TMR

KUALA LUMPUR — More than 13.1 million people, or nearly 80 per cent of the 16.5 million eligible Malaysians, have benefited from the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) initiative implemented in September, with sales reaching RM2.66 billion or 1.33 billion litres up to Oct 31.

Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the BUDI95 implementation was smooth during the first month with the system operating well without a hitch and consumers not having to wait in long queues at petrol stations.

“The government will make continuous improvements to ensure the RON95 subsidy system is implemented in a more comprehensive, inclusive and effective manner. 

“For example, the government has added river boat operators into the database of those eligible for the RON95 subsidy, and e-hailing drivers are given additional quota.

“This move is important to ensure that no group is left out from getting the subsidy benefits while maintaining the main objective of channeling assistance more accurately to those who really need it,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Lim was answering questions from Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) on the status of the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy implementation and how the government ensures that only the low to middle-income groups benefit. — BERNAMA

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MALAYSIA and Asean leaders concluded the 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and 12th ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur with the adoption of a record 20 defence initiatives.

The Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on Asean Unity for Security and Prosperity reaffirmed ministers’ commitment to peace, stability and a rules-based regional order.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who chaired both meetings, said the declaration would guide the region’s future security priorities.

“This proves that ADMM is not merely a formal forum, but also a dynamic platform driven by common goals and unity of purpose,” Khaled said, according to New Straits Times.

The declaration pledged to uphold freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and to prevent actions that could raise tensions. Among the initiatives endorsed were the Concept Paper on the Empowerment of Asean Defence Industrial Cooperation, the Asean Defence Search and Rescue Exercise, and the Concept Paper on Critical Under-Sea Infrastructure Security.

Following the conclusion of the two meetings, ASEAN secretary general Dr Kao Kim Hourn joined the defence ministers from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners countries in a gala dinner hosted by Malaysia. — TMR

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MALAYSIA’S efforts to improve its standing on global governance rankings are beginning to show results, with early reforms under the Special Task Force on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) already producing measurable progress.

Chaired by Chief Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, the task force was established in late 2024 as part of a whole-of-government effort to strengthen integrity and public accountability.

The initiative aims to position Malaysia among the top 25 countries in Transparency International’s CPI by 2030, in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan.

The task force includes secretaries-general from key ministries, agency heads from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and representatives from Bursa Malaysia, Transparency International–Malaysia, academia and civil society, reports, New Straits Times.

It has formed six focus groups to address enforcement, public fund management, business competitiveness, investment, legal reforms and strategic communication.

The group combines short-term “quick-win” measures with long-term structural reforms to improve accountability and public confidence in government institutions, the report added.

The report added that the government introduced the Public Administration Efficiency Commitment Act (Iltizam) to cut red tape, abolish outdated procedures and simplify complex standard operating procedures.

The task force is also supporting ongoing legal reforms. Parliament this year passed amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, broadening legal safeguards for individuals reporting misconduct.

The proposed Freedom of Information Bill and Ombudsman Bill are expected to further improve openness in the public sector.

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MALAYSIA must ensure that value creation from its rare earth element (REE) sector remains within the country following the inclusion of critical minerals in the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART).

A lecturer from Kuching-based of iCATS University College said clear policy direction and strict monitoring are essential to maximise domestic economic benefits.

“Malaysia cannot remain just a raw material exporter. We must build local technological capacity and skilled talent for this policy to be effective,” Associate Professor Dr Abu Sofian Yaacob told Utusan Malaysia. “The government’s decision to maintain the ban on raw REE exports is prudent and long-term in focus.”

He said the policy could attract more investment in domestic processing facilities and research activities.

He added that the cooperation also reflects major power competition to secure global REE supplies, placing Malaysia in a regional position of importance.

“Foreign investment in rare earth processing is expected to rise under this agreement, opening downstream opportunities such as high-technology manufacturing,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s exports to the US are likely to grow, particularly for high-value products using locally sourced rare earth components.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said last week that Malaysia will maintain its REE export ban to support the development of local downstream industries.

He said the government encourages foreign investment and technology partnerships in raw REE mining to build a more integrated domestic supply chain.

UniKL Business School economist Associate Professor Dr Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid said the trade pact must also be seen within the context of the ongoing US–China trade war.

“China’s decision to halt exports of these commodities has affected the US industrial and defence sectors, which rely on rare earth materials for electronics, renewable energy, defence and medical technologies,” he said.

Aimi Zulhazmi said Malaysia could emerge as an alternative supplier to China due to its undeveloped REE potential, although environmental concerns remain a constraint.

“Malaysia’s REE industry remains tightly regulated due to its environmental impact, as seen in the case of Lynas Rare Earths Ltd in Pahang,” he said.

He added that any US involvement would require significant investment while ensuring stronger environmental safeguards.

“This may not be as straightforward as existing Chinese production. The ART agreement may also serve as part of the US strategy in its trade negotiations with China,” he said.

Analysts said Malaysia’s rare earth strategy will depend on balancing growth opportunities with environmental safeguards while retaining long-term value within the domestic economy.

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