logo
Malaysia targets RM500 mln landscape exports to Singapore by 2026

Malaysia targets RM500 mln landscape exports to Singapore by 2026

The Sun4 days ago

JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia is eyeing RM500 million in landscape product exports to Singapore by 2026, driven by enhanced bilateral cooperation, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He stated that the goal is attainable with strategic planning and strong diplomatic relations. 'This potential must be developed and accelerated. Later today, I will visit Singapore to sign an MoU covering landscape and urban development sectors,' he told reporters after launching National Landscape Day 2025.
The event was officiated by Che Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Bustamam, wife of the Regent of Johor, with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and State Housing Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor in attendance.
Nga will meet Singapore's Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat and Education Minister Desmond Lee to formalize the agreement. The MoU extends beyond landscaping to include smart city development, housing, urban renewal, public parks, and smart home concepts.
Johor is poised to benefit significantly due to its proximity to Singapore and its role as Malaysia's primary landscape plant supplier, with 87 per cent of nurseries located in Muar and Batu Pahat.
The ministry has allocated RM14.5 million for 128 public park projects in Johor, reinforcing its commitment to improving urban greenery.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sekinchan landing port project launched, set to transform Sabak Bernam into fishery, tourism hub
Sekinchan landing port project launched, set to transform Sabak Bernam into fishery, tourism hub

The Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Sun

Sekinchan landing port project launched, set to transform Sabak Bernam into fishery, tourism hub

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government has officially launched the Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port project, a landmark coastal infrastructure development that will anchor Sabak Bernam's transformation into a hub for seafood production, maritime services and sustainable tourism. The port forms a flagship component of the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda), a key regional initiative under Rancangan Selangor Pertama, and reflects the state's strategic shift to strengthen its presence across air, land and sea through balanced, interconnected development. An initial investment of RM500 million has been identified for fishing-related infrastructure and improvements as part of the Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port initiative, which is scheduled to commence by the end of 2026. This sets in motion a comprehensive transformation roadmap designed to uplift the region's fisheries sector and position Sabak Bernam as a long-term economic growth centre on Selangor's west coast. The announcement was made during the official unveiling ceremony held at Pantai Redang, Sabak Bernam, officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and attended by state exco members, project stakeholders, representatives from state-linked companies and community leaders. The project, led by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI Selangor and funded via a public-private partnership model, will be developed by Sekinchan Development Holdings Sdn Bhd as the appointed master developer. 'This integrated port project marks a turning point for Sabak Bernam, from a support district to a driver of growth. It is about unlocking long-term value through infrastructure that empowers people, sustains livelihoods, and positions Selangor as a state that leaves no region behind. We are building a foundation that will benefit not just today's generation, but those to come,' said Amirudin. Occupying about 84 acres for Phase 1, which will span five years, 80% of the site lies over water. The Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port will feature a centralised jetty and fisheries complex, complete with fish grading, cold storage and preprocessing facilities. It will also feature a fish auction hall and a commercial fish market, tide-adaptive docks and designated boat parking zones for uninterrupted operations, a modern boatbuilding and marine maintenance zone and a supporting logistics hub for seafood distribution and maritime services. Furthermore, it will feature coastal enhancements, including a new public beach, retail amenities and serviced accommodations. MBI Selangor Group CEO Datuk Saipolyazan M Yusop said that, in driving the overall Sabda initiative, he noted the significance of the Sekinchan project as part of the state's delivery focus. 'This project embodies the mission of Sabda, to bring catalytic, people-first development to underserved regions. MBI Selangor is proud to support an initiative that exemplifies what strategic, inclusive infrastructure can achieve.' As part of that mission, the port is expected to generate direct employment opportunities through newly created economic activities, while significantly improving operational conditions for local fishermen through better facilities and infrastructure. It will unlock Sabak Bernam's untapped fisheries potential, strengthen the entire seafood value chain and support long-term industry growth. The port will also enhance the district's attractiveness as a tourism destination through upgraded public amenities, and open new channels for local entrepreneurs to promote and commercialise community-based products, reinforcing Sabak Bernam's role within Selangor's coastal economy. Sekinchan Development Holding CEO Kau Git Kaur said the development was designed with real-world functionality in mind. 'This port is the result of thoughtful planning, years of feedback from the ground, and strong collaboration. Our goal is to deliver a facility that works for fishermen, for businesses, and for the next generation,' he said. The launch of the Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port project marks a pivotal step in Selangor's efforts to build a coastal growth engine that uplifts livelihoods, secures food production, and positions Sabak Bernam as a destination for trade and investment. It aligns with the Sabda framework to unlock underutilised land and marine resources through practical infrastructure, skill-building, and inclusive participation.

