Malaysia

Malaysia and the U.S. have sealed a 17-point trade pact that grants preferential access for U.S. industrial goods while securing for Malaysia tariff exemptions on 1.711 lines

High-tech tools such as AI camera traps, drones, and remote sensors have been introduced to fight poaching syndicates

Halal exports reached US$7 billion in the first half of 2025, making up 16,1% of Malaysia’s total exports; Main products include food and beverages, halal ingredients, and palm oil derivatives, with key markets in China, the US, and Indonesia

The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed, extending labor protections to about 1,2 million gig economy workers; the law mandates written contracts and basic benefits, like insurance and leave, for drivers, freelancers and platform workers

Following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina amid bullying allegations, the Malaysian Media Council is demanding better journalist safety after unaccredited individuals disrupted a press conference, creating safety risks for reporters covering the case

Up to $150 billion over the next five years will be spent for equipment from U.S. multinationals for semiconductor, aerospace and data center industries in an articulated plan that reduces threatened U.S. tariff on Malaysian goods from 25% to 19%

Around mid-July, tens of protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur opposing Nick Adams' appointment as U.S. ambassador: his controversial statements on Islam prompted calls for rejection

With the Malaysian Media Council Act an independent body has been established to uphold media ethics, manage complaints, protect journalists, guide AI use in media, aiming at press integrity and accountability through self-regulation and legal recognition

New amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act took effect, imposing stricter obligations on businesses to protect personal data, aligning Malaysia with global privacy standards

The ASEAN-GCC-China Forum, held in Kuala Lumpur, called on the business sector to seize new opportunities; With solid political groundwork established, leaders stressed that it’s now up to industry players to advance regional economic cooperation

Thousands are expected to attend the Wesak Day celebration at the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in Petaling Jaya today, with traditional rituals as the bathing of the Buddha statue and performances to commemorate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing

Curtailments to gas flow are expected to end on 20 April; they have been imposed after a fire in Petronas Putra Heights on 1 April resulted in a mushroom cloud in a residential area, where 50 houses were damaged by temperatures reaching over 1.000 °C