Malaysia Roundup: Slower population growth, AI hopes, sexual crimes

Population growth slows to 0.5% in Q3 

Malaysia’s population reached 34.3 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from 34.1 million a year earlier, marking a slower growth rate of 0.5% compared with 1.6% in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics. Citizens made up 90.1% of the population, while non-citizens accounted for 9.9%. Live births fell 7.8% to 95,469, while deaths dropped 5.6% to 46,643. Chief Statistician Mohd Uzir Mahidin said Malaysia’s declining fertility mirrors a global trend below the replacement level, warning it could challenge the nation’s demographic structure, economic growth, and social balance.

Malaysia reports over 3,000 sexual crimes against minors

Malaysia has recorded 3,093 sexual crimes involving minors from 2023 to October 2025, with 608 incidents occurring in schools, Deputy Minister M. Kulasegaran told Parliament. The cases included 1,760 in 2023, 1,041 in 2024, and 892 so far this year, leading to 3,601 arrests. To improve safety, the Education Ministry formed an Institutional Safety Reform Committee with police, UNICEF, and other partners to strengthen the Safe School Programme and conduct safety audits. The government also plans a National Child Data Centre to track juvenile sex offenders while ensuring privacy under the Child Act 2001.

Anwar says Malaysia must act fast to become regional chip hub amid AI boom

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Malaysia to accelerate efforts to become a regional hub for semiconductors and digital technology as artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy. Speaking at the 2025 International Higher Education Islamic Studies Convention, he said mastering emerging technologies is vital for national growth and urged students, including those in Islamic studies, to explore opportunities in the semiconductor field. Anwar stressed the need for a clearly defined semiconductor policy and highlighted Malaysia’s political stability as key to swift implementation and stronger global partnerships, particularly with the US and China.

Malaysia ready to host Thailand-Cambodia talks after border tensions flare

Malaysia is prepared to host negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia amid renewed clashes along their shared border, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said. He noted that both countries had “lost confidence and trust in each other,” despite signing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord during the recent Asean Summit. Mohamad said Cambodia requested Kuala Lumpur as the venue, while Thailand also asked Malaysia to help preserve the ceasefire. Tensions resurfaced after Thai soldiers were injured by landmines, which Bangkok claimed were newly planted by Cambodian forces. However, Asean observers found no evidence the mines were recently laid.

Malaysia to launch essential list, localisation incentives to strengthen auto supply chain

Malaysia will introduce an essential list and localisation incentives to boost its domestic automotive supply chain and expand export opportunities for local vendors, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced at the Global Automotive Technology Expo 2025. The government is also aligning existing electric vehicle (EV) tax exemptions with local assembly operations, a policy shift aimed at deepening industrial participation and regional competitiveness. Zafrul said Perodua’s EV programme remains on track, while Proton has launched the e.MAS 5. Malaysia retained its position as Southeast Asia’s top vehicle market in early 2025.