VinFast inaugurates electric vehicle plant in Hà Tĩnh
VinFast inaugurates electric vehicle plant in Hà Tĩnh

The Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Sun

VinFast inaugurates electric vehicle plant in Hà Tĩnh

HÀ TĨNH, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 June 2025 - VinFast has officially inaugurated its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Hà Tĩnh, located in the Vũng Áng Economic Zone, less than seven months after construction began. Spanning 360,000 square meters and with a designed capacity of 200,000 vehicles per year, this marks VinFast's fifth manufacturing facility worldwide, highlighting the Vietnamese brand's remarkable execution speed and strong industrial capabilities. The inauguration ceremony of the VinFast Hà Tĩnh EV manufacturing plant was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng, along with senior current and former leaders of the Party, the Government, and Hà Tĩnh Province. The Hà Tĩnh plant is VinFast's second EV manufacturing site to officially go into production, and the fifth project within the company's developing global production network. With construction and equipment installation completed in under seven months, VinFast Hà Tĩnh is one of the fastest-built automobile factories in the world to date. The factory covers a total area of 360,000 square meters and includes key workshops such as the Body Welding Shop, Painting Shop, General Assembly Shop, a Logistics Warehouse, and a Quality Control Center. In addition, a 240,000-square-meter auxiliary cluster is under construction, with plans for further expansion in the coming years. VinFast Hà Tĩnh is equipped with one of Southeast Asia's most advanced and highly automated production lines, featuring state-of-the-art technologies from leading global partners such as ABB, DÜRR, FANUC, and SIEMENS. All manufacturing processes strictly comply with international standards including ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), and IATF 16949 (Automotive Quality Management Systems). In its initial phase, the plant has a design capacity of approximately 200,000 vehicles per year, with an average output of 35 vehicles per hour. Future plans include expanding capacity to meet growing market demand. To optimize production lines during the early stages, the Hà Tĩnh plant will focus on compact urban EV models such as the VF 3, Minio Green, EC Van, and several upcoming models currently in development. Vehicles produced at the plant will serve both the domestic market and international exports. The facility is expected to create approximately 6,000 direct jobs in its initial phase, with the potential to expand its workforce to 15,000 in the future, supporting local employment and contributing to the region's socioeconomic development. Additionally, the presence of VinFast Hà Tĩnh is expected to attract auxiliary partners to set up operations in the industrial zone, creating a synchronized supply chain and advancing the goal of reaching over 80% localization in electric vehicle production by 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Võ Trọng Hải, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Hà Tĩnh Provincial People's Committee, congratulated VinFast and praised the important role and contributions of the VinFast Hà Tĩnh plant to the province's economic and social development. 'The Hà Tĩnh provincial leadership is committed to working closely with Vingroup and investors to create the most favorable conditions and swiftly resolve any difficulties, ensuring smooth investment and business operations. We firmly believe that with Vingroup's strong financial resources, experience, capabilities, and determination, along with the support and consensus of the local people and the close cooperation of the provincial authorities, this site will soon become a modern, environmentally friendly automotive industrial complex that drives Hà Tĩnh's sustainable economic growth,' Chairman Võ Trọng Hải said. Mr. Nguyễn Việt Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said: 'The inauguration of the VinFast Hà Tĩnh plant marks a significant milestone in VinFast's long-term development strategy and its global production expansion. Once operational, this facility will help VinFast move closer to its goal of producing one million vehicles per year to meet growing demand in both domestic and international markets. It also demonstrates our technological capability, production autonomy, and pioneering vision in promoting sustainable mobility in Vietnam and around the world'. In the first five months of 2025, VinFast has become the top-selling auto brand in Vietnam, delivering over 56,000 vehicles. The VF 3, VF 5, and VF 6 models have been among the bestsellers. VinFast EVs are also gaining traction in international markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia. VinFast currently has five manufacturing facilities in development across Vietnam, the United States, India, and Indonesia. In addition to the two operational plants in Vietnam (VinFast Hải Phòng and VinFast Hà Tĩnh), the facilities in India and Indonesia are expected to be inaugurated soon to meet demand in strategic international markets.

