Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Money

shocking

viral

tiktok

university

students

cost of living

allowance

disbelief

Remember the days when a small allowance from our parents was enough to get us through the month at university? From affordable meals to saving up for the little things we wanted, we didn&rsquo;t have to constantly worry about stretching our budget for the next month.
Of course, not everyone was as fortunate, with some students working part-time to make ends meet &mdash; a testament to their hard work and dedication. Fast forward to today, the economy has tightened its grip on both students and working professionals alike, leaving many of us wondering, "How can we make extra money?"
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/84/c7/1f/84c71f406861742dd8b58cdb60c83f0c.gif" />
A recent TikTok video has gone viral, where several university students revealed the amount of their monthly allowances, and we have to admit&mdash;we were just as shocked as the rest of the internet after watching it!
Getting Allowances Between RM5k To RM10K
In a video shared by content creator Cha Loud (@scholarzzz), she interviewed several university students about their monthly allowances. While many students gave responses in the range of RM500 to RM1,200&mdash;considered reasonable for student life&mdash;the tone shifted dramatically when two students revealed they were receiving significantly higher amounts. One stated she gets between RM5,000 and RM7,000 monthly, while another shocked viewers by saying she receives RM10,000 from her parents on top of having a scholarship.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4b9274b8b1076f5a5804d0f1eead9699c73bdecee1ae80600c3beef61049c9f9" />
Given the substantial allowances they receive, the students were naturally asked how much they think would be enough for a comfortable monthly living. The student who mentioned receiving between RM5,000 to RM7,000 shared that she would need at least RM3,000 per month to live comfortably.
Other Student Also Give Their Views On How Much Allowance Is Appropriate If Living In The City
A female student shared that an estimated monthly allowance of RM1,000 to RM1,500 is typically needed to cover living costs in urban areas, especially for those renting nearby. She noted that RM1,500 could usually cover rent and daily expenses.
However, some students believe that RM700 to RM900 is sufficient, depending on lifestyle. One student mentioned that RM500 might be enough for those who are more frugal, while others who spend more may need around RM700.
Additionally, some students revealed that if their allowance falls short, they take on part-time jobs to earn extra income. One student highlighted that RM300 might last for about three weeks, after which they would work part-time to cover additional expenses.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@scholarrzz/video/7427410814597893394" data-video-id="7427410814597893394">
<section><a title="@scholarrzz" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@scholarrzz?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@scholarrzz</a> Berapa allowance student patut dapat per month 🤔🤔 <a title="f" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/f?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#f</a> <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="uni" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/uni?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#uni</a> <a title="uitm" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/uitm?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#uitm</a> <a title="uitmshahalam" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/uitmshahalam?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#uitmshahalam</a> <a title="pelajar" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pelajar?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#pelajar</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Cha Loud 🍉" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Cha-Loud-🍉-7427410960501394177?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Cha Loud 🍉</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

Student Allowances Spark A Debate Online As Netizens Were In Disbelief
In addition to the TikTok video, which has garnered 212.9k views, user @ricxxxkiddo reuploaded it to X (formerly Twitter), where it has since received over 1.3 million views at the time of writing.
The comments section on both platforms has been lively, with netizens offering a range of reactions. Some believe that the financial support students receive from their parents contributes to new graduates demanding higher salaries as they enter the job market for the first time. Others argue that such high allowances are justified given the current economic climate. Meanwhile, those in the workforce have expressed their thoughts on the students&rsquo; substantial allowances, noting that many students are earning more than their own basic salaries.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
RM5-10k allowance per month for a student with less to no commitments is crazy when u think about how a lot of malaysians with multiple commitments barely even making RM3k in salary per month
&mdash; S.I Farah Chee (@Farahh6chee) <a href="https://twitter.com/Farahh6chee/status/1847870580831506462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
gila almost 7K sebulan. patut laa bnyk freshie demanding bila dpt kerja. sbb dh selesa awal2. mamat yg buat part time tuh.. kudos, you gonna survive in this world.
&mdash; AbahKauPink (@kasisapu) <a href="https://twitter.com/kasisapu/status/1847834166030897208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
bro our salaries are lower than their monthly allowance
&mdash; Anis. (@anisshfie) <a href="https://twitter.com/anisshfie/status/1847891283685364112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
patut jangan jujur sangat yang 5-7 k per month tu. nak nak kalau belajo UITM, if kau kaya diam diam je. nanti kena bash. just say around 1 k monthly allowance pun dah ok. lagi satu for security. orang nampak dalam tiktok, diorang dah boleh nak aim dah. bahaya do zaman sekarang
&mdash; shazwankenobi (@ahmadoukenobi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmadoukenobi/status/1847957723864011107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6289a420f2b61dd9a059eeefae2b1593603cd631deb652d1effe61466abf4c59" />
Cha Loud Clarifies On The Student Who Said 10K Allowance
In response to the overwhelming reaction to the video, Cha Loud released another clip clarifying the situation involving the student who claimed to receive a monthly allowance of RM10,000. In the new video, Cha Loud explained that the student had misunderstood the question and thought she was being asked about her allowance per semester, not per month.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@scholarrzz/video/7427853887018667282" data-video-id="7427853887018667282">
<section><a title="@scholarrzz" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@scholarrzz?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@scholarrzz</a> Replying to @૮₍&acute;˶&bull; ᴥ &bull;˶`₎ა Dia just misheard je so relaaaaax guys hahaha &amp; pendapat kita semua beza-beza✌🏻 Jangan mengamuk!! <a title="f" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/f?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#f</a> <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="uni" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/uni?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#uni</a> <a title="uitmshahalam" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/uitmshahalam?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#uitmshahalam</a> <a title="student" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/student?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#student</a> <a title="pelajar" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pelajar?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#pelajar</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Cha Loud 🍉" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Cha-Loud-🍉-7427853977749916433?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Cha Loud 🍉</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

