Latest news with #RMK12
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia makes solid progress under RMK12 despite global headwinds
KUALA LUMPUR: The 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) has yielded moderate success in steering Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery and advancing development priorities, said economists. While the national development blueprint delivered meaningful gains in infrastructure, digitalisation and social protection, it fell short of several key economic targets due to a combination of global disruptions and persistent structural challenges. UiTM's Business Management Faculty senior lecturer Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the five-year plan made notable gains in infrastructure with projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and Pan Borneo Highway. This, in turn, enhanced regional connectivity and economic integration. Meanwhile, digital transformation is supported by MyDigital initiative, while 5G network coverage reaching 80 per cent of populated areas and boosting small and medium entreprises digital adoption. In the energy transition, Idham said Malaysia raised its renewable energy share to 25 per cent, supported by solar and hydropower projects - a move aligned with the nation's carbon neutrality goals. He added that Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) cash aid and MySalam health insurance provided critical support to low-income households, reducing immediate hardship. These initiatives, he said, demonstrate RMK12's focus on modernisation and inclusivity, although long-term structural reforms remain pending. "The RMK12 (2021-2025) has achieved moderate success in advancing Malaysia's economic and development goals, though external disruptions and structural challenges have hindered full attainment," he told Business Times. Doris Liew, an economist specialising in Southeast Asian development, said RMK12 has registered some success in steering post-pandemic economic recovery. She noted that economic growth remained robust between 2022 and 2024, while unemployment stabilised around 3.0 per cent, near the natural rate, indicating that the economy is approaching full employment. "Key drivers include continued industrialisation, particularly in the manufacturing sector, increased foreign direct investment inflows and the development of strategic initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. "Strong job creation in 2024 points to encouraging signs of a growing and relatively resilient economy," she added. CHALLENGES: PRODUCTIVITY LAG AND INEQUALITY PERSIST Originally designed to steer Malaysia toward a high-income, inclusive and sustainable economy, RMK12 targeted an annual GDP growth rate of 4.5-5.5 per cent. Idham, however, said the actual growth hovered around 4.0 per cent in recent years, weighed down by external shocks such as global inflation, post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties. Meanwhile, productivity growth, at 1.8 per cent, fell short of the 3.7 per cent target, while income inequality and fiscal constraints persisted due to sluggish wage growth and a high national debt level over 60 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). "Social welfare programs like BPR cash aid and MySalam health insurance helped mitigate poverty, but urban-rural disparities remain unresolved," he said. Idham said RMK12's primary shortfalls were in productivity growth, fiscal sustainability and equitable development. Despite targeting 3.7 per cent annual productivity growth, he said the country achieved only 1.8 per cent, due to slow automation, skills mismatches and reliance on low-wage labour. "Fiscal constraints, including high debt levels that is over 60 per cent of GDP and inefficient subsidies, limited public investment in critical areas. "While urban centers thrived, rural and East Malaysian regions saw slower progress in infrastructure and job creation, exacerbating inequality," he said. Liew said deeper structural challenges persist, noting that Malaysia remains below the high-income threshold and has made only gradual progress in advancing up the manufacturing value chain. She said human capital constraints, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continue to weigh on the country's competitiveness. The National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which aims to train 60,000 engineers, appears to be falling behind schedule, a sign that the economy's structural composition has seen little meaningful transformation over the past five years. "Moreover, the transition towards electric vehicles and broader sustainability goals has been relatively sluggish," she said.
