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Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's projected 2025 GDP growth to shrink by up to 1.2 points from US 19pc tariffs, Tengku Zafrul predicts
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — Malaysia's gross domestic product in 2025 is projected to shrink by between 0.6 and 1.2 percentage points due to United States' 19 per cent retaliatory tariffs, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abd Aziz 'For 2026, GDP growth is also expected to decline slightly compared with 2025, as the impact of the tariffs will be felt throughout the year. 'As for their effect on inflation in essential sectors such as transportation, energy, and food, it is still too early to provide precise and conclusive assessments,' he said in a written parliamentary reply. He was responding to Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @Aman Anak Begri from Gabungan Parti Sarawak on the ministry's assessment of the short- and long-term implications of higher global tariffs on inflation, industrial costs, and consumer prices. Last week, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said it maintained its 2025 GDP projection of between 4.0 per cent and 4.8 per cent, considering a range of possible outcomes from tariff negotiations. BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said BNM has taken a tariff assumption of between 25 per cent and 30 per cent during tariff negotiations with the United States. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Putrajaya is determined to pursue proactive and integrated strategies to reduce the adverse effects of the 19 per cent tariff on the economy, particularly in critical sectors. He said these steps include strengthening inter-agency collaboration through a whole-of-government approach, encouraging exporters to make full use of Malaysia's 18 Free Trade Agreements, and pressing on with reforms to boost efficiency, automation, and productivity. 'The government is confident that the planned measures will effectively and comprehensively address the negative impacts of the United States' retaliatory tariffs without compromising the people's well-being. 'Ensuring access to essential needs remains the government's top priority in formulating policies and strategic initiatives to deal with this issue,' he said. Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul conceded that Malaysia faces a 19 per cent tariffs from the United States since it refuses to cross the 'red lines' in its negotiations with Washington, Tengku Zafrul said that Malaysia will however not retaliate since the US is too important as an investor and export destination for Malaysia and Asean.
Free Malaysia Today
31-07-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah, Sarawak placements now mandatory for contract medical officers
More than 13,552 contract medical officers have been absorbed into permanent roles over the past three years, according to health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. (Freepik pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The health ministry has made it mandatory for contract medical officers appointed to permanent positions to select at least one placement option in Sabah or Sarawak through the e-Placement 2.0 system, to address the uneven distribution of healthcare personnel between Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo states. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the approach, which had never been implemented before, reflected the government's commitment to narrowing the gap in the placement of specialists, doctors, and nurses across the country. 'It is mandatory that one of the three choices must be a placement in Sabah or Sarawak, which has never been done before,' he said during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to Richard Rapu (GPS-Betong), who asked about the government's measures to reduce the imbalance in the distribution of healthcare human resources in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, particularly the placement of specialists, doctors, and nurses. Dzulkefly said the ministry had also set placement quotas for permanent medical officers – 650 in Sarawak and 310 in Sabah – representing 42.7% of the 2,248 officers recently appointed nationwide. He said a total of 1,002 contract medical officers had been placed in Sabah and 937 in Sarawak as of March 31, to meet the growing workforce demands at public health facilities in the states. He said the ministry also supported the initiatives of state governments to offer scholarships for medical and health studies, and to provide additional merit points for those serving in Sabah and Sarawak, particularly in remote areas and the interior. 'This merit serves as a weightage – an added score in evaluating candidates for scholarship selection,' he said. To a supplementary question from Richard on strategies to retain medical officers in the public sector, Dzulkefly said one key measure was the absorption of contract officers into permanent positions. 'Over the past three years, we have successfully absorbed more than 13,552 contract medical officers into permanent roles,' he said. He said the effort was in line with recent amendments to the Medical Act, which now recognised the parallel pathway and local master's programmes – an initiative aimed at encouraging doctors to remain in public service.
