30/03/2026

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Malaysia committed to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza: PM PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised the global “indifference and hypocrisy” over Gaza, saying Malaysia will continue to uphold a principled stand in defending Palestinians while facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. beginning April, following assurances from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi that access would be facilitated through the Rafah border crossing. The Rafah crossing remains one of the few critical entry points for aid into Gaza where humanitarian conditions have worsened amid ongoing restrictions and conflict.

Employment pass issues for tech talent being addressed PUTRAJAYA: The Digital Ministry has assured that issues related to the processing of Employment Pass (EP) for technology talent are being actively and comprehensively scrutinised to ensure the smooth running of the global business services (GBS) ecosystem. The ministry said it takes a serious view of the concerns raised by industry stakeholders, with various engagement sessions being actively implemented in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). “This approach aims to fully understand the concerns raised, in addition to identifying suitable short-and long-term improvement measures,” it said in a statement yesterday. It added that the GBS sector is one of the key drivers of the nation’s digital economy, contributing significantly to investment inflows, high-value job creation and the strengthening of Malaysia’s position as a competitive regional digital hub. It said the MDEC has intensified efforts to address a significant surge in new applications, including increasing manpower capacity to meet growing demand. “In addition, the MDEC is also engaging closely with key industry associations, such as GBS Malaysia (Digital Global Business Services Council Malaysia, a chapter of Pikom) and Contact Centre Association of Malaysia, to apprise stakeholders of the latest development.” The ministry emphasised its commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination while implementing ongoing improvement processes to further accelerate smoother approvals. “Further updates will be provided from time to time in line with its review and engagement with all the relevant parties.” – Bernama Anwar also called on Malaysians to pray for the smooth and safe delivery of the aid to the people of Gaza. which continues to hinder humanitarian efforts.” He said Malaysia would remain resolute in defending the rights of the oppressed and ensuring that assistance reaches those in need despite mounting global challenges. KUALA LUMPUR: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the people and ensuring the stability of commodity prices despite rising global oil prices following the conflict in West Asia. In a post on its Facebook page yesterday, the Finance Ministry said the government is continuing its efforts through the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) and the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) which provide targeted fuel subsidies for the land and water public transport sectors as well as the transportation of selected goods. “These measures help keep transportation costs under control and ensure that commodity prices remain stable.” According to an infographic shared, the retail price of subsidised petrol under SKPS for public transport and goods transportation has been maintained at RM2.05 per litre. Under SKDS the subsidised diesel price for the land transport sector remains at RM1.88 per litre while diesel price for goods transportation continues to be capped at RM2.15 per litre. It said it would continue to monitor global developments and adopt a prudent approach to protect the well-being of the people. – Bernama Efforts to stabilise commodity prices

Anwar stressed that Malaysia would not yield to obstacles, particularly those posed by the Israeli regime, in its efforts to deliver aid. “Malaysia will never bow to any barrier, especially from the Zionist Israeli regime

“President El-Sisi has given a clear guarantee and commitment to ease access, enabling urgent assistance to reach more than 100,000 residents in Gaza who are in dire need,” Anwar said in a statement.

He said Malaysia is set to channel 374 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Gaza

Rise in fuel prices impacting domestic tourism o Higher living expenses due to increase in petrol, diesel costs forcing consumers to limit discretionary travel: Academic

than abandoning travel altogether. “The community does not see this as a reason to stop travelling. Instead, they are adjusting to be more prudent and efficient. “More people are planning routes carefully, combining multiple locations into single trips, sharing logistics in convoys and reducing unnecessary movement.” Tourism operators and rental services are also reshaping offerings, focusing on short distance trips, weekend packages and cost friendly local camping concepts. Farman highlighted the importance of user education in reducing fuel consumption, including prudent driving, load management and careful trip planning. He urged policymakers to support the sector through practical measures, particularly those aligned with the Visit Malaysia Year initiatives. “The challenge of rising fuel prices highlights the need to strengthen the RV tourism ecosystem, including more RV-friendly stops, overnight parking and an organised campsite network. Toll discounts for caravan users, who currently pay Class 3 rates, could also help. “Improving basic facilities and RV infrastructure will allow travellers to continue supporting domestic tourism despite rising costs.” Farman added that introducing locally produced motor campers could further cut fuel consumption and operating expenses. “Collaboration among operators through shared logistics, combined packages, targeted marketing, seasonal discounts and flexible bookings can also help attract price-sensitive domestic tourists.”

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

expenses in fuel, maintenance and logistics. “Many operators are forced to pass these costs on to customers through higher package prices. But in a climate of shrinking demand this can backfire, risking reduced bookings and competitiveness.” For Mohd Rahimi, keeping Malaysia’s tourism resilient requires operators to adopt innovative strategies. “Operators need to optimise operations with technology, for example, smart booking systems and efficient route management can reduce fuel usage. “Value-based tourism products, including short-haul packages, ecotourism and community-based experiences, provide affordable options.” Road-based tourism, particularly the recreational vehicle (RV) and camper van sector, is feeling the pinch of lower demand sharply. Malaysia Motorhome and Caravan Association president Farman Othman said the industry is highly exposed because its entire ecosystem depends on road travel. “With fuel costs rising, RV owners, rental users and tour package operators are naturally more cautious in planning trips this year,” he said, adding that travellers are already choosing shorter journeys, nearby destinations and reduced travel durations to control expenses. Yet the RV community is adapting rather

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s domestic tourism sector is facing a perfect storm as soaring fuel prices and steep cuts in petrol and diesel subsidy quotas force travellers to rethink their plans, putting tourism operators under mounting financial strain. Higher fuel costs are hitting consumers’ wallets directly, especially for daily transport, prompting many to scale back on non-essential journeys, a shift already having an impact on domestic tourism. “Subsidy cuts result in higher living costs, particularly for transportation. As fuel prices rise, consumers naturally limit discretionary travel,” said Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Tourism Management Programme head Dr Mohd Rahimi Abdul Halim. “This behavioural shift aligns with the theory of demand elasticity, where demand for non essential tourism products drops as prices increase. Consequently, local tourist destinations, homestay operators and recreational service providers may see fewer visitors in 2026.” Tourism service operators are also grappling with rising operational costs. Sectors reliant on diesel – from tour boats to coach buses and tour vans – are facing higher

Mohd Rahimi said as demand for non-essential tourism products drops when prices increase, local tourist destinations, homestay operators and recreational service providers may see fewer visitors this year. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN