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

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

Singapore

Malaysia clarifies cash aid rules for frequent commuters to Singapore

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.

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.

Japanese women in Okinawa show off vegetables freshly picked from their garden. Photo: Getty Images
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.

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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Former Malaysian army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan’s wife, Salwani Anuar, is escorted in a wheelchair by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers at the Kuala Lumpur Court on January 22. She and her husband are facing multiple charges under Malaysia’s anti-money-laundering law. Photo: EPA
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.

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.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters, where the Tan Sri is arrested on Wednesday. Photo: Shutterstock
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?

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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Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance performs during the opening night of the band’s “Long Live the Black Parade” tour on July 11 in Seattle. Photo: AP
Indonesia

Indonesian litterbug weeps after first conviction under new Malaysian law

Anita Lukman was fined US$125 and ordered to serve six hours of community service for discarding rubbish on a pavement in Johor Bahru.

Regulation

‘Lame excuse’: Malaysia’s parliament tightens access rules for media interviews

One lawmaker slammed the move for curbing the right of MPs to express their views freely.

Malaysia 1MDB scandal

1MDB convict and ex-Goldman banker Leissner seeks pardon from Trump

The German citizen is scheduled to begin serving his two-year jail term at a facility in Southern California early next month.

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Former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner arrives at a court in New York last year. Photo: AFP
Academy Awards

Malaysia’s Michelle Yeoh nominated for worst actress Razzie

Three years after her historic Oscar win, Michelle Yeoh faces competition from Natalie Portman and Ariana DeBose for the dubious honour.

Michelle Yeoh poses with her Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 12, 2023. Photo: Reuters
Rohingya Muslims

Rohingya refugees at risk of removal as Malaysia begins biometric documentation

Rohingya are often undocumented as Myanmar’s authorities refuse to recognise them as a legitimate community.

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Social media

Malaysian badminton player threatened with knife attack online over performance

Several shuttlers in Malaysia have faced online abuse after their early exits in major tournaments.

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Corruption in Asia

Malaysian ex-army head, wife deny laundering US$544,000 in procurement scandal

Prosecutors say ‘proceeds from unlawful activity’ were banked into accounts of Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his wife from 2024 to 2025.

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Former Malaysian army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan is escorted to court on Thursday. Photo: EPA
Australia

Australia deports Malaysian man caught with child sexual abuse material

The 26-year-old was among 17 travellers intercepted by border officials in various parts of Australia earlier this month.

One of the suspects who was caught with child sexual abuse material on his electronic device. Photo: Australian Border Force
Singapore

Johor businesses prepare for Singaporeans’ Lunar New Year shopping spree

Hampers and plants are in demand ahead of the holidays, with hotels hoping for a late booking surge.

Law

Legal Tales | Fine brews: Hong Kong milk tea and the Opening of the Legal Year ceremony

Why we keep a decidedly Western colonial tradition and display it proudly in front of the world.

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