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KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian ringgit opened higher for the fourth consecutive day, following the government’s announcement of a measured approach to fuel subsidies aimed at balancing fiscal discipline with cost-of-living concerns amid ongoing West Asian tensions. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9855/4.0050 against the US dollar, up from Thursday’s close of 3.9920/3.9955. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a special message yesterday, announced that effective April 1, the individual monthly quota for the BUDI95 fuel programme will be temporarily reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres per month due to the geopolitical situation. The adjustment is expected to have minimal impact on most Malaysians, as average consumption remains around 100 litres monthly, with nearly 90 percent using less than 200 litres. Anwar also confirmed that Iran has permitted Malaysian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with household welfare amid global market pressures. “This is a positive development for the ringgit, reflecting timely government action in response to the fallout from tensions in West Asia,” he said. SPI Asset Management’s managing partner Stephen Innes noted that the temporary reprieve granted by US President Donald Trump on potential attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure has eased safe-haven demand for the US dollar, providing further support to the ringgit. The local currency also strengthened against other major and regional currencies. It rose against the Japanese yen to 2.4951/2.5077, the British pound to 5.3143/5.3403, and the euro to 4.5969/4.6194. Against ASEAN currencies, it gained against the Singapore dollar at 3.0994/3.1148, the Thai baht at 12.0868/12.1566, the Indonesian rupiah at 235.7/237.0, and the Philippine peso at 6.61/6.65. The ringgit’s sustained momentum reflects market confidence in Malaysia’s proactive economic measures despite ongoing global uncertainties.

Ringgit Strengthens on Government’s Pragmatic Fuel Subsidy Adjustment Amid West Asia Tensions

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian ringgit opened higher for the fourth consecutive day, following the government’s announcement of a measured approach to fuel subsidies aimed at balancing fiscal discipline with .... read more

Health Summit Asia 2026 to Host 30+ Global Healthcare Leaders

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Health Summit Asia (HSA) 2026 has confirmed more than 30 distinguished speakers from across the globe, underscoring the event’s scale and significance .... read more

Kota Belud Industrial Park Master Plan to Be Tabled at Sabah Cabinet — Ewon

KOTA BELUD, March 26, 2026: The master plan for the Kota Belud Industrial Park will be presented to the Sabah State Cabinet at its upcoming meeting, said Deputy Chief Minister .... read more

Sabah, China Eye Stronger Sister-City Ties to Boost Tourism and Investment

KOTA KINABALU, 26 March 2026: The Chinese Consulate office here has expressed support for revisiting sister-city partnerships to strengthen tourism, cultural, and economic ties with Sabah, including exploring new avenues .... read more

Swift Action to Shield Malaysia’s Economy Amid Global Risks — PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25, 2026 — Malaysia is taking proactive steps to safeguard its economic resilience amid rising global uncertainties, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after chairing the National Economic .... read more

Redefining the Future of Financial Advisory Firms in Singapore at the MDRT CEO Forum

SINGAPORE, /PRNewswire/ — Fueled by accelerating wealth creation, increasingly sophisticated client needs, and the adoption of digital technologies and generative artificial intelligence (AI), the financial advisory (FA) channel in Singapore .... read more

Manulife Named “Asia’s Best Insurance Provider for Wealth Management” by Euromoney

HONG KONG, /PRNewswire/ — Manulife today announced it has been named “Asia’s Best Insurance Provider for Wealth Management” at the 2026 Euromoney Private Banking Awards. The award recognizes Manulife’s excellence .... read more

Ringgit opens higher amid signs of Middle East de-escalation

KUALA LUMPUR — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar today as global risk sentiment improved after US president Donald Trump signalled a de-escalation in the West Asia .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- The cancellation of large-scale Hari Raya open house events is catalysing innovation and opening up new growth opportunities for Malaysia’s business events and hospitality ecosystem, as industry players accelerate diversification and strengthen resilience. World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) group chief executive officer Fauzy Wahab said while festive open houses, particularly at the national scale, are a key driver of industry activity, the organisation acknowledges the government’s decision with understanding and respect, noting that it is made with broader considerations in mind. For context, last week, Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad cancelled their planned Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house events to adhere to the government’s move to exercise greater prudence and moderation in public expenditure amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. "While festive open houses play a significant role in driving industry activity, we recognise that such decisions are often made with broader considerations in mind. "Naturally, the cancellation does have an impact on industry players like us, particularly in terms of expected revenue and ecosystem engagement. "However, we view this as part of the dynamic nature of the events industry, which requires agility and resilience,” he told Bernama. He said the development presents an opportunity for the industry to recalibrate its strategies, reduce reliance on seasonal and large-scale events, and build more diversified and sustainable revenue streams. Fauzy said WTCKL will adopt an adaptive and forward-looking strategy, including diversifying its event portfolio towards corporate functions, private celebrations, exhibitions and international business events to capture new demand segments. The organisation is also strengthening its value propositions through customised packages, strategic partnerships and targeted promotions to expand its market reach. Additionally, it is exploring alternative festive experiences, including scaled or themed events that retain the spirit of Hari Raya as it aligns with current operating conditions. Operationally, he said WTCKL will continue to optimise resources and enhance efficiency to ensure sustainability while maintaining service standards. Fauzy said the situation underscores the importance of resilience and innovation within the industry, encouraging players to leverage collaboration and seize emerging opportunities. "It is crucial to stay close to your clients, understand shifting demands, and be ready to pivot quickly. Collaboration within the industry, whether through partnerships, shared platforms or joint promotions, can also help create new opportunities. "Most importantly, maintain a long-term perspective. While short-term disruptions are inevitable, those who remain adaptable, proactive and customer-focused will be better positioned to emerge stronger," he added.

Open House Cancellations Spur Innovation in Malaysia’s Events Industry

KUALA LUMPUR — The cancellation of large-scale Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house events is driving innovation and creating new opportunities within Malaysia’s business events and hospitality sector, as industry players .... read more

Malaysians residing or traveling in West Asia are urged to comply with government instructions host country regarding public security and information sharing as the security situation in the region remains uncertain.

Intel Corporation Expands Malaysia Investment with Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Facility

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Intel Corporation will expand its investment in Malaysia with the development of an advanced packaging complex and the strengthening of assembly and .... read more

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