‘Protectionist’ cabotage policy bad for nation’s image, says economist

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: An economist says the removal of a cabotage exemption for foreign vessels undertaking submarine cable repairs makes Malaysia appear “unfriendly” among foreign investors.

Geoffrey Williams of the Malaysian University of Science and Technology said the policy would give Malaysia a bad image for running a protectionist policy favouring local firms.

“This would affect the overall investment perception for Malaysia,” Williams said.

The cabotage exemption had previously allowed foreign vessels to perform undersea repair jobs. However, in November, transport minister Wee Ka Siong revoked the exemption for submarine cable repairs.


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