Latest news with #MASA
The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Tariffs, domestic and international uncertainties dominate Malaysia's shipping sector in first half of 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's shipping industry navigated cautiously in the first half of 2025, as industry players assessed market conditions and challenges, operating in a complex environment that demanded a measured and deliberate strategy. Ongoing talks between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), relatively stagnant freight rates, and geopolitical tensions affecting maritime routes dominated the sector. However, it was encouraging to note that ports performed well, recording increased cargo volumes. Malaysia Shipowners' Association (MASA) chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said that while the impact of the United States' reciprocal tariff rate, set to take effect on Aug 1, was minimal on industry players, the sector continued to monitor potential medium-term consequences depending on decisions after the 90-day pause. He added that domestic activity remained slow, with close attention paid to the ongoing negotiations between national oil company Petronas, and Petros, which had dragged on for more than two years. "Prolonged issues have resulted in lower demand in the Oil Support Vessel market in our domestic waters. However, Petronas and TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd have awarded long-term vessel provision and contract of affreightment contracts respectively this year. Malaysian shipowners were the majority recipients of both contracts,' he told Bernama when contacted. Mohamed Safwan said other shipping segments were broadly neutral, with freight rates remaining largely stagnant over the past six months. Geopolitics, Freight Routes and Environmental Targets On geopolitical tensions affecting major maritime routes, Mohamed Safwan said that apart from a few global players such as MISC Bhd , most Malaysian shipping operators focused on the regional market, expanding east to China and west to India. "In terms of cost, delays in key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz have increased the dependence on ASEAN vessels operating within the region. This has led to an uptick in charter rates,' he said. He noted that Southeast Asia remained relatively stable, with routing largely unaffected. However, delays were expected in the transhipment of cargo intended for Malaysian consumption. On the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decarbonisation targets, Mohamed Safwan said MASA members were well aware of the regulations, but the shift towards decarbonisation required significant effort and substantial funding. "Regarding the new targets outlined in the IMO net-zero greenhouse gas emissions Strategy 2050, MASA members are currently evaluating options that have yet to be finalised. "The global maritime industry continues to debate current solutions at the IMO. For us, Malaysian shipowners are focusing on improving efficiency within existing regulations. "This is also because most Malaysian vessels are ageing, and any refleetings must consider new alternatives such as alternative fuel or dual-fuel ships,' he added. On the outlook, he said that instabilities arising from geopolitical tensions had prompted industry players to capture increased demand from rerouted cargo movements. "Key risks remain, particularly the escalating tensions between global powers closer to home, such as the rift between China and the US and Taiwan's position, which has heightened regional uncertainty. "These issues affect freedom of movement and stability in Southeast Asia,' he added. Regional Shipping and ASEAN 2045 Vision Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook recently expressed hope that ongoing negotiations with the United States government, ahead of the potential imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Malaysia from Aug 1, would help mitigate the impact on the maritime industry and preserve its competitiveness. He said the maritime sector was currently performing well, buoyed by increased trade volumes at ports operated by MMC Corporation Bhd and Westports Holdings Bhd . Maritime analyst Nazery Khalid said the sector, which facilitates the bulk of trade among ASEAN members and between ASEAN and other regions, plays a critical role. "The goal of boosting regional connectivity and trade in Southeast Asia to make it a global economic powerhouse cannot be achieved without adequate port infrastructure, efficient logistics, strong intra- and inter-regional connectivity, and robust shipping services,' he added. He also stressed the importance of a facilitative regulatory environment, investment incentives, digital and physical infrastructure, and alignment with international standards across the maritime supply chain. "Sustainability, climate change, competition, intellectual property, consumer protection and taxation must be addressed to ensure cargo moves seamlessly, efficiently, securely and sustainably, while maintaining cost competitiveness and profitability for ports, shipping lines, logistics providers and other stakeholders,' he said. Nazery cautioned that while Southeast Asia already had many success factors in place, more improvements were needed at both national and regional levels. "For ASEAN 2045 to meet its vision of becoming a globally competitive economic region, the region's ports, some of which already rank among the world's best, must not be complacent. They must continue to improve their capacity, efficiency, productivity and service delivery. 'ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future' is the successor to 'ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together', and will serve as a long-term strategic blueprint for the region over the next two decades. He said ASEAN member states must continue investing in trade, transport and digital infrastructure amid rising competition from other regions. This is needed to attract cargo, foreign investment, and global shipping lines. "Seaports act as vital trade gateways and facilitators of regional growth. The logistics services supporting port operations and regional trade are critical to Southeast Asia's integration into the global supply chain,' Nazery concluded. - Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
