Visit Malaysia 2026: Malaysia-Maldives to boost Muslim-Friendly Tourism cooperation
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu (left) exchanging joint statements at Perdana Putra Complex today. – Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA (April 28): Malaysia and the Maldives have agreed to strengthen cooperation by taking advantage of the 'Visit Malaysia 2026' campaign and explore the potential for increasing tourism flows between the two countries, including opportunities in Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Halal Tourism.
The commitment was made during the four-day official visit starting Sunday of Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to Malaysia , at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Recognising the potential of their respective economies, Anwar and Muizzu expressed confidence in the continued growth of trade, tourism, and investment activities. Muizzu has also invited Malaysian investors to actively explore the vast investment opportunities in the Maldives across multiple sectors.
Noting the global momentum for high-quality halal products and services, Anwar conveyed Malaysia's readiness to share its experience and expertise in developing the halal industry.
To expand cultural cooperation, the two leaders welcomed the enhancement of cultural exchanges through literature, performing arts, cultural training, education and other initiatives aimed at promoting greater public awareness of the cultures and histories of Malaysia and the Maldives.
Muizzu also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's positive environment of cooperation and friendship, which has benefited Maldivians travelling to Malaysia for tourism, education, and medical purposes.
Both leaders discussed ways to further enhance cooperation to support the welfare of their citizens.
This marks the president's inaugural visit to Malaysia since assuming office on November 17, 2023, and underscored the two countries' efforts to reinforce longstanding diplomatic relations established in 1968.
During a bilateral meeting held earlier today, the two leaders discussed Malaysia-Maldives ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Muizzu also extended an invitation to Anwar to undertake an official visit to the Maldives at a mutually convenient date, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the close friendship between the two nations.
In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with the Maldives increased by 4.3 per cent to RM862.7 million (USD189 million) from RM827.3 million (USD180.9 million) in 2023, making the archipelagic state Malaysia's sixth largest trading partner among South Asian countries. – Bernama Maldives Muslim-friendly tourism Visit Malaysia 2026
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
30 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Report on alleged sukuk fund misappropriation linked to Klang Valley highway project ready in two months, says MACC chief
BANGI, June 12 — The investigation report on the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds meant for the construction of a highway in the Klang Valley is expected to be completed within the next one to two months, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the probe is progressing well and statements have been recorded from 53 witnesses so far. He added that more witnesses are expected to be called soon to assist in completing the investigation. 'This case will take about one or two months to complete as there are many aspects to examine and documents to analyse, including financial statements,' he said. He was speaking at a press conference after the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of the MACC's Certified Law Enforcement Programme here today. Azam said the recording of a statement from a person with the title 'Tan Sri' resumed today after a six-hour session was conducted at the individual's residence yesterday. Earlier, media reports stated that the MACC had seized various assets, including handbags, jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches, cash and high-end properties, collectively estimated at RM32 million, believed to belong to a highway concessionaire bearing the 'Tan Sri' title. In a separate case, Azam clarified that the statement from renowned fashion designer Datuk Jovian Mandagie was recorded yesterday in Jakarta, not Bali, as previously reported. It was earlier reported that the MACC investigation team would be in Jakarta for two days to record the statement of the 39-year-old designer, who is Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's former son-in-law, in connection with an investigation into asset ownership involving the former prime minister. Ismail Sabri had been called in multiple times to the MACC headquarters to assist in investigations related to corruption and money laundering involving expenditures and funding for the promotion and publicity of the 'Keluarga Malaysia' programme during his tenure as prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022. — Bernama
New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
HSBC Survey: Malaysian firms turn inward amid rising trade pressures