Cha Loud also mentioned that the student was from Sabah and had to allocate a significant portion of her allowance for flights back to her hometown. She defended the students against netizens who continued to scrutinize their allowances, emphasizing that it&rsquo;s their personal right to receive whatever amount their parents deem appropriate.
So, are we envious of these allowances? For some, it&rsquo;s hard not to feel a twinge of jealousy. However, it&rsquo;s essential to recognize that many of these students receive substantial allowances because their parents have worked tirelessly to provide for them. Additionally, students from East Malaysia often face high travel costs for flights home, which can consume a significant portion of their allowance.
Maybe it&rsquo;s time to reevaluate our views on the allowances students receive. Yet, we should also exercise caution in our online commentary, as some individuals may twist our words and tarnish our reputation in the public eye.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Times are definitely tough, but imagine having an allowance higher than our basic monthly pay 😨💰

8f116234271ff4232c24b4afe4099d8110beed55d444eef71ccf147ea8d2455d

M’sians Shocked To See Students Getting Allowances Between RM5k – RM10K Monthly

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced the introduction of two fully-funded scholarship programmes aimed at empowering underprivileged and high-achieving students to thrive in the nation&rsquo;s rapidly evolving communications and multimedia landscape. The MCMC LEGASI and MCMC CARE scholarships are designed to support the development of critical digital skills aligned with Malaysia&rsquo;s digital transformation goals.
Investing in Malaysia&rsquo;s Digital Talent Pipeline
Both scholarship schemes aim to fast-track the cultivation of expertise in high-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), Media, and Telecommunications. This aligns with MCMC&rsquo;s strategic vision to strengthen the country&rsquo;s digital capabilities and support a more inclusive, technology-driven economy.
MCMC LEGASI: A Merit-Based Pathway to Global Education and Employment
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ec83164ff5ac958896bf9c5aa9aa94a697c7ccde4eec4b96babdabe3edd49779" />
MCMC LEGASI is a merit-based scholarship targeted at exceptional students pursuing recognised undergraduate programmes, both locally and abroad. This prestigious award covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and includes a guaranteed position with MCMC upon graduation, providing a clear and structured career path in digital policy and regulatory development.
Eligible fields of study under the LEGASI scholarship include:
<ul>
<li>Data Science &amp; Analytics</li>
<li>Internet of Things (IoT)</li>
<li>Information and Network Security, including Cybersecurity</li>
<li>Telecommunications</li>
<li>Broadcasting and Media</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>Policy, Law &amp; Regulatory Management</li>
<li>Urban Planning and Management</li>
<li>Economics &amp; Finance</li>
</ul>
To qualify, applicants must not be over 22 years of age at the point of degree enrolment, and must meet one of the following academic criteria:
<ul>
<li>Minimum 3As in STPM</li>
<li>Minimum 3As in the GCE A-Level programme</li>
<li>ATAR score of at least 85% (Australian Matriculation)</li>
<li>SAT score of at least 1,200 (American Foundation Programme)</li>
<li>CGPA of 3.50 or above (out of 4.00) for Diploma/Foundation/Matriculation</li>
<li>A minimum of 35 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB)</li>
</ul>
MCMC CARE: Supporting Underprivileged Students in Public Universities
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/66276561a522cd40bd3060a55e1b940c4b77587e6971c54505d6f3c1eb11828f" />
The MCMC CARE scholarship, on the other hand, is a needs-based financial aid scheme for underprivileged students studying at local public universities. While it similarly covers full education-related costs, it does not carry a bonding obligation, offering recipients greater flexibility.
Instead, MCMC CARE includes an internship opportunity with MCMC, enabling students to gain valuable industry exposure and hands-on experience in the communications and multimedia sector before entering the job market.
Fields of study eligible for MCMC CARE mirror those of LEGASI, ensuring consistency in the Commission&rsquo;s talent development focus:
<ul>
<li>Data Science &amp; Analytics</li>
<li>Internet of Things (IoT)</li>
<li>Information and Network Security, including Cybersecurity</li>
<li>Telecommunications</li>
<li>Broadcasting and Media</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>Policy, Law &amp; Regulatory Management</li>
<li>Urban Planning and Management</li>
<li>Economics &amp; Finance</li>
</ul>
Commitment to a Digitally Inclusive Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7258605a85793fd2a17a3648579807ea49120cc33b3124e78385e0bd95c35f97" />
According to Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, Executive Chairman of MCMC, the scholarships form part of a broader initiative to ensure no one is left behind in Malaysia&rsquo;s digital future. &ldquo;By supporting deserving students from all walks of life, the Commission is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovation-driven future,&rdquo; he said.
Application Timeline and Further Information
Applications for both MCMC LEGASI and MCMC CARE will open in June 2025, with successful candidates announced in August 2025.
For detailed eligibility requirements and to express your interest, visit the official <a href="https://mcmc.gov.my/academy/en/scholarships-1">MCMC scholarship page.</a> Further updates and announcements will be available through MCMC&rsquo;s official social media platforms.
If you&rsquo;re a university student seeking scholarship opportunities, now is the time to apply. This is a rare and valuable chance&mdash;students are encouraged to make the most of it.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Currently enrolled in a local university? You may be eligible for a full scholarship!

866c2c795ad4a90327748145550cf5c8b5490ef15247905d74e91f493a94fade

MCMC Introduces Two Fully-Funded Scholarships To Cultivate Malaysia’s Digital Talent

