Latest news with #SumbanganTunaiRahmah
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia's 4.4% GDP growth in Q1 propelled by 6% spurt in March
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 4.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Department of Statistics. Quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted, Q1 2025 GDP rebounded to 0.7% (Q4 2024: -0.2%). The monthly economic performance grew by 3.5% and 3.6% in January and February, respectively, before accelerating to 6% in March. Chief Statistician of Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, 'This quarter's economic expansion was supported by steady performance on the supply side, notably in the services, manufacturing and construction sectors. This reflects a healthy pace of domestic production and a well-diversified industrial base despite global challenges. On the demand side, consumer and business sentiment remained positive, with spending boosted by festive celebrations, travel activities and ongoing investments, particularly in construction-related projects. The salary increment for civil servant under Sistem Saraan Perkhidmatan Awam along with the rollout of the first phase of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah further supported the overall economic momentum.' In terms of sectoral performance, the services sector expanded by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 (Q4 2024: 5.5%), driven by the wholesale and retail trade sub-sector at 4.3%. This growth was underpinned by increases in the wholesale (5.4%) and retail (5.2%) segments, while motor vehicles declined (-3.7%) in this quarter. Furthermore, transportation and storage and business services sub-sectors demonstrated strong growth of 9.5% and 7.7%, respectively, benefiting from continued demand in freight segments as well as professional and business support services. On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, the services sector grew by 0.7% (Q4 2024: 0.3%). The manufacturing sector moderated to 4.1% (Q4 2024: 4.2%) in the first quarter of 2025, supported by sustained external demand for electrical and electronic products, emphasising the country's strategic role in global supply chains. Nonetheless, domestic-oriented industries softened, influenced by the transport equipment, other manufacturing and repair following lower production in motor vehicles and transport equipment. On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, the manufacturing sector increased by 1.4% (Q4 2024: -1.2%). The construction sector grew by 14.2% (Q4 2024: 20.7%), marking its fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. The sector's robust performance was led by non-residential buildings, which surged by 21.4%, spurred by data centre projects particularly in Johor and industrial facilities such as factories. This was followed by specialised construction activities (17.2%), residential buildings (16.6%) and civil engineering (5.2%). Quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted, this sector increased by 1.1% (Q4 2024: -0.2%). In addition, the agriculture sector rebounded to 0.6% (Q4 2024: -0.7%), attributed to strong performance in the marine fishing sub-sector at 10.3%. Furthermore, the other agriculture sub-sector recorded a 2.2% increase, supported by production of vegetables and fruits. Nonetheless, the oil palm sub-sector declined by -3.1% following lower yields of fresh fruit bunches. This sector rebounded to 1.1% (Q4 2024: -2.8%) quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted. The mining and quarrying sector declined further in the first quarter to -2.7% (Q4 2024: -0.7%), influenced by contractions in the natural gas and crude oil and condensate sub-sectors at -2.2% and -4.6%, respectively. The downturns reflect subdued output across key upstream activities. In terms of quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted, this sector posted a decline of -1.9%, reversing from 4% growth recorded in the previous quarter. Mohd Uzir said, 'Private final consumption expenditure grew by 5%, easing slightly from 5.3% in the preceding quarter. The growth was driven by spending in transport (9.1%), restaurants and hotels (13.2%), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.3%), reflecting heightened activity related to travel, tourism and festive seasons. On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, private final consumption expenditure rose by 1.5% (Q4 2024: 0.9%).' Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), or investment in fixed assets, increased by 9.7% from 11.8% in the previous quarter, attributed to the continued strength in the structure component, which grew by 13.4%. The sustained performance reflects ongoing development activity in residential and non-residential construction projects across the country. Additionally, investments in machinery and equipment and other assets expanded by 5.4% and 7.2%, respectively. From a sectoral perspective, both the public and private sectors contributed to the strong investment growth this quarter. On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted, GFCF recorded a marginal improvement of 0.8% (Q4 2024: -0.03%).