KUALA LUMPUR: Around 42 per cent of Malaysian businesses have shifted their focus to the domestic market, prioritising local customers and minimising exposure to global uncertainties, according to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. This strategic pivot reflects efforts by companies to mitigate the effects of tariffs and other trade-related challenges on their operations. Among the 250 Malaysian firms surveyed, more than half flagged rising costs from tariffs and trade barriers as a key concern. To address ongoing supply chain disruptions, 37 per cent have already increased inventory levels, while another 49 per cent plan to do the same, signalling a broader push towards strengthening supply chain resilience. Despite the global uncertainties, optimism about international growth remains high among Malaysian businesses but they need external strategic advice on the matter. 91 per cent of them expressed confidence in their ability to grow international trade, surpassing the global average of 89 per cent. Encouragingly, 73 per cent of respondents believe that trade uncertainty has prompted their businesses to evolve and seek new opportunities. Meanwhile, more than half are actively seeking strategic advice on international expansion, business restructuring or supply chain realignment. Considering current trade dynamics, 61 per cent of the local businesses are adapting their trade strategy to significantly increase connections with China, followed by South Asia (55 per cent) and North Asia (44 per cent). 32 per cent of them plan to trade more with Europe and the United States. HSBC Malaysia chief executive officer and head of banking Datuk Omar Siddiq said the businesses in Malaysia continue to show resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges posed by the uncertain tariff and trade landscape. "While supply chains may be further reconfigured, there continues to be strong potential for local companies to leverage Malaysia's strong trade ties, particularly in Asia. "Having said that, it is key to note that markets like the US remain key trade destinations for Malaysia for high-value sectors such as electronics and semiconductors," he said in a statement. The survey also pointed out that while managing cost remains a top priority for Malaysian businesses amid global uncertainties, many are seizing the opportunity to innovate and adopt new technology to boost operational efficiencies. HSBC said 64 per cent of Malaysian businesses have adopted new technology or digital platforms, while 48 per cent have developed new products and services. Other growth opportunities that the businesses are considering include shifting their focus to domestic or regional growth (57 per cent) and improving their internal efficiencies or changing their cost structures (54 per cent). The survey also indicates that during the current period of trade disruption, Malaysian businesses find cash and liquidity management as the most helpful form of support in managing working capital (64 per cent), followed by improved payment terms with buyers and suppliers (56 per cent) and supply chain finance (55 per cent). "With over 70 per cent of Malaysian businesses anticipating sustained cost increases from the impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty on the cost of doing business and businesses facing an average 18 per cent drop in revenue, the imperative for strategic adaptation is clear." "Despite uncertainties, the world is also full of opportunities. Navigating this climate requires not only agility but strong partnerships to ensure sustained growth in a shifting global economy," Omar added.
New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Bond rally slows in Malaysia amid cooling July rate cut bets
KUALA LUMPUR: Investor appetite for Malaysian bonds has cooled, with the market beginning to scale back expectations of a July interest rate cut, according to CIMB Securities. In a research note, it said the Malaysian Government Securities curve "extended its slide", with the yield on the 10-year benchmark rising 2.1 basis points to 3.55 per cent. The firm described the yield curve movement as a "bear-flattening", a pattern that typically signals reduced confidence in near-term monetary easing, as investors demand higher yields on longer-term bonds. In contrast, Indonesia's bond market continued to rally, with the 10-year government bond yield falling 2.8 basis points (bps) to 6.73 per cent, driven by "increasing expectations of back-to-back Bank Indonesia rate cuts." Although Malaysia's 10-year yield is down 26.2 basis points year-to-date, CIMB Securities said the local bond rally has been more moderate than those in Thailand and Singapore, where yields have declined by 55.5 and 54.6 bps, respectively. However, Malaysia is slightly ahead of Indonesia, whose 10-year yield is down 23.4 bps year-to-date. Lower bond yields generally indicate stronger investor demand on expectations that interest rates will fall, boosting bond prices. CIMB Securities maintained a base case that Bank Negara Malaysia will reduce its policy rate to 2.75 per cent by the third quarter, but market movements suggest investors may be growing cautious about a cut materialising in the July policy meeting. The regional bond rallies reflect broader sentiment that global central banks may soon shift toward easing. A softer-than-expected United States consumer price index for May has reinforced expectations that the US Federal Reserve will begin cutting rates this year, creating room for policy accommodation in emerging markets. Investor confidence in sovereign credit profiles also appears to be improving. Malaysia's five-year credit default swap (CDS), a measure of perceived default risk, has tightened by 12 basis points this year to 43 bps. Indonesia's CDS dropped eight bps to 73 bps, while Thailand's narrowed by two bps to match Malaysia's level.
