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Edition of Thursday, 29 October 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Malaysia · Country watch

Budget 2027 Passed; Rare Earth Mining in Kelantan

Malaysia's 2027 budget advances, and Kelantan plans rare earth mining, impacting fiscal policy and resource management.

The picture Stable How this is judged →

Business conditions in Malaysia remain stable as the 2027 budget advances and Kelantan plans rare earth mining. These developments impact fiscal policy and resource management.

Flare-up watch: Calm (0.1) · How this is judged → · All Malaysia briefings →

In this briefing Kelantan · SG4 · Amira Alias · Rafizi Ramli · Malaysian government · Dewan Rakyat · Anwar Ibrahim

Regulation

  • Mining
  • Energy

Kelantan to commence rare earth mining in 2027

white van on road near mountain during daytime
Gem Lyn / Unsplash

Kelantan plans to begin rare earth mining next year, seeking greater autonomy over its resources, Malaysiakini reports. The state is part of the SG4 coalition, which is pressing the federal government for more control over resource management and downstream industries. This move could significantly impact Malaysia's mining sector, as rare earth elements are crucial for high-tech industries and renewable energy technologies.

Impact Mining and energy sectors will be affected by Kelantan's rare earth mining plans, potentially boosting local economies.

Sources: Malaysiakini ↗

  • Finance

Government seizes RM409 million in corporate mafia assets

The Malaysian government has seized assets worth over RM409 million as part of an investigation into alleged 'corporate mafia' activities, Kosmo! reports. This action is seen as a demonstration of the government's commitment to addressing corporate malfeasance. The asset seizure follows criticism from political figures, including Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, about the handling of such cases.

Impact Financial institutions and investors are affected by the crackdown on corporate malfeasance, influencing compliance and risk assessments.

Sources: Kosmo! ↗

Politics

  • Public sector
  • Finance

Budget 2027 passes Dewan Rakyat after CSA signing

Malaysia's Budget 2027 has passed the Dewan Rakyat by voice vote and will now proceed to committee stage debates, according to Malaysiakini. The budget's passage follows the signing of a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) with Bersatu MPs and seven other lawmakers, ensuring support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration. The budget outlines fiscal policies and allocations for the upcoming year, influencing various sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Impact Public-sector projects and fiscal policy will be influenced by the 2027 budget's allocations and priorities.

Sources: Malaysiakini ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Companies · Markets · Trade.

Also today in the local press

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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The same day elsewhere