AGP Executive Report

BUDI Diesel Expansion: Putrajaya approved an extra 100 litres of subsidised diesel per month for nearly 200,000 pick-up and jeep owners, lifting quotas from 200 to 300 litres from this month, with Finance Ministry citing higher rural and business fuel needs. Governance & Anti-Cronyism: Analysts say Anwar’s move to end “support letters” in entrepreneur financing approvals signals a push to cut political influence and leakages in Bumiputera financing. Higher Education Clarity: Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry rejected claims that international student intake is sidelining locals, saying international students are 12.6% overall and only 3.44% at undergraduate level. Digital Borders: Anwar says Malaysia and Singapore are targeting a new digital immigration system and extra lanes by January to ease Johor border congestion. Islamic Affairs Policy: JAKIM is refining nationwide funeral management guidelines after a viral Selangor issue, while encouraging states to coordinate calmly with religious authorities. Johor Polls Context: A report suggests Johor voters are more focused on cost of living and jobs than royal politics ahead of the July 11 state election. Rural Development Push: Malaysia will mark World Rural Development Day for the first time tomorrow, spotlighting rural digitisation and rural entrepreneurs.

Federal-Community Politics: PM Anwar Ibrahim told Johor community leaders that governance must stay fair across federal, state and local levels—giving people a reasonable chance to be heard, not just rubber-stamping decisions. Malay Rights Debate: Anwar also hit back at parties that campaign on Malay supremacy but allegedly fail to protect Malay reserve land, saying his government has gazetted 20.23 hectares in Bandar Malaysia as reserve land. Johor Election Narrative: DAP’s Hannah Yeoh rejected “copy-paste” claims about Johor election manifestos, arguing similar pledges reflect shared voter concerns like welfare and housing. Online Safety & Media Regulation: The Communications Ministry is still assessing licensed social media platforms’ compliance with Online Safety Act 2025 codes on risk mitigation and child protection. Tourism Consumer Protection: Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing says Malaysia will introduce minimum pricing and standard service requirements for umrah packages to curb unrealistically cheap deals. Energy & Safety: Petronas is investigating a lifeboat maintenance accident on the Sepat FSO off Terengganu that killed three contractors. Regional Diplomacy: Laos and Malaysia marked 60 years of diplomatic ties in Vientiane, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation. KL Tourism Spotlight: KLDEX, a new durian heritage centre near MaTiC, was launched to boost Malaysia’s premium durian branding. Digital Access Push: Government targets 100% internet access in populated areas by next year under JENDELA.

Johor Election Campaign: PM Anwar Ibrahim urged voters to back “smarter, bolder” representatives as PH pushes targeted outreach in the 16th Johor state election, while analysts say the first week stayed low-key and more personal before a hotter second phase. JS-SEZ Politics: Johor BN’s Onn Hafiz Ghazi hit out at Putrajaya over delays to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone master plan, arguing it’s a Malaysian document that doesn’t need Singapore’s approval—sparking a fresh campaign fight with federal leaders. MADANI & Bumiputera Economy: Anwar also launched SParK 2026 under PUNB, setting a financing approval target of up to RM2.25bil for 2026–2030 and cutting PROSPER GROW rates to as low as 3.5% per annum. Higher Education Integrity: UKM denied a viral claim that it has a 5:1 international-to-local student ratio, saying international undergraduates are about 8% of its total. Co-op Governance Reform: KUSKOP is drafting a new Cooperatives Act to replace the 1993 law, aiming to streamline approvals and boost flexibility, alongside Ar-Rahnu reforms from September. Kuala Lumpur Tourism/Heritage: KLDEX, a new durian experience centre near MaTiC, was launched to promote premium Malaysian durian and kick off the Malaysia Durian Festival 2026.

Johor Election Watch: The Election Commission says it received 305 reports on campaign offences during the Johor state election period up to July 2, with most cases involving materials in restricted areas or obstructing road users, and it says enforcement teams are coordinating with PDRM, MACC and MCMC. State Polls Politics: PH’s Johor manifesto is being framed as detailed and ready to challenge BN’s “stability” narrative, while BN’s Khairy Jamaluddin attacks it as “copy and paste” of BN’s record and urges voters to back BN’s original plan. Governance & Law: Parliament passed the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026, extending criminal jurisdiction for child sexual offences committed abroad by permanent residents and habitual residents, as MPs clash over abuse statistics. Public Finance & Subsidies: Treasury says nearly 200,000 private diesel vehicle owners have benefited from BUDI Diesel in the first three days, with MyKad and fleet cards used for targeted distribution. Corporate Oversight: The Securities Commission Malaysia launched a consultation on strengthening corporate governance, including tighter oversight of company secretaries and a proposed shareholder litigation fund. International Diplomacy: Malaysia says it will maintain its stance on Jho Low despite US pardon reports, with PM Anwar stressing Malaysia follows the rule of law. KL Civic/Community: Anwar’s Teksi Madani and other MADANI programmes continue to roll out, while KL’s public service push also includes KKR’s red tape reform awards.

