AGP Executive Report

World Cup Boost for Malaysia: Bank of America says FIFA World Cup 2026 could lift Malaysia and ASEAN via digital commerce, media, payments, logistics and cross-border business from the US$41b global GDP impact and 800,000 jobs worldwide. Energy Deal: Petronas and Japan’s JERA signed a 20-year LNG supply deal, with 2 million tonnes annually from 2028, strengthening Malaysia’s role as a “middle power” amid supply-route risks. Jobs Snapshot: Malaysia’s unemployment rate returned to 3% in April, with 511,800 unemployed and employment rising to 16.82 million. Sabah Agri Push: Sabah targets 600ha of avocado orchards by 2035 and plans to approve 50,000 planting materials for subsidies. Regional Industry Plan: Sarawak’s Bintulu is set to anchor a transition industrial cluster under a World Economic Forum-linked push, with pilot projects starting this year. Cybersecurity Watch: University of Nottingham Malaysia says it’s still assessing a cyberattack on its student records system, though affected systems were secured. Johor Election Setup: Johor will run as a caretaker state after assembly dissolution, with EC to set key election dates soon.

Malaysia-Japan ties: PM Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a three-day Japan visit, pitching deeper cooperation on investment, AI, semiconductors, defence and energy, with Petronas set to supply Japan’s JERA with a 20-year LNG deal starting 2028. Online safety push: Communications deputy Teo Nie Ching said Malaysia is strengthening online safety, digital literacy and building sovereign AI capabilities to protect children and communities. Weather alert: MetMalaysia warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds hitting parts of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, plus Sarawak and Sabah until 7pm/2am depending on area. Rohingya housing dispute: Selangor MB Amirudin Shari said enforcement actions have been ongoing since 2016 over an unapproved Rohingya-occupied building in Kampung Baru Sungai Makau, urging the public to rely on official statements. Scam crackdown (Sabah): Police arrested 341 people and seized over RM1.10m in raids on scam call-centre syndicates. Economy & governance: MOF said it’s leading a whole-of-government effort to curb illegal foreign-run businesses using tourist/student visas. Sports & society: Pahang Sultan urged younger candidates for the FAM presidency; RTM said it will broadcast all 104 World Cup 2026 matches.

Malaysia-Japan Energy Talks: PM Anwar Ibrahim met Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo and both sides vowed to deepen energy security cooperation, including a 20-year Petronas LNG supply deal to Jera starting 2028, plus work on fertiliser feedstocks and critical minerals. Trade & Tariffs: Anwar told the Nikkei Forum that sovereign countries should openly oppose punitive tariffs and discriminatory trade policies, warning major powers are “weaponizing” global economic interdependence. Market Watch: Bursa Malaysia opened slightly higher amid cautious sentiment, with investors tracking global cues as crude oil eased. Corporate/Markets: Bursa suspended intraday short-selling of Tanco Holdings after its shares breached the price limit; the firm also discussed a 50MW data centre load project in Negeri Sembilan. Data Centres: DHL Supply Chain said it added 160,000 sqm of Asia Pacific warehousing capacity for data centre logistics, with Malaysia and Thailand expansions due in two years. Sports & Community: LPPKN marked 60 years of strengthening family well-being, while Malaysia’s media veterans group urged better support for retired journalists.

World Cup Access: Malaysia says all 104 FIFA World Cup matches will be shown live via RTM and Unifi TV, with free streaming on RTMKlik. Labour & AI Work: HR Minister R. Ramanan tells the ILO that Malaysia wants AI-driven jobs to stay fair, inclusive and people-centred, pointing to worker protection moves like SKIM LINDUNG 24 JAM. Domestic Tourism Push: Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels launch “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” with discounted stays and family-friendly perks nationwide until Dec 31. Halal Economy in Negeri Sembilan: The state backs halal as a wider growth engine beyond food, including tourism, logistics and SMEs. National Unity: DPM Fadillah warns West Asia-linked economic pressure shouldn’t weaken community unity, urging the right narrative over social media provocation. Rail Industry Planning: MOSTI and MIGHT unveil the Malaysia Rail Industry Report 2025/2026 to guide future priorities and local participation. Selangor Disability Policy: Selangor launches a 2026-2030 PWD policy shifting from welfare to rights, empowerment and better access.