15 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Tariffs, domestic and international uncertainties dominate Malaysia's shipping sector in first half of 2025
MALAYSIA'S shipping industry navigated cautiously in the first half of 2025, as industry players assessed market conditions and challenges, operating in a complex environment that demanded a measured and deliberate strategy. Ongoing talks between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), relatively stagnant freight rates, and geopolitical tensions affecting maritime routes dominated the sector. However, it was encouraging to note that ports performed well, recording increased cargo volumes. Malaysia Shipowners' Association (MASA) chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said that while the impact of the United States' reciprocal tariff rate, set to take effect on Aug 1, was minimal on industry players, the sector continued to monitor potential medium-term consequences depending on decisions after the 90-day pause. He added that domestic activity remained slow, with close attention paid to the ongoing negotiations between national oil company Petronas, and Petros, which had dragged on for more than two years. 'Prolonged issues have resulted in lower demand in the Oil Support Vessel market in our domestic waters. However, Petronas and TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd have awarded long-term vessel provision and contract of affreightment contracts respectively this year. Malaysian shipowners were the majority recipients of both contracts,' he told Bernama when contacted. Mohamed Safwan said other shipping segments were broadly neutral, with freight rates remaining largely stagnant over the past six months. Geopolitics, Freight Routes and Environmental Targets On geopolitical tensions affecting major maritime routes, Mohamed Safwan said that apart from a few global players such as MISC Bhd, most Malaysian shipping operators focused on the regional market, expanding east to China and west to India. 'In terms of cost, delays in key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz have increased the dependence on ASEAN vessels operating within the region. This has led to an uptick in charter rates,' he said. He noted that Southeast Asia remained relatively stable, with routing largely unaffected. However, delays were expected in the transhipment of cargo intended for Malaysian consumption. On the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decarbonisation targets, Mohamed Safwan said MASA members were well aware of the regulations, but the shift towards decarbonisation required significant effort and substantial funding. 'Regarding the new targets outlined in the IMO net-zero greenhouse gas emissions Strategy 2050, MASA members are currently evaluating options that have yet to be finalised. 'The global maritime industry continues to debate current solutions at the IMO. For us, Malaysian shipowners are focusing on improving efficiency within existing regulations. 'This is also because most Malaysian vessels are ageing, and any refleetings must consider new alternatives such as alternative fuel or dual-fuel ships,' he added. On the outlook, he said that instabilities arising from geopolitical tensions had prompted industry players to capture increased demand from rerouted cargo movements. 'Key risks remain, particularly the escalating tensions between global powers closer to home, such as the rift between China and the US and Taiwan's position, which has heightened regional uncertainty. 'These issues affect freedom of movement and stability in Southeast Asia,' he added. Regional Shipping and ASEAN 2045 Vision Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook recently expressed hope that ongoing negotiations with the United States government, ahead of the potential imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Malaysia from Aug 1, would help mitigate the impact on the maritime industry and preserve its competitiveness. He said the maritime sector was currently performing well, buoyed by increased trade volumes at ports operated by MMC Corporation Bhd and Westports Holdings Bhd. Maritime analyst Nazery Khalid said the sector, which facilitates the bulk of trade among ASEAN members and between ASEAN and other regions, plays a critical role. 'The goal of boosting regional connectivity and trade in Southeast Asia to make it a global economic powerhouse cannot be achieved without adequate port infrastructure, efficient logistics, strong intra- and inter-regional connectivity, and robust shipping services,' he added. He also stressed the importance of a facilitative regulatory environment, investment incentives, digital and physical infrastructure, and alignment with international standards across the maritime supply chain. 'Sustainability, climate change, competition, intellectual property, consumer protection and taxation must be addressed to ensure cargo moves seamlessly, efficiently, securely and sustainably, while maintaining cost competitiveness and profitability for ports, shipping lines, logistics providers and other stakeholders,' he said. Nazery cautioned that while Southeast Asia already had many success factors in place, more improvements were needed at both national and regional levels. 'For ASEAN 2045 to meet its vision of becoming a globally competitive economic region, the region's ports, some of which already rank among the world's best, must not be complacent. They must continue to improve their capacity, efficiency, productivity and service delivery. 'ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future' is the successor to 'ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together', and will serve as a long-term strategic blueprint for the region over the next two decades. He said ASEAN member states must continue investing in trade, transport and digital infrastructure amid rising competition from other regions. This is needed to attract cargo, foreign investment, and global shipping lines. 'Seaports act as vital trade gateways and facilitators of regional growth. The logistics services supporting port operations and regional trade are critical to Southeast Asia's integration into the global supply chain,' Nazery concluded. — BERNAMA
