Malaysia morning news roundup by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities.
M’sia tops US-based ‘2017 Best Countries to Invest In’ survey
Malaysia is the clear front-runner in the ‘2017 Best Countries to Invest In’ survey by US-based BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
— New Straits Times
Malaysia, North Korea to begin formal talks over return of Malaysians: minister
Malaysia will in the coming days begin formal talks with North Korea on the return of nine Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang, the Southeast Asian nation’s foreign minister said on Saturday, after they were barred from leaving the country amid a diplomatic spat.
— Reuters
PM Najib warns North Korea to ensure 9 Malaysians’ safety
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak on Sunday (Mar 12) vowed to ensure the safety of the nine Malaysians stranded in North Korea, and warned Pyongyang not to toy with Malaysia.
— Channel News Asia
BSN launches new Johor branch HQ to strengthen southern operations
As part of its move to strengthen operations in the southern region, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN)’s main branch in Johor will henceforth operate from a new building at Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim here.
— New Straits Times
Bank Rakyat a takeover target
Bank Rakyat, Malaysia’s profitable Islamic co-operative bank, has become a takeover target as part of Bank Negara’s bigger plan to consolidate the financial sector.
— The Star Online
Thong Guan investing RM35mil to expand Sg Petani plant’s capacity
Packaging firm Thong Guan Industries Bhd is investing around RM35mil to expand its production capacity in Sungai Petani.
— The Star Online
Conflict of interest over Setapak high-rise, high-density project?
A proposed construction of a high-rise development project in Taman Tiara Titiwangsa, Setapak, has raised the ire of residents who questioned the legality of the project.
— Malay Mail Online
Subsidies should be withdrawn when world oil prices drop, Umno man says
The government should withdraw all subsidies when crude oil prices fall below US$40 (RM178.34) per barrel, said Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
— Malay Mail Online
Malaysia says only 315 North Koreans left in the country
Malaysia’s deputy prime minister said Sunday that 315 North Koreans are in the country and barred from leaving amid a diplomatic dispute over the killing of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s estranged half brother.
— The Washington Post
No dearth of capital in SEA, valuations to be modest: Reapra’s James Bitanga
Venture Capital firm and business builder Reapra Pte Ltd, an aggressive investor in Southeast Asia with 30 companies funded last year, is expanding into diverse sectors in the region while being bullish on digital media,
education and real estate in the region, a top executive with the company said.
— Deal Street Asia
Poser over mystery Malaysian drug smuggling mastermind
It has been nearly a year since the 21 suspected Malaysian ‘drug mules’ were tethered by the Thai authorities while allegedly attempting to smuggle 226kg of ‘Ice’ (crystal meth or Syabu) and eight kilogrammes of heroin into Malaysia.
— BorneoPost Online
Wider sales reach for for EST City
Forest City, a massive development in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, is going global as owner Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd switches strategy to expand its sales reach.
— New Straits Times
NUTE prefers insider to succeed Zamzamzairani
A Telekom Malaysia Bhd union has no problem with an “outsider” replacing group chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, who will leave the post this month.
— New Straits Times
Oil prices face uncertainty again
COULD the plunge in the price of oil last week be the start of a reversal in prices which have been on the mend since the pledged production cut in January?
— The Star Online
PIE eyes four big projects
PIE Industrial Bhd is currently negotiating for four major projects that will spearhead the company’s growth in 2018.
— The Star Online
Leaders without vision will hamper progress of country, PM says
Malaysia will become weak and non-competitive if the country is led by leaders without a vision, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
— Malay Mail Online
Feature photo: lawyergaoge
Malaysia morning news is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.