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:  economypoliticsgovernmentinternationalenvironmentcontroversies

Tags:  forest city 0% taxfamily wealth offices malaysiabusiness incentives malaysiafrancis hutchinson ISEASGISBH child rescuestatelessness in MalaysiaKedah floods updateDr Ahmad Yusuf IMARETS Iswaran corruption caseSingapore transport minister scandalringgit 30-month highMalaysia currency performanceWong Chin Yoong economistMalaysia economic newsMalaysian financial incentives





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

Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist, UBP 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

Shihao Li, A-share Strategist at CITIC CLSA, unpacks China's macro outlook.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Aira Azhari, CEO of IDEAS, discusses leadership gaps in Malaysia’s Federal Statutory Bodies, where 78% of chairperson roles lack formal qualifications.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

H.E Radames Gomez Azuaje, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, discusses the fallout from President Nicolás Maduro’s abduction and its impact on diplomacy, sovereignty, and Malaysia-Venezuela relations.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs discusses recent updates in Malaysian politics.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics, discerns Japan's economic signals.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist, UBP tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Shihao Li, A-share Strategist at CITIC CLSA, unpacks China's macro outlook.

9:35 AM

The Property Show

Sebastian Beltran Cuevas of Verdant Solar explains the costs, savings, and risks of rooftop solar for homeowners.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Benjamin Parent, Founder & President, Trees On The Way

11:00 AM

FTA

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

1:00 PM

Breakfast Grille (REPEAT)

H.E Radames Gomez Azuaje, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, discusses the fallout from President Nicolás Maduro’s abduction and its impact on diplomacy, sovereignty, and Malaysia-Venezuela relations.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

Each year thousands of migrating raptors cross the Straits of Malacca. We explore the science behind the spectacle and Raptor Watch 2026 with Wong Shea Hong.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

We look at why prevention of RSV infection in a newborn baby is so important and how it can begin before birth.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Big Issue

Is The Epstein Files Release Harmful To Society?

7:00 PM

Stories of KL

The Charm in Malaysia’s Old Flats

8:00 PM

Cruise Control