Philippines Disaster: A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines, killing at least 35 and injuring hundreds, with tsunami warnings and coastal tremors felt as far as Malaysia and Indonesia. Opposition Shake-up: Malaysia’s PAS has cut ties with Bersatu, throwing the PN opposition pact’s future into question and raising fresh questions about Malay political alliances. Fuel Subsidy Debate: Malaysia’s move to keep bearing fuel subsidy costs drew support from consumer groups as an inflation buffer, while economists warned blanket subsidies can still be regressive. Football Governance: FAM sent a letter to the Sports Commissioner to clarify confusion over its 2026 congress financial statements and budget, denying claims it failed to table audited reports. TVET Push: Education experts say Malaysia’s new high-tech TVET programmes must prioritise sending instructors for industry attachment abroad to close skills gaps. Property & Data Centres: Sime Darby Property launched a RM1.25b shariah-compliant fund to build and lease data centres plus industrial and logistics projects. Wages vs Productivity: Economy Minister Akmal Nasir said wage reform must be paired with productivity gains and stronger employer buy-in. Tech & Industry: Malaysia’s E&E exports could top RM800b in 2026, with semiconductors driving growth despite geopolitical cost pressures.

Philippines Disaster Watch: A 7.8 quake hit Mindanao, killing at least 32 and injuring 200+ as buildings collapsed and landslides struck; tsunami waves of about 1 metre were reported, and MetMalaysia said later moderate aftershocks posed no tsunami threat to Malaysia. National Service Update: JLKN targets 10,520 participants for PLKN 4.0 next year, with new camps planned across Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis, while 1,369 trainees completed PLKN 3.0 series 2. Malaysia-Japan Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Japan for a three-day visit, including a lecture at the University of Tokyo and the Nikkei Forum, as Malaysia pushes cooperation on economy and technology. Education Reform: The Form Six programme gets a fresh push under MADANI, with rebranding and support initiatives like BAP and student representation to lift quality and image. Tourism & Travel: Pos Malaysia launched VM2026 special stamps featuring KL, Langkawi and other landmarks, while a new Pekanbaru–Melaka flight aims to boost Melaka’s health tourism. Trade & Biosecurity: Malaysia is awaiting Thailand’s response on shrimp import rules and tightened sea bass checks, including requiring a Certificate of Analysis. Finance & Business: Maybank unveiled the next-gen Maybank2E for regional SME-to-corporate banking, and BIMB Investment launched a Shariah-compliant small-cap fund targeting RM50m.

Philippines Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts: A powerful 7.9/7.8 quake hit Mindanao, killing at least 12–15 and injuring 200+ as buildings collapsed and tsunami warnings were issued across the region; Malaysia’s MetMalaysia later lifted the tsunami advisory, with Sabah monitoring continuing. Sabah Monitoring & Public Safety: Sabah JBPM said no structural damage or unusual sea-level rise was detected after the quake, but coastal areas were kept under close watch and on standby. Home Affairs Crackdown on Visa Misuse: Malaysia’s Home Ministry is mobilising a special operation to curb foreigners misusing social visit and student passes to run businesses, following PM Anwar’s concerns and public complaints. Refugee Management Approach: Home Minister Saifuddin said refugee issues will be handled with a balance of national security and humanitarian needs, rejecting claims of “cowboy” identity issuance. Digital Infrastructure Boost: Digital Realty launched Malaysia operations in Cyberjaya, planning about 32MW of data centre capacity (including AI-focused KUL11) to scale interconnection and resilience. AI Skills Push: Communications Ministry targets producing at least one “prompt engineer” at every NADI centre nationwide to build practical AI literacy and local app-making. Astro Leadership Change: Astro CEO Euan Smith stepped down; Henry Tan named interim CEO from June 16. Sports Spotlight: Malaysia’s Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani pair showed world-champion potential after winning the Indonesia Open, ending an 18-year title drought.

KLIBF Record Run: Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 wrapped up with a new visitor record of 2,416,009, beating last year’s 2.1 million, with 209 local and 23 international publishers taking part. MADANI Reading Push: Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the MADANI Book Voucher continues to boost the book industry, with RM286 million allocated in 2024 for 3.57 million pupils and students. Aviation Safety Move: Malaysia Aviation Skills Standard Association (MASSA) signed an MoU with South Korea’s Braindrop to study lithium battery and power-bank fire risks, including testing a fire-resistant “Air-Pouch” bag. Football Governance Row: FAM says the AFC should decide whether an audit report on FAM is released and tabled in Parliament, warning against perceptions of government interference. Tech & Learning: FIRA Malaysia Cup 2026 starts today in Kota Bharu with 1,465 participants across nine robotics and AI categories, with winners set for the FIRA RoboWorld Cup in Canada. Sports Spotlight: Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Goh Sze Fei won the Indonesia Open title, ending an 18-year drought.

