M'SIA TO STEP UP EFFORTS TO STIMULATE ECONOMY

IPOH (Malaysia), April 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government will step up efforts to stimulate the economy, particularly in raising local demand to balance the reduction in exports as a result of the global economic crisis, Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said Saturday.

Ahmad Husni said studies have shown that the global economic crisis is
expected to be over only around the end of next year but the government through
the Finance Ministry has continued to take measures to boost the economy.

According to him, the impact of the two economic stimulus packages totalling
RM67 billion and currently in the process of implementation will be seen in the
third and fourth quarters of this year.

"We are confident the global economy will recover and what can be done now
is to stimulate the domestic economy. Due to the economic downturn, the demand
for export products has dropped drastically," he told reporters after a visit to
the Tanjung Rambutan market in Ipoh, the capital city of northern state of Perak
in Peninsular Malaysia.

Ahmad Husni, who is also the MP for Tambun, said the 1Malaysia concept
introduced by Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak was significant in
the efforts to improve the national economy.

He said the presence of various communities, religions and cultures marked
the country's uniqueness and strength in attracting foreign tourists, and as a
result helping the economy to grow through the tourism sector.

On his latest appointment as Umno treasurer-general, Ahmad Husni said he
would carry out the responsibility to the best of his ability.