Malaysia

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned against trivialising the recent error involving an incomplete image of the Jalur Gemilang published by a local newspaper, stating that the national flag represents the sovereignty and dignity of the country. Speaking to Malaysian reporters at the conclusion of his two-day working visit to Thailand on Friday, Anwar underscored the importance of respecting national symbols, particularly the flag. “This is not a trivial matter. For any country, the flag is a very important symbol,” he said. “Let the legal process take its course.” The incident in question involved the publication of a Jalur Gemilang image without the crescent moon on the front page of the Sin Chew Daily on Tuesday. The illustration accompanied the newspaper’s coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia. The incomplete image drew criticism from various parties, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who emphasised the importance of editorial diligence and responsibility. Anwar stated that while investigations should proceed, actions must be proportionate and in accordance with the law. “I’ve also said we must not appear excessive in our actions just to meet certain demands — it must follow due legal process,” he added. In response to the backlash, Sin Chew Daily issued a public apology, attributing the mistake to an unintentional technical error.

KUALA LUMPUR:  Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has dismissed as speculation a report suggesting that the state is interested in acquiring a stake in AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank Group) for the purpose of merging it with its existing interest in Affin Bank Bhd. Speaking at the RECODA Raya Rindok event hosted by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), Abang Johari clarified that the Sarawak government has not appointed any representative to initiate talks with AmBank. “If you want to propose, you should ask her father first… but in this context, the father doesn’t know about the matter, so how can you propose?” he quipped, addressing the rumour with a touch of humour. “Jokes aside, I was also surprised when I read the report… The report is just speculation. I have no comment because I don’t know about that.” Despite refuting the claim, Abang Johari noted that Sarawak remains open to discussions with any party interested in collaborating with the state government. The Edge Malaysia, in its April 14 edition, had reported that the Sarawak government was exploring the possibility of acquiring a stake in AmBank Group, with the intention of merging it with Affin Bank, in which the state holds a 31.25% interest via Sarawak-based entities. Citing unnamed sources, the report suggested that Sarawak aimed to eventually hold no more than a 20% stake in the merged entity, which would rank as the country’s fourth-largest banking group by assets. It further noted that informal approaches were made to AmBank’s substantial shareholder, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, who holds an 11.83% stake, although no formal negotiations had begun. In addition to AmBank, Sarawak is reportedly exploring other options in the banking sector, including DRB-Hicom Bhd’s 70%-owned Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, and Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd, which is said to be seeking buyers for its retail loan portfolio.–THE EDGE

KUALA LUMPUR:  Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz will travel to Washington next week to engage with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and other US officials to discuss the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. The high-level meetings, scheduled for April 24, aim to convey Malaysia’s position on the ongoing tariff issue. “We will be meeting the USTR as well as other government officials from US President Donald Trump’s administration during my two-day visit,” Zafrul said during a recent media briefing. He stressed that the mission is not intended to initiate formal negotiations but to hold discussions on how Malaysia can contribute positively to the global supply chain, particularly in the semiconductor and electrical and electronics (E&E) sectors. “We need to go there to explain how Malaysia, as a neutral country, plays an important role in the semiconductor and E&E sectors. Our goal is to show that Malaysia can support industries in the US rather than posing a threat to them,” he added. Zafrul will be joined by MITI deputy secretary general (trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, senior ministry officials, and representatives from Malaysia’s Embassy in Washington. The delegation also plans to meet with business chambers, companies, and industry groups to clarify Malaysia’s stance and address misconceptions. As the current chair of ASEAN, Zafrul will also take the opportunity to present the regional bloc’s unified position. “We believe in a rules-based global trading system and the principles of multilateralism,” he said, adding that ASEAN is not in favour of retaliatory actions and hopes to correct misperceptions around tariff issues. The visit comes amid heightened trade tensions, with ASEAN nations experiencing varying degrees of impact from the US-imposed tariffs. According to data from the recent special ASEAN Economic Ministers’ meeting, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar have been most affected, with combined tariffs reaching up to 49%. Malaysia and Brunei face a 24% rate, while Singapore sees a 10% baseline tariff. A 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs remains in effect for ASEAN countries, excluding China. ASEAN ministers, in a joint statement issued after their April 10 meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue with the US while safeguarding the region’s economic interests.–BERNAMA

Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) recorded a net profit of RM54 million for the financial year 2024, alongside an operating profit of RM113 million, despite facing significant operational challenges. The group reported a strong EBITDA of RM788 million, underscoring resilient performance amid headwinds such as supply chain disruptions that led to extended aircraft maintenance timelines and delays in new aircraft deliveries. These issues forced a reduction in capacity by 18% during the traditionally high-performing fourth quarter, ultimately weighing on full-year revenue, which slipped marginally by 1% year-on-year to RM13.68 billion. This came despite a 6% increase in available seat kilometre (ASK), reflecting improved efficiency. MAG Group Managing Director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said the group remained profitable and forward-looking despite the disruptions. “We not only maintained profitability but ensured we were strategically positioned for the future while navigating operational challenges,” he said in a statement.

