Today marks the last day of 2024 and we will enter the new year with a few changes. Malaysia will witness the implementation of significant developments impacting both personal and national life. These include changes in geopolitics, economics, social policies, and international relations, as well as new laws and regulations taking effect on January 1, 2025.
Here’s what to look out for to stay informed:
Malaysia Takes Over ASEAN Chairmanship
Starting tomorrow, Malaysia will officially assume the role of ASEAN Chair, succeeding Laos, which handed over the position during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane on October 11, 2024.
Under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," Malaysia will host over 300 ASEAN meetings and summits throughout the year. Key events include the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Johor (February), the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference (AMM/PMC) in Kuala Lumpur (July), and the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (October).
Malaysia has previously held the ASEAN Chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
New Regulations and Initiatives
Several new laws and policies will also come into effect tomorrow:
Mandatory Licensing for Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms will be required to register for a Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) license with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Enforced under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), this measure aims to enhance online safety, protect users—particularly children and vulnerable groups—and strengthen regulations on internet messaging and social media services.
Expansion of No-Smoking Zones
Workplaces and laundromats will join the list of 28 no-smoking areas as part of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which took effect on October 1, 2024. Other no-smoking zones include hospitals, clinics, public toilets, dining areas, air-conditioned shops, government premises, educational institutions, childcare centers, libraries, malls, and stadiums. Violators will face a maximum fine of RM5,000.
Mandatory Self-Employment Social Security Contributions
Licensed hawkers and traders must contribute to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) starting tomorrow. This mandatory measure, introduced under the Self-Employment Social Security (Contribution Rates for Hawkers and Traders) Regulations 2024, aims to provide financial support in case of workplace incidents.
Digital Economy Initiatives
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will fully implement cashless payment systems for ticket purchases across the Klang Valley, Northern, Southern, and East Coast sectors, supporting Malaysia’s digital economy agenda.
Increased FLYsiswa Subsidy
The subsidy for student air travel (FLYsiswa) will increase from RM300 to RM400, benefiting approximately 60,000 students using domestic flights. Students can check their eligibility starting tomorrow via https://subsidiudara.mot.gov.my.
Registration Transparency for Childcare Centers
Registered childcare centers must display a registration plaque issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to provide parents with assurance about their licensing status.
New Private Company Audit Exemption Criteria
Updated audit exemption criteria for private companies will take effect, reflecting the Companies Commission of Malaysia’s (SSM) commitment to improving audit quality and easing compliance burdens.
Regional Developments
Weekend Change in Johor
Johor will revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend beginning January 1, 2025, following a directive from Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, on October 7, 2024. This change received approval from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ). Currently, the only states observing a Friday-Saturday weekend are Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
New Governor for Sabah
Sabah will see former Chief Minister Tun Musa Aman take office as the 11th Yang Dipertua Negeri, succeeding Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, whose tenure ends today after serving since 2011. On December 17, Sultan Ibrahim presented Musa, 73, with the Appointment Instrument and conferred the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara title, granting him the honorific Tun.
As the new year begins, these developments signal significant milestones and regulatory changes, shaping Malaysia’s path forward in 2025.
Source: Awani