PATHWAY FOR MALAYSIA 2022: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, PROFESSIONAL BODIES, AND FOREIGN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS & BUSINESS COUNCILS IN MALAYSIA.

As a continuous effort of ASEAN BAC Malaysia to capture business sentiments since the release of the Pathway for Malaysia 2021 Report, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia has produced the Pathway for Malaysia 2022 Report, which consolidates inputs provided during the ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Virtual Dialogues on 30 March 2022 with the Trade Associations, Chambers of Commerce, Professional Bodies, and Foreign Business Associations and Business Councils in Malaysia. This report comprises continuous feedback and recommendations from 2021, regarding the issues businesses are still facing as Malaysia enters its endemic phase and its borders being opened globally.

Tan Sri Munir Majid, Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, stressed that even with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) entered into force for Malaysia on 18 March 2022, and MITI’s effort in pushing ahead for the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), there are still issues from 2021 that remain to be addressed, notably greater and regular consultation with the private sector.

In 2022, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia continued its effort in producing the Pathway for Malaysia 2022 Report. This year’s report captured 145 issues and recommendations raised by the private sectors to be distributed to the relevant ministries and agencies for further consideration and action.

The 145 feedback and policy recommendations were contributed by over 55 private sectors based in Malaysia, namely (i) Trade Associations (ii) Chambers of Commerce (iii) Professional Bodies (iv) Foreign Business Associations & Business Councils in Malaysia. As the country’s borders reopen, this report has generated insights, which have been further grouped according to the following categories:

Domestic Issues in Malaysia
ASEAN related issues for action by the Malaysian Government
ASEAN related issues for action at the regional level
It is hoped that the Malaysian government will consider the proposed recommendations from the private sector.