AGP Executive Report

Sarawak Election: The state is seeking extra flights and bus services before and after polling day so voters working elsewhere can return home. Government Reform: Anwar says legislation is being considered to tighten governance at government-linked companies, while the government is pursuing legal action against MyEG and Zetrix AI over unpaid collections. Border and Immigration: QR-code immigration checks are expected to launch in January, with more than 1.5 million people registered for the trial. A maritime enforcement officer died after a boat was rammed off Perlis while preventing undocumented entry. Sabah and Sarawak: The government defended larger development allocations for both states, citing infrastructure needs; funding includes RM444.96 million for Sabah water projects and RM1.27 billion for Sarawak schemes. Public Services: Nearly 72% of major hospitals reported average waits of under eight hours for beds by June, up from 55% last year. Environment: Haze has eased across most of Malaysia, though Samalaju in Sarawak remains at unhealthy levels as smoke drifts from Kalimantan. Trade: Malaysia and Bangladesh have begun negotiations on a free trade agreement, aiming to reach a deal by 2027.

Inclusive Finance: Bank Negara has launched MyCoverageOKU, a platform helping people with disabilities and their families compare insurance and takaful options. Cost of Living: An economist says cash aid such as STR and SARA should remain temporary, with education, healthcare and infrastructure needed to improve recipients’ long-term prospects. Parliament: MPs are set to press the government on hospital overcrowding, a proposed Health Services Commission and stronger disaster-risk mapping. Investment: Prime Minister Anwar says SoftBank plans a US$50 billion investment in Malaysia’s AI and data-centre sector, though reliable power and grid capacity remain key challenges. Trade: Malaysia and Bangladesh begin three days of talks on a free-trade agreement, aiming to conclude a deal in 2027. Weather: Persistent rain has triggered flash floods in Kedah and Penang, with homes affected in Kedah’s Yan district. Melaka Polls: Pakatan Harapan says it will campaign on government initiatives and avoid insults and divisive rhetoric ahead of the state election.

Flooding: Heavy rain triggered flash floods at 10 locations in Penang, while rivers in Kedah reached alert or danger levels; about 30 families in Yan registered at a relief centre. Defence: Malaysia expects its first two FA-50M combat aircraft on Friday, part of an 18-jet, nearly RM4 billion order. Household Aid: The government plans to use a Net Disposable Income approach from 2027, weighing basic costs and household circumstances—not just income—to assess aid eligibility. Technology Investment: An international investor plans a US$50 billion push into Malaysia’s AI and data-centre sectors, raising questions about the power and grid capacity needed to support expansion. Data Security: Anwar says a wider Waze ban is possible, after civil servants were barred from using the app for official duties over location-data concerns.

Investment Push: Anwar says SoftBank plans a US$50 billion AI and data-centre investment in Malaysia, but experts warn power and grid capacity must keep pace. Melaka Politics: Perikatan Nasional will begin disciplinary proceedings against Bersatu and use its own logo in the state election, while PH and BN prepare to contest each other. Governance: KESUMA has launched a review of TalentCorp’s controls and accountability after identifying areas for improvement and reporting alleged interference. Digital Security: Anwar says a wider Waze ban is possible, but the government needs to study the proposal and the app’s handling of Malaysians’ data. Haze: Johor schools are set to reopen on Oct 26 as air conditions improve. Sport: Malaysia’s Wei Chong and Kai Wun won the French Open men’s doubles title, ending the country’s 22-year wait.

Haze and Schools: Malaysia is keeping its offer of firefighting help to Indonesia as haze persists; 27 schools in Serian, Sarawak, will close on Oct 26, with lessons moving online. Drug Probe: Police say they have identified suspects linked to 1.16 tonnes of ketamine seized from a Malaysian-owned tanker in Indonesian waters and are working with Indonesian authorities. Energy and Data Centres: Johor aims to add about 5GW of solar power over four to five years as data-centre demand rises; 65 projects have been approved, with 21 already operating. Public Health: The government is developing a workplace mental-health policy and expanding services through 1,116 clinics. Breast-cancer risk among Malaysian women has risen to one in 23, while 71% of women aged 40 and above have never had a mammogram. Education: Form Six students will receive RM2,500 in living allowances from next year, paid across three semesters; an AI-focused polytechnic proposed for Lumut is also included in the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Drug Policy: Experts are urging Malaysia to steer people with addiction towards treatment and community aftercare instead of prison, while distinguishing drug users from traffickers. The government says about 75% of the country’s 90,000 inmates are involved in drug-related offences. Selangor: Sultan Sharafuddin criticised the mismanagement of Tabung Haji funds and called on politicians to curb divisive, unproductive politicking. Badminton: Malaysia is assured of the French Open men’s doubles title after two Malaysian pairs reached the final. Waze Dispute: Anwar Ibrahim says restrictions on civil servants reflect security and sovereignty concerns; a wider ban will depend on whether alternatives are capable. Investment: Anwar says a global investor plans to put US$50 billion into AI, technology and data centres in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Melaka Politics: MCA leaders walked out of BN’s candidate announcement, saying the party was sidelined in seat-allocation decisions.

