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Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MADANI government fiscal consolidation on the right track
Malaysia's economy grew by 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, supported by among others, the tourism industry. – File photo KOTA KINABALU: The strong fiscal performance of the MADANI Government indicates that Malaysia's fiscal consolidation efforts are on the right track despite ongoing global economic challenges. Institute for Development Studies Sabah (IDS) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said the national fiscal deficit was successfully reduced by 17 percent to RM21.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025, compared to RM26.4 billion in the same period last year. In addition,government revenue rose by three per cent to RM72.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, driven by the collection of sales and service tax (SST) and individual income tax, he said. He added that a 2.5 per cent reduction in expenditure to RM94.2 billion – achieved through subsidy rationalisation and savings from lower global oil prices – also contributed to the improved fiscal performance. 'This reflects the success of the tax base expansion strategies and revenue reforms implemented through the MADANI Budget.' 'Moreover, the government plans to introduce capital gains tax and luxury goods tax as new sources of revenue without burdening the people.' 'Discipline in expenditure management is also evident, including through the restructuring of diesel subsidies, which has significantly reduced costs without compromising the welfare of low-income groups. 'Targeted aid initiatives such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), Basic Rahmah Aid (SARA), and rice seed subsidies are maintained,' he said. 'Spending efficiency has also been improved by optimising grants to statutory bodies,' he said. Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul Ramzah, who is also an economic researcher, said the enactment of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 sets a target to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025 and to three per cent by 2028. Similar efforts are also being implemented at the state level, such as the Sabah Government's move to introduce taxes on silica sand and palm biomass products starting in April 2024, he said. 'This proves that governments at all levels are applying strong and disciplined strategies to strengthen revenue and fiscal sustainability. 'This performance also reflects fiscal discipline and the effectiveness of the government's economic reforms, with the 2024 deficit reduced to 4.1 percent of GDP – surpassing the 4.3 percent target – and a commitment to further lower it to 3.8 percent in 2025 under the Act. 'This clearly shows the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's fiscal sustainability,' he said, adding that Malaysia's economic strengthening efforts are in line with its latest fiscal achievements. Ramzah, who is also former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), said Malaysia recorded its highest-ever approved investments in 2024, amounting to RM378.5 billion – a 14.9 percent increase from the previous year – spanning over 6,700 projects and creating 207,000 job opportunities. As such, he said this reflects investor confidence in stable and business-friendly economic policies. He added that the economy grew by 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, supported by household spending, a strong labour market, private investment, and increased exports – especially in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and tourism sectors. He also noted that government efforts to stimulate growth, including strategic industry incentives and skills upgrading programmes, have contributed to this momentum. 'However, the government remains aware that external risks such as trade tensions can have an impact.' 'Hence, efforts to diversify sources of growth, improve productivity, expand export markets, and enhance spending efficiency, and the tax base must continue to be strengthened proactively,' he said. Ramzah also refuted claims that the country's economy is deteriorating, saying they are inconsistent with current facts, especially considering the government's success in reducing the fiscal deficit. He said the national economy continued to grow at a rate of 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, while inflation remained low at around 1.5 to 1.9 percent, with projections remaining below three percent for the year. He added that Malaysia's record-high approved investments of RM378.5 billion also affirm strong confidence from both domestic and foreign investors. 'In fact, the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) has described this growth as a sign of economic resilience and a stable business environment.' 'Therefore, these fiscal and economic achievements are the best response to negative claims suggesting the country's economy is worsening.' 'The current administration must continue to present verified data, communicate real successes, and be transparent about challenges and solutions.' 'With this approach, public perception can be corrected, and confidence in government policies can be strengthened,' he said.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
IDS' research on Sabah's role in federation
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS) is holding second Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on its ongoing policy research aimed at enhancing Sabah's role within the Malaysian Federation. It would gather representatives from government agencies, academia, civil society, legal experts and the private sector to review and provide feedback on the first draft of the policy brief entitled 'Strengthening Sabah's Position in the Federation: A Strategic Approach to Federalism'. IDS Chief Executive, Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul said the discussion is part of IDS' continued efforts to produce inclusive, forward-looking policies grounded in Sabah's realities within the Federation. This paper explores sector-by-sector strategies spanning education, health, tourism, regional diplomacy, multimedia governance, and Sabah's official status, where the state can pursue greater administrative autonomy through legal, institutional, and policy-based reforms. The discussion aims to refine the draft in preparation for formal presentation to state-level policymakers. The final version of this brief will be published and made publicly accessible. It is intended to serve not only as a reference for the government, but also as a lasting platform for public understanding, stakeholder engagement, and sustained advocacy ensuring that the conversation does not conclude with the paper's completion, but rather begins with it. Advertisement IDS Sabah invites all interested stakeholders, from civil society to public officials, to engage with the findings, contribute to the discourse, and help shape a governance future that reflects the aspirations and realities of Sabah. For further information about this programme, please contact the IDS researcher, Mr. Ariff Adi Putera Anwar (the brief's lead author and policy researcher at IDS), via e-mail at [email protected] or call 088- 450 500. * 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
