The new initiative will tighten state control over key commodities such as coal and palm oil.  

Johor Perikatan Nasional chairman Sahruddin Jamal said the opposition coalition’s strength in Malaysia’s southern state should not be underestimated.

Higher fuel and food prices, coupled with economic uncertainty linked to tensions in the Middle East, are forcing people to cut expenses for next week’s festive season.

The structure drew comparisons from media and tourists to the fantastical creations of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.