Malaysia Morning News For June 4

Malaysia’s exports rise 1.1% in April, trade surplus shrinks 16.6%
Malaysia’s exports in April 2019 recorded an increase of 1.1% to RM85.2 billion year-on-year, driven by growth in exports to Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan and the US.According to the Department of Statistics, exports to these countries expanded by RM1.2 billion to Singapore,
— The Sun Daily

Guan Eng: Investors like transparency-focused Malaysia, a safe haven in trade war
Foreign investors have a positive view of Malaysia that can be considered a safe haven amid the ongoing trade war between economic superpowers US and China, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said.
— Malay Mail

Malaysia Airlines CEO objects to shutting down airline
It is not a good idea to shut down Malaysia Airlines, CEO Izham Ismail said, as he called for investors to boost the flagship carrier. “Shutting down Malaysia Airlines would be a wrong move.
— Malay Mail

Logistics and merchants’ capacity weak links in Malaysian e-commerce chain
The local e-commerce ecosystem sees weakness on the logistics and merchants’ front, especially in delivery time and where merchants may not be equipped to cope with the surge in demand, according to e-commerce player Shopee.
— The Sun Daily

Committee to advise housing, local gov’t ministry on needs of disabled: Zuraida
The Housing and Local Government Ministry is to set up a committee within the next six months to feed it input and advice on the provision of disabled-friendly basic facilities in public building and housing scheme projects.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysian durian sales may spike on China’s nod to thorny fruit
Malaysia is all geared to satisfy China’s craving for a pungent, football-sized thorny fruit.
— The Star Online

Malaysia-based NGO help form Asia-Pacific network to end female genital mutilation
Two major non-governmental organisations in Malaysia and the United Kingdom have teamed up to end the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in several Asia Pacific countries, including Malaysia.
— Malay Mail

Petronas Gas inks deals to expand nitrogen supply
Petronas Gas Bhd is expanding its industrial gas facility as it seeks to supply nitrogen to five subsidiaries of Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd.
— The Star Online

Recruitment firm reveals what jobs in high demand as Malaysia’s banks go digital
Talents who can handle technology and big data are in demand as more Malaysian banking and financial services make the digital shift, recruitment firm Hays said. Natasha Ishak, senior manager Hays Malaysia’s banking and.
— Malay Mail

Govt committed to reducing overall debt and liabilities: Lim
The government is committed to continue reducing the country’s overall debt and liabilities rather than just the direct debt component.In a statement today, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the government’s newly established Debt Management Office was pressing on with its fiscal.
— The Sun Daily

NFC chairman to govt: Why sue when we’ve agreed to repay loan?
The National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) has questioned the suit filed in court against it by the Attorney General, saying that it had last year offered to pay in full the RM250mil loan it took more than 10 years ago.
— The Star Online

Decision to use Huawei’s technology would give Malaysia edge over others: Experts
Malaysia’s decision to use Huawei’s technology is the right move, as the country is adopting the most advanced technology at the lowest possible cost, said Sunway University Business School professor of economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng.
— The Sun Daily

Penang CM: Lower budget means shorter George Town Festival this year
The annual George Town Festival (GTF) that is usually a month long has been cut to 16 days this year due to lower allocations this year. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state only allocated RM3 million for this.
— Malay Mail

Aidilfitri: Students to celebrate thousands of miles away from home
Thanks to the close-knitted community of Malaysians living abroad, Aidilfitri does not feel so lonely for students residing thousands of miles away from home.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Profit-taking stalls KLCI rally ahead of Raya holidays
Investors took some cash off the table on Monday following a bullish week that saw the FBM KLCI put on nearly 50 points.
— The Star Online

Weak global sentiment drags Bursa Malaysia down
Bursa Malaysia opened easier this morning, in tandem with regional peers, with sentiment clouded by the weaker Wall Street performance, as well as growing concerns over the state of global trade.At 9.05am, the key FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 3.51 points to 1,647.25 from .
— The Sun Daily

Are your PCs updated against BlueKeep, the next WannaCry malware? cyber security firm asks Malaysians
A cyber security company today said tens of thousands of Malaysian computer users are vulnerable to a new cyber threat called BlueKeep, similar to a malware called WannaCry that invaded in 2017 and took control of private.
— Malay Mail

Smooth traffic flow on major expressways so far this morning
The flow of traffic on all major highways has been reported to be smooth as at 9am today.PLUS Malaysia Berhad spokesperson when contacted said despite the increase in the number of vehicles on the road, traffic flow towards the north and south was still smooth.
— The Sun Daily

