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The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
Police bust illegal vape drug lab in Ampang, seize RM21.85m narcotics
SHAH ALAM: Police have dismantled an illegal drug-processing laboratory used to manufacture narcotics-laced vape liquids, seizing drugs worth RM21.85 million in two raids on condominium units in Ampang on June 25. Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the arrests of four individuals in the first raid, including three foreigners (two men and a woman) and a local man. Authorities confiscated drugs and vape processing equipment, including seven vape cartridges suspected to contain cocaine (57 grams), 2.7 kg of powdered cocaine, and 124.6 kg of liquid believed to contain MDMA. A second raid on the same day at another condominium unit led to the seizure of 41 grams of dried cannabis, 140 grams of MDMA-laced vape liquid, and 56 grams of suspected powdered cocaine. A 28-year-old foreign man was arrested and tested positive for morphine. Investigations revealed that one suspect acted as the chemist, while others served as runners and assistants. The syndicate had been active since October 2024, renting two condominium units at RM6,000 monthly to process drug-infused vape liquids for local and international markets. Two foreign suspects had prior criminal records, including document forgery, fraud, and drug-related offenses. The syndicate's estimated monthly profit was RM200,000. Police also seized vehicles, currencies, laptops, and luxury items, bringing total confiscated assets to RM21.9 million. All suspects are remanded for seven days under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.
BusinessToday
24-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Navigating Shifts In Government Policy
Recently, we have frequently heard announcements regarding government policies, particularly those related to taxation and subsidies. The latest among these is the expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) scope, scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. Additionally, the government plans to implement fuel subsidy rationalisation for RON95 petrol in the second half of 2025. Furthermore, a new base electricity tariff will be introduced from July 1, 2025, until December 2027. This includes implementing the Automatic Fuel Adjustment mechanism, which is intended to bring greater transparency in determining electricity tariffs. However, such policy changes are often met with a negative public reception. For instance, the expansion of SST is widely viewed as a move that will increase business costs, compelling entrepreneurs to raise the prices of goods and services. Each time the government attempts to introduce reforms aimed at improving its financial position, resistance tends to arise from various quarters, particularly from associations representing specific interest groups. It is undeniable that these reforms may lead to higher operating costs and the compression of profit margins. Nevertheless, the issue of fiscal consolidation is far from new. In the context of Malaysia, particularly since the change of administration in 2018, economic reform, especially those pertaining to public finances, has remained a core ideological pursuit. This narrative has continued, even as the political landscape has grown increasingly dynamic and complex. It is, therefore, crucial to discuss how fiscal consolidation measures should be viewed from the perspective of ordinary citizens, especially those who are not directly involved in economic policymaking. The change in the service tax rate from 6% to 8% in March 2024 drove a 30.3% YoY increase in SST collection To truly appreciate the significance of fiscal consolidation and its broader impact on society, we must turn to data. For instance, in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25), Malaysia's federal fiscal deficit stood at RM21.9 billion, or 4.5% of GDP, compared to RM26.4 billion, or 5.7% of GDP, in 1Q24. Two primary factors contributed to this improvement: Higher SST collections and reduced subsidy expenditures. On March 1, 2024, the service tax rate was increased from 6% to 8%. This change alone drove a 30.3% year-on-year (YoY) rise in SST collections to RM12.9 billion in 1Q25. Then, on June 10, 2024, the diesel subsidy rationalisation was rolled out, resulting in a 19.4% reduction in spending on subsidies and social assistance in the same period. These figures help explain how the government was able to raise allocations for direct cash assistance programmes, such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, from RM10 billion in 2024 to RM13 billion in 2025. This increase is expected to benefit over nine million Malaysians this year. The aid distributed through these programmes is likely to be spent by households, thereby stimulating retail demand and indirectly benefiting businesses through increased sales. Hence, fiscal consolidation should be viewed through a broader and more forward-looking lens. While it is often associated with reduced government spending or increased taxation, its deeper objective is to realign public finances in a way that enhances long-term economic resilience. As the government gradually strengthens its financial position, the positive spillovers will inevitably benefit the rakyat, whether through better-targeted social assistance, improved infrastructure or stronger public services. Digitalisation and e-commerce platforms have empowered buyers with greater price transparency, broader product choices and real-time access to competing offers Admittedly, the transition phase may involve temporary trade-offs. Among these are the potential rise in prices and business costs as subsidies are rationalised or tax structures adjusted. Yet it is