Barnama
16 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Tariffs, Domestic And International Uncertainties Dominate Malaysia's Shipping Sector In First Half Of 2025
Ongoing talks between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), relatively stagnant freight rates, and geopolitical tensions affecting maritime routes dominated the sector. KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) – Malaysia's shipping industry navigated cautiously in the first half of 2025, as industry players assessed market conditions and challenges, operating in a complex environment that demanded a measured and deliberate strategy. He added that domestic activity remained slow, with close attention paid to the ongoing negotiations between national oil company Petronas, and Petros, which had dragged on for more than two years. Malaysia Shipowners' Association (MASA) chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said that while the impact of the United States' reciprocal tariff rate, set to take effect on Aug 1, was minimal on industry players, the sector continued to monitor potential medium-term consequences depending on decisions after the 90-day pause. However, it was encouraging to note that ports performed well, recording increased cargo volumes. Mohamed Safwan said other shipping segments were broadly neutral, with freight rates remaining largely stagnant over the past six months. 'Prolonged issues have resulted in lower demand in the Oil Support Vessel market in our domestic waters. However, Petronas and TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd have awarded long-term vessel provision and contract of affreightment contracts respectively this year. Malaysian shipowners were the majority recipients of both contracts,' he told Bernama when contacted. Geopolitics, Freight Routes and Environmental Targets On geopolitical tensions affecting major maritime routes, Mohamed Safwan said that apart from a few global players such as MISC Bhd, most Malaysian shipping operators focused on the regional market, expanding east to China and west to India. 'In terms of cost, delays in key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz have increased the dependence on ASEAN vessels operating within the region. This has led to an uptick in charter rates,' he said. He noted that Southeast Asia remained relatively stable, with routing largely unaffected. However, delays were expected in the transhipment of cargo intended for Malaysian consumption. On the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decarbonisation targets, Mohamed Safwan said MASA members were well aware of the regulations, but the shift towards decarbonisation required significant effort and substantial funding. 'Regarding the new targets outlined in the IMO net-zero greenhouse gas emissions Strategy 2050, MASA members are currently evaluating options that have yet to be finalised. 'The global maritime industry continues to debate current solutions at the IMO. For us, Malaysian shipowners are focusing on improving efficiency within existing regulations. 'This is also because most Malaysian vessels are ageing, and any refleetings must consider new alternatives such as alternative fuel or dual-fuel ships,' he added. On the outlook, he said that instabilities arising from geopolitical tensions had prompted industry players to capture increased demand from rerouted cargo movements. 'Key risks remain, particularly the escalating tensions between global powers closer to home, such as the rift between China and the US and Taiwan's position, which has heightened regional uncertainty. 'These issues affect freedom of movement and stability in Southeast Asia,' he added. Regional Shipping and ASEAN 2045 Vision Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook recently expressed hope that ongoing negotiations with the United States government, ahead of the potential imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Malaysia from Aug 1, would help mitigate the impact on the maritime industry and preserve its competitiveness. He said the maritime sector was currently performing well, buoyed by increased trade volumes at ports operated by MMC Corporation Bhd and Westports Holdings Bhd. Maritime analyst Nazery Khalid said the sector, which facilitates the bulk of trade among ASEAN members and between ASEAN and other regions, plays a critical role. 'The goal of boosting regional connectivity and trade in Southeast Asia to make it a global economic powerhouse cannot be achieved without adequate port infrastructure, efficient logistics, strong intra- and inter-regional connectivity, and robust shipping services,' he added. He also stressed the importance of a facilitative regulatory environment, investment incentives, digital and physical infrastructure, and alignment with international standards across the maritime supply chain. 'Sustainability, climate change, competition, intellectual property, consumer protection and taxation must be addressed to ensure cargo moves seamlessly, efficiently, securely and sustainably, while maintaining cost competitiveness and profitability for ports, shipping lines, logistics providers and other stakeholders,' he said. Nazery cautioned that while Southeast Asia already had many success factors in place, more improvements were needed at both national and regional levels. 'For ASEAN 2045 to meet its vision of becoming a globally competitive economic region, the region's ports, some of which already rank among the world's best, must not be complacent. They must continue to improve their capacity, efficiency, productivity and service delivery. 'ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future' is the successor to 'ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together', and will serve as a long-term strategic blueprint for the region over the next two decades. He said ASEAN member states must continue investing in trade, transport and digital infrastructure amid rising competition from other regions. This is needed to attract cargo, foreign investment, and global shipping lines. 'Seaports act as vital trade gateways and facilitators of regional growth. The logistics services supporting port operations and regional trade are critical to Southeast Asia's integration into the global supply chain,' Nazery concluded. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Alberton martial artists strike gold at national championships
