BUSINESSES and investors in Sarawak were urged to prioritise clarity and regulatory certainty as Malaysia navigates global trade disruptions, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions.
The forum, ‘Navigating Trade Uncertainty: Malaysia’s Response to Global Tariff Policies and Geopolitical Conflicts’, held during the Sarawak Budget Conference 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, highlighted Malaysia’s strategies for ensuring business continuity and stability in an increasingly complex global economic environment.
Datuk Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General of Trade at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), addressed concerns on SME support and regulatory guidance.
She explained that the government will provide training and resources to help businesses engage with foreign partners and navigate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements.
“We will provide all the training, all the information for how to communicate with countries, especially on the ESG regulatory issues,” she said.
Mastura also reassured stakeholders that Malaysia’s trade commitments, including commercial agreements, are structured to safeguard national sovereignty.
“There are elements in the agreement that could raise questions. We invite stakeholders to consult our team for clarification, and negotiators are confident it will not affect Malaysia’s sovereignty,” she added.
Dr Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics, International Relations, and Economics, emphasised the need for policy certainty, continuity, and predictability, which are critical for business planning and investor confidence.
She highlighted that unresolved legal and regulatory issues, particularly in sectors such as energy, can hinder business operations.
“Ultimately, the businesses need that kind of clarity to operate. Ultimately, it’s about policy certainty, continuity and predictability,” she said.
Tricia also highlighted the opportunities arising from global uncertainties, noting that Malaysia and Sarawak have the potential to establish themselves as credible regional leaders.
“With every crisis comes an opportunity. It is our time for both Malaysia and Sarawak in particular to shine, to be the regional leader, narrow the credibility gap that we may have with the rest of the world, and achieve regulatory consistency because policy stability is what the world wants to see,” she added.
Azizul Amiluddin, Non-resident Senior Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), discussed Malaysia’s financial resilience, particularly the Ringgit’s performance amid global market volatility.
He reassured stakeholders that fluctuations in the ringgit are largely reflective of underlying economic fundamentals and cautioned against overreacting to temporary currency movements.
“Financial markets, especially during crises, are noisy. There is no need to pressure the government or Bank Negara to do anything dramatic,” he said.
The forum provided a platform for Sarawak businesses to better understand the complexities of international trade, emphasising the importance of proactive engagement with authorities, informed planning, and adherence to regulatory requirements in navigating an unpredictable global environment.
