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Monday, October 19, 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Malaysia · Country watch

Haze Action Plan Revised; Diesel Smuggling Hotspots

Malaysia revises its haze action plan and identifies hotspots for diesel smuggling, impacting logistics and public safety.

· · 4 sources

The picture Mixed

Malaysia's business environment shows mixed conditions today. The revised haze action plan and identified diesel smuggling hotspots impact logistics and public safety, while federal projects in Penang present opportunities for construction firms.

Flare-up watch: Watch — Malaysia country watch →

In this briefing Anwar Ibrahim · National Haze Action Plan · Ministry of Education (Malaysia) · Diesel smuggling in Malaysia · New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd · Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka · Malaysian government websites · Chow Kon Yeow · Federal development projects in Penang · Thirteenth Malaysia Plan

Regulation

  • Public sector

Malaysia Revises National Haze Action Plan

Coat of Arms of Malaysia
Coat of Arms of Malaysia Forus33123, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Malaysia will enhance its National Haze Action Plan, focusing on school closure directives during haze events. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the plan includes early preparations by the Ministry of Education to ensure that learning continues if schools close due to haze. The government aims to improve response mechanisms to the ongoing haze situation, which remains a concern, according to Utusan Online.

Impact Educational institutions and parents in haze-affected areas face improved guidance on school operations during haze events.

Sources: utusen Online ↗

Disruption

  • Logistics
  • Energy

Diesel Smuggling Hotspots Identified in Seven States

Seven Malaysian states have been identified as hotspots for diesel and petrol smuggling, according to myMetro. The states' geographical locations make them prime targets for smuggling activities, which also include other controlled goods. The authorities are likely to increase surveillance and enforcement in these areas to curb illegal activities.

Impact Logistics companies and fuel distributors in affected states face increased scrutiny and potential disruptions due to heightened enforcement.

Sources: myMetro ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

  • Technology
  • Public sector

Government Websites Hacked by Online Casinos

Logo of the Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka Photologo
Logo of the Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka Photologo Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Several Malaysian government websites, including Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's site and a state government portal, have been hacked by online casinos, Malaysiakini reports. The breaches highlight vulnerabilities in government cybersecurity measures. Authorities are expected to investigate and strengthen security protocols to prevent future incidents.

Impact Public-sector IT departments must enhance cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.

Sources: Malaysiakini ↗

Companies

  • Construction
  • Public sector

RM33 Billion Federal Projects Approved in Penang

The Malaysian government has approved 280 federal development projects in Penang, valued at RM33.22 billion, under the Second Rolling Plan 2027 of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, according to Utusan Online. Of these, 44 are new projects, while 236 are ongoing, with RM2.68 billion allocated for implementation. This move aims to boost infrastructure and economic development in the region.

Impact Construction firms and public-sector contractors in Penang benefit from increased project opportunities and government investment.

Sources: utusen Online ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

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.

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