From Friday 23 May to Wednesday 28 May 2025, Kuala Lumpur will host the 46th ASEAN Summit, drawing heads of government, foreign ministers, and an entourage of officials and media. As with every major summit, the capital&rsquo;s road network will be organised around VIP motorcades and tight security perimeters. Below is an extended briefing on how the week will unfold, the exact corridors affected, and what residents can do to stay mobile.
The scale of the operation
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9ea11bfb1b53cf6a3922f93d4a743c6c64a3a045864315beafdbfa26bc387a37" />
Bukit Aman&rsquo;s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri&nbsp;has committed 789 personnel to the week‑long task. Officers will be supported by:
<ul>
<li>36 escort cars for heads of delegation</li>
<li>313 high‑powered motorcycles for outriders and rolling roadblocks</li>
<li>190 standard patrol bikes to plug gaps and manage diversions</li>
<li>Tow‑trucks on immediate standby, ready to remove any vehicle that blocks an emergency lane or junction</li>
</ul>
Traffic control teams will move into position 30 minutes before every scheduled convoy, shutting slip‑roads and junctions in &ldquo;waves&rdquo; rather than leaving closures in place all day. A full dress rehearsal on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May will let planners fine‑tune timings before foreign leaders begin arriving on 23 May.
Expressways under rolling closure:
<ul>
<li>North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh to City Centre)</li>
<li>MEX Expressway</li>
<li>KL-Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>ELITE Expressway (KLIA to Putrajaya)</li>
<li>Guthrie Expressway</li>
<li>NKVE (Subang to Jalan Duta)</li>
</ul>
* Closures are intermittent. When a convoy is clear, lanes reopen until the next VIP movement.
City arteries most affected
<ul>
<li>Jalan Tun Abdul Razak &amp; Jalan Ampang &ndash; primary KLCC approaches</li>
<li>Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang &amp; Jalan Imbi &ndash; hotel belt and shopping district</li>
<li>Jalan Parlimen &amp; Jalan Kuching &ndash; link to Istana Negara</li>
<li>Jalan Istana &amp; Jalan Damansara &ndash; inbound from KL‑Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>Junctions around Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Perak, Jalan Stonor and Persiaran KLCC will close repeatedly on 26&ndash;27 May when leaders shuttle between hotels and summit halls.</li>
</ul>
Commercial lorries are prohibited from entering the city centre during the dual rush‑hours 06:30&ndash;07:30 and 16:30&ndash;19:30. Enforcement officers warn that any vehicle parked on verges or double‑parked near hotels will be towed immediately.
Day‑by‑day Breakdown 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7118e47960915c071ed954970319dbde0e261df2745a01cf76ffda2814568b07" />
Road Closures and Diversions Schedule. May 23-May 26 (Arrival of foreign delegates).
Routes: KLIA/Subang Air Force to:
<ul>
<li>Lebuh KLIA</li>
<li>Elite Expressway (KLIA-Putrajaya)</li>
<li>NKVE (Subang-Jalan Duta)</li>
<li>Guthrie Expressway</li>
<li>North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh-City Centre)</li>
<li>MEX Expressway</li>
<li>KL-Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>Lingkaran Putrajaya</li>
<li>Jalan Istana</li>
<li>Jalan Damansara</li>
<li>Jalan Tun Abdul Razak</li>
<li>Jalan Ampang</li>
