Malaysia Morning News For December 28

Malaysia to freeze toll rates for 21 highways in 2019
The Malaysian government will maintain current toll charges for 21 highways next year, as part of efforts to ease the burden of rising living costs, said finance minister Lim Guan Eng on Thursday (Dec 27).
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysian government assures public that petrol stations will not run dry
Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has given assurances that there is adequate supply of petrol and diesel for sale throughout the country.
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysia’s November vehicle sales -1.8% y/y; production +18.8%
Vehicle sales in Malaysia fell 1.8 percent from last year in November the Malaysian Automotive Association said in a statement.
— The Edge Markets

Are Malaysian banks in for a tough time?
In this article, “Important signs for the market; Banks’ results”, it is clear that banks are extremely important because they allow us to see way in advance if the market is in trouble.
— FMT

Aviation industry shows greater operational efficiency in 2018
Malaysia’s aviation industry had a fairly ‘stable’ 2018 with airlines showing greater efficiency in operations but overall growth has been slowing down as the industry heads towards a matured phase.
— The Borneo Post

No more monopoly on sugar imports, says Chong
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has finally broken up the monopoly on sugar imports in the country.
— FMT

Aircraft disposal to strengthen AirAsia’s balance sheet
Analysts are positive on AirAsia Group Bhd’s (AirAsia) proposed aircraft disposals to Castlelake, LP (Castlelake), given that the sales of these aircraft would further strengthen its already decent balance sheet.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysian man nabbed over RM1 million ‘holiday gifts’
An attempt to bring in syabu with a street value of RM1 million (S$330,000) as “holiday gifts” was intercepted by Customs officers.
— Asia One

BCorp reports challenging 2nd quarter
Berjaya Corp Bhd’s (BCorp) reported a net loss of RM71 million in the second quarter ended October 31 2018.
— New Straits Times

Ranhill aims to reduce NRW in Johor to 5% by 2025
Ranhill Holdings Bhd’s subsidiary Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd is undertaking several measures to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) in Johor to 5% by 2025 from the current 24.12%, including a seven-year programme to address physical and commercial losses.
— The Sun Daily

EPF: Contributions up 11.56 % in Q3
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) saw an 11.56% increase in contributions in the third quarter ended Sept 30 to RM16.91 billion from RM15.16 billion in the same quarter last year, in tandem with the growth in memberships.
— The Sun Daily

Singapore, Malaysia shares rise on US stocks rally
Singapore and Malaysia shares rose broadly Thursday along with other Asian markets thanks to a huge rally in U.S. equities and prices of commodities including crude oil and palm oil.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)

Gagasan Nadi IPO oversubscribed by 20.2 times
Gagasan Nadi Cergas Bhd’s public portion of its initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed by 20.2 times.
— The Star Online

A new direction for the ‘new Malays’ in new Malaysia
A paradigm, according to science philosopher Thomas Kuhn, is based on consensus. He showed that science was not a mere accumulation of facts through trial and error, but what scientists agreed to be correct.
— Malaysiakini

7-Eleven Malaysia sets up hydroponic system at Trinity Children’s Home
7-ELEVEN Malaysia, recently carried out a CSR activity in the spirit of Christmas with NGOhub Asia by setting up a hydroponic system at Trinity Children’s Home.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia does not import protein powders made out of pig blood
Malaysia does not import from China protein powders made from pig blood which was used as animal feed, said the Veterinary Services Department today.
— New Straits Times

UOB: Malaysia to lose up to RM5b if oil trades at US$55-US$65/barrel
UOB Group said today its crude oil price forecast at US$55 (RM229.41) to US$65 a barrel translates into a Malaysian government revenue loss at around RM2 billion to RM5 billion.
— The Edge Markets

Malaysian migrants ring security alarms
Malaysian citizens are now redflagged on Australia’s secretive immigration watchlist more than any other nationality, amid concerns the country may become a gateway for scammers, criminals and terrorists.
— The Australian

Feature photo Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad Facebook page

This week’s morning news photo features a defining moment, event, or situation from 2018 for each country as chosen by our editors.

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Malaysia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.