Digital Politics & Campaigning: BN candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah warns parties risk becoming “dinosaur parties” if they don’t adapt to social-media-driven campaigning and fast-moving voter perceptions. Federal Parliament & Lawmaking: Dewan Rakyat highlights include PM Anwar’s clarification on federal allocations and passage of the Cybercrimes Bill 2026, alongside amendments to child sexual offences and employment insurance. Targeted Subsidies: BUDI Diesel’s MyKad-based RM2.10/litre rollout aims to cut leakages and reach eligible users, but analysts flag the need for accurate, up-to-date recipient data and rural connectivity. Drug Enforcement: KDN says synthetic-drug trafficking and abuse—meth, “piu-piu” pills, and fentanyl—remains a major threat, citing a surge in arrests and stepped-up operations using tech like drones and surveillance. Johor-Singapore SEZ Politics: Johor caretaker CM Onn Hafiz criticises federal delays to the JS-SEZ master plan ahead of the July 11 state election, while the federal economic minister insists momentum and investor interest remain strong. Tech & Governance: Malaysia’s insurance reinsurance sector gets CAB 2.0, a cloud-based upgrade to streamline facultative administration and reduce paper-based processes. Public Services & Welfare: ABIM urges early-phase support for workers under PERKESO’s LINDUNG 24 Jam/SKBBK, especially B40 and gig/contract workers, to keep the scheme fair and sustainable. Sports & Talent: MSN launches a Para Cycling Talent Camp and a Next Gen Programme to build international-level para-cycling capability. Health & Infrastructure: MOH signals a new hospital plan in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, after reviewing HTJ2, to ease congestion and match population growth. Regional/International: ASEAN engagement continues as Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing visits Laos; UN leaders renew calls for universal abolition of the death penalty.

Johor Election Digital Warfare: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil warned voters about fake accounts using candidates’ images and misinformation tactics, urging people to stick to mainstream media as Johor’s 16th state election nears. He also condemned physical sabotage and any gangster-style intimidation, saying Malaysia’s political process must stay peaceful. RTM Debate Offer: Fahmi said RTM is ready to host an interactive dialogue if Johor MB candidate Onn Hafiz Ghazi agrees to face PH’s Dr Maszlee Malik, framing it as a development-focused exchange, not a sparring match. Cybersecurity as a Civic Duty: NSC chief Raja Nurshirwan said cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, tied to national security and economic stability, and highlighted My Cyber Hero 2026 as a way to build public awareness. Competition Law Update: Armizan Mohd Ali tabled Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 to tackle tech-enabled cartels and dominant-position abuses, strengthening MyCC enforcement powers. ASEAN and Diplomacy: PM Anwar pledged continued cooperation with Boao Forum on trade, AI and energy transition, and reaffirmed Malaysia’s constructive role in strengthening ASEAN amid South China Sea and West Asia tensions. Economy & Housing: MITI said a stronger ringgit hasn’t hurt exports, with Jan-May trade up 18.3% and exports up 24.3%; meanwhile KPKT announced a 10% home-purchase discount at AREC 2026 to ease deposit burdens.

Cybersecurity & Law: The Dewan Rakyat passed the Cybercrimes Bill 2026, targeting deepfakes and non-consensual AI-generated intimate images, with prosecutors still needing to prove intent and harm. Competition Policy: The Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 was tabled to strengthen MyCC enforcement against cartels and dominant-market abuses, including tech-enabled cartel tactics. Elections Watch (Johor): BN chairman Ahmad Zahid dismissed claims of a “lacklustre” campaign, saying BN’s machinery is active ahead of July 11, while PAS denied any political negotiations with BN despite urging supporters to back BN in some seats. Cost of Living & Subsidies: BUDI MADANI Diesel’s automatic rollout is meant to curb border leakage by limiting subsidised RM2.10/litre purchases to vehicles registered in the system. Governance & Diplomacy: PM Anwar told the Asia-Pacific Roundtable Malaysia’s priority is domestic governance reform, while also urging dialogue over inevitable conflict in the South China Sea. Digital & Public Services: Communications Minister Fahmi said Malaysians still charged RM1 for bank ATM withdrawals should complain to Bank Negara, as the waiver covers shared network bank ATMs. Regional Politics (Sarawak): A Sarawak lawmaker urged Putrajaya to respect MA63 rights on proposed additional seats, saying the state assembly’s decision should be tabled in Parliament.

