KUALA LUMPUR – As Malaysians eagerly step into 2024, there are a few things they need to know, anticipate and be prepared for.
Scoop has compiled a list of items and events that readers may find interesting and useful.
RON95 petrol subsidy programme
Malaysians will need to complete online registration on the Central Database Hub (Padu) website to determine their eligibility for the targeted fuel subsidy programme in the second half of 2024.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli emphasised the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach, highlighting the current model’s distribution of 53% of fuel subsidies to individuals in the T20 income group.
Padu, which opens for user registration tomorrow, will be accessible for three months, allowing Malaysian citizens to verify and update their socio-economic information.
Additionally, Padu is set to integrate with MyDigital ID, the national digital identification system, in the near future.
For those unable to register online via their devices, manual in-person registration is available at locations such as Digital Economy Centres, or PEDi; local district offices; and government agency offices.
Although registration is not mandatory, citizens are encouraged to participate to ensure that eligible Malaysians, particularly those qualified for targeted subsidies, are not overlooked.
Sales tax on low-value goods
The Customs Department has announced that the 10% sales tax for low-value goods (LVG) sold online will be charged starting today.
This comes after several rounds of postponement since the tax was initially announced during the tabling of Budget 2022.
LVG, as defined by the department, encompasses all goods (excluding specified items such as cigarettes, tobacco products, intoxicating liquors, e-cigarettes and smoking-related preparations) sold at a price not exceeding RM500 and imported into Malaysia via land, sea or air.
Individuals involved in the online sale of LVG or operating online marketplaces for LVG transactions must register with the department if the cumulative sales value of the goods entering Malaysia exceeds RM500,000 within a 12-month period.
High-value goods tax
The high-value goods tax, formerly known as the luxury goods tax, is scheduled to be implemented in May 2024, with rates ranging from 5% to 10%.
This tax will apply exclusively to items purchased by Malaysian citizens, including jewellery valued at over RM10,000, watches priced above RM20,000 and cars with a value exceeding RM200,000.
Progressive Wage Model
The implementation of the Progressive Wage Policy, wherein employers incrementally raise wages for their employees based on skills, experience and performance, is scheduled to commence in June 2024.
The policy provides advantages to workers by delineating a transparent career trajectory for salary growth aligned with training, enhanced productivity and elevated standards.
This pilot project will encompass 1,000 companies and will feature three fundamental components: voluntary adoption by employers; government incentives to promote participation; and wages linked to productivity.
19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement
This month, Uganda is scheduled to organise the 19th International Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, tentatively spanning from the January 17 to 20.
This event provides Malaysia with an opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic proficiency, advocate for the concerns of developing nations, and emphasise its dedication to a non-aligned stance in global affairs.
Asean-Australia Special Commemorative Summit in Melbourne
In March, Malaysia will play an active role in regional matters by engaging in the Asean-Australia Special Commemorative Summit in Melbourne, slated for March 4 to 6.
This summit commemorates the 50th anniversary of collaboration between Asean and Australia.
Laos to host 2024 Asean Summit, Malaysia to gear up
As Laos hosts the Asean Summit for the third time, Malaysia anticipates engagement in discussions that will shape the regional agenda.
Malaysia will also be gearing up to assume the Asean chair at the end of 2024.
UN General Assembly
The UN General Assembly, scheduled for September 10, will provide an opportunity for Malaysia to express its stance on global issues and actively contribute to discussions on sustainable development, peace and security.
50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and bilateral ties between Malaysia and China, initiated with the signing of a joint communiqué in Beijing on May 31, 1974.
In acknowledgment of this significant milestone, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Malaysia and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations. Xi’s last visit to Malaysia occurred in 2013.
Visit Perak Year
The initiation of Visit Perak Year 2024 involves a comprehensive tourism calendar featuring 120 events across the district, state and international level. These activities are conducted in partnership with local authorities, non-governmental organisations and various associations.
Perak aims to draw in eight million domestic tourists and 350,000 international tourists as part of the scheme. To enhance tourism outreach, the Perak government has introduced a Chinese-language tourism website named “Perak GoGoGo,” specifically designed to attract more tourists, particularly from mainland China.
Famous concerts in Malaysia
(i) Renowned British musician Rod Stewart is scheduled to entertain Malaysians at the Axiata Arena on March 4, as he embarks on his Live in Concert, One Last Time Tour.
Ticket prices start at RM388.
(ii) Famous musician Tom Jones has revealed his upcoming Ages & Stages Tour in Asia for this year, including a performance in Merdeka Hall Kuala Lumpur on March 6.
Ticket prices start at RM298.
(iii) The exclusive concert Disney In Concert: A Dream Is A Wish is scheduled for a single night at the Arena Of Stars in Genting Highlands. Featuring 46 musicians and four vocalists, the performance will delight the audience with enchanting songs from Disney movie soundtracks, such as those from Frozen and Aladdin, on January 14.
Ticket prices start at RM180.
(iv) Grammy-nominated rock band Incubus has included Malaysia in its Asian tour destinations. Its performance is scheduled to take place at the Mega Star Arena in Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur, on April 27.
Ticket prices start at RM249.
(v) The solo concert of the pop queen Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, titled “Sebuah Epitome Saya Siti Nurhaliza,” is scheduled to take place at the Axiata Arena on March 9, with a seating capacity of 15,000.
Ticket prices begin at RM129.
(vi) Ed Sheeran, the creative force and vocal talent behind those beloved wedding aisle tunes, has added Kuala Lumpur to the itinerary of his The Mathematics Tour.
The highly praised British singer-songwriter will serenade the audience with his collection of chart-topping singles at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on February 24.
Ticket prices begin at RM198.
(vii) The renowned Indonesian ensemble, Wali Band, known for its standout single Cari Jodoh, is set to grace the stage at the SPICE Arena in Penang on February 3. This musical event will also showcase performances by singers Fadhilah Intan, Saixse and Khai Bahar.
Ticket prices start at RM95.64.
High-profile cases
(i) Single mother Loh Siew Hong’s challenge against the unilateral conversion of her children to Islam, seeking to declare it null and void.
(ii) The Malaysian Bar’s judicial review against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s DNAA status.
(iii) The suit by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to strike out her money-laundering charges.
(iv) Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s case of an alleged seditious remark against Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
(v) Anwar’s suit against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over a claim that the PKR president received RM15 million.
(vi) Former PKR vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin’s appeal to quash a court order to pay PKR RM10 million.
– January 1, 2024