KUCHING: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) revealed that the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) will remain at 2.75 per cent as the Middle East conflict raises downside risks and market volatility. Building on the strengths of 2025, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policy Committee said global growth is expected to continue to be
KUALA LUMPUR: Mastercard has completed its first live agentic transaction in Malaysia, with AI booking and paying for a ride. Mastercard Country Manager, Malaysia, Beena Pothen, said AI-driven payments need safeguards built in. “With Agent Pay, we’re embedding trust, authentication and transparency directly into AI-driven payments. In collaboration with CIMB
KUCHING: An oil-price spike can still hit Malaysia through higher import bills and rising business costs. Sunway University Business School Professor of Economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng said while Malaysians may be shielded from the immediate effects of oil price shocks through government fuel subsidies, higher world energy prices will
KUCHING: Higher crude prices could force tough subsidy choices even as the ringgit holds firm. Bank Muamalat chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the closure of the Straits of Hormuz and the closure of airspace in the Middle East could disrupt international trade and raise costs. “Fuel prices
KUCHING: The Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) backs Sarawak’s Federal Court petition to clarify oil and gas jurisdiction. The SCCI said the move seeks vital judicial clarification on the constitutional applicability of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), the Continental Shelf Act 1966, and the Petroleum Mining Act
KUCHING: Cashing out Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) dividends for ‘Raya’ may cut retirement balances by more than half. Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia (MUST) economist, Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai, said the proposal raises a trade-off between short-term withdrawals and retirement protection. The debate follows Arau Member of Parliament, Datuk
KUCHING: Malaysia’s sustainable finance push is accelerating but smaller firms are still being left behind. Universiti Malaya Department of Finance Associate Professor Dr Rozaimah Zainudin and Monash University (Malaysia) School of Business Associate Professor Dr Karren Lee-Hwei Khaw said smaller firms still face uneven access. They added that regulators are
Firms that build efficiency and diversify markets stand strongest when global shocks hit KUCHING: A 10 per cent US tariff could deliver an early jolt to Sarawak’s export engine before firms have time to recalibrate. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) senior lecturer Dr Dzul Hadzwan Husaini said the immediate impact would
BUSINESS matching only works when companies are ready to transact after the first conversation. The recent leadership conference WE2025: Future in Motion, Women in Trade, Investment & Leadership held at MITEC Kuala Lumpur on 25 – 27 November 2025, reported a huge opportunity of RM109 million in potential trade and
KUCHING: Hilton Hotel Kuching is bringing the taste of Xi’an to its Ramadan buffet this year. Hilton Kuching’s General Manager, Adrian The, said the buffet takes its cue from Xi’an street food, shaped by the influence of the Muslim community there, with many of the flavours brought from the city.