Johor Election Campaign: PKR’s Amirudin Shari says PH’s Johor push is about fixing uneven development beyond Johor Bahru, citing investment-job gaps and promising better policy alignment if PH governs. Election Integrity: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil condemned a fake WhatsApp account impersonating PH’s Endau candidate Saiful Nizam, urging voters to verify official channels. BN FELDA Strategy: BN says it expects strong support in Kulai’s FELDA areas after Johor’s welfare and land-title issues were addressed. Parliament & Digital Law: Dewan Rakyat passed the Cybercrimes Bill 2026, including offences on deepfakes and manipulated intimate images, with Zahid stressing safeguards and legal procedures. Border & Cost-of-Living: KPDN will review BUDI MADANI help for Peninsular island communities using private boats, and refine SOPs to extend subsidised diesel access to registered old folks’ homes. Border Security Staffing: AKPS says only 54% of offered officers accepted its service scheme, despite improved increments and career prospects. Aviation Oversight: Khazanah backs PAC recommendations to strengthen Malaysia Airports Holdings and the airport ecosystem. Regional Economy: Malaysia’s Economy Ministry says the Malaysia-Thailand Border Economic Zone will be negotiated bilaterally with Thailand before implementation.

Johor Election Campaign Focus: As the 16th Johor state election heats up, MUDA’s Bukit Batu hopeful M. Premanand pitches “transparency and integrity” and vows to prioritise jobs and wages; BN’s Kota Iskandar candidate Datuk Pandak Ahmad leans on a “bridge to residents” approach, citing affordable housing, a new mosque and faster trader licensing; PH’s Tenang candidate Elia Nadira Sabudin blends campaigning with a PhD, pushing to narrow rural-urban education gaps via robotics training; and PH’s Permas candidate Sharon Teo Siew Hui frames her agenda around public service inspired by late “Bapa Rahmah” Salahuddin Ayub. Campaign Strategy Shift: Analysts say Johor campaigning is moving from balai raya politics to a hybrid model mixing grassroots trust-building with social media reach, while warning about misinformation risks. Digital & AI Policy Push: PM Anwar inaugurates Ant International’s Kuala Lumpur Global Development Centre and calls for faster workforce upskilling plus an AI Governance Bill; Malaysia also launches SemiconStart Malaysia to turn semiconductor plans into real ventures. Cost of Living & Consumer Protection: In Parliament, SUHAKAM Act amendments and inflation-cost-of-living gaps are raised; Anwar says e-wallet providers must compensate scam victims within seven working days if preventive steps fail. Fuel Subsidies Update: Anwar warns fuel subsidy spending could reach up to RM40bil in 2026 if prices stay high, and BUDI Diesel quota rules are being expanded for higher-usage users. Transport & Security Admin: Malaysia extends MotoGP hosting to 2031 and rolls out a new passport with 94 security features from 1 July 2026.

BUDI Diesel Rollout: Malaysia expands subsidised diesel under BUDI Diesel from July 1, with about 700,000 private vehicle owners to get RM2.10/litre (and eligible commercial vehicles in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan at RM2.15/litre), while KPDN revokes earlier diesel sales limits in those regions to make distribution more targeted. Education Reform Push: PM Anwar Ibrahim announces a National Education Council to drive education reforms, including district-level quality upgrades, Bumiputera agenda support, and a STEM talent pipeline—framed as part of MADANI values. Cybercrimes Bill 2026 Debate: The National Security Council says the Cybercrimes Bill 2026 is built for Malaysia’s legal and enforcement needs, but media rights groups warn it could threaten freedom of expression and privacy; meanwhile MCCA backs the bill, arguing it’s needed to respond faster to cyber threats. New Passport Security: Immigration confirms Malaysia’s passport security features will keep being upgraded, with the new 94-feature design and 10-year option rolling out from July 1/June 30. Digital Harm & AI Misuse: Parliament hears MCMC has taken down 11,600 deepfake items since 2024, and platforms face risk-mitigation duties under the Online Safety Act 2025. Transport & Flood/Water Planning: Rapid KL’s Shah Alam LRT3 line logs 62,184 trips on day one, while Johor’s Sungai Skudai river project is set to cut flood risks for about 15,000 residents. Refugee Management: Ahmad Zahid says Malaysia must balance humanitarian duties with national security and sovereignty as it reviews refugee policy implementation.

