Latest news with #IPAs
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia strengthens response to US tariffs, focuses on strategic industries
KUALA LUMPUR: Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) across the country will continue working closely with state governments to ensure that local industries in each state are not adversely affected by the United States (US) tariff issue. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government's establishment of the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) would play a key role in monitoring, evaluating, and coordinating responses to shifts in the global trade landscape, including tariff shocks and non-tariff barriers. "This effort aims to ensure that the country's strategic and economic industries remain resilient and competitive in an increasingly challenging and uncertain global environment," he said in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok). Mohd Syahir enquired about the government's steps to address the US tariff issue with the involvement of state governments to coordinate investment responses, restructure state incentives, and help local industries adapt to a more challenging trade environment. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said that on May 5, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim convened a Special Parliament Session on US retaliatory tariffs, during which several incentives were announced to support the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Among these, the government has allocated RM20 million to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation to help SMEs penetrate new markets. "The easy financing fund has also been increased by RM500 million through development financial institutions (DFIs) for the benefit of affected SMEs," said Tengku Zafrul. Additionally, the government has raised its guarantee facility under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP) by RM1 billion, specifically to assist SME exporters in obtaining loans. The Ministry of Finance has also spearheaded the Government-linked Enterprises Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) with funds totalling RM25 billion to drive high-growth and high-value sectors. Tengku Zafrul noted that since US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Malaysia and other trading partners on April 1, 2025, the government has made a strategic decision not to respond with retaliatory measures, opting instead to negotiate with the US administration. The Prime Minister has assured that in pursuing a reciprocal trade agreement, the government will not compromise on matters related to national sovereignty. "Although we are proactive, firm, and open in our negotiations with the US, we have several 'red lines' that were recently agreed upon by the new Cabinet," he said. These include the Bumiputera policy on ownership of local industries and strategic sectors, priority for local and Bumiputera companies in government procurement, adherence to halal guidelines recognised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), and the protection of intellectual property rights. "We will continue to engage with the US in a careful, transparent, and professional manner to ensure that every decision made benefits the people and supports balanced economic development," added Tengku Zafrul.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts trade resilience amid US tariffs, supports SMEs
KUALA LUMPUR: Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) nationwide are collaborating with state governments to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on local industries. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) as pivotal in monitoring global trade shifts, ensuring Malaysia's strategic sectors remain competitive. Responding to Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) in Parliament, Tengku Zafrul outlined measures to restructure state incentives and assist industries facing trade challenges. On May 5, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced RM20 million for SME market expansion and a RM500 million boost to easy financing via development financial institutions (DFIs). The government also raised the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP) by RM1 billion for SME exporters and launched the RM25 billion GEAR-uP programme to spur high-growth sectors. Tengku Zafrul reiterated Malaysia's non-retaliatory stance since US tariffs took effect on April 1, 2025, opting for negotiations while safeguarding sovereignty. 'We have 'red lines,' including Bumiputera policies, halal compliance, and intellectual property rights,' he stated. - Bernama
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Midwest Cork town to get more IPA accommodation despite objections – ‘The town is stressed enough'
Planning permission was granted for the construction of additional temporary accommodation for IPAs in the town last month Planning has been granted for additional accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) in Macroom, despite objections raised by some locals. Cork-based Peppard Investments Limited received conditional permission to construct two buildings to provide 20 apartment-style units for temporary accommodation for IPAs at Lower Codrum at the western outskirts of the town.
