By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, April 7 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari will begin consultations with industry experts next week to determine the state’s next steps in responding to the sweeping new tariffs imposed by the United States (US), warning that the rising trade barriers could have serious consequences for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) if left unaddressed.
“Starting next week, I will be holding discussions with experts to determine the necessary steps moving forward.
“If left unaddressed, the 24 per cent tariff could heavily impact our SMEs, although the effect may be felt even more severely by consumers in the United States,” he said during a press conference today.
Amirudin made the remarks during his alternate-day press briefing on the recent gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, held at Wisma Dewan Annexe at the Selangor State Secretary’s Office complex, here today.
His comments came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia would submit a comprehensive impact assessment on the US tariffs within the week and would convene a virtual meeting with Asean Economic Ministers to coordinate a joint regional response.
On April 2, the US administration announced sweeping tariffs affecting nearly all trading partners, including Malaysia. As of April 5, all Malaysian exports to the US are subject to a minimum duty of 10 per cent, which will rise to 24 per cent for most products by April 9.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s semiconductor exports received partial exemptions, while rubber, plastics, textiles, and furniture sectors are expected to be hit hardest.
Amirudin stated that the country’s semiconductor industry, which is also a key focus of Selangor’s latest ventures — especially in integrated circuit (IC) design — remains largely unaffected and could present new opportunities in the global market.
“The recent tariffs have not impacted the semiconductor sector in Malaysia and, in fact, it enjoys the second-lowest tariff rate in Asia. This contrasts with some of our regional peers who are facing tariffs of over 40 per cent.
“This situation presents new opportunities for Selangor and Malaysia to strengthen our position in the global supply chain,” he said.
However, the Menteri Besar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to a unified Asean response, echoing the Federal government’s stance.
“As the current Asean Chair, we have a responsibility to engage with our regional partners to address the broader implications.
“As part of Asean, we also stand in solidarity with our neighbours. I’m confident that (Indonesian) President Prabowo Subianto even discussed this matter with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,” said Amirudin, citing Prabowo’s third visit to Malaysia yesterday.
In a recent Facebook post, Anwar stated that his discussions with his Indonesian counterpart include discussing the new tariffs the United States has imposed on Asean countries.
According to a tariff annexe released by the White House, Malaysia and Brunei face a 24 per cent tariff, while Cambodia (49 per cent), Laos (48 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Myanmar (45 per cent), Thailand (37 per cent), and Indonesia (32 per cent) face even steeper rates.
The White House posted a separate statement on the social media platform X stating that the Philippines is set at 18 per cent, while Singapore is at 10 per cent.
Amirudin also warned that retaliatory measures, especially those against countries such as China, could impact the price of popular consumer goods such as the iPhone and could ultimately backfire on American consumers.
“If retaliatory tariffs are imposed, it will ultimately hit American consumers. That’s the broader consequence facing the US,” he said.
Amirudin added that he would continue monitoring developments, but his immediate focus remains on managing the disaster situation in Putra Heights.
Anwar previously described the US decision as rejecting free and open trade, warning that Malaysia’s 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection of between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent may need to be reviewed.
However, the Prime Minister dismissed the possibility of a recession and confirmed that Malaysia does not plan to impose retaliatory tariffs.
