Ascott has fully switched to cage-free eggs across its Malaysian properties, positioning the move as scalable despite industry concerns over cost and supply. Stakeholders say it shows that large-scale adoption is feasible and could support wider industry uptake.

Fitch Ratings warns of rising cost pressure across agribusinesses and food supply chains amid reduced fertiliser supply and higher prices, especially in countries that rely on imported food. Food import dependence is 10% for Malaysia, a net food importer.

MOH says blood taking is not permitted in community pharmacies because phlebotomy is a clinical procedure that can only be carried out in licensed health care facilities under Act 586, adding that it will continue to strengthen enforcement.

MOF says it's only targeting "non-critical" spending cuts and core health expenditure will still continue. But MOF didn't revoke its RM3 billion spending cut request to MOH. Instead, MOF cites postponing events, limiting overseas trips and utility savings.