Parliament & Law: The Dewan Rakyat passed the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2026, extending jurisdiction to offences committed abroad, while MPs pressed for clarity on funding and enforcement capacity. Refugees & Sovereignty: Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia must strengthen its refugee management framework to balance humanitarian duties with national security and sovereignty. Federal-State Money: PM Anwar told MPs that any state request for extra funds tied to a Notice of Change must be renegotiated before federal approval, and he defended allocation fairness by needs-based distribution rather than tax revenue claims. Johor Election Fallout: BN’s Mohamad Hasan said Johor’s state polls won’t destabilise the federal government, as PH candidates campaign on infrastructure, flooding, traffic, and public amenities. Public Services & Transport: LRT3 Shah Alam Line operations are easing campus travel for UiTM students, with free fares running until July 31. Education & Safety: Malaysia will deploy Armed Forces veterans as hostel wardens at eight MRSMs under a “You touch, you go” anti-bullying push. Digital & AI Governance: Malaysia approved Neolix for Level 4 autonomous delivery road trials in Cyberjaya, and the government launched a digital action plan to drive AI growth. Travel Document Update: Anwar unveiled the new International Malaysian Passport with 94 security features, with 10-year options starting July 1.

Education & Talent Pipeline: MOHE plans to deepen ties with Yayasan Hasanah to expand scholarships and pathways for top Malaysian talent, building on Khazanah Watan Scholarship and Equity Pathway efforts. Public Service Reform: The government says its paperless civil service push saved RM1.99m and 116,405 reams of paper, alongside moves to scale MyDigital ID/MyGov and grow AI talent via the MyMAHIR council. Cybersecurity Push: DPM Ahmad Zahid urged faster strengthening of Malaysia’s local tech capabilities and cyber resilience after chairing a National Cyber Security Committee meeting led by PM Anwar. AI Nation Agenda: PM Anwar launched the MD2030 action plan to drive Malaysia toward an AI nation by 2030, while MADANI Talent is set to benefit 25,000 people through GLIC/GLC/PETRONAS-linked skills and job placement. Youth Discipline in Schools: MARA will appoint 16 Malaysian Armed Forces veterans as full-time wardens at MRSMs from July 1 to curb bullying and improve discipline. Parliament—Child Sexual Crimes: MPs debated amendments to extend jurisdiction over child sexual offences committed abroad, with calls for stronger cross-border enforcement and special digital-crime task forces. Transport Safety Tech: MOT will roll out commercial-vehicle telematics in phases from 2026 to 2028, starting with voluntary adoption before any mandatory licensing consideration. Johor Election Watch: PH candidates in Johor are campaigning on local delivery—Tangkak’s delayed district centre, Layang-layang’s flood and lighting woes, and Kempas’ TVET and clinic upgrades—while PH also weighs the risk of vote shifts where PN isn’t contesting. Business & Investment Signals: MITI says subsidy rationalisation should be gradual and targeted, with savings channelled to MSME automation, EV infrastructure and green energy; MIDA also reported five foreign MoUs (semiconductors/AI/renewables/aerospace MRO) from 2023-2025.

Transport & National Closure: Malaysia extended the MH370 search deal with Ocean Infinity for another year, running July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 under “no find, no fee,” aiming to finish the remaining 7,428.54 sq km area. Urban Governance & Flood Risk: Federal Territories minister Hannah Yeoh blamed KL’s flash-flood woes on long-delayed gazetting of land for retention ponds, saying around 70% of pond sites were alienated to developers since 2015. Digital Strategy: PM Anwar launched the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) Action Plan (2026-2030), targeting an inclusive AI nation by 2030 and pushing end-to-end online government services. Parliament Watch: Dewan Rakyat focused on West Asia conflict’s impact on Malaysia’s tourist arrivals and Langkawi security readiness, plus human-elephant conflict results under Ecological Fiscal Transfer funds. Public Services & Inclusion: LRT3 Shah Alam’s first day drew praise for comfort and accessibility, with calls to improve Braille signage and passenger information for PwDs. Child Protection Law: Azalina Othman tabled amendments to expand extraterritorial reach of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act to cover permanent residents and those ordinarily residing in Malaysia. Energy & Food Costs: Economy minister said energy-market stress may persist, with feed and fertiliser costs rising as Malaysia boosts food security. Corporate Restructuring: BAT plans job cuts and outsourcing, reducing about 20% of staff by year-end.

