logistics and manufacturing sectors, while ensuring long-term viability and development of port infrastructure.–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: AmBank (M) Bhd is taking steps to auction off a property in Bandar Kundang, Rawang, belonging to the late Kee Kok Thiam — a former aide to fugitive financier Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) — in a bid to recover an outstanding housing loan of RM1.018 million. According to court documents, the bank filed the legal action in February and subsequently applied on April 18 to amend its statement of claim to include Kee’s estate. The matter is scheduled for case management on Tuesday before High Court senior assistant registrar Liew Yen Fern. AmBank is seeking court approval to conduct the auction within a month of the order, with the property to be handed over vacant within 14 days post-sale. The bank has also requested to waive the usual 10% bidder’s deposit and is proposing a 120-day settlement period for the winning bid. Legal costs and a reserve price are also being sought. In a supporting affidavit, AmBank manager Shamshaharul Abdul Khalid stated that Kee had mortgaged the property on September 30, 2013, to secure the RM1.018 million loan. By December 2023, Kee had defaulted on payments, owing RM26,091.58. The bank then issued a Form 16D foreclosure notice and claimed the full outstanding sum of RM873,245.89, with interest accruing at 2.5% under a 6.70% loan rate. Kee passed away on May 29, 2023, from a stroke shortly after returning from Macau. Prior to his death, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had confirmed that a person linked to the 1MDB scandal had returned to Malaysia — later identified as Kee. He was believed to have been involved in illicit fund transfers related to both 1MDB and SRC International Sdn Bhd, through a company called Wright Shaw Ltd. Kee’s alleged links to cash deposits into former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s accounts had also surfaced in several 1MDB-related trials. This case echoes similar proceedings involving Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 1MDB’s former general counsel, whose properties and vehicles were subject to foreclosure by OCBC Bank in 2021. Loo returned to Malaysia in July 2023.

KUALA LUMPUR:  The High Court has postponed the winding-up hearing of Sapura Holdings Sdn Bhd to Wednesday (April 23), as brothers and co-shareholders Tan Sri Shahril Shamsuddin and Datuk Shahriman Shamsuddin engage in last-minute settlement talks. Presiding Judge Leong Wai Hong granted the adjournment following a request from Shahriman’s counsel, Gopal Sreenevasan, who cited the ongoing negotiations and the desire to avoid cross-examination. However, the judge stressed the case’s legal clarity and warned against further delays if no resolution is reached. The dispute stems from a winding-up petition filed by Shahriman in September 2024, seeking equitable asset distribution. Shahril, opposing the petition, maintains that Sapura Holdings is not a family-run enterprise. Their father, Tan Sri Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir — Sapura’s founder — supported Shahriman’s view in an affidavit, stating that the company was intended to be jointly managed by both sons. Shahril and Shahriman each hold a 40.5% stake in Sapura Holdings, while their jointly owned Brothers Capital Sdn Bhd holds 15%. Minority shareholder Datuk Rameli Musa owns the remaining 4% and is aligned with Shahril in disputing the family-company claim. The case is closely watched due to Sapura Holdings’ significant stakes in listed entities such as Sapura Resources Bhd (51.1%) and Sapura Energy Bhd (11%), as well as investments in rail and luxury watch businesses. At the centre of the brothers’ dispute is the Permata Sapura office development, a joint venture with KLCC Holdings.–THE EDGE

Women-led micro and small enterprises (MSWEs) now account for 21% of Malaysia’s SME landscape, equivalent to over 241,000 businesses. As the nation targets a 60% female labour force participation rate (LFPR) by 2033, coordinated efforts from both public and private sectors are stepping up to support these entrepreneurs in meaningful ways. SMEs make up 97.4% of all businesses in Malaysia. While the female LFPR rose slightly to 56.3%, the gap remains significant compared to the male LFPR of 82.9%, underlining the urgency for gender-inclusive policies and initiatives. One recent initiative came from self-service laundrette brand dobiQueen, which hosted a panel discussion titled “Empathy Meets Innovation: How Women Entrepreneurs Utilise Purposeful Technology & Empathetic Leadership to Transform Businesses.” The session brought together voices from TalentCorp’s Wanita MyWira, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) and Strive Malaysia, providing a platform to examine systemic challenges and practical solutions. Addressing Time Poverty and the Digital Divide A study by Strive Malaysia highlighted that 97% of women entrepreneurs struggle with time poverty, balancing business operations with childcare and domestic responsibilities. While over 80% are digitally literate via platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, many do not fully leverage digital tools for business. Furthermore, only half of MSWEs feel confident managing business finances. Many cited limited understanding of broader financial concepts and a lack of accessible, relevant information from financial institutions. To address these gaps, Strive Malaysia has rolled out Strivers’ Hub, a digital platform offering a self-assessment tool, tailored microlearning, and mentorship aimed at building resilient, scalable women-led businesses. “This report has helped shape targeted interventions for women entrepreneurs,” said Li Yang Lau, Programme Officer at Strive Malaysia. “We aim to create an enabling ecosystem that reflects their evolving needs.” Empathy in Business: dobiQueen’s Mission dobiQueen, co-founded by Nini Tan, is one such business born from empathy. With 90 outlets in Klang Valley, it has revolutionised the laundry experience through digital solutions tailored to time-strapped households. “Women in Malaysia spend over 60% more time on unpaid care work daily,” Nini noted. “We designed dobiQueen to reduce that second shift, combining tech with services like express delivery, folding and pickup via a mobile app.” Institutional Support Scaling Up In 2024, TalentCorp, under the Ministry of Human Resources, launched Wanita MyWira to create pathways for women in the workforce — from students and returnees to entrepreneurs and leaders. “Through advocacy, employer engagement, and skills development, we’re addressing systemic workforce gaps,” said Natasha Alias, Head of Wanita MyWira. “In 2025, we’re scaling up efforts, promoting Career Comeback tax incentives, and working with universities and industries on inclusive hiring.” TalentCorp is also developing a Gender Action Lab Report, aligned with UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, to push forward workplace equality. Women in Agriculture: The ‘Invisible Farmers’ Dr Teoh Ai Ni, a Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute, shared that while women in agriculture contribute significantly, they remain under-recognised due to gender stereotypes and limited access to resources. “Digital adoption is transforming agriculture. It’s no longer as labour-intensive, opening new doors for women,” Dr Teoh said. “But structural barriers — from care burdens to stereotypes — still need urgent redress.” As Malaysia advances toward its 2033 LFPR target, the contributions of women-led businesses — empowered by empathy, digital innovation, and collaborative policy — are proving pivotal to national growth. Strengthening support systems for MSWEs is not just an economic imperative, but a foundational move toward a more inclusive future.