30/10/2025

THURSDAY | OCT 30, 2025

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Trump dance generates global publicity for M’sia

Philippine president lauds nation’s Asean chairmanship KUALA LUMPUR: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has commended Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, describing it as “a very full agenda” that reflects Putrajaya’s proactive role in steering the bloc through global challenges. “He (Anwar) was able to complete most, if not all, of what he had planned. He kept us all busy. “The inclusion of Timor-Leste as a full member of Asean is a significant step. It is consistent with our desire to be inclusive and to have as many partners as we can,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. Marcos was in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, which concluded on Tuesday. He also called on Asean to look beyond its traditional partners and engage new countries that share its vision for regional peace, stability and cooperation. He said Asean’s expanding network under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation reflects the region’s growing diplomatic reach, extending beyond its partners and full members. He added that Asean should focus on engaging with “non-traditional partners” in trade, geopolitics and diplomacy to remain relevant and resilient. Marcos also said relations between the Philippines and Malaysia have evolved significantly, underscoring the importance of trust and open communication between both leaders. Describing his relationship with Anwar as “open and easy,” he said such rapport has enabled both sides to address bilateral matters with transparency and mutual respect. “On a personal level, we are friends. But we do not allow other issues to get in the way of what we think is necessary for moving forward.” Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Malaysia date back to 1959. Malaysia officially handed over the Asean chairmanship to the Philippines on Tuesday, with Anwar symbolically passing a gavel to Marcos, setting the stage for Manila’s stewardship in 2026. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1.12 million Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members have made voluntary contributions of RM14.13 billion as of August, according to the Finance Ministry. In a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, it said EPF has introduced various channels to make it easier for members to contribute and strengthen their retirement savings. “As of August, a total of 227,000 EPF members have registered to contribute more than the statutory employee contribution rate.” It was responding to a question from Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang) on the government’s plans to encourage more Malaysians to open EPF accounts. The ministry said for the first half of 2025, the i-Saraan programme recorded total contributions of RM2.8 billion from 487,375 members. “Additionally, about 158,000 husbands have joined the i-Sayang programme, involving total contribution transfers of RM309.4 million as of August.” – Bernama Voluntary EPF contributions surpass RM14b

RM7,000 per visit to Malaysia. “Imagine if even a portion of the 47 million tourists we are targeting spend at that level. The benefits would reach hotels, food and beverage outlets, retail, handicraft sectors and even the media. When tourism grows, the whole nation gains.” Nga said Malaysians themselves play a crucial role in shaping visitor impressions, especially in a social media age in which experiences are easily recorded and shared. “What the public can do is simple – do not litter, keep shared spaces clean and showcase what makes Malaysia unique. Tourists need good stories, and Malaysia has plenty of them.” Nga added that Kuala Lumpur has also improved in global rankings, moving from 74th to 65th place in the Smart City World Ranking and remaining among the top 10 most visited cities in the world, according to Mastercard’s Global Destination Index. “Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan – we are one. This diversity is our strength and that must continue to be our message to the world.”

o Video of spontaneous act by US president upon arrival for Asean Summit widely highlighted on social media

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

comes as Malaysia aims to draw millions of international visitors next year. “President Trump himself said Malaysia is a great country with amazing people, incredible infrastructure and vibrant culture. “The world is watching Malaysia. We must be ready to receive that attention in a positive way,” he said after the I Lite U project pre-launch yesterday. According to Tourism Malaysia, the country is targeting 47 million international tourist arrivals and RM160 billion in tourism revenue in 2026. Nga said Malaysia is well-positioned to benefit economically, provided visitors have positive experiences during their stay. He cited feedback from the China Embassy that Chinese tourists spend an average of

KUALA LUMPUR: The sight of United States President Donald Trump dancing to local music during his visit to Malaysia for the 47th Asean Summit has lit up social media globally. The spontaneous act, moments after his arrival, has also been widely highlighted by media outlets worldwide. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the video was even featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , and unexpectedly gave Malaysia a global publicity boost just as the nation is gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He said the video, that has been viewed more than 50 billion times across platforms,

RM4 million allocated to light up Bukit Bintang KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM4 million to implement the I Lite U project in Bukit Bintang, aimed at transforming the city’s busiest commercial district into a smart and sustainable night-time zone ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. of 2026. “Tourism is now Malaysia’s second-largest source of national income. If we do this well, the positive effects will reach all sectors, from hotels and food and beverage to media and the creative industries.” Nga and Maimunah flanking a mascot during the pre-launch of the I Lite U project in Bukit Bintang yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

He added that the I Lite U project design draws inspiration from Tokyo’s Ginza district and Singapore’s Orchard Road. “Our benchmark is clear. Allocation has been given. Now, it’s time to perform and deliver,” he said, adding that City Hall would determine the contractors and oversee implementation. Earlier, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the lighting upgrade forms part of Kuala Lumpur’s shift towards a low-carbon, pedestrian-friendly city. “Each light installed is not just illumination but a symbol of safety, inclusivity and the wellbeing of both residents and visitors.” She said the initiative is part of City Hall’s long term plan to enhance walkability, night-time identity and public space accessibility in the capital. The project is being implemented under a 4P (public-private-people partnership) model involving the ministry and City Hall, together with Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Bukit Bintang KLCC Tourism Association as strategic partners, and supported by Tourism Malaysia. – By Faiz Ruzman

Nga confirmed that Jalan Bukit Bintang would be temporarily closed on Jan 3, 2026, to make way for what he described as the district’s first cultural street parade, and advised visitors to use public transport to ensure smooth travel. “There will be cultural performances along the entire stretch of Bukit Bintang. This will be the first time a parade of this scale is held here. “We chose Jan 3 because the Christmas and New Year crowds are already very heavy. “This date spreads the celebration across the long weekend.” He said the event is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh invited as a guest of honour. Nga said the initiative would also involve SWCorp and Alam Flora in daily waste management and recycling activities throughout the event.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the I Lite U (Innovative Lighting Infrastructure Towards Eco-Elegance Urbanisation) initiative is designed to enhance Kuala Lumpur’s night-time experience and strengthen its international appeal. “This is not just a lighting project. It’s about making Kuala Lumpur more vibrant, safe and sustainable. “We want Bukit Bintang to shine as the heartbeat of Malaysia’s tourism and cultural identity,”he said during the project’s pre-launch at Dadi Cinema in Pavilion Bukit Bintang yesterday. Nga said the Housing and Local Government Ministry has allocated RM2 million for the initiative, with Kuala Lumpur City Hall matching the amount, bringing the total to RM4 million. He said the project forms part of the government’s tourism recovery agenda ahead