
Malaysia Nets RM4.6 Billion In Investment Leads At SEMICON SEA 2025
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, referred to the event as the 'World Cup' of the sector, noting that Malaysia's delegation engaged in strategic talks with key players in the electrical and electronics (E&E) engineering space — including prominent data centre investors.
'This is a golden opportunity for Malaysian producers to penetrate the Singaporean market, with a total potential investment of RM4.6 billion and export potential of RM507 million,' he said.
In a video shared on Instagram Reels, Tengku Zafrul revealed that buyers from Singapore, Japan, China and the United States expressed interest in Malaysian offerings, contributing to an export potential of nearly RM237 million.
The Malaysia Pavilion at SEMICON SEA also drew attention as nine local companies exhibited their technological strengths. These firms, with a combined annual revenue exceeding RM843 million — mostly from exports — showcased advanced testing systems, system solutions and electronic waste innovations aligned with ESG goals.
Meanwhile, separate discussions with major food and beverage and fast-moving consumer goods firms from Singapore have opened the door for potential halal product exports worth RM270 million. Related
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Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Asean to lead Global South in low-carbon, sustainable growth
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Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
Locals not enjoying Semporna's tourism boom
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Older parts of town still house sundry shops and local eateries such as mamaks. 'We just can't compete with the high rent and low margins. Some of the older restaurants and shops have already closed,' Wong said. The issue of foreign-linked tourism businesses operating outside legal bounds isn't confined to Semporna. In nearby Tawau, a recent joint enforcement operation led by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing uncovered several tour companies — previously believed to be locally owned — that were in fact run by Chinese investors and linked to illegal activities. These included unlicensed overwater chalets, aquaculture farms without approval, and homestays built on agricultural or livestock land. 'I received numerous complaints about irregularities and illegal activities at tourist sites, which are damaging the safety reputation of Malaysia's tourism industry,' Tiong said in a statement on Facebook. He warned that operating without proper certification posed serious safety and management risks, and could lead to tragedy if accidents occur. While welcoming foreign investment in tourism, he stressed it must be done legally and in full compliance with Malaysian laws. 'Welcoming investors does not mean turning a blind eye. Whether they are from China or anywhere else, those involved in illegal activities, malpractice or the misuse of rental licences to evade the law will not be tolerated,' he said. During the Tawau operation, enforcement teams inspected 30 buses and tourist vehicles, 15 tourism business premises, 40 boats and four jetties, issuing nine summonses. Sea patrols found some vessels over capacity, without valid permits or carrying unverified documents. Roadblocks were also set up to check bus permits and driving licences. Tiong urged local authorities to act swiftly, investigate suspicious operations, and shut down businesses operating without valid licences. Semporna's infrastructure, designed for a much smaller population, is struggling to cope. Power and water shortages occur, and rubbish piles up faster than it can be collected. 'The town just isn't ready for this many people every day,' said dive guide Tommy Abdullah. 'The rubbish is out of control, and the sewer smell is everywhere. The authorities can't keep up.' Locals say existing systems cannot sustain more development, even as new projects are planned. At a recent State Assembly sitting, Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said Semporna lacks a proper tourist jetty despite its growing popularity. 'Semporna is already considered an international tourist attraction. But our tourism jetty is still made of wood. 'There's no proper platform and the boats are docking in disorganised spots. It's not just inconvenient but also poses safety risks,' he said. He also pointed to poor road conditions and clogged drains in the district. 'Jalan Masbah looks more like gravel than a paved road. 'Even the drains are clogged with grass cuttings and rubbish dumped by contractors,' he said. District office executive officer Ali Adam Hamzah said cleanliness has improved in recent years, though the rubbish load remains challenging. 'There have been more investors coming in over the last decade, and we are trying to keep up. 'At the moment it is manageable. We do get a lot of feedback about the rubbish — on land and at sea — and we have been doing our best,' he said. The district office recently bought three additional rubbish trucks, bringing the fleet to eight or nine. But waste at sea, particularly around inhabited islands like Bum Bum, is harder to manage as they fall outside the council's jurisdiction. 'Most of the problems come from the islands. In the city, we have it under control. According to feedback from tourists, businesses, and residents, it is getting better, cleaner. We are trying, but it's hard to tackle it 100 per cent. 'Of course, with more businesses and hotels, as the local council we are in support, because it also means more revenue. And with more revenue, we will be able to provide better service to everyone,' he said. Environmental toll Marine pollution is another growing concern, with reports of increased fish bombing and cyanide use by fishermen under pressure to meet seafood demand from tourists. With seafood a major draw for Chinese visitors, local conservationists say unsustainable fishing practices are becoming more common. 'Restaurant owners pay the Bajau Laut fishermen to use illegal methods like cyanide fishing or blast fishing to quickly secure large hauls. You can hear the fish bombs go off underwater if you're diving or snorkelling,' said Tommy. 'It's not just damaging to the reefs, but also to the people doing it. Tourists come for diving and snorkelling, but if the coral's destroyed, the marine life will eventually go too — then what will be left?' he said. Calls for responsible tourism and regulation Despite the challenges, many residents still welcome tourism — but say it must be managed responsibly. As Semporna becomes more reliant on the Chinese market, locals are calling for regulation and enforcement — from proper licensing of businesses to environmental protection and fairer distribution of benefits. 'The government needs to step in,' said Norlita Mohd Musa, who runs a shop selling local seafood specialities and general goods. 'We're not saying 'no tourists.' We want more tourists. We're saying 'let's do this in a way that helps our town, our people'… otherwise what is the point?' she said. 'This is our home,' said Hidayah Suhaimi, who runs a souvenir stall near Dragon Inn. 'We were here before the tourists, and we will be here for a long time. So we want it to grow, but not at the expense of everything else.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
‘Datuk Seri' among new arrests in MBI fraud
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