Eighteen students from Alberton Martial Arts and Fitness showcased their talent and determination at the Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) National Championships, held in Pretoria on June 14 and 15. In a display of skill and discipline, the Alberton team brought home an impressive medal haul: 10 gold, nine silver and 10 bronze medals, earned against strong competition from across the country. The event, described as a true martial arts extravaganza, featured a wide array of disciplines, including Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. Multiple federations under MASA participated, making the tournament a melting pot of martial arts styles and expertise. Competitors from all corners of South Africa gathered in Pretoria to represent their provinces, contributing to the dynamic and spirited atmosphere of the championships. MASA was praised for hosting a world-class tournament, providing a high-quality platform for martial artists to compete at national level. The achievements of the Alberton Martial Arts and Fitness students highlight the dedication of both the athletes and their instructors, as they continue to make their mark on the national stage. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Herald Scotland
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Trump pardons rapper NBA YoungBoy in spree of clemency actions
He was serving a 23-month sentence for federal gun charges as part of a plea deal reached with federal prosecutors in December. The previous month, Gaulden pleaded guilty to his involvement in a Utah pharmacy drug ring, but he avoided incarceration and paid a $25,000 fine. "I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and for giving me the opportunity to keep building - as a man, as a father, and as an artist," Gaulden, whose rap name stands for "Never Broke Again," wrote on his Instagram account. "This moment means a lot." He added that the pardon "opens the door to a future I've worked hard for and I'm fully prepared to step into this." More: Trump's latest wave of pardons includes rapper, GOP governor convicted of corruption The pardon means Gaulden will no longer have travel restrictions, allowing him to embark on a 32-date national tour set to kick off in September that he's dubbed the "MASA tour" - "Make America Slime Again." It's a riff on Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. Slime refers to a close friend or homie in hip-hop lingo. Trump has issued a slew of pardons that coincided with the first full week of Ed Martin serving as the Justice Department's pardon attorney. Trump had previously nominated Martin to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, but he withdrew in the face of Republican opposition on Capitol Hill over Martin's support for Jan. 6 rioters. Pardons fully wipe out a recipient's guilt of a criminal act and any penalties tied to a conviction. Typically, a wave of pardons comes at the end of a president's term. But Trump has smashed all norms, beginning with his day one pardons of more than 1,600 individuals charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump on May 27 pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley of the USA Network television show "Chrisley Knows Best" fame, in which they portrayed themselves as real estate tycoons in the South. The couple was found guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks in Atlanta out of more than $36 million in fraudulent loans. More: Trump pardons former Army officer convicted in court martial of disobeying COVID rules The next day, Trump commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover, 74, a notorious former Chicago gang leader who co-founded the Gangster Disciples and was convicted in 1973 for the murder of a drug dealer. Hoover, who was serving six life terms for his federal charges, still must serve a 200-year sentence for his Illinois state charges. Trump also pardoned former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who resigned from his office after pleading guilty in late 2004 to one count of conspiring to commit tax fraud and depriving the public of honest service over $107,000 in gifts he accepted from companies doing business with the state. Rowland, a former New York congressman, was later convicted of obstructing justice, conspiracy, falsifying government documents, and other violations of campaign finance laws. He was sentenced to nearly three years in prison. More: Donald Trump pardons former Republican Rep. Michael Grimm for tax fraud conviction Trump pardoned former New York Rep. Michael Grimm, a Republican congressman from 2011 to 2015, who resigned after being convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to eight months in prison. And as first reported by USA TODAY, Trump also pardoned former 1st Lt. Mark Bashaw, a former U.S. Army officer who was found guilty by a special court martial during the Biden administration for refusing to follow COVID-19 safety measures. The White House has not provided a full list of Trump's pardons, deferring to the Department of Justice, which updates clemency actions on its website. Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Zac Anderson Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
