China’s Hainan FTP Marks Major Liberalisation Move, Spurring Potential Gains For Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), which will officially begin island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18, 2025, is yet another testament to China’s continued economic liberalisation, in contrast to the United States’ policy directions.

2025 Tax Trinity: US Tariffs, SST Expansion and E-invoicing

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- 2025 will be remembered as the “tariff year”, no thanks to the unexpected United States (US) tariffs that shook markets worldwide, with Malaysia not spared.

Upgrade Of Malaysia's Illicit Finance Rating Reflects Whole-Of-Nation Effort -- BNM Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The Financial Action Task Force’s move to upgrade Malaysia’s status to “Regular Follow-Up” status, the highest category under the mutual evaluation process, reflects a whole-of-nation commitment and efforts, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said today.

Malaysia Made Significant Achievement In 1MDB Money Laundering Probe - Watchdog

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The complex money laundering investigations related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) are a significant achievement and demonstrate enhanced coordination between various law enforcement agencies (LEAs), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

Watchdog Upgrades Malaysia’s Illicit Finance Rating, Urges More Laundering Prosecutions

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Global financial crime watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) in a report published today, revealed that Malaysia has further strengthened its defences against illicit finance since 2015, notably by enhancing its legal framework and supervision of financial and non-financial sectors.

Malaysia's Lonpac Insurance Credit Ratings Affirmed As Excellent - AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed Malaysia’s Lonpac Insurance Bhd (Lonpac) financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent).

Palm Oil Sector Well-positioned To Participate In Carbon Market -- Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the palm oil sector is well-positioned to participate in the carbon market, having already embedded sustainability and circular-economy practices across its value chain.

AM Best Affirms ‘Good’ Credit Ratings For New Zealand’s Provident Insurance

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb-” (Good) for New Zealand’s Provident Insurance Corporation Limited (PICL), with a stable outlook on these credit ratings (ratings).

IATA Optimistic On Malaysia’s Aviation Outlook As Regional Recovery Accelerates

From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

GENEVA, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) remains upbeat about Malaysia’s aviation recovery in 2026 as the country stands to benefit from the Asia-Pacific market - the world’s fastest-growing air travel region.

Indonesia's TUGU Credit Ratings Affirmed, Outlook Revised To Stable - AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed PT Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia Tbk (TUGU)’s financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” (Excellent), while revising the outlooks from negative to stable.

e-Invoice Exemption Raised To RM1 Mln Boosts Entrepreneurs’ Competitiveness

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The government's move to raise the e-invoice exemption threshold from RM500,000 to RM1 million starting next year is expected to encourage entrepreneurs to become more competitive in advancing their businesses.

Fitch's Affirmation Of Malaysia's Ratings Bolstered By Sterling Performance Across Key ESG Indicators — PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Fitch Ratings’ affirmation of Malaysia’s sovereign credit ratings at BBB+ with a ‘stable’ outlook is bolstered by the country’s sterling performance across key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators.