USING the buy now, pay later (BNPL) scheme for the first time felt harmless. Just three easy payments for a pair of shoes that were not really necessary. It seemed like a smart move at the time no interest, no hassle and no guilt. But that mindset is exactly what gets so many young people into trouble. From 2020 to 2025, more than 5,189 Malaysians under the age of 34 were declared bankrupt. Most of them were between 25 and 34, an age group that should be building their financial future. This ..

AS Chinas high-value industrial exports capture a growing share of global markets, the US and EU have pursued separate but complementary policies aimed to push back against this unprecedented threat to Western dominance in international trade and the economic order. The criticisms levelled by Washington and Brussels to counter the Chinese exports impacting their domestic producers emphasise that Chinas state-led and subsidised export- driven economic model has created excess manufacturing ..

CLIMATE change is a reality that is affecting communities around the globe, including Malaysia. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly severe. While global and national efforts largely focus on reducing carbon emissions, Malaysias adaptation strategies remain fragmented and insufficient. Malaysia has made commitments through international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, yet gaps in governance and policy coordination ..

THE Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (Acid), part of the global family, welcomes French President Emmanuel Macrons announcement to recognise Palestinian statehood. It is particularly significant because France is a major power in the European Union, and its recognition of a Palestinian statehood could inspire other reluctant EU nations to follow suit. In the United Kingdom, more lawmakers have called on the British government to recognise a Palestinian state as pressure mounts on ..

FEAR the Jumbotron once just a brand name, now a big-screen moment waiting to happen. It doesnt care if you are in love, in denial or deep in someone elses problems. It does not wait for backstory, disclaimers or context. One accidental close-up and bam your private moment becomes public property, broadcast in full HD, with surround sound and 40,000 witnesses munching on popcorn. One minute you are feeling sweet lost in the crowd, thinking no one is watching and the next, your face is 10 ..

HEALTH Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently revealed that 2,293 patients are currently waiting for cardiothoracic surgery in government hospitals, with some having to wait for up to seven months. For childrens heart surgeries, the situation is even more worrisome, with 603 cases on the waiting list and an average wait time of 21 months. These are not just cold, lifeless statistics. Behind every number is a human story. We all know this truth: While a patient can wait, a heart ..

IT is early morning in Kuala Lumpur. The city begins to stir as shopfronts open, food stalls prepare their first orders and delivery vans roll through narrow lanes. Notifications appear on screens. Chatbots reply to customers instantly. Inventory updates arrive before a single word is spoken. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) morning routine. Not futuristic, not far away, but happening here and now. From neighbourhood cafes to ..

MALAYSIAS M40 is quietly slipping under the weight of rising costs, overlooked needs and outdated assumptions. While prices are climbing and salaries are stagnant, public policy still treats the middle class as if it is doing just fine. That is the magic trick: you can earn about RM6,000 a month, have two children, juggle therapy appointments, car payments and a leaking ceiling and still be told you are not struggling enough to qualify for help. I say this not as an observer but as someone ..

AT a time when Malaysia must accelerate its climate transition, can we afford foreign and domestic policy shocks that will destabilise our climate finance and green technology agenda? The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to impose a sweeping 25% tariff on any and all Malaysian products starting Aug 1 has jolted Malaysias economy and potentially, its entire energy transition trajectory. This move not only threatens our US$80 billion (RM338 billion) annual trade relationship with ..

DESPITE US President Donald Trumps trademarked unpredictability now popularly coined Taco (Trump Always Chickens Out) one thing has become increasingly certain: Southeast Asian countries now have major targets on their backs. With six Asean members receiving tariff letters in the first round from Washington, Trump has stepped up his public display of frustration towards the blocs collectively export-oriented economies. With a 25% tariff slapped on Malaysia and other varying amounts across ..

