Malaysia offers Indonesia help to battle forest fires
Malaysia has offered its neighbour Indonesia help to combat forest fires which create a huge haze over the region. The fires are caused by farmers burning the forest to make way for agriculture – it’s illegal but the law is often ignored. Prime Minister Razak Najib says that Malaysia has specialist aircraft that can put out the fires but it’s up to the Indonesian government to accept the help offered. Malaysia, Singapore and other nations have urged Indonesia to ratify a regional treaty which aims to reduce cross border pollution.
June 23rd, 2009
Malaysian tourism increases despite global economic crisis
Malaysia saw an 8.6 percent increase in tourists in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the same period last year, according to figures from Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia is ranked the fourth best value for money destination by the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report which also highlights the country’s rainforest and cultural heritage. Zaliha Zainuddin, Director, of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board says, “Malaysia is proving to be one of Asia’s most popular destinations for travelers from Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China as they discover our rich tapestry...
June 23rd, 2009
Malaysia considers better FDI incentives
The Malaysian government is considering bringing in better incentives to attract more foreign investment. Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, a Minister in the Prime Minister’s department, told reporters that the economic stimulus package introduced by Prime Minister Razak Najib has made a positive change and is helping the country’s economic climate but that new incentives are needed to draw in more foreign investors when the global economy begins to recover later this year.
June 23rd, 2009
Malaysian Grand Prix to start earlier next year?
The Malaysian Grand Prix which this year was hampered by bad weather and poor light, may start earlier next year to provide drivers with better conditions. This year the race started at 5pm to meet European TV peak viewing hours but officials are suggesting that next year it should be rescheduled to 3pm. “For many years it rained after the end of the 3pm race and it’s likely to happen again and again. So we need to rethink how we can make it agreeable to everyone involved,” says Razlan Razali, chief executive of the Sepang race track.
June 23rd, 2009
Arab City to start hiring Malaysians in August
Arab City, the new Malaysian development in Malacca aimed at Middle Eastern tourists will begin hiring Malaysian staff in August, says Sheikh Saleh al-Mansour, the main developer of the project. Locals will make up three quarters of the staff and will be given intensive Arabic language training and immersion in Middle Eastern culture. “Once the complex and facilities are completed, the workers will be able to attend to the visitors, mainly Arabs, with ease,” says Mansour. The $300 million project will include Arabic themed restaurants, cafes, bazaars, health spas, hotels, sports clubs and...
June 23rd, 2009
Malaysia pulls out of World University Games
The Malaysian Universities Sports Council has decided to withdraw from the World University Games (Universiade) in Belgrade, Serbia, next month to avoid risk of infection from swine flu. The ministry’s sports division secretary Dr. Shaharudin Ismail says the move is in line with advice from the Health Ministry.
June 23rd, 2009
More liberalisation of the economy to come, says PM
Prime Minister Razak Najib says that further liberalisation of the economy will be announced soon. “Our objective is clear, to ensure that Malaysians, our people and our companies, benefit from the competitive dynamics that are shaping the global marketplace for ideas, talent and funds, so that Malaysian companies and Malaysians can emerge stronger, become more globalised and ultimately thrive in this new world order,” Najib told an audience at Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Soon after taking office Najib announced the liberalization of 27 areas of the services sector including...
June 23rd, 2009
Malaysians too focused on politics, says Minister
Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed says that Malaysians are too focused on debating politics rather than dealing with important economic issues. “While I do not deny the importance of the debate on politics, I hope industry associations and business councils can re-energise debate on economic issues confronting the country,” he told foreign diplomats, corporations and the business community. And he added: “While we continue with our efforts in the traditional markets. We must intensify efforts in penetrating non-traditional market. Malaysia’s...
June 23rd, 2009
Comment
By Amber Johnson. Zaid Ibrahim’s party hopping is a distraction from the main issues facing Malaysia While much has been made by commentators of the decision by former law minister, Zaid Ibrahim, to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), it is in reality of little consequence and a distraction from the real issues facing the country. Questions had already been raised about Zaid’s intentions when he was expelled from UNMO last December, and while no one can doubt his commitment to law reform, his going will have little impact on the changes which are already taking place as Prime Minister...
June 18th, 2009
Businesses confident about trade with China
More than 200 Malaysian businessmen attended a Malaysia-China Business Forum in Beijing and said they were confident that trade with China will increase. The business delegation which came in support of Prime Minister Razak Najib’s visit to the country, said that more than a dozen Memoranda of Understanding had been signed between Malaysian and Chinese businesses. Trade between Malaysia and China reached US$39.06 billion in 2008, an increase of 10.3% compared with 2007.
June 11th, 2009
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