Business groups say swift ceasefire will prevent disruptions

The Star

29-07-2025

Soldiers react as they receive flowers from members of a royalist group in support of the military at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, on the day military negotiations are set, after the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire on Monday effective midnight, in a bid to bring an end to their deadliest conflict in more than a decade after five days of fierce fighting, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 29, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
PETALING JAYA: The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is much needed to restore peace and regional stability at a time when employers are grappling with a complex global business environment, say business groups.
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) described the ceasefire as a positive development in light of slow global trade, ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions linked to US tariff rates.
'On behalf of Malaysian employers, including those with regional operations, supply chains and investment footprints in both Thailand and Cambodia, we express our deep appreciation for the Prime Minister's bold diplomatic intervention and rapid resolution of the escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
'Employers across the region, particularly those in labour-­intensive manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and cross-­border retail, now have the opportunity to continue operations without disruption while maintaining the safety of their workforce and facilities.
'MEF commends the commitment of both Thailand and Cambodia's peaceful conflict resolution through Asean platforms,' said its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman.
He added that since Malaysia maintains substantial trade and investment ties with both Thailand and Cambodia, any instability would pose real threats to business continuity, supply chains and regional confidence.
Syed Hussain said the swift de-escalation will ease concerns raised by many members with direct operations or investment interests in both nations and help prevent further commercial losses, supply chain disruptions and reputational risks that can emerge from prolonged conflicts.
Thailand is one of Malaysia's top trading partners in Asean with bilateral trade exceeding RM100bil annually.
Cambodia, while smaller in volume, is a growing trade partner with Malaysia's total investments crossing RM12bil in recent years.
The Malaysia-Cambodia Busi­ness Association (MCBA) also commended Malaysia's leadership role in brokering the ceasefire.
MCBA founding president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw praised Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his proactive diplomacy, especially in bringing the leaders of both countries together for urgent dialogue.
'This ceasefire is a critical step towards restoring peace and regional stability. We extend our highest respect to Malaysia for the leadership demonstrated in facilitating this breakthrough.
'We also pay high tribute to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai for their political foresight and courage in making responsible decisions that balance national interest with regional peace,' Yaw said.