GLOBALLY , the need for palliative care is on an upward trend due to the ageing population and the rising burden of chronic diseases. In Malaysia, the proportion of palliative care needs relative to deaths has remained around 71% in recent years. By 2030, demand for palliative care is expected to increase by 240%. Sarawak, Perak, Johor, Selangor and Kedah are projected to be the top five states with the highest palliative care needs in 2030. Palliative care is specialised medical care for ..

HOW did Malaysia end up with a rock-bottom Doomsday climate survival score of -10? We began our climate change series on Feb 19 in theSun, highlighting how public perception shapes climate priorities. In one survey, voters were asked to rank their concerns by priority; climate change and the environment came in at No. 15 out of 16 issues. In another survey, climate change did not appear on the list at all, which featured only eight concerns. We informed readers that our series would differ ..

GEN Z is forming real bonds with unreal people. As AI industry grows, so does the rise of AI girlfriends and boyfriends digital companions that are capturing hearts. But what does this mean for love? He always listens. He remembers everything I say. He never judges me. That is how teenagers on Tiktok describe their relationships with AI characters. This kind of connection has become our new reality. Apps like Replika, Character.AI and even ChatGPT are not just tools to help with homework or ..

SINGAPORE , despite having some of the worlds toughest drug laws and a ban on vaping since 2018, is now facing a surge in drug-laced e-vaporisers. A recent report should give us all pause: vapes containing synthetic drugs like ketamine, MDMA, etomidate and even heroin are flooding into the country. Just this week, an officer from Singapores Health Sciences Authority (HSA) had to dive into a moving car to stop a suspected K-Pod dealer a dramatic sign of how brazen and dangerous the trade has ..

A FICTIONAL pick-up of a recent recorded exchange between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Rubio: Morning, Sir. Morning, Boss. Trump: Yeah. Am here, Ruby (Marco Rubio)! Whats this that is so urgent? And why do you want Scottie (Scott Bessent) too? Im in the middle of a game, so hurry up. Bessent: Hello, Sir. Hope you are having a good game. Trump: Going great. As always. I need a few more putts to drop today. Rubio: Im sure you can ..

AH , the generation gap. That mystical space-time distortion where logic disappears, sarcasm kena tangkap polis and someone is always yelling Wheres the remote?! while sitting on it like it is a throne. Gather the whole Malaysian family and suddenly it is like shoving five drama channels into one Astro decoder. One atuk is reliving Konfrontasi, one niece is crying because her TikTok only got 12 likes and someone is trying to connect to the WiFi like it is a life-support machine. Let Makcik ..

In the modern educational landscape, the expectations and learning preferences of students have shifted significantly. With the emergence of Generation Z learners: digital natives who thrive in interactive, visual, and engaging environments: traditional didactic teaching methods often fall short in capturing their attention and sustaining motivation. This is particularly true in highly technical and skill-intensive fields such as cardiovascular technology, where both theoretical knowledge and ..

THE recent move to allow the purchase of the My50 unlimited travel pass through the Touch n Go eWallet app is a welcome development. It offers added convenience, reduces queue times and reflects growing awareness of the need to modernise Malaysias public transport system. However, this should not be mistaken as a major breakthrough. At best, it is a preliminary step an overdue update that scratches only the surface of what true digitalisation could and should look like. If Malaysia is serious ..

THE emergence of adulterated vape products such as K-Pod, reportedly laced with dangerous psychoactive substances like ketamine, marks a disturbing escalation in Malaysias battle against evolving substance abuse trends, particularly among youths. While it is critical to confront this alarming development, it is equally important to recognise that not all who vape are engaging in drug use. Many individuals, both youth and adults, use vape products legally, some as a means to quit smoking. A ..

THERE are few things in life as heartwarming as watching someone take their first sip of a truly perfect cup of coffee. It is not about caffeine or brewing technique; it is about the moment of discovery that subtle pause, the slow-forming smile and the quiet glow of surprise and satisfaction that spreads across their face. To many, it is just a drink. But for me, a food and beverage (F&B;) lecturer with over 15 years of experience, it is much more. It is a connection, a bridge, and sometimes, ..