Irish Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
State spent nearly €416m on asylum seeker and Ukrainian accommodation in early 2025
The State spent nearly €416 million on accommodation for asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees during the first three months of 2025, according to the latest Government figures. Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited, the company that runs Dublin's Citywest Hotel housing international protection applicants (IPAs) and Ukrainian refugees, received €18.7 million between January and March this year. Earlier this week, the Government announced plans to purchase Citywest Hotel for more than €148 million, with the intention of making it a permanent processing centre for IPAs. The move forms part of an objective to provide 14,000 State-owned beds for asylum seekers by 2028 rather than relying on private providers. The State has leased the 764-bed hotel and conference centre since 2020. It was initially used as a Covid-19 testing and vaccination centre before being converted to an accommodation and processing facility for asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees in 2022. READ MORE It is understood the Citywest transit hub has been used most recently to accommodate arrested adult deportees before they are moved to prisons in advance of their departure from the State. Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited received a €70.8 million in 2024 for housing IPAs and Ukrainian refugees at Citywest. The Government spent a total of €415.8 million on IPA and Ukrainian refugee accommodation during the first three months of this year. Some €269.5 million was spent on IPA accommodation, while €134.7 million went on Ukrainian refugee accommodation. As quarterly purchase order figures published by the Government do not include payments below €20,000 or reimbursements to local authorities providing accommodation, the total spend may be higher. [ 'This isn't about race or colour. This is about our community': Locals protest at sale of Citywest Hotel Opens in new window ] The Holiday Inn at Dublin Airport, which is run by the Tifco Hotel Group in Ireland, was paid €8.5 million for IPA accommodation and associated costs during the first three months of this year. Travelodge, also run by Tifco, was paid €8 million during the period, while Pumpkin Spice Limited, which runs Travelodge hotels, received €1.8 million. An additional €3.6 million was paid directly to Tifco Ltd, according to purchase order records. Mosney Holidays plc, which provides accommodation for between 500-600 IPAs and refugees at a former holiday resort in Co Meath, received €9.7 million between January and March. East Coast Catering Ireland, which has an address in Dundalk and lists Denis Williams and Matthew O'Callaghan as its directors, was paid €7.5 million. Brava Capital Ltd, the owners of purpose-built accommodation in Sligo, with a company registered in the Isle of Man, received €7.2 million. Total Experience Ltd, which provides accommodation services only for Ukrainians, was paid €6.76 million, while Roscommon-based Bridgestock Care Ltd, which runs asylum seeker accommodation centres in Sligo, Mayo, Donegal and Clare, also received €6.76 million. Kintrona Ltd, which has an address in Cork city and lists John Crean, David Kelly and Tony O'Neill as directors, was paid €6.2 million, while Allpro security services Ireland received €6 million. A 2024 Irish Times investigation found the former directors of Allpro Security Services, Conor Nolan and Alan Connolly, had been convicted of tax offences. Both men resigned as directors of the company in June 2022 but remain shareholders, each holding 50 per cent of the business. Brimwood Ltd, which is owned by former Monaghan GAA football manager Séamus 'Banty' McEnaney and his daughters Sarah and Laura, received €5.6 million during the first three months of the year. There are 32,704 IPAs, including 9,481 children, living in 328 State-provided accommodation centres across the country. Another 2,987 asylum-seeking men are awaiting an offer of State accommodation, according to the latest available data. An average of 28 asylum seekers arrived into Ireland each day in May 2025, nearly half the average of 54 people who arrived each day in May 2024. More than 114,700 Ukrainians have sought temporary protection in Ireland since the war with Russia began. However, the latest Central Statistics Office data indicates nearly 30 per cent of these have left the country.
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
No plans for former Tipperary convent to house asylum seekers
In a post on social media, Labour Party councillor Michael 'Chicken' Brennan said that there are no plans to house International Protection Applicants (IPAs) in Ballingarry's Old Convent. Cllr Brennan said that following conversations with the owners of the Old Convent, Ballingarry, outside Thurles, he can confirm that the property is not being examined for use as an IPAS centre. The Labour Party councillor also said that there has been no offer of accommodation made, and that the Department of Justice are not examining the property for use. "After talking to the owners yesterday evening of the Old Convent, Ballingarry, Thurles that no offer of accommodation has been received and the Department within IPAS are not examining the property for use,' Cllr Brennan wrote on social media. "I would request people to be calm and not spread misinformation with regard to this premises,' Cllr Brennan added. Two years ago, Tipperary County Council granted planning permission for use as tourist accommodation. The plans at the time gave the green light for seven dwellings made up of a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom houses, with a digital hub proposed for an existing school room while the disused chapel would be converted to a community building. Those plans would also see the old Presentation National school converted to a café and showroom.
