20/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 20, 2025

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Malaysians to pay less for RON95 by month-end

Halal industry key contributor to economy: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to position the halal industry as a cornerstone of its economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said it would feature prominently in trade, investment missions and bilateral talks. Speaking at the opening of the Global Halal Summit, held alongside the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas), Anwar said halal is a universal economic model that could bridge both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim markets. “For example, at the recent KazanForum in Russia, I highlighted Malaysia’s expertise in halal certification and offered our support to strengthen global halal standards. At the BRICS Leaders Summit in Brazil, I urged both Brazilian and Malaysian companies to seize business opportunities in the halal industry.” Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s leading position in the Global Islamic Economic Indicator, topping the ranking for 11 consecutive years. “Malaysia’s excellence is particularly evident in Islamic finance, halal food, media and recreation. This is the result of the government’s concerted efforts to position the halal industry as one of the central pillars of the nation’s strategic growth.” He said the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 set a clear roadmap for Malaysia to become the world’s leading halal hub, Bernama reported. “I must stress that the drivers of the growth of the halal industry are MSMEs.” Anwar said under the 13th Malaysia Plan, significant funds have been allocated to the sector, which is projected to contribute RM231 billion to GDP by 2030, driven by food, finance and tourism. “By way of comparison, the global halal market is valued at over RM16.02 trillion and is expected to reach RM22.88 trillion by 2030.” He said exports of halal products and services are set to reach RM80 billion by 2030. “By leveraging on digital technologies, Malaysian companies can enhance operational efficiency, broaden market reach and unlock new opportunities in the digital economy and cross-border trade. “I am pleased to share that Mihas will fully leverage on the Madani Digital Trade (MDT) platform, an AI-driven system designed to optimise cross-border business matching, particularly for Malaysian halal exporters and importers, including MSMEs.” Anwar said with big data analytics, cloud computing and AI, MDT is set to evolve into an intelligent trade platform and a game-changer for Malaysia’s halal industry. He also called on the international community to embrace halal as a values-driven system. Mihas is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. 1959, National Security Council Act 2016 and the Official Secrets Act 1972, which allow authorities to designate and safeguard critical facilities. Malaysia’s Comprehensive Defence policy emphasises shared responsibility among the government, private sector and the public. On Sept 9, the National Security Council moved to tighten security at the Bintulu complex following reports of threats targeting LNG facilities. The next day, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof confirmed that Petronas’ LNG facilities in Sarawak and Sabah had been placed under heightened security after an employee at its headquarters received an alarming SMS from a number registered in Indonesia. The message warned that LNG plants would be set on fire if certain demands were not met. The police are working with Indonesian police to identify the sender and investigate the threat.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are set to pay less at the pump as RON95 petrol will fall to RM1.99 per litre by the end of this month under the government’s targeted subsidy scheme, a move economists say will ease household expenses, increase purchasing power and support domestic spending. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced the price cut in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. “Although it took some time, Alhamdulillah , the prime minister has kept his word. Insya-Allah , every promise made will be implemented for the benefit of Malaysians.” Saifuddin Nasution reminded Malaysians to ensure that their MyKad is functioning properly as the subsidy would only be applied when the card is used for identity verification at petrol stations. Citizens with damaged or unreadable chips can have them replaced on the same day at any National Registration Department office or counter nationwide. “The Madani government remains committed to assisting the people, safeguarding the welfare of all groups and promoting economic growth with integrity and responsibility.” Economists welcomed the move, noting its benefits for households and the broader economy. “From the people’s perspective, those receiving the subsidy will feel happy. Previously, when RON95 was RM2.50, they could buy less fuel with the same amount of money. Now at RM1.99, they can buy more, effectively increasing their purchasing power,” said Universiti Putra Malaysia associate professor Dr Ida Md Yasin. She said not all Malaysians would benefit equally as the subsidy depends on MyKad verification. “From the government’s perspective, subsidies mean allocating funds to lower the prices of retail goods. With targeted subsidies, not all Malaysians will receive them. So, there is some cost balancing involved. Whether this is sustainable in the long-term depends on the government’s fiscal space and priorities.” Universiti Teknologi Mara economist Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said cheaper fuel reduces transport costs and prices of basic goods, stimulating domestic spending and easing inflationary pressures. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: The Bintulu liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex in Sarawak is more than an industrial facility – it is the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and a cornerstone of regional energy security. Recent threats against the complex have raised alarms, highlighting both its economic weight and its strategic significance. Universiti Tenaga Nasional Institute of Energy Policy and Research director Dr Nora Yusma Mohamed Yusoff said Malaysia’s LNG exports, particularly from Bintulu, remain central to the country’s prosperity and Asia’s energy stability. “LNG fuels Malaysia’s economy, secures Sarawak’s prosperity and ensures the energy security of our regional partners. “And as long as the lights stay on in Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai, Malaysia’s LNG from Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Ensure MyKad chip readable as subsidy would only be applied when identity verified at petrol stations: Minister

The cheaper RON95 petrol price is expected to ease household expenses, increase purchasing power and support domestic spending. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

move is beneficial despite short-term drawbacks. “The targeted RON95 subsidy may have negative effects for one or two years but in the long-term, it allows the government to channel funds to other sectors such as education and healthcare.”

“Effects must be monitored to avoid long-term price distortions.” He said targeted subsidies are more sustainable than blanket measures but require long-term fiscal reforms. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia economist Assoc Prof Dr Noor Azuan Hashim said the

Bintulu LNG complex backbone of national economy, energy security

investor confidence and geopolitical standing. “Strategically, the Bintulu complex sits close to the South China Sea, one of the world’s most contested maritime zones. “Ensuring uninterrupted LNG exports not only protects Malaysia’s economic reputation but also strengthens its role in Asia’s energy security architecture.” Universiti Utara Malaysia defence and geopolitical expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Faisol Keling said facilities of such scale fall under the category of “soft targets” that require constant protection. “Every infrastructure development must comply with regulations to ensure security is not neglected. “Strategic facilities like LNG plants are not only economic assets but also national security priorities, just like dams, oil rigs, highways and railways.” He said security planning relies on laws, including the Prohibited Areas and Places Act

Bintulu will remain at the heart of Asia’s energy story.” The Bintulu complex is one of the largest single-site LNG facilities in the world, with a production capacity of 29.3 million tonnes a year. LNG contributes more than 40% of Sarawak’s gross exports. It generated RM56.4 billion in trade value in 2024, making LNG the state’s biggest export earner. Japan, China and South Korea are among its top buyers, with Japan alone importing RM25.4 billion of LNG from Sarawak last year. Nora Yusma warned that any disruption would have immediate and far-reaching consequences. “For Sarawak, it will mean a sharp drop in export revenues amounting to tens of billions of ringgit annually, while Malaysia’s overall trade balance and fiscal revenue will also be hit. She added that uninterrupted LNG exports are critical for Malaysia’s economic stability,