‘Malaysia’s inclusion in US watchlist likely a ploy’
Malaysia’s inclusion in the US Treasury’s monitoring list of potential currency manipulators is likely a ploy by Washington to gain exchange rate competitiveness to boost its exports, say experts.
— The Borneo Post

Raya exodus: Traffic flow increase but still smooth in major highways as at 10.30pm
Despite the traffic flow on major expressways being reported to increase in volume, it was still smooth and under control as at 10.30pm. PLUS Malaysia Berhad spokesman when contacted said heavy traffic was reported on.
— Malay Mail

PM: Federal projects delayed due to lack of funds
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has blamed the delay in the delivery of federal projects in states on the lack of funds. Dr Mahathir said that the constraints were inherited from the Barisan Nasional (BN).
— Malay Mail

Malaysians divided on Maszlee
Things are not going well for Education Minister Maszlee Malik (pix) who has one of the toughest portfolios in the Cabinet.By most accounts, his performance has not been up to par.Petitions calling for his resignation have reportedly garnered substantial support.
— The Sun Daily

Be a registered voter in the area you seek aid from: Lim
Those applying for welfare aid need to ensure they are registered voters in the constituency they are seeking help from.
— New Sarawak Tribune

‘Despicable act’: Malaysia’s top cop warns officers against collecting money for Hari Raya parties
Malaysia’s police chief has issued a stern warning against his officers for collecting money from companies and individuals for Hari Raya celebrations, calling it a “despicable act”.
— Channel NewsAsia

Culture of giving by non-Muslim leaders should not be politicised
The culture of giving among non-Muslim elected representatives during Ramadan in the state is a positive action and should not be politicised, said Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Fama targets RM1 billion sales from farmers’ markets this year
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) aims to achieve RM1 billion in sales this year which will be generated through the farmers’ markets nationwide.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Jakim wants KL conference axed for promoting LGBT rights
The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) called for the cancellation of a gender and sexuality conference in Kuala Lumpur organised by a Sri Lanka organisation.
— Malay Mail

Msia’s first tapir conservation centre to be built in Jelebu
Malaysia’s first tapir conservation centre will be built in the Kenaboi Forest Reserve/State Park, Jelebu in Negeri Sembilan, according to Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) state director,
— New Sarawak Tribune

New, longer route for Malacca River cruise starting November
The Malacca River and Beach Development Corporation will improve the service of Malacca River Cruise (MRC), including by expanding the existing route to make a new and longer one, in a bid to attract more visitors.
— The Sun Daily

DBKL: Only regular Saturday night market allowed on Lorong TAR
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has not authorised any business activity along Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) during Ramadan, except for the usual night market on Saturdays.
— The Star Online

Foreign investors return after 9 weeks of outflow
Foreign investors returned to Bursa Malaysia after nine consecutive weeks of foreign net selling, mopping up RM48.8 million net of local equities last week, the second lowest foreign net inflow thus far for the year.
— The Sun Daily

KLIA’s mishandled baggage team handles 17,000 bags a day
Formerly an air traffic control and communication officer with the RMAF, Hamid was given the task of reducing the average number of mishandled luggage from around 950 pieces a month to just below 150. Last March, his team succeeded in bringing that number down to about 100, which won them an award.
— Star2.com

Two company directors plead guilty to negligence in separate cases
The directors of two different companies pleaded guilty at a Sessions Court here on Monday (June 3) for negligence after one worker died and another sustained injuries in separate cases.
— The Star Online

Come and study in Malaysia, Dr M urges international students
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on international students who are considering their path in education to come and study in Malaysia.
— The Star Online

Malaysia: A pleasant surprise from April trade data
Our view of the USD/MYR exchange rate hovering around the 4.2 level for the rest of the year remains at risk from the havoc that an escalation of the global trade war could wreak on emerging market currencies
— ING

Make sure vehicle in tip-top state before leaving home: Miros
The “balik kampung” rush is well underway now with Hari Raya Aidilfitri just two days away.As the festive season brings with it higher incidences of road accidents, it is imperative that those heading back to their home towns give priority to ensuring their vehicles are in tip-top.
— The Sun Daily

Ewein posts higher Q1 net profit
Ewein Bhd’s net profit rose 9.9% to RM13.24mil in the third quarter ended March 31, against RM12.05mil posted in the same quarter a year ago.
— The Star Online

