Reforming Semiconductor Industry, Revitalising Global Services Among 13MP Focus Areas
By K.Naveen Prabu
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Efforts to reform the local semiconductor industry and revitalise the high-value global services sector are among the main focuses of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), as part of broader measures to strengthen the country's economic diversification.
According to the 13MP 2026–2030 main document, themed "Re-imagining Development," and launched today, these initiatives align with the government's commitment to boost the growth of High-Growth High-Value (HGHV) industries and high-impact strategic sectors.
The implementation of these initiatives will be based on a technology- and intellectual property-focused investment model, involving the active participation of government-linked investment companies (GLICs), which will prioritise local companies as strategic partners, along with an acquisition mechanism for high-tech firms.
"This initiative is expected to produce local champions of global standards in integrated circuit design, boost the production capacity of high-value 'Made by Malaysia' products, and increase the number of highly skilled talents," the document stated.
In the area of digital economic development, the government emphasises the need to strengthen a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing policy implementation, operational efficiency, and digital infrastructure.
Technologies such as digital twins and hyper-personalised platforms are expected to be leveraged to better align industry demand with local technology solutions.
"The ecosystem to position Malaysia as a regional producer of digital technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), will be strengthened through data-related initiatives, testing and matching platforms, and improved cybersecurity capabilities," the document explained.
Under the green economy agenda, Malaysia has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
18 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Validity based on law
Hibah can be challenged in court by the heirs if there are weaknesses or non-compliance with legal or religious requirements. — Bernama photo HIBAH, which in Islamic law refers to assets voluntarily given or transferred to a beneficiary by a person during their lifetime, is generally viewed as final and not open to dispute. However, a recent decision by the High Court came as a shock to many when it annulled a 'takaful' (Islamic insurance) hibah worth RM1 million that had been given to the policyholder's widow. [This case involved a takaful policyholder who named his wife as the hibah recipient. But, after his death, his family filed a claim in the Syariah Court to challenge the takaful hibah, but the court upheld the widow's right to the funds. The family then brought the case before the Civil Court, which ruled in favour of the family and ordered that the funds be redistributed according to 'faraid', or Islamic inheritance law]. The case has sparked a heated debate on social media because the general perception is that hibah cannot be challenged by other heirs. Many netizens, who had placed full trust in the 'immunity' of hibah from legal disputes, questioned the validity of takaful hibah. Some even accused their takaful agents of being 'scammers' because there is no guarantee that the hibah cannot be challenged in court. 'It can be challenged' According to lawyer Dr Mahmud Abdul Jumaat, hibah is a voluntary transfer of property from a giver to a recipient during the giver's lifetime, usually done to avoid inheritance disputes later on. Hibah also refers to the immediate transfer of asset ownership, made without expecting anything in return and based on love or affection. 'However, in reality, hibah can be challenged in court by the heirs if there are weaknesses or non-compliance with legal or religious requirements, like, for example, the hibah document is unclear or incomplete. 'Similarly, if the gift (hibah) doesn't fulfil the pillars and conditions of Islamic law or lacks the recipient's consent, or the property is not fully owned by the giver, then heirs have the right to question its validity in court. 'Challenges usually arise when heirs feel dissatisfied, for example, if they believe the hibah undermines their faraid rights, or suspect fraud or coercion in the process,' he tells Bernama. Hibah also refers to the immediate transfer of asset ownership, made without expecting anything in return, and based on love or affection. — Bernama photo Mahmud says if a hibah is made while the giver is suffering from a terminal illness, it (gift) will be treated as part of the giver's estate and, hence, will be subject to the appropriate conditions. In such cases, he points out that the heirs may challenge the hibah on the grounds that it violates Islamic inheritance laws. He also clarified that under Malaysia's legal framework, hibah falls under the jurisdiction of both the syariah and civil courts. 