KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the relevant agencies to intensify ground efforts to provide explanations and assistance to small and medium traders who are still unaware of financing facilities and aid provided by the government.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the matter was important to ensure the group is not left out from benefiting from the various initiatives created specifically to help increase their income and expand their businesses.

“There are some who are still unaware of the facilities available. So I ask the relevant agencies to go to the ground and provide explanations,” he told reporters after visiting the Taman Melawati Farmers’ Market earlier today.

He said hawkers and small traders should continue to be given attention, as they number hundreds of thousands but still lack a strong platform to voice their views.

Regarding his visit, Anwar said the feedback he received from hawkers and small traders was generally very positive, with most expressing gratitude for the opportunity to obtain micro-financing facilities provided by the government and its agencies.

“I asked them myself. Most are already very grateful and thankful to the bodies and agencies that helped them, even for a RM10,000 loan,” said the Prime Minister.

Anwar also said most of them were more focused on earning a living than complaining about the challenges they faced.

He said among the issues raised by traders was the relatively high price of certain essential goods they purchased, but the problem could be eased through the role of agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, which helps provide supplies at more affordable prices

“I asked whether there were any problems, whether they could obtain loans and afford repayments. Alhamdulillah, the feedback received has been very encouraging,” he said.

Previously, the Madani Government announced more than RM5 billion in micro-financing facilities for 2026, expected to benefit more than 400,000 micro-entrepreneurs.

The facilities involve loans of up to RM100,000, with financing rates for certain schemes as low as four per cent per annum. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Malaysians are encouraged to download the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) application and complete their registration to enjoy more efficient and seamless digital immigration services.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the application was introduced to enable various key processes to be carried out directly via smartphones without the need to go through complicated procedures.

“The Madani Government, through the Home Ministry, remains committed to strengthening digital services to facilitate public affairs.

“The MyNIISe application was introduced to provide a smoother, faster and more user-friendly travel and immigration experience,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

He said the application offers a more convenient, faster and safer service, while also saving users time and energy.

“This is not just an application, but a step forward in ensuring that the government service delivery system becomes more modern, efficient and closer to the people,” he said.

According to him, the MyNIISe application can be downloaded via the App Store and Google Play.

Based on the infographic shared, MyNIISe registration can be carried out by opening the application, signing in via MyDigital ID, selecting “Start creating a profile” and scanning the passport photo page.

Users are then required to review and confirm their information, take a selfie for verification, and create an account password. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Malaysia’s ranking as the seventh most trusted nation globally under the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that the country is on the right track in strengthening institutional confidence, social stability and national unity, said Nga Kor Ming. 

The housing and local government minister said Malaysia’s overall Trust Index increased from 66 points in 2025 to 71 points this year, placing the country among the world’s top-performing nations in public trust across government, business, media and non-governmental institutions.

He said the achievement reflected the confidence of the people and the international community in Malaysia’s governance, economic direction and commitment to inclusive development.

“This recognition is not merely a number, but a reflection of the people’s confidence in the nation’s institutions and leadership. It proves that Malaysia’s efforts in strengthening good governance, economic stability and social harmony are yielding positive results,” he said in a statement today.

Nga said the Madani Government would continue to uphold transparency, accountability and people-centric policies to ensure public trust remains the foundation of national progress.

“At a time when many countries are facing rising polarisation and uncertainty, Malaysia’s position among the world’s most trusted nations demonstrates our strength in preserving unity amidst diversity. This achievement belongs to all Malaysians,” he said.

He said although the report highlighted challenges relating to social divisions and disinformation, the findings should serve as a reminder for all parties to continue fostering mutual understanding, inclusivity and responsible public discourse in safeguarding the nation’s harmony and long-term prosperity. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 — The Simen Rahmah Scheme will continue this year with 1.6 million metric tonnes of cement allocated to support the target of building 500,000 affordable housing units under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the scheme, which offers cement at prices lower than the market rate, has also been expanded to cover affordable housing projects under the Federal Government, state governments and the private sector.

“The Simen Rahmah initiative is a critical component of the government’s commitment to ensure the housing sector does not come to a halt because the property sector is one of the pillars of the national economy,” he said at a press conference after launching the Simen Rahmah 2026 Initiative here today.

Through the expanded scope of the scheme, Nga said development projects under Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) and Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA), as well as various housing schemes under state governments, will benefit from cost protection through the retention of subsidised cement prices.

This includes bulk cement priced at RM290 per tonne, representing savings of 31.8 per cent or RM135 compared with the market price of RM425, while bagged cement (50kg) is priced at RM17.50 per bag, offering savings of 29.7 per cent or RM7.40 compared with the market price of RM24.90.

“The first phase of the Simen Rahmah initiative will provide 1.6 million metric tonnes of cement to support affordable housing projects priced at RM300,000 and below per unit. By stabilising cement costs, we are providing breathing space for developers to maintain lower selling prices without compromising construction quality.

“These cost savings act as a mechanism to control house prices, an early intervention to prevent the risk of sick or abandoned projects, and ensure the quality of homes for the people is not compromised,” he said.

To ensure there is no leakage, he said applications for the scheme will be fully coordinated through the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS) by the National Housing Department (JPN) to ensure all eligibility criteria are strictly complied with.

Nga said the initiative is also part of the Madani Government’s proactive efforts through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in addressing the global supply crisis challenges arising from the West Asia conflict.