CIMB, CIMB-CapBridge to provide access to private capital via investment platform, 1X
CIMB Bank Bhd (CIMB) and CapBridge Pte Ltd (CapBridge) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate capital raising and trading of shares for private companies through the CapBridge investment platform and the 1exchange (1X) private securities exchange.
— The Borneo Post

Penang launches experience Penang Year 2020.
The Penang government tonight launched the Penang Experience Year 2020 with tagline The Diversity of Asia to usher in the excitement of Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
— Malay Mail

Malaysian does nation proud by leading company of cadets at West Point
Abdul Halim Abdul Rahim has created history and done the country proud by being the first Malaysian to lead a company of 120 cadets at the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
— The Sun Daily

Free petrol for motorcyclists in Kepong tomorrow, says MP
Motorcyclists in the federal capital will get free petrol refill at the Caltex Petrol Station, Batu 8, Jalan Kepong here from 12 noon to 4pm tomorrow.
— Malay Mail

TNB assures of fast resolve on bill hikes
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has assured consumers that it is doing its best to resolve issues related to the recent sharp spike in billing among some of its customers.”All efforts are focused towards attending to our customers’ concerns based on their reports lodged or complaints.
— The Sun Daily

Committee to advise Housing, Local Govt Ministry on needs of disabled – Zuraida
The Housing and Local Government Ministry is to set up a committee within the next six months to feed it input and advice on the provision of disabled-friendly basic facilities in public building and housing scheme projects.
— The Borneo Post

Milux minorities advised to reject takeover offer
Interpac Securities Sdn Bhd advises Milux Corporation Bhd minority shareholders to reject the takeover offer from Topspike Holdings Sdn Bhd and Asia New Venture Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd (ANVCHSB) at 80 sen per share.
— The Star Online

Zuraida says Adib inquest still on schedule, will pick lawyer after AGC offers names
Zuraida Kamaruddin today said she has the final decision on selecting a suitable lawyer to represent the Housing and Local Government Ministry as well as the Fire and Rescue Department for the inquest of firefighter Muhammad.
— Malay Mail

Takeover offer for Lafarge not fair, not reasonable
YTL Cement Bhd’s mandatory takeover offer of Lafarge Malaysia Bhd at RM3.75 per share is not fair and not reasonable, said AmInvestment Bank Bhd.In its independent advice circular, AmInvestment Bank has recommended shareholders to reject the offer.
— The Sun Daily

PM, M’sian Cabinet’s Aidilfitri Open House at Seri Perdana on first day of Raya
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the entire Malaysian Federal Cabinet will be hosting the Malaysian Aidilfitri Open House at the Seri Perdana Complex here on the first day of Hari Raya. The Prime Minister’s Department in a statement today said the open house will take.
— The Borneo Post

Serial number from pocket money given by wife lands man Sports Toto Jackpot
A 79-year-old retiree who won the Sports Toto 4D Jackpot 1, on May 25, said the idea behind placing bets on the winning numbers ‘1484 and 1311’ came from two RM50 banknotes given to him by his wife.
— The Sun Daily

In Perak, two company directors guilty of negligence leading to death, injury
Two directors of different companies pleaded guilty separately at the Session Court here today of negligence leading to death and severe injury. Teoh Kim Kuan, 46, of Tunas Gemilang TKK Enterprise was charged with negligence in the.
— Malay Mail

Qatar rejects Mecca talks outcome
Qatar’s foreign minister says that Doha rejected the outcome of the recent Mecca talks on mounting regional tensions with Iran as it had not been properly consulted.
— FMT News

OCM: National athletes will pay heavy price if found using banned substances
With the Philippines 2019 SEA Games approaching, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) medical and anti-doping committee chairman, Datuk Dr SS Cheema (pix), warned athletes that they’ll have to face the music if caught using prohibited substances.
— The Sun Daily

Spread the word about dolphins in Santubong — STB
There are indeed dolphins in the Santubong rivermouth and the sea off Damai Beach near here. Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) marketing manager Catherine Huang discloses that except among those in the local tourism sector, not many Kuchingites know about this.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysian Bar says AGC has right to ask for removal of Ministry’s lawyer from Adib’s inquest
The Malaysian Bar says the Attorney-General’s Chambers has all the rights to ask the Housing and Local Government Ministry to remove its legal counsel from the inquest into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia/ Wazari Wazir

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo acknowledges Eid al-Fit, June 4-5.

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).

Malaysia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.