Economists: 13MP Aims To Boost Malaysia's Competitiveness Through High-value Manufacturing
By Anas Abu Hassan & Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to enhance Malaysia's competitiveness by promoting high-value manufacturing through business and investor-friendly policies, say economists.
Putra Business School Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said that the 13MP, which serves as an indicative plan from 2026 to 2030, will help stimulate both domestic and foreign investments through policy reforms and incentives.
'The 13MP can position Malaysia as a leader by leveraging existing strengths in manufacturing and semiconductors, driving regional integration through ASEAN frameworks and adopting strategic regional positioning.
'It should also aim for the advancement of the semiconductor value chain and enhance regional supply chain resilience while not forgetting sustainability and inclusivity among the local businesses,' he told Bernama.
The 13MP document is scheduled to be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on July 31 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In addition, Ahmed Razman said the five-year strategic plan should also promote automation through incentives for technology adoption, support for workforce transitions, and clear and stable policies.
'The 13MP should accelerate digitalisation by investing in digital infrastructure, providing incentives for digital adoption, creating ecosystem and collaboration, as well as strengthening cybersecurity and data governance,' he added.
Meanwhile, Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the 13MP should prioritise creating and enabling an environment for free markets to thrive and for private enterprises to innovate, compete, and prosper.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 minutes ago
- The Sun
MADANI legal reforms advance with key bills and motions passed
KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government's legal and institutional reforms gained traction as five bills and two key motions were approved in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting. Key changes include amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and new penalties for minor littering offences. The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, designed to enhance safeguards for whistleblowers and improve misconduct reporting mechanisms, was passed via majority voice vote after debate by 24 MPs. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasised the government's dedication to strengthening anti-corruption measures and integrity in both public and private sectors. She acknowledged that while Act 711 has been in place for over a decade, gaps remain that require attention. Three additional bills—Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025, and Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025—aim to improve public cleanliness. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming highlighted that community service orders will now supplement fines for littering offences, targeting items like cigarette butts, plastic waste, and food wrappers. Nga stressed the importance of fostering civic responsibility and environmental awareness to build a cleaner, more sustainable Malaysia. The Consumer Credit (Finance) Bill 2025 also passed, addressing regulatory gaps in the credit sector, particularly for vulnerable borrowers at risk of exploitation. Four other bills were tabled for first reading, including amendments to the Poisons Act and Fisheries Act. Two significant motions were approved: the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) 2/2025 and SUHAKAM's 2023 Annual Report. These approvals underscore the government's commitment to transparency and human rights, reinforcing public trust through rigorous auditing and accountability. MPs praised the government's openness in presenting the LKAN report, calling it a progressive move enabling legislative scrutiny and policy improvements. Azalina noted that debating SUHAKAM's report strengthens democratic traditions by allowing MPs to assess human rights conditions and propose reforms. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated Malaysia's unwavering stance on Gaza and Middle East issues, including Iran, despite potential pressure from the US amid ongoing tariff negotiations. The parliamentary session will continue until Aug 28. - Bernama
Barnama
28 minutes ago
- Barnama
Perak KPDN To Aid Public With eCOSS Registration At Rahmah MADANI Sales Events
IPOH, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Perak chapter of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has pledged its full support to assist the public in registering and using the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) system, especially during the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme (PJRM) across the state. State KPDN director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said their officers will be stationed at each PJRM location to help facilitate the registration process, particularly for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 'We understand that some individuals may face difficulties registering for this system, but we guarantee that our personnel at each PJRM site will assist them until the registration is successfully completed,' he said. 'We believe that the eCOSS system, currently in its pilot phase, is not only designed to log the purchase of subsidised cooking oil by eligible recipients, but also to prevent leakages in distribution and ensure that supplies reach the intended beneficiaries,' he told a press conference here today. On July 23, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that the eCOSS system would be expanded into a mobile application to address distribution issues related to the 60,000 tonnes of subsidised packet cooking oil allocated monthly for Malaysians, especially the B40 income group. The eCOSS system is designed to cover the entire supply chain, from distribution to end-user purchase, allowing for greater efficiency and accountability. Kamalludin added that eCOSS enables authorities to detect shortages of packet cooking oil in specific areas early, and to analyse purchasing trends to prevent hoarding or misuse by unauthorised parties. 'The data collected not only helps the government manage supply more effectively, but also ensures transparency and prevents any form of misappropriation in the distribution network,' he said. As of now, he said a total of RM53,488,905.38 in sales has been recorded from 983 PJRM events held across 24 parliamentary and 59 state constituencies in Perak.
Barnama
29 minutes ago
- Barnama
FWD Insurance Sponsors 40 Digital Smartboards For Schools Under PPD Keramat
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- FWD Insurance Berhad (FWD Insurance) has announced a RM400,000 sponsorship to deliver 40 digital smartboards to 35 schools under the Keramat District Education Office (PPD). In a statement, FWD Insurance said the initiative, which aligns with the Ministry of Education's (MOE) digitalisation agenda, aims to equip students with critical financial knowledge and digital learning tools from an early age. The official handover was led by FWD Insurance Chief Executive Officer Mak See Sen, together with Deputy District Education Officer (Curriculum Sector), Mohd Helmy Abdul Najib. 'The smartboard distribution aligns with Thrusts 4 and 6 of MOE Digital Education Policy, which aim to empower strategic partners to equip schools with appropriate infrastructure for the implementation of digital learning. 'The policy also supports Keramat PPD's Bring Your Own Device to School (BYODS) Programme, which has been in place since 2021,' the statement said. To date, the smartboards have already been installed across the participating schools, and students are actively using them in their learning, said FWD Insurance. 'These devices serve as key tools to promote the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom, further underscoring FWD Insurance's dedication to making financial education accessible to all,' it said. Meanwhile, Mak said it is FWD Insurance's vision to change the way people feel about insurance and to shape children's mindsets toward planning for their financial future. 'We are committed to equipping primary and secondary school students with essential financial literacy skills that will stay with them throughout their lives,' he said.
