Malaysia Morning News For December 6, 2019

For Malaysia Startups, Pairing Up with Corporations is a Win-Win
Malaysia may have an idea that will help startups, which typically do not have much funding or experience, as well as more established firms, which are often afraid of disruption from new competitors.
— VOA

Google to collect Malaysia’s new 6% digital tax
Google will begin collecting a 6% tax on digital services in Malaysia starting next month, and most other foreign internet companies are expected to follow suit in response to a new duty taking effect in the Southeast Asian country.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)

Majority of Malaysian smokers want sale of e-cigarettes legalised
Majority of Malaysian smokers (69%) say that they want to see legislation that would allow for the distribution and sale of nicotine e-cigarettes so that they can have a viable alternative to help them quit regular cigarettes.
— The Sun Daily

CM: State prioritising environmental conservation as development grows
The Sarawak government has to be sensitive and aggressive when it comes to managing the environment of the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia’s Aerodyne forays into US with the acquisition of drone inspection firm Measure
Malaysian-based AI-driven, drone-based solutions provider Aerodyne Group today announced the acquisition of a controlling stake in the services business of Measure UAS, an aerial intelligence company in the US.
— e27

Oxford Economics expert sees Malaysia’s 2020 growth slow to 4pc, bucks Putrajaya’s forecast
Weaker household spending and slower wage growth amid softening employment are expected to weigh down Malaysia’s economic growth next year, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
— Malay Mail

51 Chinese nationals charged with illegal gambling, online cheating in Melaka
A total of 22 Chinese nationals were sentenced to a month’s jail and fined RM20,000 each, in default two months’ jail, by the Magistrate’s Court here today for turning and managing a residential place into a common gaming.
— Malay Mail

Azmin arrives at PKR Wanita congress to rapturous applause
PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali arrived at the party’s youth and women’s wing congress to cries of “Hidup Azmin” from his supporters.
— FMT

Sabah among best places in Asia to live in – Madius
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau said Sabah is a strategic geographic location to invest and one of the best places in Asia to live in.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia’s Iskandar revives listing plan, aims to raise up to US$1.5b in 2020: Source
Malaysian developer Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd (IWH) has revived its ambition to go public two years after shelving a backdoor listing, with a plan to raise US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion in an IPO next year, people familiar with the deal said.
— CNA

Global report finds Malaysia’s civic space ‘obstructed’
Despite being labelled as a “bright spot” for civic freedom in Asia last year following the change of government, Malaysia continues to have “obstructed” civic space.
— Malaysiakini

Japan’s halal market a big potential for Malaysia
Despite its technological advancement, Japan continues to be a huge draw for foreign tourists as it provides a journey of discovery of its pristine nature and cultural resources.
— The Borneo Post

NEW INSTALLATIONS IN MALAYSIA AND VIETNAM FOR SFT GROUP
Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFMB) is Malaysia’s leading flour-milling company. Their facility in Lumut is undergoing an extensive upgrade and extension project for which ShibataFenderTeam’s Malaysian office has delivered 18 sets of SPC 1150 Cone Fenders, 10 bollards (capacity 80t) as well as 8 bollards (capacity 100t).
— Port Strategy

Kuching Christmas Parade expected to be bigger than ever on Dec 7
More than 8,000 people are expected to participate in the annual Kuching Christmas Parade as it visits the many iconic landmarks and roads in the heart of the city.
— The Borneo Post

Anwar denies sexual assault allegations, to file police report
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations that he attempted to sexually assault Muhammed Yusoff Rawther.
— The Star Online

UOB: Lower GDP growth of 4.4% seen for 2020, driven by private consumption
UOB Malaysia is expecting Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to come in at 4.4% next year, lower than its 2019 forecast of 4.6%.
— The Sun Daily

Parliament passes abolition of Malaysian Health Promotion Board Act 2006
The Dewan Rakyat yesterday passed the abolition of the Malaysian Health Promotion Board Act 2006 following the dissolution of the Act under which the Board was placed.
— Malay Mail

RM40m for TAR University College this year: Guan Eng
The RM40 million allocation for the benefit of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) for 2019 will be handed over to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Almuni Association (TAA) trust fund once it is set up, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng (pix).
— The Sun Daily

FMM seeks clarity on gas market liberalisation
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is seeking clarity from the relevant authorities on the government’s plan to liberalise the gas market.
— The Borneo Post

Putrajaya to ensure school gets new desks in time
The federal government has approved SMK St Patrick Parent-Teacher Association’s (PTA) application to purchase 400 new desks for the new school building.
— New Sarawak Tribune

‘MACC needs prosecution powers’
The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) ought to be given powers of prosecution.
— New Sarawak Tribune

IGB hits all-time high on UK asset disposal
IGB Bhd’s share price extended its gains today, rising as much as 55 sen or 16.2% to its all-time high of RM3.95 after plans to sell its property in the UK.
— The Sun Daily

Perak exco Paul Yong’s rape trial set for Feb 2020
The Sessions Court here set February 10 to 14 next year to hear the case of Perak executive council (exco) member Paul Yong Choo Kiong (exco) who is charged with raping an Indonesian maid.
— Malay Mail