'The Syariah Court holds specific authority to verify the validity of a hibah under Islamic law, while estate administration (distribution of estate after death) falls under civil jurisdiction, such as the Small Estate Office or the Civil High Court. 'Conflicts can arise if there's overlap or confusion between these two jurisdictions. 'For instance, heirs may challenge a hibah in Civil Court by claiming that the property concerned is still part of the estate and must be distributed via faraid, even if the Syariah Court has already confirmed the hibah as valid. 'This was exactly what happened in the recent takaful hibah court case, where a legal technicality (involving Schedule 10 of the Islamic Financial Services Act (IFSA) 2013 regarding hibah nominations) led to a contradiction between the syariah and civil court rulings. 'Overall, a hibah can be challenged if it doesn't meet religious or legal conditions. 'But if it is properly executed in line with syariah principles and legal requirements, it is usually upheld as valid, even if contested,' he explains. Understanding the procedures On experts and estate planning practitioners' assertion that hibah remains a relevant instrument for asset distribution as long as the procedures are carried out properly, Mahmud says the fact that hibah can be challenged does not mean it is automatically invalid or illegal. Rather, it simply means hibah is not an 'untouchable' instrument immune from scrutiny. 'If something is challengeable, it doesn't mean it's inherently bad. 'Just like a 'wasiat' (will) or any other legal document, hibah offers a good solution for estate planning, but it must be executed carefully in accordance with Islamic principles. 'In fact, under Islamic law, hibah is permissible and considered a suitable practice as long as it doesn't contradict faraid and fulfils syariah requirements. 'The recent court case highlights the importance of understanding the legal processes involved in hibah, rather than rejecting its benefits outright,' he says. Dr Mahmud Abdul Jumaat Mahmud adds that it is important to realise that the court challenges usually stem from technical or procedural weaknesses, and not because the concept of hibah is invalid. Pointing to the recent court case, he says it involves specific legal provisions (takaful hibah nominations under IFSA 2013), adding that the court decision is not final yet as it is expected to be appealed. Mahmud also observes that most other forms of hibah, such as property, cash or other assets, are recognised as valid as long as they fulfil the necessary conditions. 'Therefore, the people need not panic, but should instead focus on strengthening their hibah procedures. 'Hibah continues to be an important tool for Islamic estate planning in Malaysia. 'It allows the wishes of the deceased to be honoured – for example, protecting the welfare of specific family members or chosen recipients – without breaching faraid, if handled correctly. 'What's crucial is to understand that hibah is not an absolute guarantee on paper alone. 'It requires proper understanding and correct execution to ensure the giver's intentions are fulfilled smoothly and without future disputes,' he says. Alternatives According to Mahmud, aside from hibah, there are several alternative methods to transfer wealth or assets to the loved ones that carry a lower risk of being challenged. These include direct transfers during one's lifetime through standard ownership transfers or gifts, without relying on formal hibah documents. 'For example, a husband may give cash or transfer property ownership to his wife legally while still alive. 'Once the property is registered in the wife's name, it becomes her absolute right and is no longer considered part of the husband's estate after his death. 'In other words, assets given during the giver's lifetime are not subject to faraid distribution because the ownership has already changed hands before death. 'These direct transfers – whether via a deed of gift, transfer of ownership at the land office for real estate, or bank account balance transfer – can help avoid disputes as other heirs no longer have a claim on the assets given as gifts. 'In addition, married couples may consider joint ownership arrangements – for example, registering assets like a house or bank account under both husband and wife's names. 'Depending on legal practices, this method sometimes allows the asset to automatically pass to the surviving joint owner without going through the inheritance process.' Mahmud also points out that for Muslim couples in Malaysia, a wife can also make a claim for joint matrimonial property in the Syariah Court after the husband's death, and vice versa. Through this claim, the court will determine a portion of the jointly acquired assets as the wife's rightful share. This portion is removed from the deceased's estate and cannot be disputed by other heirs as it already belongs to the wife. Another alternative is to use a trust as an asset distribution tool. The asset owner can appoint a trustee institution or trust company, such as Amanah Raya Bhd or a private trust firm, and transfer specific assets to the trustee through a formal trust agreement, with instructions that the assets be held for the benefit of a chosen recipient. 