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FRIDAY | JULY 25, 2025

‘Cheaper RON95 eases cost of living, supports economy’

Malaysia focusing on enhancing intra-Asean trade KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is focusing on strengthening the Asean economic framework by boosting intra-Asean trade to ensure the continuity of the region’s agenda, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said that amid growing global uncertainty, emphasis is now being placed on reinforcing regional economic ties to reduce dependence on traditional external trading partners. “We can’t rely too heavily on our traditional trading partners. Within Asean itself, trade among member states is very low, not even reaching 25%. “Therefore, we’ve introduced a framework to ensure that trade among Asean countries is enhanced,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was responding to a supple mentary question from Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) on the key initiatives implemented and planned to ensure the continuity of Asean’s agenda after Malaysia’s chairmanship. Mohamad said key initiatives being pursued include the implementation of Asean Vision 2045, a 20-year plan themed “Our Shared Future”, aimed at raising Asean’s economic standing to be on par with its existing political influence. “We need to enhance economic activities among ourselves … even if we increase (intra-Asean trade) to 30 or 40%, that would be a significant achievement to reduce the dependence of Asean countries, especially Malaysia,” he said. To that end, Mohamad said Malaysia is also diversifying its markets through participation in the BRICS bloc, which represents over 40% of the world’s population and 25% of global gross domestic product, while also promoting a strategic trilateral partnership among Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council and China. “If we can integrate these three major blocs effectively, we have a very promising future. The Gulf countries have strong purchasing power and abundant resources; Asean has a large workforce and rich natural resources; and China has a vast market.” – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: is doubling down on its ambition to become one of Asia’s top medical tourism hubs, and banking on the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026) campaign to draw more high-value health travellers while ensuring affordability and inclusivity remain central to its strategy. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who launched the campaign yesterday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, said Malaysia’s unique value proposition, world-class medical facilities, competitive costs and culturally attuned hospitality, posi tions it strongly against regional heavyweights Thailand and Singa pore. Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com Malaysia

Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

o MIER chairman says govt addressing one of people’s most pressing concerns – transport and fuel expenses

litre currently while fuel sub sidies are rationalised. Anwar said it will benefit around 18 million motorists, including youths as young as 16 and gig economy workers. The prime minister added that full details of the RON95 subsidy mechanism would be announced by the end of Sep tember. “When the RON95 subsidy rationalisation takes effect, Malaysians will enjoy a lower fuel price of RM1.99 per litre,” said Anwar. On a separate matter, Effendi said Malaysia must reassess its growth priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan based on current global trends. “I think agriculture and food security will be a priority,” he said. The sector, he added, has been on the national agenda since the 1970s, but now needs to be reprioritised as a key national focus. “It’s time to turn this into a real national agenda. It’s a major opportunity for Malaysia.” Effendi said that beyond addressing food deficits and import bills, Malaysia has the potential to become a global food producer – similar to its success in palm oil and rubber – by leveraging its expertise, insti tutions such as Mardi, and modern agricultural techno logies. “If we’ve done it with palm oil and rubber, we can do it with food production. But we need a strong, comprehensive modern agriculture plan,” he added. and equity. Separately, he confirmed that Pasir Gudang Hospital is expected to reach 50% operational readiness by year end, with full opening targeted for early 2026, pending staffing and equipment readiness. Dzulkefly also welcomed the government’s move to convert contract doctors to permanent service, saying it would boost morale and retention in the public healthcare system. “This conversion is an incentive for them to stay with us. We will carry it out as soon as possible,” he said. Renowned singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza has been appointed MYMT 2026’s ambassador to help extend Malaysia’s medical tourism message to a broader audience, especially in neighbouring Indonesia where she has strong fan appeal.

KUALA LUMPUR: The govern ment’s move to lower the price of RON95 will help ease living costs and support the economy, said Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi. He said the govern

budget overall. “I think it’s always a balance of government. I think they’re doing their best. Honestly, at least they have a good in tention.” Former MIER chairman Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob also welcomed the move, saying it would provide relief for many Malaysians. “This will help many by reducing transport costs. Real income will improve, and this is good for the general public.” When asked whether the fuel price reduction might affect the national budget, Sulaiman said the impact should be assessed holistically. “Whether it’s a cost or a benefit, if the outcome is posi tive for the economy, then it’s ultimately good for the budget as well.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Wednesday that the price of RON95 petrol will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre for eligible motorists from RM2.05 per

it right ... and looking at this,” he told reporters at

Brown Bag Talk titled “A Journey Through the Looking Glass: Towards Future P r o o f i n g Malaysia’s Food Security” yesterday. Effendi said the government will try to give as much as it can afford to without affecting the national

ment is addressing one of the public’s most pressing concerns – transport and fuel costs. “The govern ment’s considera tion will be, like any thing else, they will look at what are the biggest needs of the people today. In a way, they’re doing

Effendi speaking during MIER’s Brown Bag Talk titled ‘A

Journey Through the Looking Glass: Towards Future-Proofing Malaysia’s Food Security’. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Malaysia to woo high-value health travellers via MYMT 2026 campaign

“When we do our peer comparison regionally, we still believe we are competitive. That is our fighting spirit,” Dzulkefly told reporters at a post launch press conference. Addressing industry worries about the impact of the 6% Sales and Service Tax on healthcare packages, Dzulkefly acknowledged the concern but insisted Malaysia retains a pricing advantage compared to its neigh bours. “Whatever it is, it will leave an impression,” he said. “But we still feel, even with the SST, Malaysia remains competitive in the region.” Malaysia attracted 1.6 million healthcare travellers in 2024, with the bulk coming from Indonesia, India and China. Dzulkefly said while Indonesia would remain the largest market,

Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, naming four hospitals – National Heart Institute, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre – as top contenders. The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), which is the organiser and lead agency behind the campaign, said these flagship insti tutions set benchmarks in clinical excellence, innovation and inter national patient services. The campaign aligns with MHTC’s RM12 billion revenue target by 2030, building on a 21% jump in medical tourism revenue in 2024 to RM2.72 billion. Dzulkefly said Malaysia’s role as chair of the Asean Health Ministers Meeting in 2026 will provide a platform to lead regional con versations on cross-border healthcare

MYMT 2026 will aim to diversify catchment markets to reduce reliance on traditional sources and tap new segments in the Middle East and Europe. “We will continue to grow, not just depending on the three countries mentioned earlier,” he said. “There is a pull factor we can create for other markets.” Dzulkefly highlighted cardio thoracic surgery, in-vitro fertilisation and oncology as Malaysia’s flagship specialties, while also pushing tradi tional and complementary medicine to differentiate Malaysia’s offerings. “This gives us very high added value alongside our state-of-the-art quality that is affordable and accessible,” he said. “Trust and compassion are syno nymous with our healthcare tourism.” The event also spotlighted the