Malaysia’s economy expanded 5.8% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, accelerating from 5.4% in the first quarter and outpacing market expectations, according to advance estimates released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on July 17.
Category: Malaysia
Sadao Border Link Strengthens Thailand–Malaysia Tourism Connectivity
On July 13, Thailand officially opened a new road linking the Sadao Customs House in Songkhla Province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia, marking a significant step towards improving cross-border tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
Putrajaya Summit Marks the Advancement of Malaysia–Thailand Relations
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded theirbilateral summit in Putrajaya from July 9-10, setting an ambitious deal breaker agreement on 30 billion US dollar in bilateral trade by 2027—a goal that coincides with the 70ᵗʰ anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.
Malaysia Maintains Ban on Overland Fresh Durian Exports to China
On July 2, Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) confirmed a ban on the export of fresh durians to China via overland routes, following clarification from Chinese customs authorities that such shipments fall outside the scope of the current bilateral export protocol.
New contagious fungus species discovered in Malaysia’s Borneo forest
On June 19, recent findings in scientific discovery conducted by the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation unveiled a new species of contagious fungus in the Malaysia Borneo forest. Also known as “zombie fungus”, the species contaminates insects which later leads them to death.
Timor-Leste President concludes Malaysia visit, securing support for ASEAN integration
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta just concluded a five-day official state visit to Malaysia, from 13 to 17 June, with both governments devoting significant attention to advancing bilateral relations in strategic sectors and regional affairs.
Malaysia’s Petronas secures 20-year deal to supply LNG to Japan
On June 10, Malaysia’s state-owned energy giant Petroliam Nasional (Petronas) signed a 20-year pact to supply 2 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually starting 2028 to Japan’s largest power generator, JERA. The agreement was enacted during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Japan.
Malaysia debuts TVET 2.0 and new talent placement platform, targeting 100,000 jobs by 2027
On June 6, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a keynote speech to officiate the National TVET Day as he debuted the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 2.0 initiative with a pledge of 50 million Malaysian ringgit (12.4 million US dollar) in funding.
Malaysia gears up for TVET Day exhibition, targeting 200,000 attendees
Malaysia is set to host a three-day event celebrating its national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day from June 5 to 7 at Putrajaya Square, Kuala Lumpur. This exhibition is designed as a platform to strengthen the country’s fast-growing TVET ecosystem—an educational system providing industry-focused skills training through schools, colleges and training institutes to prepare learners for employment in technical, skilled and professional trades—with the aim of driving substantial human capital development.
Malaysia reaffirms support for Palestine, denounces Israel’s aggression
Malaysia has issued a pair of forceful condemnations within two days, reflecting Kuala Lumpur’s increasingly vocal opposition to Israel’s unilateral actions in the Middle East, which it regards as gross violations of international law and the desecration of Islamic symbols.