Latest news with #PoonWaiChing
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Act fast to adapt to 25% US tariff, Malaysian SMEs told
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's small and medium enterprises must act fast to adapt to the new 25% US tariff on Malaysian exports or risk facing severe disruptions to their operations, cash flow and long-term competitiveness, economists warn. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Department of Economics and Financial Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the tariff will significantly raise the cost of doing business for Malaysian exporters targeting the United States – which is one of Malaysia's largest trading partners. 'Export volumes may decline, resulting in lower revenue and possible cash flow problems, particularly for SMEs,' he said. 'Businesses need to rethink their strategies quickly. Those who are too reliant on the US will be the most vulnerable.' He urged the government to provide immediate relief in the form of tax deferrals, subsidies or low-interest loans, while encouraging market diversification and improving export support for small firms. 'In the short term, they need help absorbing the cost increase. In the long run, we need to build resilience through diversification and higher-value products.' Taylor's University research cluster lead for innovative management practices Prof Dr Poon Wai Ching echoed this view, stressing that SMEs should use Malaysia's existing trade frameworks to explore alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. 'SMEs must map their supply chains, improve cost efficiency, and open dialogue with US clients to better understand product demand,' she said. 'But ultimately, Malaysia's small businesses must upgrade their product value, branding and innovation to move beyond low-cost export models.' Poon also urged policymakers to increase funding for export promotion agencies such as Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and ensure SMEs are supported in expanding internationally. Universiti Putra Malaysia Putra Business School Assoc Prof Dr Ida Md Yasin said while larger firms are generally more equipped to weather global shifts, SMEs must be agile and innovative to survive. 'I'm not so worried about the big companies – they are usually good with the latest technology. But SMEs need to back up, especially when entering new markets,' she said. 'They must come up with innovative products and productive processes to compete globally.' Drawing an analogy, Ida said: 'A big company is like a large ship – it takes time to manoeuvre. 'But an SME can pivot faster, if its leadership is ready to act. That speed is what will determine survival in this new trade environment.' The warning comes after US President Donald Trump announced that Malaysian exports to the US will face a 25% tariff – which had been under a 90-day pause – starting Aug 1, up from 24% previously. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and posted on Trump's Truth Social platform, the US president described the tariff as 'far less than what is actually needed' to correct the US trade deficit with Malaysia. 'Malaysia's current trade policies have made our trading relationship largely one-sided and non-reciprocal,' Trump said, warning that any retaliation such as raising tariffs on US imports would trigger an additional 25% tariff. He suggested that Malaysian companies could avoid the tariffs by relocating or setting up manufacturing operations in the US, offering to fast-track necessary approvals.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Carbon tax approach to achieving green future
PETALING JAYA: A carbon tax does not have to hurt the average Malaysian, but it could force polluters to clean up their act. That is the message from experts as the country prepares to roll out the levy by 2026. Taylor's University research cluster lead for innovative management practices Prof Dr Poon Wai Ching said the carbon tax should not be viewed simply as a revenue-raising measure but also as a vital tool in steering Malaysia toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future. 'It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by assigning a monetary cost to emitting carbon dioxide,' she said. 'For instance, if a company emits 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ and the tax is RM10 per tonne, it would owe RM100,000, putting real financial pressure on businesses to invest in cleaner technologies and energy efficiency.' The policy is expected to initially target high-emission sectors such as iron, steel and energy. Revenue generated could be channelled into green research, innovation and sustainable infrastructure, including climate adaptation projects and circular economy initiatives. Poon added that although Malaysia has long been aligned with global climate frameworks like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, recent shifts in international trade dynamics have intensified the need for action. 'One key factor is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will tax imports based on their carbon content,' she said. 'If Malaysia doesn't act, we risk losing competitiveness in global trade.' She also stressed the importance of revenue recycling – using income from the carbon tax to benefit the wider public, such as by supporting low-income communities, subsidising green technologies and strengthening national sustainable development goals. While the carbon tax underscores Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, Poon said the recent rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies helps ease the public into the idea of paying closer to the true environmental cost of energy. 'It makes the shift to carbon pricing smoother over time,' she added. Poon also pointed out that 37 countries have introduced carbon tax frameworks, including Singapore and European nations such as Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. She said Malaysia could draw valuable lessons from these international models by adopting a phased approach, ensuring transparent pricing and protecting vulnerable communities. 'If businesses adopt sustainable and circular economy strategies now, they can boost their ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance and tap into regional growth opportunities,' she said. Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysian Institute of Transport head of legal and quality Dr Siti Ayu Jalil said the transport and logistics sector, which contributed 5% to Malaysia's GDP in 2024, will face both short-term and long-term challenges under the new policy. 'In the short term, the carbon tax and fuel subsidy cuts will raise operational costs in freight, haulage and ride-hailing services. This may lead to higher prices for essential goods, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, where transport distances are greater,' she said. Over time, the carbon tax will become a fixed cost for businesses, incentivising them to adopt low-emission fleets such as electric and hybrid trucks and to shift towards rail and maritime transport, she added. Green certifications may also become essential to stay competitive, she said. To support the transition, Siti Ayu called for targeted government incentives, including grants and tax breaks for low-emission vehicles, as well as expanded EV charging infrastructure. She also recommended increased investment in freight rail and urban logistics hubs to reduce urban congestion and emissions. 'Part of the carbon tax revenue should be used to fund research and innovation in sustainable transport technology,' she added. 'This includes adopting digital solutions like GPS-based tracking and AI-driven route optimisation to reduce fuel consumption.' Siti Ayu also underscored the importance of protecting low-income groups and rural populations from the knock-on effects of rising transport costs. She proposed targeted cash transfers and rebates for B40 and M40 households, continued support for public transport passes such as My50 and My100 and the reintroduction of My30 to ensure affordable unlimited travel. In rural areas, she suggested logistics subsidies for essential goods such as food and medicine to prevent price surges. 'Reform is unavoidable. Malaysia must do its part in combatting climate change and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is not just a tax. It's a path to a climate-resilient, productive and fair future,' said Siti Ayu.