<li>Jalan Sultan Ismail</li>
<li>Jalan Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>Jalan Imbi</li>
<li>Jalan Parlimen</li>
<li>Jalan Kuching</li>
</ul>
May 26
<ul>
<li>From hotels to KLCC: 8am until arrivals are completed</li>
<li>From KLCC to hotels: 5.30pm until departure to hotels is completed</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Ampang / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan Pinang</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Jalan Kia Peng</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Persiaran KLCC</li>
</ul>
May 27
8am-10.30am (from hotels to KLCC)
<ul>
<li>Junction of Jalan Ampang / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan Pinang</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Jalan Kia Peng</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Persiaran KLCC</li>
</ul>
11.45am-1pm (KLCC to Istana Negara)
<ul>
<li>Along Jalan Tun Razak</li>
<li>Along Jalan Mahameru</li>
<li>Along Jalan Sultan Abdul Halim</li>
</ul>
1.45pm-3pm (Istana Negara-KLCC)
<ul>
<li>Along Jalan Parlimen/Jalan Kuching</li>
<li>Along Jalan Sultan Ismail</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan Pinang</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Jalan Kia Peng</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Persiaran KLCC</li>
</ul>
May 28&nbsp;(8am onwards, from hotels to KLIA/Subang Air Force Base)
<ul>
<li>Lebuh KLIA</li>
<li>Elite Expressway (KLIA-Putrajaya)</li>
<li>NKVE (Subang-Jalan Duta)</li>
<li>Guthrie Expressway</li>
<li>North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh-City Centre)</li>
<li>MEX Expressway</li>
<li>KL-Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>Lingkaran Putrajaya</li>
<li>Jalan Istana</li>
<li>Jalan Damansara</li>
<li>Jalan Tun Abdul Razak</li>
<li>Jalan Ampang</li>
<li>Jalan Sultan Ismail</li>
<li>Jalan Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>Jalan Imbi</li>
<li>Jalan Parlimen</li>
</ul>
Public transport Is Your Best Friend 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d358d5450eec282d4c692bd248e0477e3045c5ae7d8461e2dbe38b307e168fb3" />
Rapid KL confirms that LRT, MRT, Monorail and BRT services will run their normal weekday frequencies, with standby trains if platforms crowd. KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Ampang Park, Masjid Jamek and KL Sentral stations place commuters within a short walk of offices while sidestepping road closures.
Tip: use the MRT Putrajaya Line for journeys parallel to the ELITE and MEX corridors; stations such as Cyberjaya City Centre and Putrajaya Sentral will be unaffected by summit traffic.
71 Schools Move To Lessons Online
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3c00ea50ccc62912538046d89eb98d83da7bc05a7f4f360a4a920170e5689eb6" />
The Education Ministry has announced that 71 schools across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will switch to home‑based learning (PdPR) from 26 to 28 May 2025 to coincide with the 46th ASEAN Summit.
In a <a href="https://www.moe.gov.my/storage/files/shares/Kenyataan%20Media/KM2025/KM%20KPM%20Beri%20Kebenaran%20Kepada%2071%20Buah%20Sekolah%20Di%20Kuala%20Lumpur%20%26%20Selangor%20Laksana%20PDPR%20Bersempena%20Penganjuran%20Asean%2C%20Pastikan%20Pembelajaran%20%26%20Kesejahteraan%20Terpelihara.pdf">statement</a>, the ministry said the schools were selected because anticipated road blocks and strict security cordons could make it difficult for pupils and staff to reach their campuses. The short‑term move to PdPR is intended to keep teaching on track throughout the summit.
