29-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MEF welcomes Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has welcomed the immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, calling it as timely amid rising global uncertainties.
MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said Malaysian employers, particularly those with regional operations, supply chains and investments in both countries, were grateful for the ceasefire, brokered through the "tireless efforts and leadership" of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"At a time when employers are grappling with an increasingly complex global business environment, marked by slowing global trade, ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent disruptions linked to the United States tariff rates, this ceasefire is a welcome and much-needed development," he said in a statement today.
He added Malaysia maintained substantial trade and investment ties with both Thailand and Cambodia.
"Thailand is one of Malaysia's top trading partners in Asean, with bilateral trade exceeding RM100 billion annually. Many Malaysian companies operate factories, logistics hubs and retail outlets in the country.
"Cambodia, while smaller in volume, is a growing trade partner. Malaysia's total investments in Cambodia surpassed RM 12.6 billion in recent years, particularly in the construction, banking, agriculture and telecommunications sectors.
"As such, any instability in Thailand and Cambodia poses real risks to business continuity, supply chains and regional confidence."
Syed Hussain said the swift de-escalation would ease concerns raised among members of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Employers with direct operations or investment interests in both nations.
"This proactive resolution helps prevent further commercial losses, supply chain disruptions and reputational risks that can emerge from prolonged conflicts.
"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."
He added that MEF reiterated its support for all regional efforts that protect business continuity, promote peaceful engagement and encourage robust intra-Asean economic cooperation.
"MEF looks forward to continued stability in the region and encourages all parties to sustain this momentum towards lasting peace and mutual prosperity.
Yesterday, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid an ongoing border conflict.
The announcement followed a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, hosted by Anwar in his capacity as Asean chair.
The ceasefire took effect starting midnight on July 28.