MALAYSIA stands tall with its proud declarations of harmony, faith and unity in diversity. Our national anthem speaks of blessings and loyalty. Our Rukun Negara lays out noble aspirations. Political speeches, religious sermons and school mottos echo values such as integrity, compassion and justice. However, somewhere between what we preach and how we live, a vast chasm has formed. It is not just a gap in misunderstanding; it is a crisis of conscience a culture of hypocrisy that has taken root ..

THE public relations angle on the US Secretary of States website and Western medias foreign affairs and business coverage of Marco Rubios recent visit to Southeast Asia was, unsurprisingly, predictable. His mission was to: Reaffirm US commitment to the Indo-Pacific by countering skepticism about President Donald Trumps America First approach and to show that the US views the region as central to American interests and national security; Bolster security ties and boost anti-China sentiment, ..

YOU have not truly tasted the flavour of Malaysia until you have survived rush hour on the Federal Highway, dodged a Myvi whose driver thinks he is Lewis Hamilton and made it to the mamak in one piece physically, at least; mentally... maybe slightly traumatised. Ah, the Myvi our local legend. The only car that claims to do 140km/h on paper but somehow feels like it is breaking the sound barrier. Small size, big dreams. The way they zip through three lanes like they are late for a kenduri ..

JUNE 16 marked the 106th birthday of Tun V.T. Sambanthan, a revered figure in Malaysias journey towards unity and nation-building. Tun Sambanthan once said: While money fluctuates, morality endures and grows. His words on compassion, unity and moral values remain deeply inspiring. His belief that good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma still resonates today. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, unity is built on tolerance and acceptance. The more we nurture these values, the more ..

IT is deeply troubling that, despite the rising number of senior citizens being abandoned by their children, Malaysia has yet to enact a law for parental maintenance. With over 3.5 million citizens aged 60 and above, a figure expected to reach six million by 2030, thousands of elderly parents are abandoned each year left destitute, desperate and reliant on an already strained welfare system. Our nearest neighbour, Singapore, enacted its Maintenance of Parents Act in 1995. Taiwan did so in ..

IT is true what they say, housing is a human right. Social media is replete with cases of homeless people. It is a global crisis. Even developed economies are not spared. Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring dignity, nurturing communities and offering people a fair shot at a better life. It has long been a cornerstone issue for urban poverty alleviation in Malaysia. The Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) was created with noble intentions to house the urban ..

IN todays hyper-connected global economy, cybersecurity can be a strategic risk at the highest levels of leadership not just a technical issue buried within IT departments. As cyber threats continue to grow in frequency, sophistication and impact, the need for a cyber-resilient workforce is no longer optional; it is a national economic and security imperative. From a senior management perspective, there is an increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals who can translate technical risks ..

The Maasai show that a true binding narrative is rooted in daily life, in the repeated telling of what matters, not just spectacle. PIC COURTESY OF DINESH NAIR LAST week, I journeyed to Africa. While its famous animals are a spectacle in their own right, I was equally interested thanks to my anthropological background in meeting the Maasai people. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic pastoralist people primarily inhabiting southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Cattle lie at the heart of Maasai ..

AS Pop Marts Labubu makes its remarkable journey into toy shops and collectible showcases around the world, we are seeing further evidence of the rise of Chinas soft power. The Labubu story first appeared in the Western media as relatively non-politicised articles and commentaries. Focusing on a consumer and fashion phenomenon, lifestyle editors shared the latest fad that was drawing excited crowds in the style capitals of Europe and America. Initially, the story was given little attention in ..

Q: How can I rebuild a relationship with my children after leaving them years ago? I deeply regret walking out on my family following my divorce, and I have worked hard to change. I want to reconnect but my children currently want nothing to do with me. Focus on the Family Malaysia: It is great to hear that you have put your life on a new footing keep moving in that direction. At the same time and as harsh as this sounds there is a reason your children dont want any contact with you you ..