'For instance, a father might place a sum of money or property into a trust for his child under certain conditions. 'Upon his death, those assets would not be included in his estate because they were already placed in trust during his lifetime. 'The trustee would then distribute the assets to the child according to the terms of the trust, and other heirs could not challenge it because legally, the assets no longer belonged to the deceased at the time of death,' he says, adding that trusts usually involve costs and require professional management. 'Wills can be challenged' Explaining that Muslims can also consider making a will, Mahmud says this is permissible within certain limits, one of which is that only up to one-third of the estate (after deducting debts) can be given to non-heirs. Additionally, a will cannot include faraid heirs – unless with the consent of all other heirs. A will is a written or verbal declaration by someone about how their assets should be distributed after death and it only takes effect upon their passing. 'If the will exceeds the legal limit, or is made in favour of a faraid heir without the consent of others, it can be challenged. 'Any portion exceeding one-third will revert to faraid distribution, and any bequest to an heir without consent will be invalid, unless all other heirs agree to it. 'For Muslims, a will must be validated by the Syariah Court via a will confirmation order, whereas for non-Muslims, the probate process must be conducted in the Civil Court before assets can be distributed. 'Wills take time and may be contested if there are questions about their validity,' he adds. 'Documents must be complete' To ensure a hibah is strong and less likely to be challenged, Mahmud says both the giver and the recipient must make sure that its documentation is clear and complete. It should include details such as the identities of the giver and the recipient; a description of the asset to be given as gift; declarations of the offer and acceptance; signatures; and witnesses. He also says the hibah documents must be free of ambiguity and meet all requirements of Islamic law and existing regulations. 'It's always better for a hibah to be done in writing – rather than verbally – as written documents serve as strong proof of intention and mutual consent. 'Moreover, anyone planning to gift assets through hibah is encouraged to seek Syariah Court confirmation and prepare formal documentation. 'Confirmation from the Syariah Court (via a hibah confirmation order) certifies the validity of the hibah under Islamic law and makes it binding on other heirs. 'It's also advisable for the hibah giver to seek professional advice from a syariah lawyer, religious institution officer or estate planning consultant before and during the process,' he says, adding that the experts can ensure no technical aspects are overlooked, such as in the case of property, whether or not it is still under mortgage; or if there is a need to obtain bank consent; or for takaful hibah, whether or not the correct nomination procedures have been followed. Conditional hibah Al-Isra' Group associate manager Reefa Shahidah Mohd Razali, meanwhile, believes that the issue of takaful hibah being disputed in court would not arise if its implementation followed the existing legal framework under IFSA 2013. She explains that the hibah used in the current takaful industry is 'conditional hibah' – a direct gift made by the policyholder to the nominated recipient in the takaful certificate. Reefa Shahidah Mohd Razali 'There's no basis for accusing takaful agents of misleading clients because the implementation of this hibah is based on valid legal provisions under IFSA 2013, specifically Schedule 10, which outlines the hibah instrument. 'Hibah management in today's takaful differs from older plans that existed before IFSA 2013. 'Before the Act was enforced, most plans used the concept of 'wasi' (trustee), not absolute ownership-based hibah. 'That's why there was confusion in the past – it was not clearly stated whether the gift to heirs was through hibah or wasi. 'Today, it's clear. In current takaful plans, conditional hibah is valid and legally grounded,' she points out, adding that hibah nominations are valid and cannot be contested unless there is an element of fraud or breach of contract. 'Everything is based on the law. 'In fact, we encourage clients to fully understand the concept of conditional hibah before signing any policy.' — Bernama
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
'It's our best': Sarawak brings signature products to penetrate the Singapore market at Malaysia Fest 2025