Haze: Johor schools will reopen on Monday after air quality improved, following closures that affected more than 1,198 schools. Health and safety measures, including mask-wearing, will remain in place as haze persists across Malaysia. Waze Dispute: Civil servants are barred from using the app for official duties over security concerns, and the government has not ruled out a wider ban. Anwar apologised over the decision as critics urged officials to prove the proposed TuJu alternative is safer. Energy Pressure: Malaysia’s data-centre boom could push Johor’s electricity demand to 18% of Peninsular Malaysia’s supply by 2031, with grid upgrades a key bottleneck. Cost of Living: A new five-year plan sets out 429 measures to raise incomes and stabilise prices across essentials including food, housing, transport and utilities. Defence: A Japanese counter-drone system worth about RM40 million is set to strengthen security at strategic sites including Sepanggar and Labuan. Sports: Malaysia’s Under-15 football team opened its FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Dominica.

Waze Dispute: Anwar says a complete ban on Waze remains under consideration, while the government seeks answers on how the app handles Malaysians’ data. Waze rejects claims that it collects sensitive government information. Haze and Travel: Malaysia says its offer to help Indonesia fight forest fires still stands, as haze has dampened Johor hotel bookings and prompted flight disruptions. Monsoon Watch: MetMalaysia warns of flood risks from Oct 27 through year-end, with rough seas also expected. Rail Connections: A temporary walkway will link the ECRL and LRT stations at Gombak when ECRL service begins in December; the covered bridge is expected by March 2027. Business and Jobs: Anwar says Budget 2027 support should help SMEs grow into global players, with financing and research funding among the measures. Badminton: Four Malaysian doubles pairs reached the French Open semifinals, a record for the tournament.

Digital Security: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim apologised for inconvenience caused by the Waze ban on civil servants, but said a nationwide ban remains possible once alternatives are assessed. Energy and Industry: Johor’s data-centre boom could require 30 terawatt-hours of electricity a year by 2031—about 18% of Peninsular Malaysia’s supply—putting pressure on generation and grid capacity. Public Safety: Malaysia recorded 5,278 domestic violence cases from January to August, up 4.7% year on year, prompting calls for stronger victim support. Education Costs: Budget 2027’s PTPTN relief will defer repayments for graduates earning under RM2,500 monthly and set a RM50 minimum for those earning RM2,501–RM3,000, benefiting more than 400,000 borrowers. Politics: The Registrar of Societies and Home Minister have appealed a ruling that suspended action to deregister Perikatan Nasional, allowing the opposition bloc to contest the Melaka election for now. Regional Haze: Malaysia’s offer of firefighting help to Indonesia remains open, though Kuala Lumpur is still awaiting details on what assistance Jakarta will accept.

Digital Security: Malaysia’s ban on Waze for civil servants has sparked debate over data risks, with the company rejecting claims it collects sensitive government information. Officials are promoting local alternative TuJu, though users have raised reliability concerns. Transboundary Haze: Kuala Lumpur is urging Indonesia to take stronger action against forest fires and plans ASEAN-level measures next year, as calls grow for polluters to face legal action. Trade: Exports reached a record RM1.57 trillion in the first nine months of 2026, up 34% year on year, led by electronics and demand linked to AI and digital technology. Education: The 2027 Budget will support Malaysia’s new curriculum and 2026–2035 education plan, alongside school upgrades and aid for families, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Talent: More than 5,200 Malaysians working abroad have returned through the Returning Expert Programme since 2011, with new efforts to connect overseas specialists to local opportunities. Politics: An analyst says PAS’s willingness to back BN in seat arrangements could strengthen Umno chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s bid to lead a future government, as Melaka’s state election approaches.

Melaka Election: The High Court has paused the Registrar of Societies’ move to deregister Perikatan Nasional, allowing the coalition to resume political activity and contest the Nov 14 poll while its legal challenge proceeds. Haze Response: Malaysia is urging Indonesia to curb fires causing cross-border haze and plans new regional measures when it chairs the haze committee next year; the Queen has also donated 376,000 masks for schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Digital Security: The Waze ban applies only to civil servants on official business, the government says, as it upgrades local app TuJu to cover ordinary roads as well as highways. Kuala Lumpur Transit: A RM5 million revamp at Masjid Jamek LRT station will improve signs and street lighting, with the wayfinding design potentially rolled out across the rail network. Economy: Palm oil prices are forecast to stay above RM4,600 a tonne in November as seasonal production declines tighten supply. Sport: Malaysia’s Wong Kar Gee won gold in the men’s T12 long jump at the Asian Para Games, taking the country’s tally to six.

