Awg Tengah inspects potential locations for proposed Stato in Pontianak
KUCHING (July 30): Sarawak is one step closer to establishing a stronger foothold in Kalimantan, Indonesia with the proposed Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (Stato) in Pontianak, aimed at fortifying trade, investment and tourism links across borders.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on Monday led a high-level delegation from Sarawak to inspect two potential locations in Pontianak that could host the Stato premises.
'Stato is envisioned to facilitate business linkages, promote Sarawak's cultural and natural assets, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises in expanding their market reach.
'It will also serve as a conduit for talent development and collaborative initiatives aligned with Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,' he said in a statement issued by his office yesterday.
According to the statement, Awang Tengah, who is also International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, was in Pontianak—West Kalimantan's capital city—to continue his working visit to promote trade and investment between both regions.
It added the visit underscores Sarawak's commitment to regional diplomacy and inclusive economic development, reinforcing the state's role as a proactive and connected player within the Borneo economic corridor.
The Sarawak delegation comprised Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Economic Planning Unit Director Datu Lester Mathhew, and Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron.
Also present was Consul of the Malaysian Consulate in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead Pontianak Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
29 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Media must apply for code to get 50pct off AirAsia fares
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian media professionals holding a valid Media Accreditation Card issued by the Department of Information (JaPen) are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on AirAsia flight fares to selected ASEAN destinations. However, they must first apply for a unique promotional code. According to a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document released by JaPen, the promo code can be obtained by completing an application form and submitting it via email to inisiatifmedia@ Once approved, the applicant will receive the promo code within three working days, which can then be used on or the AirAsia mobile app to book a flight to any of 56 listed ASEAN destinations. To redeem the offer, users must enter the promo code in the "Promo Code" field during payment to enjoy the 50 per cent discount on the base fare. The offer is open exclusively to Malaysian citizens with a Meda Accreditation Card registered on or before June 4, and is limited to the first 12,000 redemptions. The promo applies only if the card remains valid at the time of booking. Booking is open until Dec 31 this year, for travel between April 1 and September 6, 2026, excluding public holidays and school breaks. JaPen clarified that the discount applies only to the base fare for a single ticket per cardholder. It does not cover additional charges such as baggage, meals, seat selection, airport taxes, or service fees. The promo code is also non-transferable. "Any changes to travel dates or destinations after booking will be subject to AirAsia's terms and conditions and may incur additional charges," the FAQ stated. Media practitioners seeking further assistance may contact JaPen officers at 03-8911 7381 or 03-8911 7382, and can check or update their media card status via The initiative is part of a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and low-cost airline AirAsia, in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, as announced during National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 on June 14.
Focus Malaysia
29 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Glove industry faces long-term margin squeeze as global oversupply persists
THE White House said that Malaysia's exports to the US will be subject to a 19% tariff. Meanwhile, all goods that are considered to have been transshipped to avoid applicable duties will be subject to 40% tariff. To recap, the estimated annual consumption of medical gloves in the US is approximately 113 bil to 132 bil gloves in 2025, accounting for 30-35% of global glove demand. 'Based on our channel checks, Malaysia's estimated market share of medical gloves in the US has increased to approximately 60% in the first half of 2025 (1H25), compared to 44% in Dec-24,' said TA Securities. This is driven by the US tariffs on Chinese-made medical gloves. For glove manufacturers under our coverage, Hartalega's exposure to the US market is the highest at 57%, followed by Kossan (52%), Supermax (28%) and Top Glove (26%). We are mildly negative on the latest tariff updates as Malaysia's pricing advantage has reduced significantly against other neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Currently, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia match Malaysia rate at 19%, while Vietnam is subject to a 20% duty. On the flip side, we expect Malaysia's market share to remain at 60% in 2025 as the tariff rates for competing nations are very similar. However, we expect customers to continue to push back in terms of cost sharing as oversupply remains. Currently, Malaysia companies' utilisation rates are still well below the optimum levels. For instance, Hartalega is running at 69% while Top Glove is at 61%, based on the latest quarterly numbers. Besides that, big China glove manufacturers like Intco and BlueSail will continue to expand into Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia, which will result in a higher supply. We note that Intco's Vietnam pricing is expected to be at least 15% higher than their Chinese manufacturing plants. All in all, we believe the trade uncertainty is not over yet as tariff rates/negotiations between China and US are on-going. We would not discount the possibility of further target price cut for stocks under coverage if China is able to get a good tariff deal. Note that China is Malaysia's largest competitor in the glove industry. Maintain our Underweight stance on the glove sector as the global oversupply is expected to persist for at least the next three years amid increasing competition from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. We believe that the margins for the glove industry would not revert to pre-pandemic for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Malaysian glove players are likely to continue losing market share in the non-US markets to the Chinese manufacturers. —Aug 4, 2025 Main image: The Star
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysian semiconductors under US watchlist despite temporary relief
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's semiconductor sector, while currently exempt from new United States (US) retaliatory tariffs, remains under close scrutiny and could still face future action under an ongoing investigation by the US government. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the sector is being reviewed under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962. He added that any escalation could have serious repercussions, including potential job losses affecting up to 100,000 workers, particularly in Penang and Kedah. "We must remain vigilant and prepared for any potential imposition of further tariffs on the semiconductor industry," he told Parliament. The US is Malaysia's largest export market with RM198.65 billion in exports and RM32.82 billion in foreign direct investments recorded in 2024. Tengku Zafrul said any shift in US trade policy would carry significant risks for Malaysia's economy. "For instance, up to 100,000 Malaysian workers could be at risk of losing their jobs if electrical and electronic goods can no longer be exported to the US due to high tariffs," he said. In tandem with efforts to preserve market access, Malaysia recently made several concessions in digital trade negotiations under Section 3 of the talks with the US. Tengku Zafrul said these include Malaysia's agreement not to implement any Digital Service Tax (DST) that discriminates against American companies. "I would like to emphasise that Malaysia is a country that implements DST and similar tax policies based on non-discriminatory principles," he said. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia has also agreed to remove the previous requirement that US-based social media and cloud service providers contribute six per cent of their Malaysian revenue to the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund. In addition, he said the government will permanently abolish or suspend a directive requiring all Domain Name System (DNS) traffic to be rerouted through local DNS services. However, Tengku Zafrul emphasised that Malaysia drew a firm line on several national interests and did not agree to all demands. He said that Malaysia firmly maintains that cloud service providers as well as social media platforms remain subject to criminal liability under Malaysian law. At the same time, he said the Malaysian government retains the right to request access to or instruct companies to transfer source codes of software used in critical infrastructure, government procurement, and the financial services, licensing, and judicial sectors. "Malaysia underscores the government's transparent and balanced commitment in two areas. "The first is the commitment to protect the intellectual property of companies from forced technology transfers, to promote innovation, and to ensure fair competition in international markets. "The second is to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, security, and economic stability," he added.
