Malaysia Edition: New Perlis port could boost trade with China | Is Mahathir ‘active ageing’?

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.


Malaysia is eyeing a boost in trade with both China and Thailand, via a new inland port in the tiny northern state of Perlis. The hopes are that by syncing up this port with existing rail lines, including the upcoming East Coast Rail Link, Malaysia will be able to leverage China’s Pan-Asian Railway network from Singapore to Kunming.

For more on how Chinese links have impacted Malaysia’s economic and social landscape, tune in to our Asian Insider podcast, where we also dive into the Democratic Action Party’s leadership election that dealt the once powerful Lim family a decisive blow.

Next, read about how efforts to develop urban areas are not always welcome. An attempt to ease requirements for en-bloc upgrades has sparked fears long-time residents could be priced out of the area. Separately, plans to build a new mosque in downtown Kuala Lumpur on the site of a Hindu temple has riled up sentiment.

Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.


Malaysia eyes trade boost with China, Thailand via new inland port and rail links

The new Perlis Inland Port will cost RM492 million and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

READ MORE HERE


Temple relocation to make way for mosque gets green light after heated debate

PM Anwar Ibrahim is slated to lay the foundation stone for the mosque tomorrow.

READ MORE HERE


Cold Storage, Giant outlets in S’pore to be sold to Malaysia group for S$125m

Macrovalue already owns the Cold Storage and Giant operations in Malaysia.

READ MORE HERE


Govt’s bid to redevelop ageing properties upsets some home owners

The opposition PAS has also turned the URA Bill into a hot-button political issue.

READ MORE HERE


Malaysian influencers jazz up modest homes for clicks and income

The country’s public housing is often associated with shabby surroundings and bare facilities.

READ MORE HERE


Mahathir’s still talking shop with Jokowi. Is he ‘active ageing’?

Some feel Dr Mahathir has overstayed his welcome. But who are we to tell him what to do?

READ MORE HERE


Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.