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Edition of Monday, 26 October 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Malaysia · Country watch

Haze Crisis Tied to Malaysian Firms; Palm Oil Tech Boost

Malaysian-linked firms implicated in haze crisis; government invests in palm oil tech to reduce labor reliance.

· · 3 articles read

The picture Deteriorating How this is judged →

Business conditions in Malaysia are deteriorating due to environmental scrutiny on Malaysian firms linked to the haze crisis. Meanwhile, government investment in palm oil technology offers sectoral relief, but overall challenges persist.

Flare-up watch: Calm (−0.8) · How this is judged → · All Malaysia briefings →

In this briefing Huang Tiong Sii · Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities · Keretapi Tanah Melayu · Walhi · Putrajaya

Regulation

  • Agriculture
  • Technology

Malaysia invests RM2.97 million in palm oil tech

green palm tree near body of water during daytime
James Lo / Unsplash

The Malaysian government has allocated RM2.97 million to enhance technology use in the palm oil sector, aiming to reduce labor dependency and operational costs. Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, stated that this funding will benefit 76 smallholder contractors. The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen technological skills and improve industry efficiency, according to Utusan Online.

Impact Palm oil producers gain from reduced labor costs and increased operational efficiency.

Sources: utusen Online ↗

Disruption

  • Logistics
  • Tourism

KTMB adds 11,888 seats for Deepavali travel

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) announced an addition of 11,888 seats on its electric train services (ETS) and EMUPlus to accommodate increased travel demand during Deepavali. The extra services will run from 5 to 9 November, providing more options for travelers returning to their hometowns, Kosmo! reports. This move aims to ease travel congestion during the festive period.

Impact Logistics and tourism sectors benefit from increased travel capacity during the festive season.

Sources: Kosmo! ↗

Safety & health

  • Agriculture
  • Public sector

Malaysian firms linked to forest fires causing haze

An Indonesian NGO, Walhi, has identified 21 Malaysian-linked companies involved in forest fires contributing to the regional haze crisis, contradicting Malaysian government claims that no Malaysian firms were involved. Malaysiakini reports that Walhi is calling for an investigation into these companies. The haze has affected air quality in Malaysia and neighboring countries, impacting public health and business operations.

Impact Agriculture and public-sector entities face scrutiny and potential regulatory action due to environmental impact.

Sources: Malaysiakini ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Internal tension · Companies · Markets · Trade · Politics.

Also today in the local press

Sources in this briefing

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

All Malaysia briefings →

The same day elsewhere