18-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Study to honour Sabah's warrior woman Dang Insum
Dr Ramzah Dambul KOTA KINABALU (May 18): The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS), in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis, will launch a historical research project entitled Srikandi Dang Insum: Women's Heroism in Sabah's History on May 21 at Hotel Gem, Beaufort. In a statement on Sunday, IDS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ts. Dr Ramzah Dambul said that the study aims to document the historical struggle of a local female figure academically, Dang Insum, who led resistance efforts against the British North Borneo Chartered Company (BNBC) in North Borneo (now Sabah) in the late 19th century. 'Sabah's history is rich with heroic stories of the fight for independence, yet much of it still exists in the form of oral traditions, performing arts, and folklore,' he said. 'Therefore, through this study, IDS and its strategic partners are taking a proactive step to authentically and with integrity record the courage and leadership of female figures like Dang Insum. This is an important effort to ensure that the roles and contributions of women in Sabah's history are recognised and integrated into the state's historical discourse as a reference for future generations,' he added. He further stated that this figure is not only significant to the history of the Beaufort District but also symbolises the fighting spirit of Sabah's women during the British colonial era. The study also has the potential to lay the foundation for the development of history and heritage-based tourism products, thereby strengthening local identity and empowering the youth's sense of pride. The launch event will be officiated by the chairperson of IDS, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajah Azizah Binti DSP Mohd. Dun. The programme will include a site visit to the Dang Insum monument in Padas Damit, as well as a research briefing session delivered by the study's lead researcher. For further information about this programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator, Hjh Royaini Matusin, via email at [email protected] or call 088-450 500.
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Study of Sabah heroine Dang Insum to launch May 21
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), in collaboration with UMS and UiTM Perlis, will launch a historical research project titled Srikandi Dang Insum: Women's Heroism in Sabah History on May 21 at Hotel Gem, Beaufort. IDS CEO Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul said the study aims to formally document the legacy of Dang Insum, a local heroine who led resistance against the British North Borneo Chartered Company in the late 19th century. Advertisement Much of Sabah's historical narratives remain oral or artistic, he noted. This initiative seeks to preserve and recognize the contributions of women in Sabah's history, especially as a reference for future generations. It also has potential to support heritage-based tourism and youth identity development. The launch will be officiated by IDS Chairperson Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun and will include a visit to Dang Insum's memorial site in Padas Damit and a research briefing session. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
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Daily Express
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Ranau to host IDS programme to empower women traders
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 Text Size: Ramzah said the initiative represents a long-term commitment to strengthening women's roles in grassroots economic development. Kota Kinabalu: Ranau has been selected as the second location for the 'Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs in Sabah: Women's Power, Economic Power' programme, following its successful launch in Beaufort last month. The Institute for Development Studies (IDS) said the event is scheduled for May 17, at the Ranau Community Hall in collaboration with Sabah Credit Corporation and the Ranau District Office. Advertisement IDS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said the initiative represents a long-term commitment to strengthening women's roles in grassroots economic development. 'We are not merely training young entrepreneurs, we are triggering a new wave of rural economic transformation led by young women,' he said in a statement, here, Wednesday. 'In Ranau, we aim to highlight that young women are not just supporting the economy, but are leading agents of change and sustainable growth in their communities,' he added. The programme will feature knowledge-sharing sessions with successful local entrepreneurs covering topics such as social entrepreneurship, tourism business development, ethnic craft cooperatives and digital marketing strategies for small businesses. Participants will also learn about the Dayang Empowerment Loan Scheme, a financing initiative specifically designed to help young women start or expand their businesses. State Finance Minister cum Karanaan Assemblyman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun is scheduled to officiate the closing ceremony and deliver the keynote address. Young women entrepreneurs from Ranau and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend the free programme. For more information, those interested can contact Programme Coordinator Fiona V. Loijon at [email protected] or call 088-450 500. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
