05/08/2025

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TUESDAY | AUG 5, 2025

‘We do not sacrifice national interests for special treatment’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not sacrifice national interests to obtain special treatment, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said, adding that bilateral negotiations with the United States recently maintained the country’s unique policies. He said preserving the country’s unique policies includes protections for strategic industries and Bumi putera provisions. “The United States grants Malaysia equivalent rates because of the recognition of Malaysia’s importance as a major trading partner and Malaysia’s ability to offer quality trade and investment commitments, even without fully opening all sectors.” “Malaysia also demonstrates its significant position as a stable, competitive, and trusted country in the global supply chain,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday during a ministerial briefing on reciprocal trade negotiations with the US. Tengku Zafrul emphasised that achieving the new rate demonstrated that developing countries like Malaysia can access international trade without succumbing to absolute liberalisation pressures. “This model also serves as an example to regional countries that

by Jakim,” he said. Tengku Zafrul stressed that claims Malaysia will just immediately re cognise US halal certificates is baseless, misleading and malicious and do not reflect the actual facts agreed on in the negotiations. He noted that it was agreed during the negotiations to facilitate the process of certification and regis tration of facilities for the export of dairy, meat and meat products, as well as poultry and poultry products from the US to Malaysia based on domestic regulations that have been established. Both countries also agreed to enhance their commitments and enforcement on issues related to intellectual property rights, labour, the environment, and sustainable fisheries management. – Bernama

Malaysia’s main sources of foreign investment for 2024, amounting to RM32.82 billion. On a separate matter, Tengku Zafrul said the government only permits the importation of meat and meat products as well as poultry and poultry products that have obtained halal certificates from US halal certification bodies that comply with halal standards set by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). He added that the government will not compromise on the matter and continues to uphold halal standards that adhere to syariah law in order to safeguard the interests of Muslim consumers in Malaysia. “The facilitation being offered here only relates to the monitoring and verification carried out by US halal certification bodies recognised

o Recent negotiations with the US preserved Malaysia’s unique policies, including protections for strategic industries and Bumiputera provisions: Tengku Zafrul

the outcomes of the negotiations and the commitments mutually agreed upon. “This statement will be issued soon. Both sides will also continue discussions on the details of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement that needs to be ratified to ensure all commitments are implemented,” he added. The US is Malaysia’s largest export destination, with an export value of RM198.65 billion, and one of

‘red lines’ can be defended if the country is clear about its values, strategies, and commitments offered,” he said. On Aug 1, the new US tariff rate for Malaysia was announced at 19%, a six percentage point reduction compared to the rate announced on July 7. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia and the US are in the process of reaching an agreement on a joint statement that encompasses

M’sia launches forum ahead of Asean energy meeting

Purchase of Boeing aircraft part of MAG’s long-term plan KUALA LUMPUR: The acquisition of Boeing aircraft by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is part of a long-term, phased plan to renew and expand the fleet’s capacity, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The minister emphasised that MAG’s purchase of Boeing aircraft was not a decision made abruptly or due to tariff pressures. He said the decision was based on the need to replace the Boeing 737-800 planes, which have been in operation for an average of 14 years, to ensure the company’s operational safety and sustainability. “In 2016, MAG placed an initial order for 25 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Since November 2023, 13 planes have been received, with the remainder to be delivered progressively until 2027. “On March 20, 2025, MAG finalised an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with deliveries expected to take place from 2025 to 2035,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday during the ministerial briefing on reciprocal trade negotiations with the United States. Tengku Zafrul also mentioned that there are 30 more aircraft currently in the planning category, with decisions to be made based on MAG’s future growth strategies and plans. “The value of this acquisition covers not only the aircraft price but also includes engine costs, training, maintenance, and long-term support,” he added. Tengku Zafrul pointed out that Malaysia’s aerospace industry would benefit from this decision, with Boeing having long been a key partner in the sector, including through Boeing Composites Malaysia in Kedah, which supports Boeing’s global supply chain and provides employment opportunities for local communities. “Malaysian companies such as CTRM, Upeca, SME Aerospace, Plexus, and others are important suppliers of Boeing and Airbus components. Malaysia’s aerospace industry contributed RM25.1 billion in 2024 and supports 30,000 jobs nationwide. – Bernama

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has officially launched the Asean Energy Business Forum 2025 (AEBF 2025), setting the stage for the region’s most significant clean energy platform ahead of the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting in October. The forum will focus on advancing the Enhanced Asean Power Grid and mobilising the massive investment needed for the region’s energy transition. Organised by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation in collaboration with the Asean Centre for Energy, the three-day event will take place from Oct 15 to 17 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It will gather energy ministers, policymakers, investors and technology providers from across Asean and beyond to explore solutions for a sustainable and interconnected energy future. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship this year, under the theme “Asean 2025: Inclusivity and Sustainability”, provides a timely platform to accelerate collective action on clean energy and integration. “Energy is a vital enabler of regional economic integration and inclusive development. The Asean Power Grid is not merely an infrastructure project, it is a symbol of Asean solidarity and a concrete pathway to enable more renewable energy integration, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and create resilient energy systems,” he said in his keynote address. Fadillah described AEBF as more than a conference, calling it “a marketplace of ideas, a platform for partnership, and a catalyst for innovation” that will showcase technologies and investment opportunities in areas such as grid modernisation, green hydrogen, energy efficiency and carbon markets. He said the forum is crucial as Asean transitions from the current Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2021– 2025 into the 2026–2035 phase. “This is a pivotal

Fadillah delivering his speech at the launch of Asean Energy Business Forum 2025 . – BERNAMAPIC

participation not only from Asean but also from dialogue partners in the West and the East, reflecting global interest in the region’s fast growing energy market. “Where else can you see all ten Asean ministers and major industry players convene in one venue? This forum will showcase technologies, foster business to business networking and provide insights into the latest innovations driving the shift to cleaner energy,” he said. Topics expected to be discussed include renewable energy, civilian nuclear power, electric mobility, smart grids and carbon markets. Malaysia aims for the forum to deliver tangible outcomes aligned with the Asean Community Vision 2045 and Malaysia Madani principles, which prioritise sustainability, inclusivity and shared prosperity. “We envision a forum that does not just discuss ideas but sparks collaborations, accelerates investment flows and supports real outcomes,” Fadillah said. “Let us power Asean’s future through partnership, bridge our boundaries through innovation and build shared prosperity through sustainability.”

turning point to intensify efforts in accelerating the clean energy transition, enhancing energy security and expanding access, especially in under served communities.” A key outcome expected in October is the signing of the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding on the Asean Power Grid, which will formalise cooperation on multilateral electricity trade, standardisation and regulatory harmonisation. Speaking at a press conference, Fadillah said all Asean countries have indicated support for the initiative. “The agreement will spell out the roadmap and how we harmonise standards, regu lations and the business model for cross border energy exchange. Only with one standard can interoperability be achieved.” He added that the details would be worked out at the senior officials’ level, but stressed the importance of moving from vision to action. “Without energy, there is no way Asean can achieve what we aspire to be, a prosperous region with shared prosperity that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable,” he said. Fadillah noted that AEBF 2025 will draw