Winners And Losers Of July 1 SST
Winners And Losers Of July 1 SST

BusinessToday

time8 hours ago

  • BusinessToday

Winners And Losers Of July 1 SST

On the surface, July 1, 2025, might appear to be just another day in any week. But for Malaysia's economy, it marks a turning point — one shaped not by dramatic policy overhauls or sweeping subsidies but by the quiet recalibration of its tax machinery: The expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST). While the move lacks the drama of past budget announcements, its long-term effects may be just as consequential. From additional levies on luxury imports to new service taxes on construction and education, the SST expansion reflects Malaysia's broader effort to modernise its tax base and close fiscal gaps. But with transformation comes uncertainty. Will the changes spark inflation? Will small businesses struggle to comply? And how will everyday Malaysians feel the pinch? BusinessToday reached out to two distinguished tax experts from KMPG Soh Lian Seng, who is the head of taxation at the firm, and Farah Rosley, a well-experienced tax consultant, to find out more about the possible impact of the Government's move to expand the Sales and Service Tax coverage. A Calculated Adjustment, Not a Broadside The government has framed the expansion as a precision tool designed to widen the tax net without affecting the masses. Essential items such as staple foods remain untouched, while the new taxes mostly fall on non-essential goods and high-value services. 'This is not a move that targets the average Malaysian. The revised SST targets luxury and discretionary segments, where consumers are more capable of absorbing slight price adjustments,' KPMG Malaysia Head of Tax Soh Lian Seng tells BusinessToday . Meanwhile, Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd Malaysia Tax Leader Farah Rosley added that the impact on essential spending is expected to be marginal, but warned that discretionary items such as imported premium foods and high-end education could see a soft decline in demand as households rebalance their budgets. A Pressure Point for SMEs Soh says the revised SST targets luxury and discretionary segments, where consumers are more capable of absorbing slight price adjustments While households may experience mild indirect impacts, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand closer to the fault line. For many in the retail, leasing and services space, the question isn't just about taxation; it's about administrative capacity. 'Some businesses will need time to digest the compliance requirements and recalibrate pricing strategies as the transition won't be seamless, particularly for SMEs navigating already tight margins,' Farah said. That said, both Farah and Soh shared that the government has introduced exemptions for micro and small businesses under the RM1 million revenue threshold, shielding them from registration and reporting obligations. Yet, those operating at the margin may still feel squeezed, especially in sectors like rental and construction, where new tax costs are set to kick in. Moderate Inflation, but Uneven Distribution From the perspective of consumers, one of the most pressing concerns is the cost of living. While estimates suggest the SST expansion will add only 0.2 percentage points to headline inflation, the increase won't be felt uniformly, Farah said. Households paying for private healthcare (especially non-citizens), high-fee education or commercial rentals could see noticeable hikes. And while basic needs remain exempt, upstream cost increases on logistics, rents and services could trickle into everyday goods and services. Farah cautioned that indirect price effects may emerge over time. 'It's not just about what's being taxed directly. It's about how those tax burdens move through the supply chain,' she said. Agreeing with the statement, Soh said the cumulative impact, particularly in urban centres where rents and services are more embedded into the cost structure, could create modest pressure over time. Foreign Investors Watching Closely Meanwhile, Farah shared that from an international perspective, the SST expansion sends a signal that Malaysia is serious about strengthening its fiscal framework. But it's a delicate dance: The government must modernise without becoming uncompetitive. 'Foreign investors will be looking at how this policy is implemented, not just what the tax rate is, but how easy it is to comply, how transparent the rules are, and whether transitional challenges are addressed,' she added. The SST expansion sends a signal that Malaysia is serious about strengthening its fiscal framework, Farah says Malaysia's regional tax rates remain relatively modest, especially when compared with Indonesia or the Philippines, both hovering around 12%. If Malaysia can maintain clarity and efficiency in its enforcement, it may well retain its regional investment appeal despite the expanded tax scope. Sectoral Shifts: Winners and Losers Not all sectors will be affected equally. The construction industry, for instance, faces new service tax obligations on professional and subcontracting services; hence, costs are likely to be passed on to property developers, tenants and eventually, consumers. Financial services, long treated as tax-neutral for end-users, now face taxes on certain fee-based transactions. Leasing firms and even private schools may also need to revise their pricing models or risk eroding demand. 'Businesses in newly taxed sectors must act quickly. They need to re-evaluate cost structures, renegotiate supply contracts, and review their billing processes to avoid margin erosion,' warned Soh. The People's Perspective: A Subtle Squeeze For low-income households, the tax expansion may feel distant until it isn't. Though basic goods are exempt, any increase in operating costs for businesses, landlords or transport providers could eventually reach the consumer. 'There's always a risk of indirect impacts on vulnerable groups,' Farah acknowledged. 'The government may need to consider targeted subsidies or cash assistance if prices begin rising more broadly than expected.' Soh, meanwhile, emphasises that Malaysia's tax reform strategy includes these social protections by design. 'It's not perfect, but it's a thoughtful step toward fiscal sustainability,' he said. The July 1 SST expansion isn't revolutionary, but that's precisely the point. Rather than dramatic shocks, the government is aiming for fiscal reform through incremental, targeted adjustments. For some sectors and households, the impact may be noticeable. For others, the change will barely register. But taken together, these measures form a critical piece of Malaysia's long-term economic puzzle — balancing revenue needs with social equity, and investor appeal with domestic affordability. As businesses retool and consumers adjust, the true measure of this policy will lie in its execution. If the tax expansion is paired with clear guidelines, meaningful support for SMEs and safeguards for the vulnerable, Malaysia may prove that even a quiet shift can echo loudly in the economy's future. Related

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store