Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
Rail projects were the hot topic this week, as Malaysia looks to resume the suspended aerotrain at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and explore an urban rail system for those arriving in Johor Bahru from Singapore via the planned RTS.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may have ended 2024 with improved approval ratings, but the new year is starting with some headwinds. While his support for Gaza has been popular in Muslim majority Malaysia, he has suffered blowback for committing to help build a school, hospital and mosque in the Palestinian territory when education and healthcare systems in his own backyard remain wanting.
An anti-graft rally in the centre of Kuala Lumpur on Jan 25 also drew about 200 demonstrators who called on Datuk Seri Anwar to crack down on corruption. They cited leniency towards Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi and former premier Najib Razak as evidence of the government being soft on its own allies.
Also, do check out our new Asian Insider podcast series on happenings in Malaysia.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Malaysia’s KLIA aerotrain service to resume by June with new trains costing $140m
The China-made trains are undergoing testing, with 25 per cent of the 80 planned tests completed.
Malaysia looking at LRT or tram-bus system for RTS Link to ease congestion in JB
The federal government will invite private firms to submit proposals on project details by 1H2025.
Malaysia preparing for possible US tariffs by building trade relations with others: Anwar
US President Trump has warned Brics member countries of 100 per cent tariffs should the bloc create its own currency.
Anti-corruption rally in Kuala Lumpur puts pressure on PM Anwar
He has been accused of being too soft on corruption cases involving his political allies.
Malaysia starts probe into coastal shooting incident that led to death of an Indonesian
The incident off Selangor state raises a rare diplomatic flap between the two close neighbours.
Malaysia PM Anwar’s focus on Gaza and global travels spark domestic criticism
Experts say he should strike a balance between raising Malaysia’s international standing and tackling domestic concerns.
Death of Lee’s pineapple juice, once served in homes every CNY, signals tough times for Johor farmers
Perhaps by 2030, the pineapple the writer offers to his ancestors will be grown in Sarawak.
KL sinkhole tragedy: Jalan Masjid India shopping area returns to life in time for the festive season
An Indian tourist fell into a sinkhole in the popular tourist shopping district in August 2024.