Borneo Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Zahid: All ‘sick projects' in Sarawak must be fully implemented under 13th M'sia Plan
Ahmad Zahid (first left) chairing a special meeting on the implementation of development projects in Sarawak with state officials at Sheraton Hotel here. – Photo by Chimon Upon. KUCHING (May 30): All delayed or problematic federal projects in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), which are categorised as 'sick projects' , must be fully implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Speaking at a press conference after chairing a two-hour special meeting with Sarawak officials at the Sheraton Hotel today, Zahid said the 403 affected projects, valued at RM21.73 billion, must proceed without delay across all five rolling plans of RMK13. 'Firstly, all allocation issues from RMK12 and even some from RMK11, have been resolved. This includes matters such as land acquisition, which the Sarawak government has agreed to expedite,' he said. 'Secondly, alignment conflicts that required adjustments in implementation have also been settled,' he said. Of the 403 projects, 178 (44.71 per cent) are still in the 'pre-implementation' phase, with 155 of these approved between 2021 and 2025. He added that 91 of the projects will be issued the Standard Specification Tender documents by the end of 2025. 'I take seriously the report that there are five delayed projects due to site issues such as permits, land acquisition, and pipeline alignment overlaps. 'Additionally, weather conditions have also contributed to project delays,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said the resolution of these problems now allows for streamlined implementation under the upcoming national development plan. He also announced that reconstruction works will begin after Gawai for 14 houses in Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri, destroyed by a landslide on Jan 29. To accelerate delivery, Ahmad Zahid said federal implementation authority will be delegated to Sarawak's state agencies instead of continuing to rely on federal departments like Felcra Berhad and GiatMARA. In terms of education development, he announced the upcoming opening of the Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) campus in Kota Samarahan, which will welcome its first batch of 200 students in September. The college is expected to expand its enrollment to 1,000 students by 2028. 'KPTM will serve as a feeder institution for Sarawak-based universities and also channel students to Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) for degree and postgraduate programmes. 'What's important is aligning courses with student interests and workforce needs, to prevent mismatches between what is offered and what is demanded in the job market,' he said. He also addressed issues affecting 21 KEMAS (Community Development Department) kindergartens and nurseries (tabika and tadika) across Sarawak, noting that some, such as in Sebuyau, have been resolved. To ensure accountability, Zahid has appointed Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang to monitor the progress of project implementation weekly. The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) remains committed to accelerating infrastructure development through programmes such as Rural Roads (JALB), Rural Water Supply (BALB), Rural Electricity Supply (BELB), and other community facilities. 'Sarawak, especially its rural areas, deserves the same development priority as any other region in Malaysia,' Zahid added. Also present were Deputy Minister of KKDW Datuk Rubiah Wang, KKDW Head Secretary Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, and Deputy State Secretary Datu Buckland Bangik. 13th Malaysia Plan ahmad zahid hamidi development education sick projects
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Over 200 Johor projects worth RM10.8bil remain unimplemented, says MB
JOHOR BARU: More than 200 projects in Johor valued at RM10.8bil and approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11) nearly a decade ago have yet to be implemented, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The Johor Mentri Besar said the projects were approved in 2016, but have stalled despite funds already being allocated. "There are a total of 222 projects worth RM10.8bil that are still in the pre-implementation stage. The state government views this as a serious matter, as allocations for the projects have been approved, yet the work has not been carried out. "Imagine the number of development and upgrade projects, including those involving hospitals, schools, and roads, that have not reached the people," he said during the state assembly sitting on Monday (May 26). Onn Hafiz said he had brought the matter up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his recent visit to Johor. "Every time we have our state action council meeting, I raise this issue and have the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) follow up with the ministries involved. "With the Prime Minister's approval, the Johor government has decided that all state executive councillors will meet with the ministries involved in the projects. "This is to ensure the projects are carried out as soon as possible for the benefit of the people," he said. Onn Hafiz also thanked Anwar for approving nine major projects that would greatly benefit Johoreans. "We would like to thank the Prime Minister, as out of the 10 projects we requested, nine have been approved under RMK12, Rolling Plan Five. "This includes the Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 project and several involving highways," he said, adding that Anwar had chaired the Johor Special Development meeting on Friday (May 23).
