Saturday, September 26, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Malaysia · Country watch

Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Pact; Severe Weather Hits

Malaysia and Indonesia strengthen halal trade ties, while severe weather disrupts multiple states.

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in Malaysia are mixed today. The new Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council strengthens trade ties, while severe weather and poor air quality disrupt operations in several regions.

In this briefing Malaysian Meteorological Department · Sarawak · Air Pollution Index Management System · Ahmad Zahid Hamidi · Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

  • logistics
  • public-sector

Severe weather warnings across 10 states

city skyline under white clouds during daytime
Nattu Adnan / Unsplash

Severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds, is expected to impact several areas across eight states and two federal territories in Malaysia until 8 PM today. The Malaysian Meteorological Department issued the warning, affecting states such as Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah, according to Kosmo! and BH Berita Harian. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant due to the potential for disruptions.

Impact Logistics and public services face potential disruptions due to severe weather.

Sources: Kosmo! ↗, BH Berita Harian ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

  • public-sector

Unhealthy air quality persists in Sarawak

Four areas in Sarawak, including Serian, have recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels, with Serian registering the highest at 178. The Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System reports that Kuching and other regions are also affected. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as poor air quality can impact public health and daily activities, according to Utusan Online.

Impact Residents and businesses in Sarawak face health risks and operational challenges due to poor air quality.

Sources: utusen Online ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

  • agriculture
  • retail

Malaysia, Indonesia form Halal Trade Council

Malaysia and Indonesia have established the Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council to streamline halal certification and enhance bilateral trade in halal products. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the initiative, which aims to facilitate smoother market access for halal goods between the two countries, according to Kosmo! and BH Berita Harian. This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties and cooperation in the halal industry.

Impact Halal product exporters in Malaysia and Indonesia gain improved market access.

Sources: Kosmo! ↗, BH Berita Harian ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Malaysia

Sources in this briefing

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

All Malaysia briefings →

The same day elsewhere