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Uplifting Living Standards in Malaysia: A Multifaceted Approach Under Anwar Ibrahim's Government
IN Malaysia today, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, something intriguing is unfolding. The government is attempting a high-wire act: balancing the urgent need to lift living standards amid rising costs and global economic turbulence, while laying down the scaffolding for a more resilient, inclusive economy. And it's doing this not with flashy stimulus checks or slogans, but through a blend of fiscal realism and strategic reform. If you zoom in on the 2025 Budget, you'll notice a quiet but significant pivot in how Malaysia supports its people. The government has allocated RM13 billion - the largest direct cash aid allocation in national history - to programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). These are not mere handouts; they're micro-targeted relief channels reaching nine million citizens, or about 60 per cent of the adult population. The idea is simple: soften the blows of inflation, especially on food and fuel, and inject purchasing power into the base of the economy. At the same time, the minimum wage has been raised to RM1,700 per month (effective February 2025), signaling that labor dignity still matters in this algorithmic age. But Anwar's team knows that Band-Aids won't fix structural wounds. Rather than launching a headline-grabbing stimulus package, the administration is pushing forward with what could be described as an "invisible stimulus" - a layered reform agenda that targets fuel subsidies, tax structures, and long-term investments. Malaysia is now rolling back blanketsubsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel, replacing them with targeted assistance. It's politically risky - no one likes to pay more at the pump - but it's the kind of reform that says: the days of fiscal leakage are over. Meanwhile, high- income earners are now subject to a two per cent tax on dividend income above RM100,000, and the Sales and Services Tax has been expanded to new sectors. These are moves aimed at rebuilding state revenue without triggering austerity. The government is also playing the long game. Billions are being committed to infrastructure, education, and health, not just as social investments, but as tools for growth. A prime example is the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, engineered to attract foreign investors and create a new class of skilled jobs. Meanwhile, RM40 billion in credit facilities and loan guarantees are being mobilised to support SMEs, a critical step to ensure the middle class and entrepreneurial base aren't left behind in a two-speed economy. Global institutions are taking note. In its April 2025 Malaysia Economic Monitor, the World Bank projects GDP growth at 3.9 per cent for 2025, slightly lower than earlier estimates due to global economic headwinds. But more importantly, it urges Malaysia to focus on inclusive growth through higher social spending, education, and place-sensitive policies that address regional inequality. Similarly, the IMF's 2025 Article IV Consultation Report pegs growth at 4.1 per cent and calls for Malaysia to take advantage of improved macroeconomic conditions to rebuild buffers, enhance policy credibility, and accelerate structural reforms. Both institutions commend Malaysia's fiscal strategy while sounding a common theme: now is not the time to blink. Of course, none of this will be easy. Anwar's coalition government walks a political tightrope, and subsidy rationalisation is a dangerous game in a populist age. The cost of miscommunication or delay could be steep. But if Malaysia can hold this course if it canmanage the optics while maintaining the discipline - it could emerge not just as a recovering economy, but as a case study in how a middle-income country transitions through turbulence with its dignity, cohesion, and competitiveness intact. In a world addicted to short-term fixes, Malaysia is attempting something harder: think long-term, act incrementally, and bet on its own maturity. In this era of geopolitical fragmentation and economic anxiety, that's not just commendable—it's strategic. *The writer is an international relations analyst and economic commentator. A former senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, he has written extensively for numerous regional outlets. Currently he is a senior consultant with Global Asia Consulting and an adjunct lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- The Sun
Scam alert: Never trust any link claiming to be a govt site unless it ends with .gov.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The public is advised not to trust any link claiming to be a government site unless it ends with '. said Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching. 'Scammers are circulating scam links claiming you can check your STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) status through suspicious websites that are sent through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. 'This is a SCAM!' she posted on Facebook today. On April 19, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also reminded the public to be cautious and not to easily fall for fake messages regarding the STR cash assistance that are spreading via the WhatsApp application. Fahmi said the messages containing suspicious links could potentially be used by people running fake online investment schemes or scammers to steal access to users' WhatsApp applications.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- The Sun
Govt site link ends with .gov.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The public is advised not to trust any link claiming to be a government site unless it ends with '. said Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching. 'Scammers are circulating scam links claiming you can check your STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) status through suspicious websites that are sent through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. 'This is a SCAM!' she posted on Facebook today. On April 19, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also reminded the public to be cautious and not to easily fall for fake messages regarding the STR cash assistance that are spreading via the WhatsApp application. Fahmi said the messages containing suspicious links could potentially be used by people running fake online investment schemes or scammers to steal access to users' WhatsApp applications.
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Only trust .gov.my sites for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah updates, Teo warns as scam links spread
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — The public is advised not to trust any link claiming to be a government site unless it ends with '. said Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching. 'Scammers are circulating scam links claiming you can check your STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) status through suspicious websites that are sent through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. 'This is a SCAM!' she posted on Facebook today. On April 19, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also reminded the public to be cautious and not to easily fall for fake messages regarding the STR cash assistance that are spreading via the WhatsApp application. Fahmi said the messages containing suspicious links could potentially be used by people running fake online investment schemes or scammers to steal access to users' WhatsApp applications. — Bernama