critical to understand that Malaysia's economy today operates within an increasingly open, digital and competitive environment. Unlike in the past, consumers are no longer passive recipients of prices set by businesses. Digitalisation and e-commerce platforms have empowered buyers with greater price transparency, broader product choices and real-time access to competing offers. In this context, businesses face a far more discerning and informed consumer base. Arbitrary price increases are no longer viable, especially when customers can switch to alternative suppliers with just a few taps on their phones. This phenomenon creates what economists refer to as market discipline, where competition, not regulation alone, acts as a natural check on inflationary behaviour. In other words, the threat of losing customers to more competitively priced providers forces businesses to be more efficient, innovative and customer-focused, rather than simply passing on costs. Moreover, technological advancements in logistics, inventory management and digital payments have also helped reduce transaction costs and improved supply chain efficiency. This, in turn, mitigates some of the price pressures that might otherwise arise from fiscal adjustments. Therefore, while price fluctuations may occur in the short term, the broader economic architecture, including competition, consumer empowerment and digital innovation, serves as a stabilising force. Over time, these mechanisms will support a more sustainable, responsive and inclusive market environment where both consumers and businesses can thrive, even amid evolving policy landscapes. The above commentary was contributed by Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid Related
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Ejen Ali: The Movie 2's meet-and-greet thrills fans at Jom Heboh 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Fans of Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 flocked to a special meet-and-greet session at Karnival Jom Heboh 2025 to catch a glimpse of the voice actors and mascots of the popular animation. Shafiq Isa and Noorhayati Maslini Omar, who voice Ejen Bakar and Ejen Alicia, charmed the crowd with an interactive session and prize giveaways. Qayyim Zamani, who voices the villain Neonimus, joined the press sit-down afterwards. "Actually, I work at WAU Animation in the sound design department. "This was my first time doing voice acting. I received a lot of guidance from Mr Shafiq Isa," he said. Qayyim shared his own connection to the film, which first came out when he was 12 years old. "I grew up with Ejen Ali, so I'm grateful. It still feels hard to believe. It feels like a dream." "Many kids dislike Neonimus, so I'm happy," he added. Shafiq attributed the film's success to its brilliant timing, and dwelled on how many fans grew up with the series. "Some fans were eight years old when Season 1 came out, and by the time this movie was released, they were already 18 years old. That's amazing," he said. Noorhayati, who has been a voice actor for 20 years, reflected on the project's growth: "Ejen Ali was my first local animation project; the others were dubbing for foreign cartoons. "When I first auditioned, there was no one else—just five or four people. Now that it's a hit, when they open auditions, thousands come." One of the parents at the event was Zawani Zainal, 36, from Cheras, who brought her three children. "It happened to coincide with the school break, so I decided to bring my children here, and they've always been interested in Ejen Ali," she said. Zawani said she found out about the meet and greet through TV3. "Ejen Ali is a good animation because it promotes strong values, such as not giving up easily. That's the kind of message I want my children to take away," she said. Bahtiar Ab Rahman, who attended with his children, said: "My kids really enjoy Ejen Ali. I think the animation is appropriate for children. Personally, I haven't had the chance to watch the second movie yet." The event came as Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 continued to make waves at the box office, raking in RM21.9 million after just eight days in cinemas.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MADANI government fiscal consolidation on the right track
Malaysia's economy grew by 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, supported by among others, the tourism industry. – File photo KOTA KINABALU: The strong fiscal performance of the MADANI Government indicates that Malaysia's fiscal consolidation efforts are on the right track despite ongoing global economic challenges. Institute for Development Studies Sabah (IDS) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said the national fiscal deficit was successfully reduced by 17 percent to RM21.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025, compared to RM26.4 billion in the same period last year. In addition,government revenue rose by three per cent to RM72.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, driven by the collection of sales and service tax (SST) and individual income tax, he said. He added that a 2.5 per cent reduction in expenditure to RM94.2 billion – achieved through subsidy rationalisation and savings from lower global oil prices – also contributed to the improved fiscal performance. 'This reflects the success of the tax base expansion strategies and revenue reforms implemented through the MADANI Budget.' 'Moreover, the government plans to introduce capital gains tax and luxury goods tax as new sources of revenue without burdening the people.' 'Discipline in expenditure management is also evident, including through the restructuring of diesel subsidies, which has significantly reduced costs without compromising the welfare of low-income groups. 