Malaysian businesses urged to tap Cambodian market
The MCBA said even though a ceasefire is in place, the transportation of certain Thai products has been disrupted, with supply chains in Cambodia slowing significantly or coming to a halt.
"This has created new market opportunities for Malaysian businesses. Cambodia is currently experiencing a shortage of certain consumer goods, food products and industrial raw materials, and Malaysia holds clear advantages in terms of quality, pricing and supply stability," it said in a statement yesterday.
The association said in situations like this, some Thai investors may choose to withdraw from the Cambodian market, presenting an entry opportunity for Malaysian enterprises.
MCBA president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw said Cambodia's market fundamentals remain strong with promising growth potential.
"Malaysian enterprises, with their flexible supply chains, broad industry coverage and quick response capabilities, are well positioned to seize this window of opportunity and gain a competitive edge in the regional market."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
26 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Why Malaysians should choose luxury cars that sell well later
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 — For many Malaysians, buying a luxury car is no longer just about status or performance. It is now a more considered decision — one that factors in how well a car holds its value over time. This shift is driven by rising living costs and greater financial awareness. With cars being one of life's bigger investments, buyers are asking: will this still be worth something when it is time to upgrade? Resale value is the new status symbol A car's ability to retain value is becoming a major buying factor. Carsome Malaysia reports that some vehicles retain up to 70 per cent of their value after three years. In the luxury segment, brand reliability and ownership experience can make a big difference. Resale value in focus as buyers and sellers come to terms. — Picture from Freepik Globally, Lexus consistently ranks among the best for resale value, earning Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Award for luxury brands. While based on global data, it reflects what many Malaysians already see — that Lexus vehicles are durable, well-supported, and trusted. Why it makes sense to think ahead Higher resale value makes future upgrades easier Lower running costs reduce financial pressure Reliable aftersales service adds peace of mind Compact, efficient models suit urban lifestyles Lexus LBX and RZ reflect the brand's focus on lasting value through premium hybrid and electric mobility. — Picture courtesy of Lexus Where Lexus fits into the picture In this context, Lexus offers a smart answer for buyers who want long-term value. The Lexus LBX, a compact hybrid SUV, blends premium quality with city-ready efficiency — ideal for younger buyers or small families seeking refined practicality. The Lexus RZ, a fully electric SUV, delivers advanced technology with Lexus comfort and quality. It is a forward-looking choice designed to last well beyond the first few years of ownership. Lexus LBX cockpit demonstrates the Tazuna Concept — Lexus's driver-focused design that ensures intuitive control with minimal hand and eye movement. — Picture courtesy of Lexus RZ cockpit also follows the Tazuna Concept, prioritising driver focus through simplified, instinctive control layout. — Picture courtesy of Lexus Both models reflect a growing trend: Malaysians are choosing cars that are not just luxurious — but also make sense in the long run. RZ's rotary shifter uses a press-and-turn motion for intuitive, focused gear selection. — Picture courtesy of Lexus LBX features an ergonomically shaped shift knob for a natural, comfortable grip. — Picture courtesy of Lexus Smart luxury is built to last Luxury today is not just about design or features. It is about how well a car fits your life and how confidently it carries its value into the future. With Lexus, Malaysians are not just buying cars. They are buying long-term confidence.
