KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 -- Malaysia is pushing for a regional response to looming US tariffs, with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz set to meet key officials in Washington next week.

As Asean chair for 2025, Malaysia has begun talks with fellow member states on a coordinated strategy to safeguard the region's economic interests.

The Trump administration had initially planned to implement tariffs on all its trading partners on April 9, but granted a 90-day pause, delaying enforcement to July.

"We are resolute in our stand that a long-drawn tariff war will benefit none," Zafrul told The Straits Times in an interview.

He said the main aim of the three-day visit, beginning on April 22, is to "gather ins...