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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Feasibility study for Trans-Borneo Railway to conclude in 2026
Published on: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 Text Size: KUALA LUMPUR: The feasibility study for the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia, is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2026, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook ( pic ) said, The Edge Malaysia reported on Thursday. In a written parliamentary reply to Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Loke said a local consultant had been appointed to carry out the 12-month study, which began in June 2025, focusing on the railway's potential in Sabah and Sarawak. He said the study would assess technical, commercial, socio-economic, operational, governance, and social benefit aspects, and provide a strategic plan, implementation schedule, action plan, and timeline, with input from all key stakeholders. Local media previously reported that RM7 million had been allocated for the study, fully funded by the federal government under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya confirming its approval. First proposed in 2015 by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to then Indonesian president Joko Widodo, the project envisions a 1,600km network with trains running at up to 350km/h, though Loke has clarified that it remains at the proposal stage and has not been awarded to any company. * 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
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Daily Express
11-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Why Sabah contractors are left out?
Published on: Monday, August 11, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Wong questioned why almost all project tenders are still awarded through peninsula-based channels despite the projects being implemented in Sabah. Kuala Lumpur: Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee told parliament that the Pan Borneo Highway is a disappointment in Sabah as only four of the 16 Phase 1A packages have been completed after more than a decade. She cited a report by The Edge Malaysia dated July 28 that highlighted the cancellation of a RM1.07 billion contract awarded to Ireka Corporation for Pan Borneo construction works. Advertisement She questioned why almost all project tenders are still awarded through peninsula-based channels despite the projects being implemented in Sabah. 'When we question why Sabah contractors are not given a chance, the answer is that Sabah has no contractors that are on par with those in the peninsula. 'But what results have these peninsula contractors delivered so far?' she asked during the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) debate in the Dewan Rakyat. She said instead of continuing to tolerate the 'Ali Baba' contractor system, where tenders are awarded to main contractors who then pass the work down through multiple layers of sub-contractors, the government should allow the state to handle direct tendering to empower truly qualified local contractors. Advertisement She said the Federal Government also has to urgently address the glaring development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the East Coast. 'RMK-13 emphasises inclusive and high-impact development, but if none of this reaches Sabah, especially the East Coast, it will remain nothing but rhetoric,' she said. She said the people of Sabah want results, not repeat promises featured in national development plans. She described recurring issues such as power outages, lack of clean water and poor road conditions as the 'triple hardship' that continues to burden the people of Sabah. 'Blackouts, dry taps, and moon-like roads — this is the daily reality that continues to hinder the state's economic progress,' she said. She called for the immediate implementation of the Southern Link Grid Line and the Sarawak-Sabah Grid Interconnection to address the prolonged electricity supply crisis in the East Coast. On water, she questioned the delay in an alternative water source study which is only scheduled to begin in 2026, despite salinity problems at Sungai Segaliud being reported since 2022. * 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
Focus Malaysia
04-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Saravanan: 'MIC has submitted proposals for inclusion in the 13th Malaysia Plan'
MIC has submitted an eight-thrust agenda to the government. The comprehensive plan covers proposals for improving university intake, preschool education, women's empowerment, religious affairs, economic opportunities, and community-specific programmes. MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan emphasised specific programmes to resolve social issues within the community, stating the 13MP offers a crucial chance for significant change. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient and urged the government to embrace innovative, targeted solutions to the challenges faced by the Indian community, which demands both commitment and a strategic approach. 'Malaysia needs to brace itself for becoming an aging nation by 2030. All-encompassing policies are required to back the aging population and guarantee their welfare,' asserted the former human resource minister. It is crucial for young Malaysians to acquire future-ready skills to navigate an increasingly competitive job landscape, the Tapah MP added. 'The youth should focus on building resilient skills for the Industrial Revolution 4.0, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and robotics,' he added. Saravanan further noted that employers today are looking for applicants who are proficient in both technical and soft skills. He highlighted the critical need to prepare young Malaysians with future-ready skills to navigate an increasingly competitive job market. 'With a focus on talent, education and skills, it will be relevant and applicable to all Malaysians,' Saravanan stressed. ‒ June 4, 2025 Main image: The Edge Malaysia