51 Chinese nationals charged with illegal gambling, online cheating
A total of 22 Chinese nationals were sentenced to a month’s jail and fined RM20,000 each, in default two months’ jail, by the Magistrate’s Court here today for turning and managing a residential place into a common gaming house.
— The Borneo Post

Construction of Sungai Nibong Besar Mosque starts today, ahead of schedule
Construction work to rebuild Sungai Nibong Besar Mosque started today, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman announced today.
— Malay Mail

CAP calls for more awareness on soil erosion in M’sia
Soil erosion is a global problem that threatens food security and the functioning of ecosystems with the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) today calling for more awareness to be created, regarding the soil erosion in Malaysia.
— The Sun Daily

Westports to make “prudent impairment” for vessel-crane incident
Westports Holdings Bhd will undertake a prudent impairment or provision in the coming financial quarter due to its recent vessel-crane incident.
— The Sun Daily

Avoid roads at Kuching Isthmus area as maintenance underway, warns JKR
Road users are advised to be careful when driving along the Kuching Isthmus area starting today (Dec 5) due to the commencement of maintenance works on the surface of the roads in the area.
— The Borneo Post

DPM urges Malaysians to speak up against bigots, hatemongers
Malaysians who are moderates must be bolder and speak up for mutual respect and unity to strengthen democracy in the country, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.
— Malay Mail

Lawas Airport forced to close due to floods
Lawas Airport is closed due to flooding while six schools in Lawas District were reported to be flooded today following heavy rain after the Lawas River burst its banks.
— The Borneo Post

SUPP leader criticises curbs on GPS lawmakers visiting govt schools
Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) Women wing today called it illogical for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government to impose restrictions on lawmakers from the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) who visit schools on.
— Malay Mail

E-wallet, non-compliance by civil servants among focus of Dewan Rakyat today
Implementation of the RM30 e-wallet payment to eligible Malaysians, effective Jan 1 next year, is expected to be one of the highlights at today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting, which is the last day sitting for this term.
— The Sun Daily

Smooth power transition shows M’sian democracy works: Mahathir
The peaceful and smooth transition of power has proven the parliamentary democracy system and the constitutional monarchy that the country has been practising works.
— The Sun Daily

Dr M: Smooth power transition proves Malaysia’s democratic system works
The peaceful and smooth transition of power has proven the parliamentary democracy system and the constitutional monarchy that the country has been practising works.
— Malay Mail

Sarawakian tech co wins excellence award
Technology company SOCOE Sdn Bhd was announced as the winner of the Malaysia Technology Excellence Award (MTEA) held at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
— New Sarawak Tribune

’90 per cent of country’s waters free from foreign fishermen’s intrusion’
Ninety per cent of the country’s waters is now free from intrusion by foreign fishing boats since an operation code-named ‘Op Naga’ was launched last April, said Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
— The Borneo Post

National Forestry Act to be amended to increase enforcement
The National Forestry Act 1984 will be amended to improve enforcement against illegal taking of forest produce, said Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr A Xavier Jayakumar.
— The Borneo Post

Special bonus for federal civil servants in Sarawak
Federal civil servants in Sarawak will receive special bonus of RM500 from the Sarawak government in appreciation for their services. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the special financial aid will be paid by June next year.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Zahid trial: Insurance for 12 vehicles cost RM44,602.47, court told
Former deputy prime minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his family members had taken four types of insurance policies for 12 vehicles totalling RM44,602.47 with the company Allianz General Insurance, the High Court here was told today.
— The Sun Daily

Astro Q3 profit rises despite lower revenue
Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s net profit rose 11.5% to RM170.85 million for its third quarter ended Oct 31, 2019 against RM153.22 million in the same period a year ago, mainly due to lower net finance costs and tax expenses.
— The Sun Daily

FMM concerned over delay in distribution access arrangements
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is concerned that the prolonged delay in finalising the distribution access arrangements may impede the planned gas market liberalisation.
— The Sun Daily

CPO price may hit RM2,800 in near term
The crude palm oil (CPO) price may surpass the RM2,800 per metric tonne (mt) level in the coming months due to the tightening CPO supplies in the global markets, according to PublicInvest Research.
— The Sun Daily

6 Malaysian Muslims sentenced to jail for skipping Friday prayers
Six Malaysian Muslims have reportedly been handed one-month jail terms for skipping prayers in violation of Islamic laws, sparking fresh concern Wednesday (Dec 4) about rising religious conservatism in the multi-ethnic country.
— CNA

Penang Hill funicular service disruption, about 500 people affected
About 500 people were affected by the Penang Hill funicular service disruption for over two hours since 10am yesterday.
— The Sun Daily

Land and Survey Department wins gold
The Land and Survey Department won RM50,000 and the gold award in the Chief Minister’s Awards 2019 (major state agency category).
— New Sarawak Tribune

Penang Hill funicular experience service disruption, about 500 people affected
About 500 people were affected by the Penang Hill funicular service disruption for over two hours since 10am today.
— Malay Mail

Feature photo Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo focuses on International Civil Aviation Day, December 7.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

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