RM4.6b potential exports, invesments recorded from France trip
In a statement today, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (Miti) said Anwar met 40 representatives from France's industrial sector.
It added that several companies expressed intention to...
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Focus Malaysia
a few seconds ago
- Focus Malaysia
Rafizi's damning warning, 'Datuk Seri' titleship invites Farhash's public scrutiny, may expedite MACC intervention
FIRST, it was former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to open an investigation into Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak—the former political aide to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—over allegations linked to a mineral exploration license in Sabah. Then later yesterday (July 25), news broke out that the high-flying corporate figure would be conferred a 'Datuk Seri' title today (July 26) in conjunction with the 84th birthday of Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. For the record, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz heads the list of 1,530 recipients of state awards, honours, and medals, which also include Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Penang Malay Association president Tan Sri Dr Yussoff Latiff, and national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Instead of being a recognition, the award spotlight on Farhash, the ex-PKR Perak chief, will likely fuel more public scrutiny, not to mention distrust of Anwar's much-shouted anti-corruption drive. Such is the message conveyed by Rafizi in a media statement, which called on Anwar to swiftly address the growing controversy surrounding Farhash, for failure to do so could undermine public trust in the government's reform agenda. 'The information revealed so far is sufficient for the MACC to open an investigation paper on Farhash, just as it has done for other figures accused of sudden wealth accumulation,' revealed the Pandan MP. Evidence of his meteoric rise: Farhash currently holds directorships in four other public-listed companies, namely MMAG Holdings Bhd, Apex Equity Holdings Bhd, Excel Force MSC Bhd, and Key Alliance Group Bhd. In April, Farhash became a substantial shareholder in Key Alliance with his purchase of 6.8 million shares in the open market. He owns a 5.546% interest now. On May 30, convenience store chain operator 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd announced that Farhash, who was appointed chairman on Jan 3, 2023, has resigned from his post to pursue other business interests. Farhash previously served as Anwar's political secretary and was also the Perak PKR chief. Local media recently reported that Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, the state's mineral licensing agency, had awarded Bumi Suria — a company linked to Farhash — an exploration license for coal mining. According to the report, the company was granted exclusive rights to explore and search for minerals across 70,000 hectares in the Kalabakan and Gunung Rara forest reserves near the Kalimantan border. Farhash has denied the report and is demanding a public apology. This is not the first time he has been linked to controversial business dealings. In March last year, he emerged as a substantial shareholder in HeiTech Padu Bhd shortly before the company secured a RM190 million contract from the Road Transport Department. — July 26, 2025
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
The RM2.5bil giveaway that Malaysia cannot afford
When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered his 'Penghargaan Untuk Rakyat' speech on 23 July 2025, he painted a confident picture of Malaysia's economic trajectory. Growth stood at 4.4% for the first quarter of 2025 with expectations of 4.5% in the second. The ringgit had strengthened against the US dollar, climbing to RM4.23/USD. Malaysia rose by 11 spots to 23rd place in the World Competitiveness Index and total approved investments reached a record RM384bil last year. However, beyond the headline figures lies a more complex and fragile reality. Analysts have pointed out that Q1 growth underperformed market expectations. Exports remain uneven. Domestic consumption is cooling and Bank Negara's recent rate cut reflects the underlying weakness that persists despite upbeat official messaging.
Malaysian Reserve
3 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Infrastructure work for five-season paddy planting programme begins ahead of schedule
ALOR SETAR — The main infrastructure development project under the five-season paddy planting programme over two years in the Muda area has commenced ahead of its scheduled start date of Aug 1. Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh said the project's progress is ahead of schedule, reflecting a strong commitment and seriousness in assisting farmers in the Muda area. The development project comprises two main components: the construction and maintenance of 15 Tertiary Irrigation System Blocks (Project 1), and the Pedu Dam Phase 1 Comprehensive Rehabilitation Project (Project 2), with a total allocation of RM1 billion. 'These 15 blocks will supply water to 560 hectares of paddy fields. According to the original timeline, the project was scheduled to begin on Aug 1, but the contractor began work earlier,' he said when asked about the project's progress. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited to the major infrastructure development project under the five-season paddy cultivation programme in the Muda area, located at Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, Ayer Hitam, near Jitra. He said the paddy cultivation programme would bring comprehensive reforms to the country's paddy and rice industry ecosystem, helping to reduce reliance on imports and enhance national rice self-sufficiency. He added that the Prime Minister's visit marked his second to the project site, aimed at reviewing the progress of agricultural infrastructure development in line with the government's efforts to strengthen the national food supply and boost local rice production. 'This project, which is currently underway, focuses on upgrading the irrigation and drainage systems, as well as enhancing the use of modern technology in the paddy cultivation sector. It not only supports intensified planting activities but also has the potential to boost productivity and increase the income of paddy farmers. 'With the implementation of five planting seasons in two years, the country is expected to reduce its reliance on imported rice and raise the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of this strategic commodity,' he said. Meanwhile, when asked about the proposed construction of guardrails and maintenance work along the Sungai Korok canal, Ismail said MADA and the Public Works Department (JKR) have held initial discussions on constructing guardrails at the location, as previously suggested by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. On July 8, Ahmad Zahid said that the government would consider proposals to build guardrails and install streetlights along the route near Sungai Korok, following the tragic incident on July 5, in which six family members died after their car skidded and plunged into the canal. — BERNAMA