Malay Mail
26 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Paradise under pressure: Semporna's tourism boom bites back
SEMPORNA, Aug 15 — Once a rugged coastal town, Semporna has transformed into a thriving hub for tourists, with thousands arriving daily to explore the pristine islands off Sabah's east coast. An estimated 2,000 visitors, mostly from mainland China, now arrive in Semporna each day, fuelling demand for services ranging from boat guides and accommodation to souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. Clusters of water bungalows, both on the mainland and nearby islands, have been sprouting up, earning Semporna the nickname 'Malaysia's Maldives' for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches. Alongside the surge, however, come opportunities for locals as well as mounting concerns — from socio-economic pressures to environmental and infrastructure strain. Stalls selling tourist souvenirs line the busy Dragon Inn lane in Semporna. — Picture by Julia Chan Local businesses being squeezed out Many long-standing business owners say they are being edged out by tour operators and enterprises linked to China. These operators often control the entire tourist experience — from transport and meals to accommodation — leaving little room for local enterprises to tap into the spending. 'You see a lot of tourists. Maybe about half the people you see around town are tourists. But the income does not reflect a surge in business. 'Tourists are coming, yes, but they eat at their own restaurants, stay in their own hotels, buy souvenirs from their own shops,' said a local Chinese shop owner who only wanted to be known as Wong. By 'their,' he meant Chinese-owned businesses. Locals claim the rapid proliferation of such outlets is reshaping the town's commercial identity and determining who profits. Fruit stands like this can be found every 50 metres in Semporna. — Picture by Julia Chan Government authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and the local district office, insist no licences of any kind have been granted to foreign nationals, and on paper, the businesses are legitimate. According to locals, many Chinese owners operate through Malaysian 'partners' who serve as proxies, often in name only. The tourism boom has also driven up property prices, with rents at newer shoplots climbing sharply. In town, convenience stores, juice stalls, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir outlets — selling items such as bird's nest and dried seafood — now dominate the streetscape. 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. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing joins enforcement officers on a sea patrol in Tawau to inspect boats for valid permits and safety compliance. — Picture via Facebook/Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing Illegal operations uncovered in Tawau 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 have 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 has urged local authorities to act swiftly, investigate suspicious operations, and shut down businesses operating without valid licences. With no designated main jetty, boat operators use any available docking area. — Picture by Julia Chan Infrastructure falling behind 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. Without a proper tourism jetty, boats in Semporna dock haphazardly along the waterfront. — Picture by Julia Chan '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. Waste management remains a major problem, particularly around local water villages. — Picture by Julia Chan 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. With limited rubbish collection at sea, waste from nearby islands often ends up floating into Semporna's waters. — Picture by Julia Chan 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. Local businesswoman Noorlita says the town cannot sustain the tourism boom on its own. — Picture by Julia Chan 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.'
The Star
36 minutes ago
- The Star
All eyes on Sabah at KL travel fest
(From left) Phua, Sheikh Awadh and Alex at the MATTA Fair press conference in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: Low Lay Phon/The Star and filepics (Right) Proboscis monkey will represent Sabah in plushie form. Adventure junkies in Klang Valley are in for a treat at the upcoming Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair in Kuala Lumpur. Sabah Tourism Board will be showcasing tour packages to scale the state's top five peaks as the travel extravaganza takes to Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) from Sept 5 to 7. As this year's Favourite Malaysian Destination is Sabah, the focus will be on its culture, adventure and nature packages. Sabah Tourism Board marketing manager Bobby Alex said: 'We will be promoting tour packages to the top five peaks in Sabah, namely Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), Mt Trus Madi (2,642m), Mt Sinsing (2,586m), Mt Tambuyukon (2,579m) and Mt Kaingaran (2,468m). 'We will also be highlighting family packages as well as tourism packages to Tawau and Kudat. 'These attractions include Pulau Banggi, which is a new frontier for adventure seekers,' he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. Mt Tambuyukon, one of Sabah's rugged peaks. During the April edition of MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah recorded an impressive RM4.5mil in sales, a 46% increase compared to the same period last year, he added. MATTA deputy president Sheikh Awadh Sheikh Abdullah said the September edition was expected to feature 2,040 booths and new halls to accommodate a wide range of tourism products. 'We are expecting around 180,000 visitors during the three days. 'With RM250mil in sales during the same period last year, we hope to achieve even greater sales this year. 'We are also proud to recognise Sabah as Malaysia's Favourite Destination at the fair as Sabah has some of the best connectivity with over 30 airlines servicing the state,' he said. Visitors to the fair will have a chance to win prizes through a series of contests. The Visit Malaysia 2026 sun bear mascots Wira and Manja will also be at the event, while Sabah will be represented by plushies of the proboscis monkey. MATTA honorary secretary-general Phua Tai Neng, who was also present, said sustainable tourism was the way forward. 'There will be many more products and initiatives centred on sustainable tourism. 'We also urge visitors to use the complimentary double-decker shuttle bus services from KL Sentral station and Sunway Putra Mall to Mitec.' MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur will open from 10am to 9pm. Admission is free.