SINGAPORE (Bernama): Mi kolok, layer cakes, chocolates, white pepper, and black pepper were among the signature products from the Land of the Hornbills available at the Sarawak Pavilion at the Malaysia Fest 2025 expo currently taking place in Singapore until Sunday (Aug 3). Sarawak Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) Director Norsalawaty Abdul Kadir said these products have their own uniqueness, making them suitable not only for selling directly to visitors but also have export potential. "For example, the Borco branded chocolate from D Mummy's Recipe sold here are made of Bornean cocoa and comes in dabai (Borneo olive), empelajo, and sour brinjal flavours. These are fruit and vegetables grown in Sarawak. "Other markets might have chocolates that contain hazelnut or almond, but Sarawak has empelajo which has a richer taste than almond,' she told Bernama. Norsalawaty said five entrepreneurs from the state have been selected to participate in the Sarawak Pavilion at the expo. She said this first-ever participation by the Sarawak state government through the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) has been well-received, and hoped that more aspiring entrepreneurs would take part in the expo next year. "We have also matched Sarawakian entrepreneurs and business people with exporters in Singapore. "All the entrepreneurs that we brought here are export ready, including in terms of production capacity, in addition to having the required certification such as halal certification,' she said. Norsalawaty said for the first time at this Malaysia Fest, FAMA had brought in 400 kilograms of citron from Sarawak to allow visitors to sample and enjoy the agricultural produce as part of the "Island of Tropical Fruits' segment. "For the time being, citron is not yet widely grown in Sarawak. If there is demand here, we hope it can motivate our farmers,' she said. FAMA had brought in about 10 tonnes of tropical and seasonal fruit to the expo this time. Jutaan Purnama Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Saiful Hammidi Hamid, said the company's products such as Purnama Taste branded mi kolok, mi kampua and mi pok are looking for opportunities to be exported to Singapore and the wider market. He believed Sarawakian products have their own market as well as able to penetrate the wider international market. "Our products are now marketed not just in Malaysia but also in Paris this year following our participation at the expo there. They have been very well received. We started small through cargo export and recently we started using containers,' he said. Malaysia Fest 2025 themed "Unlock The Treasures of Malaysia' is taking place from July 31 to August 3 at Hall 5A and 5B, Singapore Expo from 10 am to 10 pm. Organised by MegaXpress International with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through FAMA, the programme offers 321 booths and is participated in by 220 Malaysian entrepreneurial companies. - Bernama
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Aug 2, 2025)
Malaysia: * The King to make historic state visit to Russia, says Istana Negara * Malaysia gains global recognition for Asean diplomacy, says Anwar * A defining week for Anwar Ibrahim's leadership * Malaysia secured reduced US tariff through strong leadership, says Anwar * FGV delisting to begin Aug 28, says Anwar * Digital Ministry to intensify 13MP initiatives, says Gobind * Defence Ministry sets up committee to investigate trainee's death * Papar MP denies involvement in KK student's death * Search continues for missing Turkiye national off Pulau Yu * Ringgit to trade at 4.25-4.26 vs greenback on Fed rate cut optimism * Muhyiddin denies opposing Borneo bloc, emphasizes support for Sabah and Sarawak * 13MP projects to be monitored regularly, says Chief Secretary * Sabah polls: Warisan to contest all 73 seats in state, confirms Shafie Apdal * Finance Ministry confirms no impact on existing EPF withdrawal rights amid new proposal * Court awards RM194,170 to family of detainee who died in custody * 10 areas in Malaysia under Level 1 hot weather alert, says MetMalaysia Singapore: * 'It's our best': Sarawak brings signature products to penetrate the Singapore market at Malaysia Fest 2025 * Singapore: Jail and fine for Myanmar man linked to case involving three bank accounts that received over S$680mil in total * Singapore and India conclude five-day maritime exercise * 82-year-old Australian arrested for allegedly shoplifting twice at Changi Airport * Singapore: World Swimming Championships - Backstroke queen McKeown pulls off another double / United States set world record in mixed 4x100 freestyle relay * Singapore: World Swimming Championships - Ledecky win 800 freestyle classic, McIntosh third / Ledecky sees off McIntosh in epic 800 freestyle showdown at world championships * Oil falls on worries over Opec+ supply, US jobs data Indonesia: * Indonesian rock superstars Kotak celebrates its 21st anniversary with a concert in Zepp KL on Sept 21 * Hong Kong prosecutors drop charge against Indonesian tourist in tumbler case * Window shopping rises as middle-class spending slows in Jakarta * Prabowo reconciles with