Institutions Over Barrels: Why Petronas Matters to Malaysia’s Energy Security

By Samirul Ariff

Public discussion about energy often begins with a simple question: how much oil does a country possess? Yet this question, while intuitive, can be misleading. The real determinant of energy security is not merely the quantity of hydrocarbons beneath the ground, but the institutions and systems that govern their extraction, transport and distribution. Malaysia’s experience illustrates this principle clearly.

AM Best Downgrades Petronas Captive Insurer ENERGAS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- AM Best has downgraded the financial strength rating to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating to “a-” (Excellent) from “a” (Excellent) of Malaysia’s Energas Insurance (L) Limited (ENERGAS).

Elevated Crude Oil Prices Will Result In Some Mixed Outcomes - Petronas

By Nor Baizura Basri

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- Petronas said the elevated crude oil prices resulting from the US-Iran conflict are expected to produce some mixed outcomes for the company.

Govt Raises Pepper Industry Allocation To RM45.8 Mln In 2026 -- Noraini

BATU PAHAT, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has increased the allocation for the development of the pepper industry to RM45.8 million in 2026 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), compared to RM21.4 million last year.

RON95 Can Hold At RM1.99 Amid Oil Price Surge But Fiscal Pressure May Rise, Says Economist

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia may be able to maintain the price of RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per litre even if global oil prices rise amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, but doing so could increase fiscal pressure and affect fiscal consolidation plans, said an economist.

US-Iran Escalation Keeps Oil Prices Firm, Lifts Palm Oil Outlook -- MPOC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Prolonged conflict in the Middle East could sustain a price floor for crude oil through 2026, lending underlying support to palm oil prices and reinforcing firmer trends across the global edible oils market.

MOSTI Focuses On Integrated Circuit Design, High Value Technology To Improve Country's Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) through MIMOS Bhd is focusing on integrated circuit (IC) design, advanced packaging and high-value technology to increase the complexity of the country's economy.

Middle East Tensions Rattle Markets; Malaysia’s Strong Fundamentals Offer Buffer, Says Economist

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The Middle East conflict, particularly disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered heightened volatility in global markets, with investors shifting towards safe-haven assets amid concerns over energy supply security.

APAC Commodity Issuers Likely To See Divergent Effects With Prolonged Iran Conflict - Fitch Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Asia-Pacific commodity issuers are likely to see divergent credit effects if the Iran conflict prolongs Gulf energy supply and shipping disruption, global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings said today.

National Semiconductor Strategy Draws RM59.85 Mln Investments for Jan 2024-Sept 2025 -- Sim

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The implementation of Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) has recorded an inflow of investment for the sector worth RM59.85 billion for the period from January 2024 to September 2025. 

Aqina Fruits Sees Pineapple Exports Soar To RM2.68 Mln In 2025

JOHOR BAHRU, March 1 (Bernama) -- Pineapple producer and exporter Aqina Fruits Sdn Bhd saw a nearly fourfold jump in export value in 2025 to RM2.68 million, increasing significantly from RM628,000 in 2024.

Sarawak To Host Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference In June

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2026, from June 9–11 in Kuching, Sarawak, aims to position the region as a competitive and resilient green hydrogen hub in support of Malaysia’s and Sarawak’s low-carbon ambitions.