Page 3 - Malaysia

Malaysia defends companies supplying weapons to Israel at defence show

Malaysia will not interfere in business relations between arms manufacturers and other countries, its defence minister said Tuesday, after protesters demanded that the government expel companies that supply weapons to Israel from an international exhibition. More than 1,300 companies from 60 nations are participating in Defence Services Asia and the concurrent National Security Asia exhibitions that started Monday. The events are hosted and co-organised by Malaysia's Defence Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry. The Solidarity for Palestinian coalition held a brief rally outside the exhibition centre on Tuesday to protest the presence of US weapons maker Lockheed Martin, European missile manufacturer MBDA and others that provide arms to Israel. The coalition accused the manufacturers of being complicit in Israel's offensive in Gaza. They said the companies' presence was inconsistent with the Malaysian government's support of Palestinian statehood and insensitive to the many Malaysians

Microsoft to invest $2.2 billion in cloud, AI services in Malaysia

Microsoft is investing USD 2.2 billion over the next four years in Malaysia's new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure as well as partnering with the government to establish a national AI centre, its CEO Satya Nadella said on Thursday. It marks Microsoft's single largest investment in Malaysia, as the tech giant seeks to bolster support for AI development in the region and worldwide. We are committed to supporting Malaysia's AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians, he said. Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country. Nadella on Tuesday also announced a USD 1.7 billion investment in cloud and AI services in Indonesia during his visit there as part of his Southeast Asia tour. On Wednesday, he said Microsoft will build its first regional data centre in Thailand. In April, the tech giant ...

10 killed as 2 Malaysian military choppers collide and crash while training

Two Malaysian military helicopters collided and crashed during a training session on Tuesday, killing all 10 people on board, the navy said. The helicopters were rehearsing at a naval base in northern Perak state for the navy's 90th anniversary celebration next month when the accident occurred, the navy said in a brief statement. All victims were confirmed dead on site," it said, adding that the remains have been sent to the hospital to be identified. Seven crew members were aboard the AW139 maritime operation helicopter, the navy said. That aircraft is produced by AgustaWestland, which is a subsidiary of the Italian defence contractor Leonardo. Three other crew members were on a Fennec lightweight helicopter, manufactured by European multinational defense conglomerate Airbus. Local media reported that the AW139 crashed at a sports complex at the naval base, while the Fennec hit a nearby swimming pool. The navy said it will launch an investigation to determine what caused the

Two military helicopters crash after mid-air collision in Malaysia

Petrol bomb attacks on Malaysian Mart can rock PM Anwar's fragile coalition

Three KK Super Mart stores were hit with molotov cocktail explosives after calls for boycotting the chain over the sale of socks bearing the word Allah turned violent in recent days

Indonesia's prez-elect holds talks with Malaysian leader on bolstering ties

Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto held talks Thursday with Malaysia's leader on bolstering bilateral ties as part of a regional visit that has also taken him to China and Japan. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he and Subianto discussed next steps to strengthen bilateral ties, and also exchanged views on their political experiences. Our political journeys are almost similar as we were both tested with various challenges before being appointed," Anwar said in a statement on Facebook after their meeting. He said Subianto also recalled his secondary education at a school in Kuala Lumpur. May Malaysia-Indonesia relationship continue to be strengthened for our common good, he added. Subianto, who is currently defence minister, will succeed Joko Widodo in October. The wealthy ex-general chose Beijing for his first official visit after his February election victory in a bid to emphasise the countries' robust ties amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. In his Monday meeting

EAM's Malaysia visit amplified efforts to deepen strategic partnership: MEA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Malaysia and his meetings with the country's top leadership presented an opportunity to reiterate commitment to further develop the bilateral Enhanced Strategic Partnership, an official statement said on Thursday. Jaishankar was in Kuala Lumpur from March 27 to 28 as part of the last leg of his three-nation tour to Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia. He called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Bin Ibrahim and thanked him for his support in deepening bilateral ties under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Jaishankar's visit to Malaysia provided an opportunity to reiterate commitment to further develop the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, it said. Anwar gave his commitment to facilitate the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) branch campus in Malaysia, the official Bernama news agency reported. The Prime Minister also expressed ...

Malaysia to request additional 500,000 MT of white rice from India

According to state-run rice importer Bernas, Malaysia's annual rice consumption is 2.5 million metric tons, with an average imported supply of 750,000 tons

Jaishankar calls on Malaysian PM, discusses cooperation in multiple sectors

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the two leaders exchanged views and discussed cooperation in the areas of trade, science and technology, education, agriculture, tourism, defence and also on regional issues including Myanmar. Jaishankar, who is here on a two-day official visit, met Anwar at the Prime Minister's Office and the meeting lasted about an hour, the official Bernama news agency reported. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said that Anwar and Jaishankar exchanged views and discussed cooperation in the areas of trade, science and technology, education, agriculture, tourism, defence and digital, and also on regional issues including Myanmar. Anwar gave his commitment to facilitate the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) branch campus in Malaysia, it added. The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for ...

