Anwar highlights strong Malaysia-Laos ties, investment confidence
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia's deep appreciation for Laos' commitment and cooperation in strengthening bilateral and regional ties, particularly in support of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his counterpart from Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, Anwar praised the Lao authorities for their continued collaboration, noting that the country has played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing coordination for Asean activities.
"Since they (Laos) hosted the Asean Retreat and the Heads of Government Meeting last year, Laos has been extremely helpful in assisting and collaborating with our team in Malaysia when we took the turn of hosting the Asean-related meetings from early this year,' he said.
Anwar also highlighted the growing economic confidence in Laos, citing the presence of four major Malaysian banks, namely Maybank, RHB, CIMB and Public Bank, currently operating in the country.
"So, with the four Malaysian banks there, it shows the confidence in the country's (Laos) political system and also the stability and also attractive investment policies, and the manner the central banks manage the affairs of the financial institutions,' he said.
Anwar said this provides a strong foundation for greater Malaysian investment in Laos, as well as in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, under the broader Asean framework. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
26 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
Maxim Malaysia has filed an appeal to the APAD noticed its improvements: Maxim is willing to continue its operation in Malaysia
On June 10, Maxim E-hailing provided an official media briefing about the confirmation of appeal and submitted documents to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). "I would like to confirm the fact that Maxim delivered full commitment to the situation that happened, by following the instructions and submitting all documents. We got documents from the company and now are ready to review the case in the near future. A competitive market is the key to fair and optimal e-hailing operation in the digital sphere, so we hope that the company can continue to develop the Malaysian e-hailing market as other platforms. Keeping balance in all of the spheres is the key to a successful development of a fair and stable digital economy,' as told by Puan Masita Binti Mat Isa, Deputy Director General (APAD). The Maxim team confirmed that only legal drivers can be the partners-drivers of the company and received orders and at the same time readily available and comfortable. That means that the trips are safe, reliable and at the same time available and comfortable. 'We help candidates to become legal drivers, by getting PSV and EVP. Moreover, the company collaborates with over 25 driving schools to streamline the legalisation process. We are now ready to provide more drivers for driving schools, so we are always willing to partner with new organisations to speed up the legalisation process and give more people the opportunity to earn money for their families and needs. In the future we would like to increase their number and get new quotas to make them legal with a special system of compensation bonuses and assistance from the Maxim team', said Chowdhury Mushfique Ahmed, Maxim Legal and GR Head. For extra care, our passengers have 'inner chat' features in the apps for communication that is controlled by the service and a tracking function that lets them share the link of the trip with their relatives and friends. Furthermore, Maxim E-hailing always takes care of urban mobility in big cities and urban areas, providing people with availability, safe and comfortable transportation while creating new workplaces in different regions and at places where it can be vital. According to Maxim's research, more than half of our drivers use Maxim as one of the main sources of income. 'Thousands of drivers uses the Maxim app as a way to earn extra money to enhance their family's total income. It creates the situation when drivers get good income and passengers and other clients with affordable transportation services that can be used for daily needs,' said Musley Mohd Hazwan, Director of Maxim Malaysia. For 6 years, the company has also paid taxes and helps to create a competitive market in Malaysia. It helps the brand develop the digital economy of Malaysia and make transportation services affordable for all classes of people, especially students or the middle income. Now, the company operates throughout the country. Maxim has been investing in infrastructure, marketing, brand promotion, technological advancement, CSR projects, and public mobility. Maxim actively participates in various social activities, including helping flood victims, helping fire victims and contributing to public hospitals, schools and orphanages in different regions. Realizing that the needs of people with disabilities (OKU), Maxim has not only implemented a special rate, but also regularly conducts promotions to raise public awareness, providing free rides to blind or paralympic communities. The website of Maxim Malaysia is also adapted for blind people to ensure equal access to opportunities and infrastructure in everyday life. Maxim Malaysia, a major player in the e-hailing sector, has a strong technological platform with multifunctional features that make it reliable and easy for users to obtain customized support and the company invests in this sphere and develops IT technologies in Malaysia. This content is provided by Maxim Malaysia The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Rakyat Post
26 minutes ago
- Rakyat Post
TTDI Residents Protest 'Mini Casino' In Their Neighbourhood
Subscribe to our FREE A petition has surfaced recently to oppose the establishment of an alleged gambling center in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur. The petition was prompted by an announcement published by the Royal Selangor Club (RSC) in April of a proposal of an annexed building in TTDI (Annex2) which will feature a bar, restaurant, pickleball court and gaming facilities, among others. According to the petition, Annex2 will be located next to Menara Ken on Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, TTDI. In the RSC announcement, it states that the club's slot machine operator GPL notified RSC on 21 March, 2025, that their relocation deadline from RSC is no later than 31 December, although they aim to move out sooner, possibly by October 2025. Image: Royal Selangor Club TRP reached out to an RSC member, who spoke on the condition to remain anonymous, and learned that the slot machine relocation was due to licensing matters, but did not elaborate. Residents of TTDI put out petition against Annex2 The The petition starter Zafrul Is, speaking on behalf of other concerned residents, said they are worried for the tranquility and safety, should a gambling center exist in their area. 'Gambling activities are notorious for attracting undesirable elements such as loan sharks and gangster-related activities. Allowing such an establishment could jeopardize the peaceful environment we have worked so hard to maintain. 'Furthermore, it poses a significant risk to our youth, whose futures could be marred by exposure to gambling and its associated vices. The Malaysian youth, being the backbone of our future, deserve to grow up in environments that foster healthy development and positive influences,' Zafrul said. He further illustrated how data and reports have shown that communities near casinos and gambling centers often experience rises in crime rates, debts, and other social ills. As at press time, the petition has collected 1,819 signatures. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Malay Mail
29 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Ringgit strengthens against greenback as US tariff concerns weigh on global markets
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The ringgit continued to strengthen against the US dollar on Thursday, buoyed by a softer US Dollar Index (DXY), which declined by 0.25 per cent to 98.386 points. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the drop followed news that US President Donald Trump's administration plans to issue letters regarding its tariff decisions within the next two weeks. At 6 pm, the local unit advanced to 4.2155/2245 against the greenback, from Wednesday's close of 4.2345/2370. He said the announcement has fuelled further uncertainty over the outcome of the ongoing trade negotiations. 'Whatever the case may be, the 10 per cent universal tariff is likely to exert pressure on the US economy and risks of retaliation from other nations across the globe would accentuate the downside risks to global growth,' he told Bernama. Emerging market currencies, including the ringgit, are benefiting from the current trend. Next week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on June 17-18 will be closely monitored by the market participants, he said. At the close, the ringgit traded lower against a basket of major currencies. It fell against the Japanese yen to 2.9329/9394 from 2.9187/9207, weakened versus the British pound to 5.7213/7335 from 5.7166/7200 and fell vis-à-vis the euro to 4.8765/8869 from 4.8426/8454 previously. At the same time, the local currency traded mixed against its Asean peers, rising vis-à-vis the Philippine peso to 7.55/7.57 from 7.57/7.59 and rising against the Indonesian rupiah to 259.5/260.2 from 260.4/260.6. However, the ringgit fell versus the Singapore dollar to 3.2934/3006 from 3.2925/2947 at yesterday's close and declined against the Thai baht to 12.9828/13.0173 from 12.9729/9870 yesterday. — Bernama