Daily Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Marine Gallery Building project
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: The information centre at Simpang Mengayau. KUDAT: Work has begun on the first and largest marine gallery in Sabah which is expected to be completed by May 28, 2027. The project is adjacent to the newly reopened Visitor's Information Centre, another key development also under RMK12 (Twelfth Malaysia Plan). Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the gallery would be supervised by Sabah Parks. 'The gallery will showcase the diversity and uniqueness of Sabah's marine life and feature a highly interactive and engaging educational tourism (edu-tourism) concept, promising another significant attraction to Sabah's growing tourism sector. 'We warmly invite visitors to rediscover the beauty, culture, and natural serenity of the newly enhanced Tip of Borneo,' she said. Meanwhile, the iconic Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, fondly known as the Tip of Borneo, is now officially reopen to the public following a revitalisation project initiated by the Ministry. Advertisement Liew inaugurated the newly-completed Visitor's Information Centre on Monday, underscoring the cultural significance and tourism potential of the site. 'In 2018, the 11-hectare Tip of Borneo was gazetted for public purpose and placed under the care of my Ministry. Since then, we have committed to protecting, enhancing, and promoting this remarkable landmark for the benefit of both locals and international visitors,' she said. The site had been temporarily closed since January 2022 to undergo essential upgrades aimed at improving the visitor experience while preserving the natural charm of the location. Liew said the upgrading project was implemented under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and works were officially completed on Sept. 30, last year. The Visitor's Information Centre houses facilities such as a souvenir shop operated by Kadaiku, offering locally made crafts and products and a café, set to open. 'The Ministry intends to hand over the management of the area to Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) to ensure more systematic and sustainable tourism operations. Plans are afoot to introduce activities aimed at making the Tip of Borneo a more vibrant destination,' she said. They are part of the Ministry's continued efforts through the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to promote tourism in the area and empower the local economy, while ensuring Sabah's unique landmarks remain accessible, informative, and welcoming. Liew urged visitors to play their part in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the site. 'Let us work together to keep this iconic destination pristine for future generations. Dispose of waste responsibly, respect the environment, and help us maintain the serenity and natural charm that make this place so special,' she said. Located at the northernmost tip of Sabah, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, the Tip of Borneo is one of the most photographed and visited natural attractions in the state, known for its panoramic ocean views and historical importance. Visitors can also look forward to the return of the Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo, scheduled for December this year. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tip of Borneo reopens with upgraded facilities
Liew (right) signing the plaque to mark the official opening of the Visitor's Information Centre at the Simpang Mengayau in Kudat. With her are from left: Effendi Mahany (STB Product Manager), Thonny Chee (SPS Chief Executive Officer), Wong Su Vui (member of the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks), Peter Lintar (Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks), and Datuk Josie Lai (Permanent Secretary to KePKAS). KUDAT (May 21): The iconic Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, fondly known as the Tip of Borneo, is now officially reopened to the public following a revitalisation project initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS). Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew officiated at the reopening ceremony on Monday by inaugurating the newly-completed Visitor's Information Centre, underscoring the cultural significance and tourism potential of the site. 'In 2018, the 11-hectare Tip of Borneo was gazetted for public purpose and placed under the care of my ministry. Since then, we have committed ourselves to protecting, enhancing and promoting this remarkable landmark for the benefit of both locals and international visitors,' she said. According to the minister, the site had been temporarily closed since January 2022 to undergo essential upgrades aimed at improving the visitor experience while preserving the natural charm of the location. Liew said the upgrading project was implemented under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK12), and works were officially completed on September 30, 2024. The Visitor's Information Centre houses facilities such as a souvenir shop operated by Kadaiku, offering locally made crafts and products, and a café, set to open soon. 'The ministry intends to hand over the management of the area to Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) to ensure more systematic and sustainable tourism operations. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce activities aimed at making the Tip of Borneo a more vibrant destination,' said the minister. These enhancements, she added, are part of the ministry's continued efforts through its agency, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), to promote tourism in the area and empower the local economy, while ensuring Sabah's unique landmarks remain accessible, informative, and welcoming. Liew called on all visitors to play their part in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the site. 'Let us work together to keep this iconic destination pristine for future generations. Dispose of waste responsibly, respect the environment, and help us maintain the serenity and natural charm that make this place so special,' she said. Located at the northernmost tip of Sabah, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, the Tip of Borneo is one of the most photographed and visited natural attractions in the state, known for its panoramic ocean views and historical importance. Visitors can also look forward to the return of the Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo, scheduled for December this year. Also present were the ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion, Liew's Political Secretary Vivien Lee Mee Peng, Chairman of Sabah Parks Peter Lintar, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lakim, CEO of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Thonny Chee, CEO of Sabapak Eco Remystar Taylor, and STB Product Manager Effendi Mahany. The minister also announced the Marine Gallery Building project adjacent to the Visitor's Information Centre, another key development also under RMK12, which began on November 28, 2024, is expected to be completed by May 28, 2027. Liew said the gallery which will be supervised by Sabah Parks, is set to become the first and largest marine gallery in Sabah. 'Once completed, the gallery will showcase the diversity and uniqueness of Sabah's marine life and feature a highly interactive and engaging educational tourism (edu-tourism) concept, promising another significant attraction to Sabah's growing tourism sector. We warmly invite visitors to rediscover the beauty, culture and natural serenity of the newly enhanced Tip of Borneo,' she added.