'Targeted aid initiatives such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), Basic Rahmah Aid (SARA), and rice seed subsidies are maintained,' he said. 'Spending efficiency has also been improved by optimising grants to statutory bodies,' he said. Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul Ramzah, who is also an economic researcher, said the enactment of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 sets a target to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025 and to three per cent by 2028. Similar efforts are also being implemented at the state level, such as the Sabah Government's move to introduce taxes on silica sand and palm biomass products starting in April 2024, he said. 'This proves that governments at all levels are applying strong and disciplined strategies to strengthen revenue and fiscal sustainability. 'This performance also reflects fiscal discipline and the effectiveness of the government's economic reforms, with the 2024 deficit reduced to 4.1 percent of GDP – surpassing the 4.3 percent target – and a commitment to further lower it to 3.8 percent in 2025 under the Act. 'This clearly shows the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's fiscal sustainability,' he said, adding that Malaysia's economic strengthening efforts are in line with its latest fiscal achievements. Ramzah, who is also former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), said Malaysia recorded its highest-ever approved investments in 2024, amounting to RM378.5 billion – a 14.9 percent increase from the previous year – spanning over 6,700 projects and creating 207,000 job opportunities. As such, he said this reflects investor confidence in stable and business-friendly economic policies. He added that the economy grew by 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, supported by household spending, a strong labour market, private investment, and increased exports – especially in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and tourism sectors. He also noted that government efforts to stimulate growth, including strategic industry incentives and skills upgrading programmes, have contributed to this momentum. 'However, the government remains aware that external risks such as trade tensions can have an impact.' 'Hence, efforts to diversify sources of growth, improve productivity, expand export markets, and enhance spending efficiency, and the tax base must continue to be strengthened proactively,' he said. Ramzah also refuted claims that the country's economy is deteriorating, saying they are inconsistent with current facts, especially considering the government's success in reducing the fiscal deficit. He said the national economy continued to grow at a rate of 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, while inflation remained low at around 1.5 to 1.9 percent, with projections remaining below three percent for the year. He added that Malaysia's record-high approved investments of RM378.5 billion also affirm strong confidence from both domestic and foreign investors. 'In fact, the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) has described this growth as a sign of economic resilience and a stable business environment.' 'Therefore, these fiscal and economic achievements are the best response to negative claims suggesting the country's economy is worsening.' 'The current administration must continue to present verified data, communicate real successes, and be transparent about challenges and solutions.' 'With this approach, public perception can be corrected, and confidence in government policies can be strengthened,' he said.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's fiscal consolidation remains on track with lower 1Q deficit
KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government's fiscal deficit decreased to RM21.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025), compared to RM26.4 billion in the same period last year, indicating that fiscal consolidation remains on the right track. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said the lower quarterly fiscal deficit was attributed to better revenue collection and expenditure optimisation in consonance with fiscal consolidation initiatives. The MoF today published its 1Q 2025 Malaysian Economy report, which provides an overview of the country's macroeconomic performance and fiscal position. The report was issued quarterly and was part of the MADANI Government's commitment to greater transparency and accountability in the stewardship of public finances. According to the report, the federal government revenue rebounded by three per cent from the corresponding quarter in 2024 to RM72.1 billion, driven by higher tax collection, particularly from a surge in sales and service tax (SST) receipts as well as higher collection of individual income tax. Meanwhile, total expenditure contracted by 2.5 per cent to RM94.2 billion, due primarily to lower subsidy spending following the implementation of the diesel subsidy retargeting programme as well as lower global oil prices. "Nevertheless, targeted social assistance programmes including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), Fish Landing Incentive and Paddy Price Subsidy Scheme have been strengthened. "In addition, grants to statutory bodies were optimised due to operational efficiency and effectiveness of the agencies,' the ministry said. Malaysia's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.4 per cent, outstripping the 4.2 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter last year, driven by resilient domestic demand and sustained recovery across key sectors such as services, manufacturing and construction. The full 1Q 2025 Malaysian Economy report can be accessed at the MoF's official website: - Bernama
