
Commission to be set up as sole authority on halal governance, development
According to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) document released by the Economy Ministry today, the commission will also serve as a reference and standards hub for the global halal industry.

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New Straits Times
13 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Shamsul Azri: Projects under 13MP to be monitored regularly to avoid delays
PUTRAJAYA: Every project under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will be monitored regularly to ensure there are no delays in implementation, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Accordingly, he said the monitoring of projects under the 13MP will be jointly conducted by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, with reports to be made twice a year. "This time, we will really make sure that the 13MP is implemented as planned, because it spans a long period until 2030. "All approved projects must be implemented promptly, because any delay will cause disappointment among the people," he told reporters after officiating the MAPPA XX 2025 Run in Putrajaya today. Shamsul Azri said he will personally conduct site visits and make surprise inspections at all 13MP project locations. "Our aim is to serve the people and we are supposed to bring them joy. Therefore, we must implement development initiatives without delay and free from bureaucracy," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, said the monitoring mechanism will be enhanced through the Policy Implementation Plan Monitoring System (PPD). "The 13MP governance structure will also be mobilised in stages, culminating in reports to the Cabinet," he said. Under the 13MP, Anwar said infrastructure and public facility projects involving flood mitigation and improved road accessibility are among the people-centric initiatives that will be prioritised from 2026 to 2030. He said a total of RM20 billion has been allocated to implement 103 Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects to reduce the risks and impact of such disasters. In addition, one million units of affordable housing will be built by the Federal and State Governments, as well as private developers, from 2026 to 2035 to enable as many people as possible to live in safe and comfortable homes. Meanwhile, Shamsul Azri expressed appreciation to the approximately 12,000 participants who took part in the MAPPA XX 2025 Run in Putrajaya today. "Healthy citizens, prosperous nation. Let's be active and engage in sports," he said.


The Sun
13 minutes ago
- The Sun
13MP key milestone for Malaysia's medium-term development says Lee
KUALA LUMPUR: The tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Parliament marks a pivotal moment in shaping the nation's medium-term development, according to Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. As Malaysia faces global economic uncertainty, technological shifts, climate challenges, and demographic changes, he described the plan as an opportunity to realign priorities, strengthen resilience, and drive sustainable progress. 'In general, the plan must be commended for its intent to address critical national challenges such as income inequality, digital transformation, green economy transition and institutional reform,' he said. Lee stressed that the plan's effectiveness relies on disciplined execution, transparency, and collaboration across government and society. He called for a robust monitoring system to track progress, alongside regular public reporting and audits to ensure accountability. Strong coordination between federal, state, and local agencies is essential to prevent inefficiencies, he added. Engagement with civil society and the private sector must continue beyond planning to maintain inclusivity. 'Development expenditure must be prioritised based on impact, equity, and sustainability, with a focus on reducing leakages and wastage,' Lee said. He also emphasised public service capacity building and institutional reforms, urging adaptability to global or domestic changes. - Bernama


The Star
43 minutes ago
- The Star
Ringgit to trade at 4.25-4.26 vs greenback on Fed rate cut optimism
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade between 4.25 and 4.26 against the US dollar next week, following weaker-than-expected United States (US) Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data for July, which may prompt the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to consider an interest rate cut at its September meeting. The NFP data for July fell short of expectations to just 73,000 jobs, significantly below the consensus estimates of 106,000. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the latest NFP data could boost sentiment for the ringgit, as it increases the expectations that the Fed may reduce the Federal Funds Rate in September. He also noted that NFP figures for the previous two months - May and June - were revised sharply lower, further reinforcing expectations of a potential rate cut. "Such views were very much aligned with the two dissenters during the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which favoured a quarter-point cut. "The outlook for Fed Fund Rate was the main consideration among the traders as the Fed was seen as indecisive on further monetary policy accommodation during the recent FOMC meeting,' he told Bernama. Meanwhile, Mohd Afzanizam said the US government's recent decision to impose a reciprocal tariff of 19 per cent on Malaysia-- down from a previous rate of 25 per cent-- could help mitigate the impact. "This is a welcome move, and there may be room for further negotiations. An improved trade arrangement could prove positive for the ringgit over the medium term,' he added. Furthermore, he believes that the recently announced 13th Malaysia Plan (13th MP) will support the ringgit in the medium to long term. Under the plan, development expenditure has been increased to RM430 billion, which is expected to boost domestic demand and encourage investment activities, ultimately supporting Malaysia's gross domestic product growth. The 13th MP was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on Thursday, with a focus on driving sustainable growth based on value creation across all sectors. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the ringgit ended the week lower against the greenback, closing at 4.2750/2815 versus 4.2195/2245 previously. However, the local note traded higher against a basket of major currencies. The ringgit appreciated vis-à-vis the Japanese yen to 2.8407/8452 from 2.8529/8565 on Friday the previous week, rose versus the euro to 4.8752/8826 from 4.9507/9566 last week, and gained against the British pound to 5.6208/6293 from 5.6786/6853 previously. Against ASEAN currencies, the ringgit trended mostly higher. The local note firmed against the Singapore dollar to 3.2907/2960 from 3.2937/2978 at the end of last week, strengthened versus the Thai baht to 13.0058/0319 from 13.0268/0478, and improved against the Philippine peso to 7.35/7.36 from 7.38/7.40 in the preceding week. However, it edged lower versus the Indonesian rupiah to 258.8/259.4 from 258.5/258.9 in the previous week. - Bernama