EAM meets Malaysian counterpart, discusses 'multifaceted' bilateral ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a "productive and frank" discussion on the "multifaceted" bilateral ties between India and Malaysia and regional and international issues with his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad bin Haji Hasan here, the Malaysian foreign ministry said. Jaishankar is in Kuala Lumpur on the third and last leg of his three-nation tour to Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia. He met the Malaysian Foreign Minister Hasan here and held a "productive and frank discussion, including exchanging views on the multifaceted dimensions of Malaysia-India bilateral affairs as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest," the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement. The ministers also discussed the exchange of high-level visits and the convening of the 7th Joint Commission Meeting of Malaysia and India on a mutually agreeable date. This was the first meeting between Jaishankar and Hasan since the latter took offic

How India is betting big on the global outsourced semiconductor play

The Cabinet today cleared two projects, the Tata's assembly testing and packaging plant (ATMP) and the Murugappa-owned CG Power with Renesas from Japan as its tech partner

DTDC enters Malaysian market, strengthens presence in Southeast Asia

Express logistics company DTDC on Wednesday said it has entered the Malaysian market through its subsidiary, DTDC Global Express PTE Ltd, with the inauguration of an office in Kuala Lumpur. This newly established office, which further strengthens the company's global footprint, including in Southeast Asia, will offer enhanced trans-shipment solutions to its clients in Southeast Asia and the Australian peninsula, DTDC said in a statement. DTDC is already present in Singapore and Australia. As part of its global expansion plans, the company collaborated with Aramex last year to enhance its capabilities in cross-border logistics. Malaysia shares a healthy import and export relationship with India and has a prevalent Indian diaspora, according to the company. The newly established office will provide export and import services to and from India, Singapore, and Australia, along with handling local deliveries in Malaysia, it said. "The expansion in Malaysia will add to our capabilitie

Sultan Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysia's 17th king as Royals gain influence

The billionaire sultan who rules Malaysia's Johor state was sworn in as the nation's new king Wednesday under a unique rotating monarchy system. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, 65, took his oath of office at the palace and signed the instrument of the proclamation of office in a ceremony witnessed by other royal families, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet members. A coronation ceremony will be held later. One of the richest men in the country, Sultan Ibrahim has an extensive business empire ranging from real estate to telecoms and power plants. The candid monarch has close ties with Anwar and his rule could bolster Anwar's unity government, which faces a strong Islamic opposition. Nine ethnic Malay state rulers have taken turns as king for five-year terms under the world's only such system since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia has 13 states but only nine have royal families, some that trace their roots to centuries-old Malay kingdoms that were independent

Malaysia charges ex-min for not declaring assets in corruption probe

Malaysia charged a former minister on Monday with failing to declare assets, the latest step in a corruption probe that's targeting several people connected to a former prime minister. Former Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin, who left office more than 20 years ago, is a key ally of ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed. Both argue that the probe is politically motivated and that prosecutors have ignored potential corruption among allies of the current government. A frail Daim, 85, who was just discharged from hospital, turned up in court in a wheelchair. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to declare 71 assets ranging from luxury cars to a raft of companies, properties and land. He faces up to five years in jail and a fine if found guilty. After his court hearing, Daim called Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a wolf in sheep's clothing who cried reforms but instead abused government institutions to pursue his political foes. He pointed to the case of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zah

Malaysia's Khazanah in talks to lead Oyo's $400 million fund raise

The once-high-flying company, founded by Ritesh Agarwal, filed for an initial public offering for the second time in March, after slashing the target amount to be raised by about two-thirds

India's Dec palm oil imports hit 4-month high as sun oil doubles-dealers

Higher purchases by the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils could help lower palm oil stocks in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia and support benchmark futures

Asian buyers struggle with high price of onions after India's export ban

The world's biggest exporter of onions banned shipments on Dec. 8 after domestic prices more than doubled in three months following a drop in production.

Japan, ASEAN bolster ties at summit focused on security amid China tensions

Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, marking their 50th anniversary of friendship, were meeting at a special summit on Sunday and expected to adopt a joint vision that emphasises security cooperation amid growing tensions with China in regional seas. Ties between Japan and ASEAN used to be largely based on Japanese assistance to the developing economies, in part due to lingering bitterness over Japan's wartime actions. But in recent years the ties have focused more on security amid China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, while Japan's postwar pacifist stance and trust-building efforts have fostered friendlier relations. Based on our strong relationship of trust, it is our hope that Japan and ASEAN will bring together their strengths and find solutions in an era of compound crises that are difficult for any one country to solve, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a speech on Saturday night at the State Guest House in Tokyo. As we co-creat

More visa-free travel for Indians beneficial for Goa tourism as well

Visa-free entry is a carrot to expand $28 billion that 27 million Indians spent overseas in 2019. Those numbers had swelled eightfold and sixfold, respectively, in the two decades before the pandemic

Rahul Gandhi to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam from December 9

According to the sources, Rahul Gandhi will meet the Indian diaspora in Singapore and Malaysia while in Indonesia he will be meeting the diplomats