KUALA LUMPUR: HealthMetrics, Malaysia’s leading digital third-party administrator (TPA) and a regional healthtech pioneer, has officially launched its operations in Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in its Southeast Asian expansion strategy. The move follows the rebranding of Across Asia Assist Indonesia (AAA) to HealthMetrics Indonesia, a transition that integrates deep local market expertise with HealthMetrics’ cutting-edge digital capabilities. With the launch of HealthMetrics Indonesia, Malaysian healthcare providers stand to benefit from increased access to the regional market, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a hub for cross-border medical services. The rebranding unites AAA’s decade-long experience in healthcare and insurance support—serving clients such as Allianz, AXA, and Tokio Marine—with HealthMetrics’ scalable digital infrastructure to deliver seamless, tech-enabled healthcare administration. Three Flagship Solutions Unveiled The announcement, made during HealthMetrics Spotlight 2025 in Jakarta, also included the unveiling of three flagship digital solutions: HealthMetrics Cloud Platform – a secure, ISO27001-certified system for insurers and corporates to manage policies and claims in real time. Global Member App – a user-friendly interface offering instant access to benefits, provider search, claims, and wellness features. International Assistance Hub – a cross-border care solution linking members to over 15,000 direct billing healthcare providers across the region. Dr. Madan Mohan Vasandani, CEO of HealthMetrics Indonesia, stated, “Our digital-first approach aligns with Southeast Asia’s broader vision for a connected healthcare ecosystem. The Indonesian market now benefits from the digital innovations pioneered in Malaysia, bringing smarter, faster, and more accessible care to all stakeholders.” A Strategic Boost for Malaysian Providers With over 7,000 Malaysian healthcare providers already in its network, HealthMetrics’ expansion is poised to drive inbound medical tourism and patient flows from Indonesia. Through the International Assistance Hub, Indonesian members can now access Malaysian healthcare providers more efficiently—with support for guarantee letters, claims processing, and post-care coordination. “This is a proud milestone for us as a homegrown Malaysian company,” said Alvin Yuan, Co-founder & Group CEO of HealthMetrics Group. “Our expansion into Indonesia not only unlocks new opportunities for local providers but also represents a unified commitment to building a truly borderless, digital healthcare ecosystem in Southeast Asia.” Driving Efficiency and Intelligence through Technology HealthMetrics’ Cloud Platform incorporates advanced features such as AI-driven claims management, fraud detection, cost containment tools, and real-time analytics—ensuring transparency, speed, and cost efficiency for insurers, corporates, and providers alike. The Global Member App further enhances the user experience by integrating multiple insurance policies and offering on-demand access to care and wellness services. According to Advent Phang, Co-founder & Group CTO, “We are focused not just on digitising healthcare administration, but on delivering intelligent solutions that provide measurable value and control for all involved in the healthcare journey.” Spotlight 2025: Catalysing Industry Collaboration Held in Jakarta, HealthMetrics Spotlight 2025 brought together over 100 key stakeholders from Indonesia’s healthcare, insurance, and corporate sectors to explore the future of digital health administration. The event underscored the need for collaborative, tech-driven approaches to improve healthcare accessibility and quality across the region. One of the event’s strategic partners, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, highlighted the potential of cross-border partnerships in elevating regional care standards and attracting international patients to Malaysian providers. A Growing Regional Footprint Since its founding in 2015, HealthMetrics has rapidly scaled across Malaysia, Singapore, and now Indonesia—serving over 100 insurers, 3,000 corporate clients, and 15,000 healthcare providers across Southeast Asia. The company is on track to surpass US$1 billion in cumulative medical treatments by the end of 2025. With its continued expansion, HealthMetrics invites more Malaysian healthcare providers and partners to join its digital ecosystem—driving innovation, improving access, and positioning Malaysia at the forefront of a connected regional healthcare future.