BUDI MADANI Diesel Rollout: Malaysia’s BUDI MADANI portal has logged over 40,000 transactions since early access began, with more than 13,000 new applications by 11am for an extra 100 litres quota; Finance says MyKad verification is working smoothly and a quota-transfer facility is available when the registered owner isn’t the actual user. Transport & Housing Planning: PM Anwar wants Prasarana land near LRT3 stations turned into people’s housing under transit-oriented development, pairing homes with parking and space for small businesses. LRT3 Shah Alam Line Push: A month-long free-fare period is underway to get commuters trying the new line, while Transport Ministry identifies TOD sites around stations like Sri Andalas and Johan Setia. Johor Election Media Setup: Johor election coverage gets two main media centres plus 100 NADI hubs, with internet speeds targeted at at least 100 Mbps. Johor Polls Campaign Focus: PH and BN are leaning into walkabouts and grassroots visits rather than big rallies, with Stulang’s Andrew Chen pitching elderly-focused initiatives. Regional Minerals Agenda: Malaysia will host AMIF 2026 in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen ASEAN mineral value-chain cooperation, including critical minerals and sustainable mining. Rohingya Humanitarian Debate: MAHAR welcomes an apology from Rohingya NGOs but urges broader humanitarian work, including legal and cultural education, plus stronger international advocacy. Defence Procurement Watch: MINDEF is reviewing Malaysia’s LCS anti-ship missile replacement after Norway revoked NSM export licensing, shortlisting four supplier countries.

Johor Election Logistics: The Communications Ministry and JaPen set up two media centres and 100 NADI hubs across Johor for the 16th state election, promising at least 100 Mbps and urging the public to use the MCMC Nexus app for real-time signal checks. Campaign Style: BN and PH are leaning on grassroots walkabouts and house-to-house visits in multiple seats, with less emphasis on mega ceramah-style rallies. Transit & Housing Push (KL/Selangor): PM Anwar launched the LRT3 Shah Alam Line and ordered Prasarana land near stations to be developed into people’s housing under transit-oriented development, with parking and space for small traders; fares and feeder buses are free for a month. Diesel Targeting Update: The BUDI MADANI Diesel portal logged 13,000+ new applications by 11am, raising the eligible monthly quota to 300 litres, with MyKad verification working smoothly ahead of nationwide rollout on July 1. Islamic Publishing Oversight: JAKIM urged publishers to vet religious books containing Quranic verses and hadis, after controversy over inaccuracies in a religious title by an influencer. Digital Income Outreach: Fahmi Fadzil said NADI teams will proactively help communities use digital tools for income, including training for selling online. Policy & Security: MINDEF shortlisted missile suppliers after Norway cancelled the NSM export licence, focusing on integration with LCS combat systems and delivery timelines.

Johor Election Countdown: Nomination for the 16th Johor state election is done, with 172 candidates set for 56 seats and polling on July 11 (early voting July 7). BN and PH each field 56 candidates, PN 33, Bersama 15, MUDA 4, plus a handful of independents and one ASLI debut in Endau—where an Orang Asli candidate makes a first-time bid. Federal-State Unity Messaging: BN’s Ahmad Zahid and PH/Unity figures are stressing that BN-PH clashes in Johor won’t disrupt federal cooperation, pushing voters to focus on service over political sentiment. Key Battlegrounds: Machap is framed as a leadership test for Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi versus PH’s Nur Hafiz Roslan, while Puteri Wangsa is the headline multi-corner fight featuring Dr Maszlee Malik and several challengers. Religious & Legal Governance: Putrajaya announced RM1.5m to expand Syariah legal aid via BAGUS/PGSM, and JAIS raided a Petaling Jaya premise linked to Shiite teachings. Social Policy: A new Anti-Bullying Tribunal under the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 is being positioned as a faster, restorative route for child and teen cases. Local Economy & Tourism: Malaysia’s “Jom Malaysia” rebrands Buy Malaysian Goods to boost economic patriotism, while Tourism Malaysia is doubling down on stable markets like China, Indonesia, Japan and India.