BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Evening Edition  >  Top 5 At 5  >  Top 5 at 5: Zero Percent Tax Breaks In Forest City

Top 5 at 5: Zero Percent Tax Breaks In Forest City

Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

24-Sep-24 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Zero Percent Tax Breaks In Forest City

Forest City is set to become the first in Malaysia to offer a 0% tax rate for family wealth offices, a strategic move aimed at attracting businesses, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals globally. We speak to Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, to unpack the significance of this new policy.

Other stories we covered today:

  • • Risk of Statelessness for Children Rescued from GISBH Homes: Some of the children rescued from GISBH homes could face statelessness, as many carry the "bin Abdullah" surname, indicating they were born out of wedlock, while others’ parents never officially registered their marriages. Maalini Ramalo, Director of Social Protection at the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas, explains the implications.

  • • Kedah Floods Displace Thousands: Kedah is once again grappling with severe floods, affecting over 6,700 people. Dr. Ahmad Yusuf Yahaya, Chief Coordinator of IMARET, gives us a firsthand update on the situation.

  • • Former Singapore Transport Minister Pleads Guilty: Former Singapore Transport Minister S. Iswaran has pleaded guilty to five charges after the prosecution reduced 35 charges, including corruption, to five lesser ones. James Gomez, Director of Asia Centre, breaks down the case.

  • • Ringgit Soars to 30-Month High: Last week, the ringgit surged to a 30-month high, closing at 4.1815 against the US dollar, making it the world’s best-performing currency. We get expert insights from Professor Wong Chin Yoong of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Image Credit: Sebastian Castelier, Shutterstock

Produced by: Alena Nadia, Tee Shiao Eek, Alia Zefri, Sharaad Kuttan

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  economy,  politics,  government,  international,  environment,  controversies

Tags:  forest city 0% tax,  family wealth offices malaysia,  business incentives malaysia,  francis hutchinson ISEAS,  GISBH child rescue,  statelessness in Malaysia,  Kedah floods update,  Dr Ahmad Yusuf IMARET,  S Iswaran corruption case,  Singapore transport minister scandal,  ringgit 30-month high,  Malaysia currency performance,  Wong Chin Yoong economist,  Malaysia economic news,  Malaysian financial incentives, 


Latest Podcasts




Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter, tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Jaw Tu Hkawng, Freelance Journalist, Legal advocate & activist, weighs in on the significance behind Myanmar's upcoming elections.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki of Suhakam discusses how the Child Act 2001 protects minors as five children face court over the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Tan Sri Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani, Executive Chairman of Zaid Ibrahim & Co.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

P. Gunasegaram, Independent Business Writer gives us his thoughts on Malaysia's FDI numbers.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter, tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Aidan Yao of Amundi discusses Asian markets, US-China trade, and investment strategies.

9:35 AM

The Property Show

We unpack the latest real estate trends, from taxes to interior design.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

11:00 AM

The Workplace

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Cybersecurity expert CF Fong on the hidden cyber risks of 'polyworking' or juggling gig work, which has been linked to over 6 million cyberattacks.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Tan Sri Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani, Executive Chairman of Zaid Ibrahim & Co.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

They are striking, noisy, and unmistakable - but hornbills are far more than beautiful rainforest residents. As key seed dispersers, they’re essential to the health of our forests. Few people know them as well as Dr. Yeap Chin Aik, who has spent over twenty years tracking their movements, studying their habits, and working to ensure their survival. Today, we explore the stories and science behind these remarkable birds.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

How does hearing loss change the brain and eventually increase the risk of someone developing dementia? We find out from the experts.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Big Issue

How can good corporate funding make real change in communities? We hear from reps from Yayasan Hasanah and Arus Academy.

7:00 PM

Stories of KL

We sit down with Tey Tat Sing and Joseph Foo who are a part of the creative team behind the Klang River Festival to talk about the cultural significance of the Klang River.

8:00 PM

Cruise Control

Daniel Fernandez got his hands on the EV's version of the iconic John Cooper Works MINI. He shares what the car is like.