Zahid: NGCC underscores Malaysia's commitment to global competitiveness
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi -- Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the National Geo-Economic Command Centre (NGCC) clearly demonstrates the government's commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said he views the challenges faced by rural communities due to global trade uncertainties seriously.
"Many rural residents indirectly depend on the electrical and electronics, palm oil, rubber, and agricultural sectors, with the United States (US) being one of our key export markets.
"Therefore, I believe the government's efforts to not only negotiate tariff reductions but also establish new markets in ASEAN, the Middle East, Egypt, Pakistan, and Cambodia are crucial in protecting the incomes and livelihoods of those affected,' he said in a Facebook post today.
Ahmad Zahid said he supported the measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Special Parliamentary Session to address the impact of the US' reciprocal tariffs on Malaysia
He also expressed his appreciation for the government's swift move in allocating RM1 billion to upgrade the Sabah and Sarawak-Kalimantan border areas.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted that Malaysia continues to be a trusted leader in the global halal industry, with exports expected to reach RM61.79 billion in 2024 - a 15 per cent increase from the previous year - maintaining its top ranking in the Global Islamic Economy Index for ten consecutive years.
However, he noted that the global economic slowdown due to the US tariff policies is expected to reduce international demand for various export products, including halal goods, thereby putting pressure on local industry players.
Nonetheless, he said current efforts to explore new markets-particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council and South Asia-through business matching and participation in international expos are key to driving export growth, opening new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and strengthening Malaysia's position as a global halal hub.
Ahmad Zahid added that the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, together with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Halal Development Corporation, will continue to ensure that halal entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas, continue to penetrate international markets. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Hun Manet Briefs Anwar On Cambodia-Thai Border Dispute
By Vijian Paramasivam PHNOM PENH, June 6 (Bernama) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said today that he had discussed the ongoing border tension with Thailand with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Manet in his Facebook posting said he explained the Kingdom's position related to the Cambodia-Thailand border to Anwar during a phone conversation. bootstrap slideshow 'Cambodia adheres to the principle of maintaining peace, friendship, and good cooperation with Thailand. 'Cambodia's decision to refer Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple and Mom Bei areas to the International Court of Justice is to seek an early, peaceful and permanent solution to the border issue in these areas rather than to prolong the uncertainty which can lead to renewed armed conflicts,' said Manet. Border dispute between both the neighbours was triggered after a Cambodian soldier was killed following a clash with Thai troops in Preah Vihear province on May 28. He further added that the Kingdom continues to cooperate with Thailand to expedite the demarcation and delimitation of the border (except the four areas mentioned above) through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC). The joint commission meeting is scheduled for June 14 in Phnom Penh. 'Cambodia continues to maintain relations between the two countries through all existing mechanisms for the mutual benefit of the two peoples,' he told Anwar, who is the chair of ASEAN this year.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
MCMC Clarifies Mobile Phone Data Collection Amid Media Reports, Ensures Privacy
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has clarified its collection of mobile phone data (MPD) from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), assuring that no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is accessed, processed, or disclosed. The clarification comes amid recent media reports regarding the matter. In a statement today, MCMC said MPD was used strictly for the generation of official statistics to support evidence-based policymaking in two key domains, namely the ICT Sector and the Tourism Sector. For the ICT Sector, MPD helps produce granular statistics, such as the number of active mobile broadband subscriptions and penetration rates at the state, district, mukim, parliamentary constituency, state legislative assembly (DUN), and local authority levels. For the Tourism Sector, it generates indicators such as the number of visitors and domestic tourism trips. 'The MPD data requested from MNOs is anonymised and contains no PII. 'In addition, MNOs are given the option to either process the MPD data within their own secure environment and submit the required anonymised and aggregated output to MCMC, or, for MNOs without in-house processing capabilities, to submit the anonymised data to MCMC for processing. 'In both cases, no individual subscriber can be identified through the data collected,' it said. MCMC further clarified that the use of MPD as a new source of national statistics was a strategic direction set by the government to strengthen the quality and timeliness of statistical outputs for policy and planning purposes. Implementation of MPD is through collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science, it added. Over the past two years, MCMC said extensive engagement with all MNOs had been carried out to ensure mutual understanding of the data requirements, processes, and privacy safeguards.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ahmad Zahid, Fadillah call on Muslims to appreciate the meaning of Aidiladha
KUALA LUMPUR: The celebration of Hari Raya Aidiladha is a profound symbol that teaches the meaning of obedience, sacrifice, and sincerity in carrying out the commands of Allah, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid said the occasion highlights the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail, who are enduring symbols of unwavering obedience and sacrifice to Allah. "May the spirit of sacrifice continue to be a guiding principle in every aspect of our struggle, whether in the family, in society, or in developing this beloved country," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, prayed that Aidiladha would bring peace and blessings to all Malaysians, especially those facing life's many challenges. "To the pilgrims currently in the Holy Land, we pray that your worship will be accepted by Allah and that you return as mabrur haji and hajah," he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the story of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice is not merely historical, but a timeless guide that teaches how every sincere struggle will be rewarded by Allah. He said Aidiladha should serve as a time to express solidarity and love among fellow human beings, especially the poor and those in need, while reflecting the spirit of togetherness and compassion that Islam demands. "May all our acts of worship — including the haj, qurban, and other deeds — be accepted and blessed by Allah. Indeed, no sacrifice is too small in His sight if done with sincere intention. Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha to all Muslims," he said in a Facebook post.