Parents, guardians, teachers and students are urged to monitor their school&rsquo;s official channels for detailed timetables and log‑in instructions. Drawing on the remote‑learning practices refined during the COVID‑19 years, the ministry is confident that classes can proceed smoothly while safeguarding everyone&rsquo;s welfare.
The summit will bring foreign dignitaries to the capital, triggering extensive security measures and traffic controls in and around Kuala Lumpur.
Below is the full list of affected schools:
<ol>
<li>SK Lembah Subang</li>
<li>SK Assunta (Satu)</li>
<li>SK (L) Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>SK Methodist, PJ</li>
<li>SK Jalan Selangor (Satu)</li>
<li>SK 2 Jalan Selangor</li>
<li>SK Satu Sultan Alam Shah</li>
<li>SK 2 Sultan Alam Shah</li>
<li>SK Sungei Way</li>
<li>SJK(T) Vivekananda</li>
<li>SMK Sri Utama</li>
<li>SMK Lembah Subang</li>
<li>SMK Assunta</li>
<li>SMK (L) Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>SMK Katholik</li>
<li>SMK La Salle, PJ</li>
<li>SMK Sultan Abdul Samad</li>
<li>SMK (P) Tmn Petaling</li>
<li>SK TUDM Subang</li>
<li>SK TTDI Jaya</li>
<li>SK Bukit Jelutong</li>
<li>SMK TTDI Jaya</li>
<li>SMK Shah Alam</li>
<li>SMK Bukit Jelutong</li>
<li>SK Cyberjaya</li>
<li>SK Taman Putra Perdana</li>
<li>SK Taman Putra Perdana 2</li>
<li>SJK (C) Union</li>
<li>SMK Cyberjaya</li>
<li>SMK Putra Perdana</li>
<li>SMK Convent Bukit Nanas</li>
<li>SMK Puteri Wilayah</li>
<li>SMK Padang Tembak</li>
<li>SMK Puteri Ampang</li>
<li>SMK Seri Ampang</li>
<li>SMK Puteri Titiwangsa</li>
<li>SMK Seri Titiwangsa</li>
<li>St John's Institution</li>
<li>SK Convent 1 dan 2 Bukit Nanas</li>
<li>SK St John 1</li>
<li>SJKC Nan Kai</li>
<li>SK Kg Bharu</li>
<li>SK Pendidikan Khas Kg Bharu</li>
<li>SJKT Jalan Fletcher</li>
<li>SK Jalan Kuantan 2</li>
<li>SK Padang Tembak 1</li>
<li>SK Padang Tembak 2</li>
<li>SK Polis Depot</li>
<li>SK Jalan Gurney 1</li>
<li>SK Jalan Gurney 2</li>
<li>SK Jalan Raja Muda</li>
<li>SJKC Lai Meng</li>
<li>SMK Maxwell</li>
<li>SMK Kiaramas</li>
<li>SJKT Appar</li>
<li>SJKC Chung Kwok</li>
<li>SK (L) Jalan Batu</li>
<li>SK(P) Jln Batu Sentul</li>
<li>SK Pendidikan Khas Jln Batu</li>
<li>SK Pendidikan Khas Jalan Peel, Taman Maluri</li>
<li>SK Kiaramas</li>
<li>SMK (P) Bandaraya</li>
<li>SMK (P) Jalan Pudu</li>
<li>SMK (P) Methodist Kl</li>
<li>SJKC Kuen Cheng 1</li>
<li>SK Jalan Hang Tuah</li>
<li>SK (P) Pudu</li>
<li>SJKC Kung Min</li>
<li>SK Jalan Pasar</li>
<li>SK Dato Abu Bakar</li>
<li>SK Sultan Hishamuddin Alam</li>
</ol>
Looking back and looking ahead
Malaysia last held an in‑person ASEAN Summit in 2015. Back then, roadblocks annoyed some drivers but kept the VIP convoys safe. Police are using that same plan again, now helped by live traffic data and lessons learned during the pandemic. By Wednesday night, 28 May, the motorcades will be gone and Kuala Lumpur drivers can use their usual routes again.
Until then, stay patient. A bit of forward planning&mdash;especially using trains&mdash;will let the city welcome its guests without trapping locals in jams.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With 71 schools ordered to move online, brace yourself for knotty summit week traffic.

