KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 30): The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) wants the government to clarify the exemption of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from an upcoming minimum wage increase and provide support of its implementation.

In a statement on Wednesday, FMM presid...

FMM wants clarity, implementation support on MSME minimum wage relief  

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has called for any review of the minimum wage to be negotiated through the National Wages Consultative Council’s tripartite process, with factors including productivity, cost of living and employers’ capacity to pay taken into account.

FMM: Minimum wage review should account for productivity, capacity to pay

KLUANG (Sept 28): Any decision on a possible increase in the minimum wage to RM2,000 should be left to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement when tabling Budget 2027, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said.

Akmal: RM2,000 minimum wage decision rests with Budget 2027

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is proposing that the government provide a personal income tax rebate for the purchase of electrified vehicles (xEVs) and voluntarily scrapping of old vehicles in Budget 2027.

Budget 2027: MAA proposes personal income tax rebate to boost electrified vehicle adoption, old car scrapping

The government will announce more decisive measures to ensure graduates secure jobs that match their qualifications and receive fair wages in Budget 2027, which will be tabled on Oct 9.

Govt to announce firm measures under Budget 2027 for fair wages — PM

The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (Liam) has called on the government to exempt group employee insurance schemes from the eight per cent service tax under Budget 2027.

Budget 2027: Liam calls for 8% service tax exemption, review of reinsurers’ tax treatment

Income and wages must remain a priority in the planning of Budget 2027, alongside efforts to strengthen the capabilities of local companies in high-growth, high-value (HGHV) industries.

Income, wages a priority in budget planning — economy minister

The Malaysian REIT Managers Association (MRMA) hopes the withholding tax break on real estate investment trusts (REITs) dividends will be restored in Budget 2027.

Malaysian REIT managers call for return of withholding tax relief in Budget 2027

The Malaysia Gold Association (MGA) is calling for greater government support to promote Malaysian gold products in international markets.

Budget 2027: MGA calls for incentives to promote Malaysia gold products globally

Budget 2027 could see further sales and service tax (SST) exemptions to reduce costs embedded in businesses, alongside possible personal income tax relief for middle-income taxpayers, according to CIMB Securities.

Budget 2027 may bring SST exemptions, income tax relief for middle-income earners — CIMB Securities

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 14): The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is conducting a budget tour to gather views and suggestions from industry players, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public nationwide as it prepares for Budget 2027.

Amir Hamzah: MOF's budget tour to get industrial, NGO and people's input

Budget 2027 could tap a wider tax base, tighter revenue collection, higher consumption excises and carbon pricing to shore up government coffers, while leveraging private capital to support investment, said MBSB Investment Bank.

Budget 2027: Tax reforms, carbon pricing to boost govt’s coffers — MBSB

RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) estimates that the total federal government allocation for Budget 2027 will be RM437.8 billion.

RHB IB estimates federal govt’s 2027 budget allocation at RM437.8 bil

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 10): The Digital Ministry has proposed to the Finance Ministry that Budget 2027 include incentives to encourage small businesses adopt technology.

Digital Ministry seeks incentives to help small businesses adopt technology

YOUR DAY AHEAD: Oct 1, 2026

Here's a heads up on what to look out for today.

YOUR DAY AHEAD: Oct 1, 2026 

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Malaysia awards has shortlisted 12 top nominees across four entrepreneur categories — Emerging, Technology, Woman and Master.

EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Malaysia names its 12 top nominees

Asian stocks were set to start October on a volatile note after a late bout of swings on Wall Street erased gains fueled by softer-than-expected US inflation data. US oil held gains from the previous session.

Asian stocks eye rough start after US reversal

Oil steadied after gaining in the previous session amid uncertainty over whether a recovery in Middle East flows can be sustained. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$90 a barrel after rising 1.2% on Wednesday, while the most-active Brent contract settled around US$98

Oil holds gain as traders weigh recovery in Middle East flows

A fresh bout of volatility gripped Wall Street in the last hour of trading, with stocks erasing gains that were earlier fueled by slower-than-anticipated inflation data. e S&P 500 saw its worst month since June.

S&P 500 falls at end of worst month since June

European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said it would "not be a good idea" to run in France's 2027 presidential race, telling newspaper La Croix on Wednesday that if she were to step down early from the bank in 2027, it would only be by a few months.

ECB's Lagarde says it 'would not be a good idea' to run for French president

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made headlines on Wednesday.