“In view of the latest global developments, the ministry has taken proactive steps to continue this initiative as a direct response to rising building material costs and global economic challenges that are increasingly pressuring supply chains,” he said.

In April 2023, the ministry introduced the Simen Rahmah Scheme through a strategic collaboration with the Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia (C&CA).

The scheme has recorded tangible success, with 29 affordable housing development projects approved involving the use of 1,560,329 bags and 316,918.22 metric tonnes of cement. — Bernama 

JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 — The development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is proof of the effectiveness of the Madani Government’s strategy in translating economic prosperity into direct benefits for the state and its people.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the unique project, resulting from cooperation between the two countries, has successfully attracted major investments, accounting for 66 per cent of Johor’s total investments over the past year.

He said to support the growth of the economic region, the government is placing strong emphasis on connectivity and mobility at the country’s entry points to ensure it is no longer constrained by outdated management systems.

“We are replacing outdated border management systems, expediting procurement programmes, building new systems, and putting in place the most advanced infrastructure. We are now just awaiting their phased implementation,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the PH Convention 2026 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here today.

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also Home Minister, said efforts to address congestion at the Johor Causeway, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar are now a priority for the Cabinet committee to ensure the smooth movement of people and goods.

“The Johor-Singapore entry point is currently among the busiest in the world, so we can no longer be bound by outdated systems or old methods of managing it,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said Johor was chosen as the venue for the convention to reinvigorate the coalition machinery, as the state is among those expected to face elections in the near future.

He added that all the issues and messages raised by delegates during the convention would serve as a guide for the Presidential Council in determining the coalition’s strategy and political direction.

He also reminded party machinery to play an active role in conveying accurate information about government policies to the public to prevent any gap between the administration’s achievements and understanding at the grassroots level. — Bernama

JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 — The Madani Government has achieved its best record in the nation’s history by resolving nine matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) within just three years of administration.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the achievement surpassed earlier administrations, which managed to resolve only four matters over a longer period.

He said 13 out of the 29 MA63 claims have now been resolved through the MA63 Implementation Action Council chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“We have resolved nine matters within three years together with both state governments, with the participation of the Premier of Sarawak and the Chief Minister of Sabah.

“This involves negotiations among the three key regions that formed Malaysia,” he said when delivering his speech as the Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) representative at the PH 2026 Convention held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here.

Among the key achievements, he said, were the recognition of the Public Works Department (JKR) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) of Sabah and Sarawak as technical departments, amendments to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia Act to include representatives from the two regions, as well as efforts to strengthen the judiciary.

Mustapha also highlighted the Madani Government’s commitment to raising the special interim allocation to RM600 million for each region, up from RM125.6 million in 2022.

“Where else can you find a government like this? The Madani Government has not only demonstrated its commitment through words, but has also delivered on its manifesto, including appointing a Deputy Prime Minister from Borneo for the first time in the nation’s history,” he said.

He added that development allocations for Sabah had increased from RM5.2 billion in 2022 to RM6.9 billion under this year’s budget to accelerate critical infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway.

Mustapha said the commitment showed that PH and the Unity Government remained committed to protecting the rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak as outlined in the party constitution and the agreement on the formation of Malaysia. — Bernama

JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) 2026 Convention held today serves as the best platform for component parties of the coalition to formulate new strategies and approaches to ensure a brighter future for the country, said Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

The PH 2026 Convention director said the convention, which is being held again after four years, provides delegates with the opportunity to pool ideas and energy for the benefit of Malaysians.

Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said the convention is also an important platform to assess the achievements of the Madani Government, which is now yielding positive results that cannot be disputed by any party.

“This convention is the best opportunity for us to gather our strength, ideas, and present proposals, formulas and approaches that we need to pursue to ensure a better future for Malaysia,” he said.

He said this in his welcoming speech at the PH 2026 Convention at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here.

Fahmi also stressed that the focus of this year’s convention includes preparations for the Melaka and Johor state elections, which are expected to be held in the near future.

“Together, we will listen to the message, substance and spirit that the PH chairman (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) wishes to deliver and entrust to us.

“Not only for the general election, but also for state elections that may take place soon, whether we intend to contest many seats, all or only some,” he said.

He also called on all delegates to strengthen their resolve in building a just nation and to bring renewed spirit back to the grassroots level after the convention concludes.

Held under the theme “Tekad Madani, Harapan Rakyat” (Madani Resolve, People’s Hope), the PH 2026 Convention has gathered about 5,000 delegates and leaders from across the country.

Prime Minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver the keynote address and officiate at the convention this afternoon.

Among the other leaders expected to speak are DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 16 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT), together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), has introduced several targeted intervention measures to ensure the stability of the country’s aviation sector amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting industry operations and costs.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page today, MOT said the measures include financial support, temporary restructuring of operational costs and targeted incentives to ensure the continuity of domestic air travel, particularly for routes linking Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

“These focused intervention measures are aimed at maintaining operational stability and safeguarding consumer interests.

“They also reflect the Madani government’s commitment to ensuring the aviation sector remains resilient, competitive and continues supporting the growth of the national tourism industry,” the statement said.

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government had allocated RM5 million for flight ticket rebates expected to benefit 100,000 Malaysians travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

The rebate programme is effective from May to June 2026.

Also announced were an extension of up to 60 days for the payment of navigation fees and charges, exemptions on aircraft parking fees, and a two-month deferment of Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) and Common Infrastructure Charges (CIC) to support cash flow stability within the aviation industry. — Bernama