709934614331b0532abecc3519d5deba204f10ed2f67ec5b92ae583de89d2a18

ASEAN Summit Road Closures: What Klang Valley Residents Need To Know

Anyone who travels with a Malay Bin, a Chinese double name, or an Indian A/L prefix knows the peril of online forms built for Western &ldquo;first name / last name&rdquo; conventions. If a single word is misplaced, the boarding system flags a mismatch, frontline staff must edit the ticket by hand, and passengers sometimes miss their flight. After years of counter complaints, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have quietly rebuilt their booking pages to recognise the naming patterns most common across Southeast Asia.
The timing is deliberate. Both carriers are leaning hard into regional growth: AirAsia has restored almost 100 per cent of its pre‑pandemic network, and Malaysia Airlines has just announced new codeshares into Indochina. More passengers from non‑Western naming traditions means a higher risk of typos&mdash;unless the form is fool‑proof.
How Each Airline Now Reads Your Passport 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3d08837956174ac495a085f9359430ed3185bfda3016fd71d635cf5ea8f00e5c" />
Malaysia Airlines still presents two fields, labelled &ldquo;First &amp; Middle Name&rdquo; and &ldquo;Last Name / Surname&rdquo;, but the airline now directs passengers to copy the machine‑readable zone (MRZ)&mdash;the two lines of capital letters at the foot of the passport photo‑page&mdash;exactly as printed. The revised help page comes with half a dozen illustrated examples:
<ul>
<li>Malay names that include Bin, Binti or Anak: those words move into the surname box.</li>
<li>Chinese and Vietnamese names: the family name, which often appears first on the passport, belongs in the surname field even if it looks &ldquo;out of order&rdquo; to English eyes.</li>
<li>Double‑barrelled Indian names: place every component that follows the father&rsquo;s name into the given‑name box, provided the MRZ clusters them together.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7238d188cce6d55fbcb8fcba0f5efaf54bb09ef847c7abef622eb6b4308be91d" />
AirAsia adopts nearly identical logic, relabelling its boxes &ldquo;Given Name&rdquo; and &ldquo;Family Name / Surname&rdquo;. The low‑cost carrier adds one crucial note for Malaysian Indians: the prefixes A/L (anak lelaki) and A/P (anak perempuan) are no longer required in either field because they do not appear in the MRZ.
Both airlines stress that spacing and capital letters are less important than reproducing the string of letters in the correct sequence. A perfect match means the electronic ticket will align with immigration databases worldwide, removing the need for manual overrides.
Two Worked Examples
Passport line 1: P&lt;MYSVINCENT&lt;TAN&lt;MING&lt;BAN Ticket entry: Surname/Family: TAN&emsp;|&emsp;Given/First &amp; Middle: MINGBANVINCENT
Passport line 2: P&lt;MYS&nbsp;MOHD&lt;ALI&lt;AHMAD&lt;BIN&lt;MOHD&lt;ABU Ticket entry: Surname/Family: BINMOHDABU&emsp;|&emsp;Given/First &amp; Middle: MOHDALIAHMAD
The key is to lift the characters exactly as they appear, ignoring the visual order of names on the biographical page.
What About Bookings Already Made?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/93886d0dccd7e9fa12feacd93a355e7d21cb1e735f81c60aae347fd87570f961" />
Malaysia Airlines confirms that the fresh rules are forward‑looking only: travellers with tickets issued under the old format can fly as planned. AirAsia echoes that reassurance. Should a legacy booking need a voluntary date change, the name field will update automatically in the new style once the ticket is re‑issued.
Wider Benefits: Fewer Queues, Lower Costs
Airline insiders say name mismatches generate thousands of manual corrections each month, tying up call‑centre agents and check‑in counters. Each fix also costs the carrier a small fee because the booking must be re‑opened in a global distribution system. By training passengers to mirror the MRZ, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia expect fewer errors, shorter queues, and a noticeable saving on backend costs.
The move has earned quiet praise from travel agents who specialise in multi‑city itineraries. &ldquo;We spend an inordinate amount of time educating clients about name order,&rdquo; says Kuala Lumpur‑based consultant Elaine Tew. &ldquo;Having the airlines spell it out with pictures is a big win for everyone.&rdquo;
Practical Tips Before You Click &ldquo;Buy&rdquo;
<ol>
<li>Keep your passport open beside the keyboard and read from the MRZ, not the printed name block.</li>
<li>Ignore punctuation: slashes, commas and apostrophes have no place in the entry fields.</li>
<li>Check every letter before you pay; once the ticket is issued, name edits can still attract fees.</li>
<li>Travelling as a family? Copy each child&rsquo;s MRZ as well&mdash;no two passports are formatted exactly alike.</li>
</ol>
Looking Ahead
With their revised name policies, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have addressed one of the most persistent friction points in regional travel. The next frontier, both carriers hint, is to embed the same logic in their mobile apps and self‑service kiosks. Until then, the humble MRZ remains the traveller&rsquo;s best friend: follow its all‑caps guidance, and your next journey should begin with a wave at the e‑gate rather than an apology at the check‑in desk.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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New guidelines finally take the guess work out of Southeast Asian names.

