Business Today
6 May 2025
MICCI Lists Three Areas The Govt Can Assist Businesses During These Uncertainties
The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it will emphasise export integrity, targeted relief for industries affected by trade barriers, and regional competitiveness to support Malaysian businesses navigating heightened global uncertainty.
Christina Tee, President of MICCI shared that the Chamber’s approach this year is proactive, practical, and aligned with national economic priorities – from tackling real-time risks like transshipment fraud to advancing long-term regional growth, we remain committed to ensuring the business community is heard, protected, and positioned for the future.
Among the concerns from potential US reciprocal tariffs is the growing threat of “pass-through transshipment”, where goods from third countries are misrepresented as Malaysian in origin. This practice, MICC said, not only risks Malaysia’s reputation in the international arena but also jeopardises the integrity of legitimate exporters.
Secondly, the Chamber also advocated for targeted relief for industries affected by trade barriers, especially with the US reciprocal tariffs on Malaysian goods.
MICCI welcomed the Government’s swift response to mitigate risks faced by export-oriented companies with regards to the US reciprocal tariffs. “We are encouraged by and support MITI’s decision to take on centralising the issuance of Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (NPCO), which is a critical step towards strengthening trade compliance. We are confident that MITI will be well-equipped to manage the anticipated surge in volume efficiently.”
“We also commend the Prime Minister’s announcement of an additional RM1 billion in Government Guarantees under the SJPP to support affected SME exporters in accessing commercial financing. MICCI hopes this support will be extended to include mid-tier companies, which play an equally critical role in the export ecosystem,” she added.
The third priority is regional trade competitiveness. One of the key focus areas is shaping the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) into a vibrant regional hub. The Chamber is advocating for preferential policies that support cross-border talent mobility, digital integration, and logistics efficiency – positioning Southern Malaysia as a strategic trade hub for ASEAN.
In conclusion, MICC said the mission this year is to ensure that industry voices translate into practical policy responses, whether in trade defence, export strategy, or future-proofing talents.
(Web Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/05/06/micc-lists-three-areas-the-govt-can-assist-businesses-during-these-uncertainties/)