Malaysia-Japan Ties: PM Anwar Ibrahim will visit Japan from June 8-10, with talks expected to cover green tech, energy resilience, defence and regional security, plus a lecture at Tokyo University. Sabah Tourism: Sabah is drafting a long-term Tourism Blueprint to guide growth beyond past master plans, with Hajiji saying the state is on track for 4 million visitors under Visit Malaysia 2026. Aviation & Travel: Philippine Airlines has been invited to join the oneworld alliance as its 16th member, while Tesla says Malaysian-registered owners in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand can use cross-border service and Superchargers. Border Hassles: Thai hotel groups want online vehicle registration for Malaysians to cut queues at the Sadao border checkpoint. TVET Push: Malaysia and China’s MCIEA will fund scholarships and training for Malaysian TVET graduates, aiming to build a more future-ready workforce. Sports: Nepal beat Oman by 8 wickets in the Asian Games qualifier semi-final, setting up a final against the winner of Hong Kong vs Malaysia.

TVET Push: Malaysia is ramping up Technical and Vocational Education and Training with a RM50 million boost for TVET 2.0 and a new GITC TVET Placement Centre (GTPC) to link students, industry training and jobs, while Malaysia-China TVET cooperation under MCIEA will fund 1,000 scholarship placements (about RM18m) and 2,000 training opportunities (over RM10m). Energy Security: Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid says fuel supply efforts are steady despite West Asia tensions, with Petronas-led moves to secure global sources and calls to curb fuel smuggling. Johor Poll Readiness: PDRM has started early preparations for the Johor state election, with security planning and logistics being lined up. Environment & Waste: Recycling facilities at shopping malls become mandatory in phases starting this month, beginning with engagement and pilots before nationwide enforcement. Local Economy & Food: KPKM says concerns about local white rice can be solved via value-added downstream products, launching the first white rice snack, Jati Chom Chom. Sports & Culture: Bernama’s esports writer wins bronze at MPL MY Media Awards; and a Perak hiker, Jaslinda Saludin, was found safe after 14 days.

National Unity Push: National Security Council chief Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin says unity remains a top priority under the National Security Policy, urging Malaysians to embrace diversity and respect the Federal Constitution. Sports & Discipline: Badminton chiefs at BAM reaffirmed discipline after disciplinary issues, including a move requiring most national players to stay at the Academy Badminton Malaysia hostel. Health Tech: Institut Jantung Negara introduced the TactiFlex™ Duo Ablation Catheter, a dual-energy tool for complex heart rhythm treatments like atrial fibrillation. TVET Skills Drive: Prime Minister Anwar will officiate National TVET Day 2026, with emerging-field training for selected students in AI, crypto and energy transition. Forensic Capacity: A new Johor Department of Chemistry extension (RM22.8m) will boost food, water and environmental testing for investigations and CBRNe readiness. Football Fans: Unifi TV secured rights to broadcast all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Malaysia via season and daily passes. Sabah Child Wellbeing: UNICEF and Sabah’s UPEN report disabled, undocumented and stateless children face the biggest barriers to healthcare and education.

Legal Showdown in Court: Malaysia’s Attorney-General is seeking leave to appeal after the Court of Appeal allowed the Malaysian Bar to challenge the prosecution halt for Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi case, with questions focused on whether such AG decisions can be judicially reviewed and what legal test applies. State Elections Watch: Police say they’re ready for Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls after both state assemblies were dissolved, with manpower and logistics being fine-tuned for a smooth, orderly process. Sabah Politics & Promises: UPKO’s Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh warns Anwar could face Sabah backlash if the promised RM1.5b interim special grant is delayed again. Sports & National Pride: Malaysia’s last badminton hopes at the Indonesia Open rest with Goh Sze Fei-Nur and Nur Izzuddin after a quarter-final win; meanwhile, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman qualified for the Asian Games men’s cricket event. Energy & Economy: DOSM reports Malaysia’s crude oil and condensate output fell 5.5% year-on-year in 1Q 2026, while crude exports also dipped.