RECENTLY , I came across a headline on Fortune.com that made me pause: Executives are drowning. Blame the vanishing middle management layer. It is obviously referring to the unbossing trend among the Gen Z of the workforce and it stopped me in my tracks because it is the kind of line that stirs up intergenerational debates, with older leaders questioning the younger generations sense of responsibility and younger workers feeling misunderstood or unfairly judged. As someone who works with both ..

THERE has been growing public discussion about the vacant chief justice position following the mandatory retirement of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. Much of the attention has focused on the delay in appointing her successor. Some have gone so far as to call this delay a judiciary crisis. Others speculate that her non-extension was orchestrated to pave the way for a preferred junior judge to take over. However, it is worth remembering that we have seen a similar situation before. When Richard Malanjum ..

IN an age dominated by screens and instant gratification, the habit of reading is slowly becoming a lost art. Yet, cultivating the reading habit remains one of the most valuable pursuits in life. Reading not only enriches the mind but also broadens ones worldview, deepens empathy and enhances critical thinking skills. It opens doors to knowledge, creativity and self-improvement in ways few other activities can match. The importance of reading can hardly be overstated. From early childhood, ..

WHAT is the level of governance efficiency in Malaysia? In a recent interview by theSun, young Malay voters expressed a strong preference for good governance and transparency, rejecting race-based policies. They emphasised the need to cut through bureaucratic red tape and believe that the work and performance of politicians are more important. Young non-Malay voters ought to hold similar opinions so that Malaysia can experience a rebirth. To assess governance efficiency, we must first define ..

TO most of you, posting online may feel ordinary. You send memes to friends to stay connected, reply with a joke, leave a comment and move on. However, once those words, pictures or videos are out there, you lose control over them. They can be seen by anyone, at any time, in any mood. The internet flattens your voice, hiding your smile, your shrug and intent. More often than not, your words land in ways you would never expect. I once responded to an Instagram post featuring a Malaysian family ..

EH , Malaysia, whats going on-lah? One moment Im sipping my teh tarik and the next minute, a fella on a motorbike is firing shots like he is auditioning for KLs Fast & Furious: Pasar Malam Edition. And this is not even in some hidden back alley, mind you, but smack in the middle of afternoon traffic sun blazing, birds chirping happily and suddenly pop, pop, pop. Once upon a time, the scariest thing flying at us in traffic was a used tissue from a car window. Now? We are reading headlines that ..

TRAVELLERS from around the world visit Malaysia to revel in its vibrant cultural diversity, remarkable food, stunning natural beauty and genuinely welcoming people. The idea of allowing a ruthless and deadly pastime like jallikattu in the country is abhorrent, which is violence defended under the guise of culture. But cruelty should be unequivocally condemned. There is no doubt that jallikattu is merciless. This vicious pastime takes advantage of bulls natural caution as prey animals by ..

RECENT headlines in Malaysia have once again reminded us of the disturbing reality of paedophilia and child sexual abuse. A few months ago, a prominent social media personality was arrested for allegedly grooming and sexually abusing minors. In another case, a male teacher was charged with repeatedly molesting his own students. Such cases shock the conscience but they are sadly not isolated. Paedophilia is a psychological condition marked by persistent sexual interest in prepubescent children. ..

LET us be clear Cinema at its commercial core is just a movie. It is fiction born from imagination, designed to make profits soar. This remains the fundamental reality of movies made for the masses. Yet, as someone inclined towards the literary, I find myself compelled to look past the spectacle, to delve into the lessons and messages directors weave into their narratives. Films exist on a spectrum some captivate utterly, holding you immersed to your seat while others provoke only cringing ..

SELANGOR Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has dismissed calls for a new investigation into the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire. He has pledged no cover-ups and announced a briefing for lawmakers today, stating the full report will be released once cleared. The MB has been quoted as saying: Those who are unhappy can review the report themselves and identify who was responsible. It provides a picture of the responsible parties. From my perspective, for communities along Malaysias 2,600km ..