opposition through pardons * Traditional puppet ban in Indonesian capital threatens buskers * Space oddities take centre stage -- Yogyakarta celebrates all things ET at UFO festival * Volcano eruption in eastern Indonesia disrupts Bali flights / Indonesia volcano belches six-mile ash tower Thailand: * Thailand agrees to Malaysia, US and China observers for GBC meeting in Kuala Lumpur * Protesters in Bangkok demand resignation of court-suspended prime minister following deadly conflict * Thai zoo shares video of Moo Deng mascot on 'attack' during drill, amuses viewers * Thai Army invites Red Cross to inspect detained Cambodian soldiers * Japan ambassador urges Thailand and Cambodia to uphold ceasefire agreement seriously * Thieves use drones to spy on tourists on 'White Lotus' island Philippines: * Philippines on alert for leptospirosis cases surge after days of floods * Up to 17 cyclones may affect the Philippines until January 2006, says the weatherman * Philippines on alert for leptospirosis surge after recent storms * Marcos creates innovation hub, new protected area in Laguna, Quezon * Marcos eyes trade and defence in talks with India Vietnam: * From Laos to Brazil, Trump's tariffs leave a lot of losers. But even the winners like Vietnam will pay a price * Flash floods kill eight people in Vietnam's Dien Bien Province, rescue efforts underway * Petition submitted to set up conservation area for rare langur species in Ninh Bình * Hanoi considers installing EV charging stations at parking lots Myanmar: * After the Thai-Cambodia truce job, Malaysia urged to turn focus to Myanmar crisis * Myanmar military courts sentence 12 to life for human trafficking, including Chinese nationals * Myanmar remains upbeat on trade talks despite 40% Trump tariffs * New regional centre strengthens China-Asean economic link Cambodia: * Thailand returns two wounded soldiers to Cambodia but continues to hold 18 of their comrades * Kuala Lumpur to host Thailand-Cambodia border talks * Malaysia to hold online meeting with Cambodia and Thailand * Thai-Cambodian cyber warriors battle on despite truce Laos: * Laos works to boost tourism and elevate service quality as fuel for economic growth * Laos and Russia sign seven documents, including a roadmap for nuclear cooperation * Trump reserves harshest tariff rates for Laos, Myanmar and Syria Brunei: * Brunei and Sarawak trade showcase boosts ties between neighbours * Royal Brunei Land Forces welcomes new commander * Bruneians feeling the heat as hot weather persists AseanPlus: * Sabah needs to fix infrastructure, water woes to entice medical manpower from peninsula * 'Bond. James Bond' - Yes, he is back and 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight to write next film on eveyone's favourite superspy * A showcase for the region - Malaysia's Bellabay unveils its exquisite carpet collection set for all seasons in South-East Asia * Trump administration sends mixed messages on China trade pact * Muslim-friendly travel platform relaunches with attractive packages * China mum wraps baby's finger to stop 'unhygienic' sucking, leads to tissue damage * Attacks in China and Japan raise concerns about xenophobia in both countries * Brazil grants BYD exemption from EV tariff hike, but not for as long as sought * Hong Kong prosecutors drop charge against Indonesian tourist in tumbler case * Behind Trump's South Korea deal, a plan to transform global shipbuilding * Hongkonger suffers cardiac arrest after nurse 'fails to switch on ventilator' * Washington trade talks with India have stalled, sources say * Take an independent tack on China, Wang Yi urges South Korea * India will buy Russian oil despite Trump's threats, NYT reports * New Zealand will make it easier to run businesses in conservation areas * This robot uses Japanese tradition and AI for sashimi that lasts longer and is more humane * The new world: AI will soon reveal the type of skin allergy you have * China renews alerts for rainstorms, high temperature * Japan sweats through hottest July on record * Four workers dead after falling into manhole in Japan * India aghast at Trump's 'dead' economy jibe, 25% tariffs * HK universities see success in drive to attract more top talent from abroad * China: Residents seek shelter as heatwave hits the southwest * Should Hong Kong plug legal gaps to stamp out AI-generated porn? * China EV war: Tesla, Nio and Li Auto target mainland families with premium SUVs * 'Every day, we think about how to upgrade': China's factories see rise in robot adoption * Tesla loses lawsuit over fatal and deadly self-driving crash in 2019; company hit with US$243mil in damages * Soundtrack 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters hits No. 1 on UK singles chart, 13 years after Psy's 'Gangnam Style' * Cricket - Jaiswal and Deep extend India's lead / India hit back against Bazballing England on another remarkable day * Badminton -- Tang Jie-Ee Wei fall short but Jimmy-Pei Jing shine in Macau Open semis / Shuttler Sze Fei weds sweetheart before Paris campaign