Snap Elections Watch: Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat sitting schedule is set to run from June 22 to July 16, despite Johor and Negeri Sembilan dissolving their state assemblies and triggering polls within 60 days—raising questions about coalition stability ahead of any early national election. Rukun Negara & Conduct: YADIM urged Malaysians to embrace Rukun Negara values, linking unity and restraint in speech to preventing a repeat of past racial tensions. PharmD Recognition Fix: PM Anwar ordered MOHE and MOH to quickly resolve recognition for Alexandria University PharmD graduates so students can register and practise without being blocked by professional approval gaps. Energy Transition Focus: TNB says regional cooperation, grid upgrades, talent building and responsible AI adoption are key as demand for power and data centres accelerates. Environment Push: Environmental advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called for stronger enforcement as climate change worsens floods, droughts, coastal erosion and food-water risks. Sports Tourism: Labuan kicks off its first international 42km full marathon this weekend, aiming to boost the duty-free island’s events profile.

Cybersecurity & Cryptography: PM Anwar visited PTPKM and witnessed the launch of the Cyber Security Cryptology Development Centre (CSCDC), including a Post-Quantum Cryptography push via a PQC Sandbox. Energy Transition & Data Centres: TNB says it delivered 4.3GW of installed renewables and is backing grid upgrades for data-centre growth; MIDA also argues data centres bring wider economic spillovers, not just jobs. Semiconductors Investment: Anwar met AT&S CEO on Kulim operations, highlighting Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor value chain. AFC/FAM Football Governance: AFC proposes Harimau Malaya management return to FAM under a National Team Committee; FAM affiliates approved AFC-linked statute amendments, with Hamidin calling them the best chance to modernise governance. Malaysia–Thailand Trade Tension: Malaysia banned imports of five Thai shrimp species over food-safety concerns, with Thai farmers urging talks. Social Media Rules for Minors: Malaysia enforces an under-16 social media ban with age checks and platform compliance requirements. Aviation Update: AirAsia Philippines denies claims of being grounded after settling CAAP dues to avoid disruption. Tech & Consumer: Honor launched its Magic V6 global book-style foldable, with Malaysia among early markets.

Kuala Lumpur Development & Governance: Sultan Ibrahim told Federal Territories minister Hannah Yeoh that Kuala Lumpur’s reform push must deliver better services, stronger security and a higher quality of life for residents. Energy & AI Push: PM Anwar launched TNB’s ETCon26, backing Malaysia’s energy transition as the backbone for AI and data-centre growth, with talks spanning energy-for-AI and AI-for-energy. Renewables Financing Risk: Malaysia’s biggest independent power producer warned “stranded” solar assets are rising as renewable project tenures and financing don’t match capital needs, while costs and risk premiums climb. Cross-Border Payments: NTT Data and AXS signed an MoU to link bill-payment networks, starting with Singapore and Malaysia. Palm Oil Watch: Malaysian palm futures slipped on weaker export demand and softer soyoil/crude prices. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: Washington proposed 12.5% duties on 54 countries (including Malaysia) and higher rates for others, tied to forced-labour enforcement failures. Malaysia Passport Update: A 10-year passport is set at RM350, with discounts for seniors and free passes for eligible OKU cardholders. Online Safety for Kids: Malaysia moved to restrict social media access for under-16s under new age-verification rules. KL Events & Culture: HAWANA 2026 partner session gears up in Kuala Lumpur, while BTS’s KL shows saw massive presale demand.

Energy Transition & Grid Stability: Malaysia’s energy push at ETCon26 is leaning on nuclear as a practical baseload partner to renewables, with MyPOWER saying 100% RE is hard for Peninsular Malaysia due to limited resources. Solar With Storage: PETRA says LSS6 solar tenders are expected to open this year, and new solar projects must pair with Battery Energy Storage Systems to keep the grid stable. Carbon Capture Push: Malaysia is urging a whole-of-nation approach to scale CCUS, with stronger ASEAN coordination needed to close gaps across the CCUS value chain. Trade Shock From Washington: The US proposes Section 301 tariffs up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including Malaysia, over forced-labour claims—sparking fresh currency and business jitters. Ringgit Watch: The ringgit closed lower amid renewed US tariff concerns. Anti-Corruption Education: MACC is rolling out “Maccampus” at UMT to strengthen integrity and anti-corruption learning for students. Local Economy & Property: Malton’s unit seeks to buy Johor Bahru freehold land for RM97.23m to develop service apartments. Sports Discipline: Thailand’s team regu officials and players are referred to ISTAF’s disciplinary committee after the Sepak Takraw World Cup controversy. Public Safety: A missing man in a cave near an oil palm plantation in Lahad Datu was found safe, though weak.