2f7307b91bd881c592ef4d783561f9f0c1a191125020474738edd8e57bc4e3c8

Malaysia Airlines And AirAsia Overhaul Name‑Entry Rules To End Booking Confusion

Malaysia&rsquo;s Health Ministry has assured the public that the country&rsquo;s Covid-19 situation remains under control, even as neighbouring countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan record significant spikes in new infections.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that Malaysia is averaging around 600 cases a week, a figure that remains well below the national alert threshold. Notably, no Covid-19-related deaths have been reported in Malaysia so far in 2025.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d3b0f26a514bd3e1a0d439764e2f0a076810ae675e936c597afe5b8b2326d99e" />
From January to 10 May, Malaysia recorded a cumulative 11,727 Covid-19 cases, with the highest numbers logged at the beginning of the year. According to the Health Ministry&rsquo;s Disease Control Division, the country reported 960 cases in the first epidemiological week (EW1) of 2025, followed by 1,229 cases in both EW2 and EW3. Since then, the trend has seen a continuous decline, with only 210 cases reported in EW15. Over the last four weeks (EW16 to EW19), the weekly average has stabilised around 600 cases.
The National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) continues to carry out ongoing risk assessments to ensure Malaysia is prepared for any potential developments. The ministry has reiterated that current figures remain safely below the warning threshold and that all appropriate control measures are in place.
Rising Cases in Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bf5c9ec66d022ad03d4280fb0b2ead1fb079c83750e28cd6ee666abf297d7b24" />
In contrast, countries across the region are witnessing renewed surges. Thailand recorded 16,607 new cases and six deaths between 4 and 10 May, while Singapore saw an increase from 11,100 to 14,200 cases during the week of 27 April to 3 May, with 133 hospitalisations reported. Taiwan, meanwhile, reported 10,000 new cases during the week of 4 to 10 May, including six deaths and 34 severe cases.
Experts believe that the rise in regional cases can be attributed to factors such as waning immunity, higher rates of travel, and reduced levels of testing. Despite this, the Health Ministry stressed that the domestic situation remains under control and that the public should not be alarmed.
No More Quarantine, But Health Measures Still Encouraged
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8d317a8efc7b4fe1aaf481045a8555e9bc5564cf749c3fc613d85c4d0e895699" />
Although Covid-19 continues to be classified as a notifiable infectious disease under Malaysia&rsquo;s Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), the country has shifted away from pandemic-era emergency measures.
On 1 May 2025, the government officially revoked the declaration that had classified all states and federal territories as infected local areas. This marked a major policy shift, more than five years after the initial measures were introduced.
Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 are no longer required to undergo quarantine or report their cases through the MySejahtera app. However, health authorities still advise the public to practise self-preventive behaviours, such as seeking prompt medical treatment if symptomatic, protecting vulnerable groups, and wearing face masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
Guidelines for Those Who Test Positive
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b77aee2b0ecb285b2de8a3e754cc24c0b00f64db0bb221c21944eebb966df27d" />
While most infections today are less severe than in previous waves&mdash;largely due to vaccinations and acquired immunity&mdash;public health specialists still recommend vigilance. Professor Dr Sharifa Wan Ezat Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) noted that many new cases now resemble upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) with mild symptoms. However, she warned that individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly the elderly, may require antiviral medication and medical supervision.
According to the Health Ministry&rsquo;s clinical guidelines, Covid-19 patients categorised under stages 2 and 3 are eligible for treatment with the antiviral Paxlovid. Antigen rapid test kits remain available at pharmacies, and self-testing is still encouraged for anyone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms.
Former Malaysian Association of Public Health Physicians president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar emphasised that although testing and isolation are no longer mandatory, maintaining basic health precautions is still prudent, especially in healthcare settings.
Monitoring Systems and Public Responsibility
The Health Ministry continues to rely on both formal and informal surveillance systems, including e-Notification reporting by healthcare providers and a &ldquo;rumour surveillance&rdquo; mechanism that tracks unofficial reports from the public, media, and other sources. These systems help facilitate early detection and swift responses to emerging clusters or outbreaks.
In line with the government&rsquo;s Madani values of wellbeing and inclusivity, the ministry has pledged to provide timely updates on any public health risks.
The public is strongly encouraged to remain cautious, prioritise personal health, and take proactive steps to protect themselves and those around them. High-risk individuals, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions, are advised to keep their vaccinations up to date to minimise the risk of severe complications.
For the latest updates and guidance, the public may visit the Health Ministry&rsquo;s official website at <a href="http://www.moh.gov.my">www.moh.gov.my</a>.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Domestic cases dip while the region grapples with fresh spikes.

