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Malaysia
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Malaysia

Malaysia
Malaysia
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on Malaysia, covering politics, economy, society and the Asean member-nation’s relationships with China, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries.
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Head of State
Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar
Head of Government
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Anwar Ibrahim
Asean foreign ministers pose for a group photo in Cebu City on Thursday where they discussed the bloc’s response to the Myanmar crisis. Photo: Reuters
Asean

How far can Asean engage Myanmar without legitimising military rule?

The bloc’s foreign ministers meet in Cebu amid concerns that diplomacy could slide into tacit acceptance of military rule.

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SCMP Highlights

Japan’s love for Chinese noodles; ‘unlucky’ chocolate: 7 Lifestyle highlights

Anwar Ibrahim

‘Patience wearing thin’: Anwar demands updates on anti-corruption fight

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Tourism

Malaysia’s ‘free mixing’ water musical festival angers Islamic party

The Islamic party opposes the Bukit Bintang event in May, citing cultural sensitivities, disruption and ‘moral disturbance’.

Bukit Bintang is a major shopping hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Asean

Just 1 visa to rule them all? How European-style pass could help Asean tourism

While Asean members such as Malaysia and Vietnam have shown strong post-pandemic growth, tourist numbers have lagged in the Philippines.

Crime

Couple from China arrested in Malaysia after raid on luxury condo drug lab

Police also seized drugs worth US$41,867 from the residential unit in Kuala Lumpur.

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Fifa

Top Malaysian football officials quit over foreign-born players scandal

Entire executive committee of game’s governing body in country resigns to ‘mitigate risk’ of further punishment, acting president says.

A Malaysian football association (FAM) vehicle leaving the FAM’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
LGBTQ

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has come under fire for claiming in parliament that work stress turns people gay.

Indonesia

Malaysian man arrested after secret trip to see second wife in Indonesia

The 46-year-old told officers that he could not travel by air as his passport was held by the first wife.

Asean

Opinion | Why Southeast Asia should not fear Trump’s disruption

Instead of joining Trump’s neocolonial ‘Board of Peace’, Southeast Asian leaders should seize the chance to help rebuild a global order that is just and equitable.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Currencies

As Malaysian ringgit strengthens, Singapore shoppers in Johor reap less savings

The ringgit’s appreciation is also bad news for Malaysian export-oriented sectors, such as gloves and electronics, analysts say.

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A woman counting several notes of the Malaysian ringgit. The currency has risen against the Singapore dollar in recent trading sessions. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s exports jump 15.4% in 2025 to ‘historical high’

City’s trade to be supported by sustained global growth, improved ties with new markets and strong demand for AI products, authorities say.

Singapore

Malaysia clarifies cash aid rules for frequent commuters to Singapore

Malaysians who enter and exit Singapore eight times or more each month will be treated as working overseas, but may still appeal, minister says.

Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia disputes Indonesian media reports on Sabah border, says talks ongoing

To compensate for the transfer of three Indonesian villages to Malaysia, Jakarta would receive some land, according to the media reports.

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Untouched jungle in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Malaysia and Indonesia are holding talks to discuss the Sabah-Kalimantan border issue. Photo: Shutterstock
Fifa

7 Fifa-banned Malaysian footballers cleared to play after court grants stay

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said the foreign-born players linked to forgery scandal can keep competing until a final ruling is made.

Malaysia’s players pose before the start of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier Group F football match between Malaysia and Vietnam in Kuala Lumpur last year. Photo: AFP
Aviation

Malaysia’s aim for sustainable aviation fuel faces low Asian demand hurdle

Most of the demand still comes from Europe, with Malaysia aiming to produce 1 million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by 2028.

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SCMP Highlights

Okinawa loses longevity crown, Malaysian athlete threatened: 7 Asia highlights

From longevity in Japan’s Okinawa to proxy wars in Middle East, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

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Education

Chinese mum’s Islamic preschool choice wins hearts, stirs debate in Malaysia

‘I didn’t expect this. I simply wanted to celebrate my son’s growth and multiculturalism,’ Low Zi Kang’s mother says.

Chan Zhu Er takes a wefie with her son Low Zi Kang before dropping him off at his preschool in Chaah, Malaysia’s Johor. Photo: Chan/The Star
Electric & new energy vehicles

Xpeng targets overseas sales surge in 2026 as China EV battle goes global

Guangzhou-based EV maker targets more than 90,000 overseas deliveries this year amid fierce competition at home.

Corruption in Asia

Corruption suspect’s wheelchair court appearance sparks mockery in Malaysia

The wife of a former army chief was seen walking before later using a wheelchair in court, prompting cynical social media commentary.

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Singapore

How Johor-Singapore SEZ is delivering for businesses a year on

While the zone has attracted sizeable investment since its launch last year, experts call for better coordination to ensure seamless operations.

Singaporean urban farming company Archisen is expanding its operations in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Photo: Archisen
Anwar Ibrahim

Asian Angle | Malaysia’s PM term limits could backfire unless election cycles are set

To secure his legacy, Anwar Ibrahim must ensure his reform doesn’t accidentally encourage the very political instability he seeks to prevent.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during an event in October 2025. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

What about Taiwan? Why US foreign policy is now all about the western hemisphere

The State Department skips direct references to the island as it outlines it foreign policy direction for the next five years.

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Crime

‘Well-known’ Malaysian Tan Sri arrested in US$75 million investment scam probe

The titled businessman had allegedly used his position and influence to attract and convince about 1,700 people to invest in two companies.

Currencies

Gloves are off as Malaysia’s strong ringgit bites into producers’ profits

The ringgit climbed more than 10 per cent against the dollar last year, squeezing the bottom line of the export-reliant market.

A worker inspects disposable gloves at Top Glove’s factory in Shah Alam, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP
Lessons from China's history

Reflections | Was Chinese princess sent to marry a Malaysian sultan a real person?

Hang Li Po’s 15th-century marriage allegedly sealed Malacca and China’s friendly relations. Proof of her existence is scant. Does it matter?

Malaysian singer and model Dewi Seriestha is seen in a poster for “Teater Muzikal Puteri Hang Li Po”, a stage production that ran at the Encore Melaka theatre in Malacca, Malaysia, in October 2024. Photo: Instagram/encore_melaka
Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia’s Islamists preach ‘racial domination’ to woo young voters

They govern the north, dominate the opposition and claim to soon be the undisputed home of Malay nationalism. Is Putrajaya next for PAS?

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Music

Welcome to the black parade: how Southeast Asia’s Gen Z is reviving 2000s music

From My Chemical Romance to Blue, early-2000s acts are selling out venues across the region as younger fans seek raw, emotional music.

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