Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar 19 announced several measures to stimulate the capital market, including reducing the stamp duty on shares. He hopes the moves will boost the country's stock market and its currency, the ringgit.

Anwar announced that from July this year, stamp duty on shares will be reduced to 0.1% from the current 0.15%, and the tax will be capped at 1,000 ringgit ($1 is about 4.63 ringgit) per transaction. He also announced that the government will take a number of measures to streamline the listing process for companies, increase investment and support new start-ups. He believes these initiatives will stimulate Malaysia's capital market and enhance its competitiveness.