Hype Malaysia
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
From Imported Fruits To Beauty Services: Things That Are Set To Become More Expensive From 1st July
With the world reacting to the announcement of President Trump's tariffs in April, Malaysians now have their version of 'Liberation Day' on a smaller scale, of course. Starting 1st July 2025, the government will implement a revised, expanded version of sales and service tax (SST) that will affect everything from beauty services to private education. Announced by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the decision for the expansion is part of the MADANI economic reform aimed at strengthening government revenue. 'The additional revenue will go towards improving public services and infrastructure, and increasing direct aid to Malaysians', he states during a closed-door briefing with the press. Here's what's increasing in price next month: 1. 0% Tax Or No Change In Tax Starting next month, here is the list of things that remain in the 0% sales tax bracket: Unprocessed items (Beef, chicken, prawn, fish, etc.) Local fruits Grains (Rice, Oat, Barley and wheat), sugar, cooking oil Milk Flour, pasta, noodles Canned Sardines Medicine, pet food Books, journals, newspapers Items with no changes in the 5% and 10% sales tax bracket: Lobster Quinoa, Cheese, Fruit Jams Smartphones Caviar Alcoholic beverages, Cigarettes Leather goods 2. Revised Items In The 5% Tax Bracket King Crab, Salmon Truffles Imported strawberries Essential oils, Silk 3. Revised Items In The 10% Tax Bracket Racing bicycles Antiques and hand-painted artwork The government has also expanded service tax to these 6 sectors, which include beauty services and rental, and leasing. An extra 8% tax will apply to beauty service businesses earning over RM50,000 in a year, which covers services such as facials, hairdressing, body slimming and tattoo services. An 8% service tax will also be imposed on rental or leasing services earning up to RM500,00 manually, with exemptions for residential rentals, reading materials and MSMEs (Micro, small and medium enterprises). Malaysians are exempt from the 6% private healthcare and private education tax, which only applies to non-citizens. To give companies time to adapt, the government will not take punitive action until the end of the year. What do you think about the revised SST? Sources: The Star, The Edge Malaysia Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Business Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia to delay new taxes as manufacturers fear tariff hit
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia is delaying a planned expansion of its sales and service tax, providing a temporary reprieve for manufacturers bracing for higher US tariffs. The planned widening of the tax base, originally due on May 1, will be implemented at a later date, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Finance said in a text message, confirming a report by The Edge Malaysia. Malaysian manufacturers have been urging the government to refrain from introducing additional tax burdens this year after the US threatened a 24 per cent tariff on the South-east Asian country. The sector, a major contributor to the nation's tax revenue, is under severe cost pressure, Soh Thian Lai, president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, said earlier this month. Officials are seeking to negotiate a deal with Washington within the 90-day pause on the higher tariffs mandated by US President Donald Trump, who has in the meantime imposed a 10 per cent levy on goods from Malaysia and many other trading partners. The government is currently reviewing its official growth projection of 4.5 to 5.5 per cent for 2025, with the US levies causing uncertainty for investment and trade. The finance ministry's engagements with industries across the country to finalise the scope of the expansion and the applicable tax rates have been completed, the spokesperson said. The guidelines and scope are being refined to ensure smooth implementation, they said. The tax changes will be gazetted on Jun 1, Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, director general of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, responsible for the execution and enforcement of the sales and service tax, was quoted as saying by The Edge Malaysia. It was originally scheduled for the first quarter. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in October, when he unveiled the nation's budget, that the sales and service tax will apply to non-essential items, including premium imported goods such as salmon and avocado. It will also be widened to cover commercial services. BLOOMBERG
