BACHOK, April 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that rising US-China tariff tensions could jeopardize Malaysia’s trade momentum, particularly in sectors deeply connected to China. While Malaysia is temporarily exempted from the newly imposed US tariffs, Anwar stressed that the economic ripple effects — especially on investments and exports — are already being felt due to the country’s strong trade ties with China.
“When high tariffs are imposed on China, our trade and investment ties with the country are inevitably affected,” he said at the Aidilfitri Madani celebration in Kelantan. Anwar urged Malaysia to leverage its strategic position and collaborate closely with ASEAN counterparts to cushion the impact of the US’s 24 per cent tariffs, which were only recently paused for some nations.
“We are not facing this challenge as one country but as a united front with all 10 ASEAN countries,” he noted, while also emphasizing the need for domestic reform to build investor confidence. “Malaysia must remain peaceful, its economy stable, and its policies clear — we must eliminate corruption and inefficiency.” He pointed to Penang’s RM200 billion semiconductor export industry — with 60 per cent headed to the US — as an example of the nation’s vulnerability to tariff changes.
Despite the risks, Anwar remains optimistic, calling on Malaysians to face global economic challenges with unity and resilience. “In every crisis, we can complain or rise up. I believe we can bring about the changes and successes we want,” he said, underscoring the Madani Government’s focus on job security, economic stability, and transparent governance.