Digital Security: Malaysia has barred civil servants from using Waze over data-security concerns, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the public to switch to local app TuJu. Experts say TuJu still needs independent security checks and clear privacy safeguards. Parliament: MPs are expected to question the government on the accuracy of air-quality readings as haze persists, and seek an update on Malaysians still unreachable after Nepal floods. Public Safety: Police seized RM2.85 billion worth of drugs and poisons in the first nine months of 2026, up 43.6% from a year earlier. Student Safety: All 462 Malaysian students in France are safe amid riots, the Higher Education Ministry says; some institutions in affected areas have moved classes online. Sport: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun advanced at the French Open, while Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah set up an all-Malaysian second-round match. Health: WHO has recognised Malaysia for maintaining the elimination of mother-to-child HIV and syphilis transmission.

Cross-Border Haze: Malaysia and Indonesia are exploring an environmental MoU to share fire data and prevent outbreaks. Indonesia has accepted Malaysia’s offer of firefighting help, with deployment arrangements still being coordinated. Digital Economy: Anwar Ibrahim says the government will review platform practices such as high commissions and restrictive contracts that can disadvantage small businesses and limit their access to customer data. Economy: Malaysia’s economy grew 5.3% in the third quarter. The ringgit closed slightly stronger against the US dollar, while the FBM KLCI regained the 1,600 mark. Para Games: Swimmer Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli defended his 100m breaststroke title in a Games-record time, securing Malaysia’s first swimming gold in Nagoya. Road Safety: Motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for 4,542 of Malaysia’s 6,581 road deaths last year; the government plans to step up safety measures. Anti-Corruption: A former Temerloh police chief was sentenced to eight months’ jail on 46 corruption charges, but the sentence was stayed pending further proceedings.

Aviation Innovation: Malaysia’s aviation regulator and China’s EHang have begun a safety and regulatory assessment of pilotless electric aircraft; any trial would need separate approvals. Political Turmoil: The Registrar of Societies has cancelled Perikatan Nasional’s registration, leaving the opposition coalition’s future and its plans for the approaching Melaka election uncertain. Cross-Border Haze: MPs are pressing for stronger action over Indonesian fires, with a parliamentary committee set to deliver a memorandum to Indonesia’s embassy. The Dewan Rakyat is also due to discuss new MyKad security and protection of personal data. Economy: The ringgit opened firmer against the US dollar after September exports jumped 54.5% and third-quarter GDP grew 5.3%, fuelling talk of a possible interest-rate normalisation. Medicine Supply: Malaysia has proposed pooled regional procurement of selected medicines and an ASEAN dashboard to help monitor supply risks.

Haze Response: Schools in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and several states will remain open, but outdoor activities are suspended; Johor also launched cloud-seeding operations to improve air quality. Corporate Crime: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said authorities froze RM4.3 billion and seized RM1 billion in assets linked to alleged corporate crimes between late 2022 and September 2026, citing a system that had long lacked transparency. Transport: The ECRL will offer a 30% discount on economy fares for its first month after launching on Dec 12. Digital Safety: Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to coordinate efforts to protect children online, with Singapore potentially joining a trilateral initiative. Aviation: The government says it has made no commitment to provide financial support to AirAsia. Asian Para Games: Bonnie Bunyau Gustin won Malaysia’s second gold, defending his men’s under-72kg powerlifting title.

Haze Crisis: Malaysia has offered aircraft and personnel to help fight Indonesia’s forest fires and proposed an ASEAN coordination mechanism. Indonesia says it can manage the crisis itself for now, while haze continues to disrupt daily life across the region. Parliament: MPs are due to question the government on allegations of “corporate mafia” activity, misappropriation and abuse of power involving FELDA; the claims remain under investigation. Data Centres: The government plans a bill to regulate the sector, citing pressure on energy and water supplies. Electricity demand from data centres in Peninsular Malaysia could reach 8.39 gigawatts by 2030. Healthcare: An affordable MediAsas medical plan is being prepared for launch in January 2027, after rising premiums prompted 340,000 policy cancellations. Economy: September inflation eased to 1.8%, and the ringgit opened higher against the US dollar. Creative Industry: The government is exploring funding and performance opportunities for visually impaired singers and musicians through MyCreative Ventures and RTM.