Barnama
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Mandatory Speed Limiters For Commercial Vehicles Begin Oct 1
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Commercial vehicles not equipped with a Speed Limitation Device (SLD) will not be allowed on the roads as they will fail vehicle inspections once the phased enforcement of the system begins on Oct 1. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the implementation of the SLD is a crucial step in controlling the speed of heavy vehicles and reducing the risk of fatal accidents, particularly involving buses and lorries, adding that such systems have long been mandatory in European countries and Singapore. 'Although I am aware that some industry players may push back, citing additional costs and so on, when it comes to ensuring road safety, human lives must take precedence. 'I hope all Yang Berhormat will support the government's efforts to ensure smooth implementation. Any opposition should be addressed by making it clear that safety must take priority over costs and business profits,' he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Begri (GPS-Betong), who asked about the impact of SLD enforcement, its cost and maintenance, the implications of system failure and whether other countries have made SLD mandatory. Loke said the enforcement of SLD installation will be carried out in three phases, beginning this October. Phase 1, starting Oct 1, involves the verification of SLD functionality for all commercial vehicles manufactured after Jan 1, 2015. Phase 2, effective from Jan 1, 2026, involves the activation of SLD within the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for commercial vehicles built before Jan 1, 2015. Phase 3 will require the retrofit installation of SLDs (with approval from the Road Transport Department) on any commercial vehicles not already equipped with the system. This phase will be enforced from July 1, 2026.
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Spirit of Hari Gawai burns bright in Betong, Sarawak
Participants of the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade included children in traditional attire. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : During the festive season of Gawai, the tranquil town of Betong in Sarawak comes alive in a vibrant display of culture and community spirit. FMT Lifestyle recently visited the Sarawak heartlands during the harvest festival upon invitation of the Sarawak Tourism Board. The highlight of the trip was the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade, which kicked off at the town's sports complex on the morning of June 7. Themed 'Mujur Mansang Segulai Sejalai', which translates to 'Progressing Together in Unity and Harmony', the event was a beautiful showcase of Dayak culture, with men, women and children dressed in striking and vibrantly coloured traditional attire. The parade was attended by Betong MP Richard Rapu and youth, sports and entrepreneur development deputy minister Gerald Rentap Jabu. Members of the Dayak Bukit Kelingkang contingent. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Over 1,500 people comprising 18 contingents from Betong and Sri Aman – ranging from primary schoolchildren to community leaders and civil servants – took part in the event, which was also a competition that saw winners receiving cash, trophies and certificates. Participants embarked on a lively 1.8km walk through the town, starting at the sports complex and concluding at the nearby Panglima Rentap Hall. Feathered and 'sugu tinggi' headdresses, woven 'pua kumbu' skirts, beads, tattoos and crafted shields were all on proud display in a dazzling celebration of Dayak heritage that turned the streets into a living tapestry. Over 1,500 people from 18 contingents took part in the parade. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Some contingents featured elaborate floats depicting hornbills, longhouses and other symbols of traditional Dayak life. Others had musicians playing tunes on the sape, drums, and other instruments. Once the parade concluded, it was time for the victors to be announced. Cheers filled the air as the contingent from SMK Saribas was declared the overall champion for the third year running, having wowed the crowds with their colourful costumes. As overall champion, the 200-member-strong school contingent received a RM10,000 cash prize, as well as a trophy and certificates. They also won a RM3,000 first prize in a separate category. Men in traditional outfits making their way through the Engkeranji longhouse as part of Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) The celebrations continued that evening with a visit to the Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house, which took place at Rumah Veriland @ Rumah Panjang Engkeranji, a contemporary longhouse located close by. This offered was an opportunity for guests to experience Sarawakian hospitality at its finest, with the inhabitants of the 29-door longhouse graciously inviting visitors to try traditional delicacies such as 'manok pansoh' and 'umai'. Of course, what's a celebration without a bit of tuak? Guests also witnessed Dayak traditions such as a 'ngajat' dance and a traditional 'miring' ritual offering ceremony. Visitors were treated to a warm and wonderful time during the open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Dance, music, and other forms of merriment ruled the rest of the night during the Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2025, which featured a unique fusion of Dayak cultural elements from both Sabah and Sarawak. Talents including singer Melissa Francis, sape player Jerry Kamit, and members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak took the stage. A spirited fireworks display marked a vibrant and memorable close to the festivities. All in all, Betong may not be as well known as other parts of Sarawak such as Kuching or Miri, but the energy and friendliness of its people make the town a definite must-visit. This is especially the case during the Gawai month, when traditions feel truly alive and heartfelt.
