Business, markets and economy news from Malaysia.
Malaysia's Immigration Department has escalated enforcement operations against foreign nationals abusing Social Visit Passes, with arrests rising from 1,279 in 2023 to 2,630 in 2025, targeting illegal work schemes.
Malaysian authorities have uncovered a shift in smuggling operations, with syndicates now dispersing undocumented migrants across forests in small groups rather than transporting them in large convoys, significantly complicating enforcement efforts.
Thai police arrested 233 suspected drug traffickers in Narathiwat province during a month-long crackdown, with investigators believing some have links to Malaysian criminal networks involved in cross-border smuggling operations.
Thai customs officials at the Mae Sai border crossing have intercepted more than 23 million baht in cash that was concealed inside labelled snack boxes in a vehicle bound for Myanmar, leading to the arrest of the driver.
The 15th Parliament's opening week delivered minimal legislative progress, with just the Road Transport Amendment Bill 2026 securing passage. Meanwhile, lawmakers debated pressing issues including unemployment affecting tens of thousands of workers and border security funding.
Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld 14-year prison sentences for two journalists who were convicted of treason for sharing a photo taken in a military-restricted zone following border clashes with Thailand.
Malaysia's government has guaranteed that personnel of the Border Control and Protection Agency will retain full rights and welfare protections during transition to a new service structure managed by the Public Service Department from July 1.
A private university student has been charged with trafficking cannabis buds worth RM1.17 million following a seizure at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has greenlit a RM22 million funding package to upgrade equipment and capabilities at Malaysia's border control agency, following a significant security incident in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has greenlit RM22 million in funding to arm and equip the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, bolstering the nation's frontier defences.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has greenlit RM22 million in funding to arm the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) with firearms and protective gear following a February attack on one of its commanders.
Two Malaysian soldiers face charges in Alor Star Sessions Court for allegedly orchestrating the illegal border crossing of three Myanmar nationals through Malaysia-Thailand frontier.
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Two Malaysian Armed Forces members have been charged in Alor Setar for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of three Myanmar nationals through the Bukit Kayu Hitam border crossing, highlighting security concerns at the Malaysia-Myanmar frontier.
Authorities in Kedah have apprehended a private higher education student attempting to bring 14.63kg of cannabis buds valued at RM1.17 million across the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam.