The Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) in Johor was launched last Friday and is set to offer a range of investment incentives, including a reduced corporate income tax rate of between 0% and 5%, as well as a 0% tax rate for family wealth offices, which is a first in Malaysia. Are these tax breaks sufficient to accelerate investments in Forest City after a slow start? Business commentator Pankaj C. Kumar weighs in.


Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) in Johor was launched last Friday and is set to offer a range of investment incentives, including a reduced corporate income tax rate of between 0% and 5%, as well as a 0% tax rate for family wealth offices, which is a first in Malaysia. Are these tax breaks sufficient to accelerate investments in Forest City after a slow start? Business commentator Pankaj C. Kumar weighs in. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Can Tax Incentives Bring Investors To Forest City?

Malaysia’s political landscape appears to be entering another phase of fragmentation and realignment ahead of GE16, with tensions within Perikatan Nasional and the emergence of new political parties at the expense of Pakatan Harapan. Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University analyses the current situation for us.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s political landscape appears to be entering another phase of fragmentation and realignment ahead of GE16, with tensions within Perikatan Nasional and the emergence of new political parties at the expense of Pakatan Harapan. Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University analyses the current situation for us.Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Road to GE16 is Increasingly Confusing

Malaysia’s construction sector is coming under mounting pressure as higher diesel prices continue pushing up transport, material, and project costs across the industry. Contractors are increasingly warning that fixed-price contracts, financing pressures, and ongoing supply uncertainty are squeezing margins and slowing project activity, with some developers already signalling higher property prices ahead. As these pressures ripple through the housing market and broader economy, what reforms or support measures are needed to stabilise the sector, and how might rising construction costs reshape affordability and development activity for the rest of 2026?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s construction sector is coming under mounting pressure as higher diesel prices continue pushing up transport, material, and project costs across the industry. Contractors are increasingly warning that fixed-price contracts, financing pressures, and ongoing supply uncertainty are squeezing margins and slowing project activity, with some developers already signalling higher property prices ahead. As these pressures ripple through the housing market and broader economy, what reforms or support measures are needed to stabilise the sector, and how might rising construction costs reshape affordability and development activity for the rest of 2026? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Malaysia’s Construction Sector Withstand Rising Cost Pressures?

India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, powered by resilient domestic demand and aggressive infrastructure spending. But as conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy markets, trade routes and currency stability, the situation is much more complicated. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank, explains.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, powered by resilient domestic demand and aggressive infrastructure spending. But as conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy markets, trade routes and currency stability, the situation is much more complicated. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank, explains. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Tax Incentives Bring Investors To Forest City?

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