UWC, F&N, Astro, Divfex, Zetrix AI, Batu Kawan, MKH, Chin Hin Group Property, ES Sunlogy, Solid Automotive

The co-pilot of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv tried to crash the plane after stabbing the pilot, but passengers subdued him while other pilots landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia, Israeli officials said on Wednesday.

Passengers overcame pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Israel says

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is demanding a comprehensive explanation from Meta regarding issues involving WhatsApp accounts that have been suspended, rendered inaccessible, or accessed without authorisation.

MCMC seeking explanation from Meta over WhatsApp issues 

“At the pleasure of the King” — what if the King is displeased? 
The phrase is not what it seems. 
Many have misinterpreted it. And a great many have given the phrase its literal meaning, forgetting and, in some cases, even in ignorance, that it is a legal phrase that has its own lega...

Opinion: At the pleasure of the King

The US trade deficit in goods widened sharply in August amid a surge in imports, suggesting that trade could remain a drag economic growth in the third quarter.

US goods trade deficit widens sharply in August

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made headlines on Wednesday.

Batu Kawan Bhd’s (KL:BKAWAN) unconditional mandatory takeover of MKH Bhd (KL:MKH) has crossed the 95% threshold, paving the way for the property developer’s delisting.

Batu Kawan’s takeover of MKH crosses 95%

EP Manufacturing Bhd (KL:EPMB) has announced the resignation of its group chief executive officer Ahmad Razlan Mohamed, 50, with immediate effect.

EP Manufacturing group CEO Ahmad Razlan Mohamed resigns

One of the brothers who co-founded Solid Automotive Bhd (KL:SOLID), Ker Boon Kee, has transferred his shares in the company to his children, making his son and executive director Ker Keddy the company’s second-largest shareholder.

Solid Automotive’s co-founder Ker Boon Kee transfers shares to children, son Keddy emerges as second-largest shareholder

Companies seeking dual listings on the main boards of the Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong bourses only need one centralised, coordinated submission.&nbsp;

Simplified procedure for simultaneous IPO listing in Malaysia and Hong Kong takes effect

ES Sunlogy Bhd (KL:SUNLOGY) slipped into the red in the last quarter of its financial year, citing one-off impairment losses on trade receivables, property, plant and equipment.

Impairments drag ES Sunlogy into the red in 4Q as full-year profit shrinks 91% 

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for advancing efforts towards "reunification" with Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own, in a speech on Wednesday on the eve of China's national day.

China's Xi calls for progress towards unification with Taiwan

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is demanding a comprehensive explanation from Meta regarding issues involving WhatsApp accounts that have been suspended, rendered inaccessible, or accessed without authorisation.

UWC Bhd (KL:UWC) achieved record performance for its financial year 2026, following a more than doubling of its fourth quarter earnings.

UWC ends FY2026 with record numbers as 4Q profit more than doubles

Wall Street's main indices gained on Wednesday, as a softer-than-anticipated inflation reading buoyed hopes that the Federal Reserve might not hike rates as soon as next month.

Wall Street climbs as cooling inflation tempers Fed rate-hike concerns

US inflation increased less than expected in August, which could see financial markets further reduce the odds of another interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve next month.

US inflation rises less than expected in August; consumer spending surges

Willowglen MSC Bhd (KL:WILLOW) has secured a RM24.9 million contract, its second win within a week, through its soon-to-be divested Singapore subsidiary Willowglen Services Pte Ltd.

Willowglen unit scores second win this week with RM25m in Singapore deals amid divestment

China's commerce ministry has decided to extend two probes into US trade practices it launched in March by three months until Dec 27, according to ministry statements.

China extends two trade barrier probes into US till Dec 27

The Federal Trade Commission is opening a sweeping probe into Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI labs to uncover the potential dangers their technology poses to consumers, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

FTC opens probe into AI giants including Anthropic and OpenAI — Reuters

Asian stocks were set to start October on a volatile note after a late bout of swings on Wall Street erased gains fueled by softer-than-expected US inflation data. US oil held gains from the previous session.

Indian healthcare stocks eroded 248 billion rupees (RM10.55 billion) in market value on concerns that high-margin pharmacy revenue may come under threat after the top court questioned steep markups on lifesaving cancer drugs.

India hospital stocks erase US$2.6 bil as top court flags drug markup

The US economy grew at a solid clip in the second quarter, driven by robust consumer spending and business investment related to the buildout of AI infrastructure.

US second-quarter GDP revised higher amid robust consumer spending

The implementation of the multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) tolling system will not be rushed, with stakeholders given more time to finalise the arrangements, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Budget 2027

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