6419fc096c26646aee87b07fada23d39534703115b22849b236229ec0357c6dd

Malaysia Keeps Covid-19 Situation In Check As Regional Cases Surge

Malaysian badminton fans had every reason to celebrate after a spectacular Sunday at Bangkok&rsquo;s Nimibutr Stadium, where the nation&rsquo;s top doubles pairs each clinched gold and walked away with significant prize money. The dynamic men&rsquo;s duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and the formidable women&rsquo;s pairing Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah secured their titles at the TOYOTA Thailand Open 2025, a Super 500 event, claiming US$37,525 (~ RM161,191) each. Thanks to Malaysia&rsquo;s tax-free policy on sporting prizes and the Badminton Association of Malaysia&rsquo;s (BAM) practice of not taking a levy, the entire sum remains with the players.
Historic Triumph for Pearly-Thinaah: Silencing Critics with Glory
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f9bc26ac8ecf459bbe4ca5210e60d28c00adda342f5b36813c880def6dedab62" />
When Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah closed out a composed 21‑16, 21‑17 win over South Korea&rsquo;s Jeong Na‑eun and Lee Yeon‑woo, they became the first Malaysian women ever to lift the Thailand Open women&rsquo;s doubles trophy since the event began in 1984. The triumph adds to a roll‑call that already includes the Swiss Open 2021, French Open 2022 and Hong Kong Open 2024, confirming the world No. 4 pair as serial big‑stage performers.
Their build‑up had been clouded by whispers that they might quit the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to turn professional, plus sniping over a renegotiated salary deal. Sunday&rsquo;s performance was an emphatic answer: cool heads, relentless defence and a willingness to dictate the front court.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve not had the smoothest start to the year, but we kept faith in each other,&rdquo; Thinaah told the BWF. &ldquo;This win is proof that we&rsquo;re progressing, even if the outside noise says otherwise.&rdquo;
Guided courtside by coach Rosman Razak, the pair seized the initiative early in both games, varying pace and angles to blunt the Koreans&rsquo; flat drives. Even a late second‑game surge from Jeong and Lee was calmly snuffed out.
Celebrations were necessarily brief; the duo boarded the late flight to Kuala Lumpur that evening. On Tuesday they open their Malaysia Masters campaign against Hong Kong&rsquo;s Fan Ka Yan and Yau Mau Ying&mdash;an unheard‑of pairing but one the Malaysians refuse to underestimate. &ldquo;We start from zero again,&rdquo; Pearly insisted. The home crowd will expect nothing less than another deep run, especially with Olympic qualification points up for grabs and contract negotiations still simmering.
Aaron-Wooi Yik End 15-Year Men&rsquo;s Doubles Title Drought
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/478d0786e8e61a99463d16053ff17162b538647285b22007d45d050a7abbc601" />
If the women delivered clinical mastery, the men supplied pure theatre. Olympic bronze‑medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were pushed to the brink by Denmark&rsquo;s unseeded youngsters William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer, finally prevailing 20‑22, 21‑17, 21‑12 after 72 punishing minutes. The victory ends Malaysia&rsquo;s 15‑year wait for a men&rsquo;s doubles title here&mdash;the last being Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah in 2009.
Curiously, large sections of the Thai crowd roared for the Danes, a reaction to Aaron‑Wooi Yik having bundled out local favourites Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh in the semi‑finals. The Malaysians responded with steely resolve, surviving a first‑game loss marked by breathtaking 40‑plus‑shot rallies, then tightening their defensive blocks to turn the tide.
&ldquo;Today we&rsquo;re champions; tomorrow we&rsquo;re back to square one,&rdquo; Aaron commented, already resetting focus for Kuala Lumpur. &ldquo;We need to prove this form at the Malaysia Masters.&rdquo;
The pair credited newfound aggression to the influence of their recently appointed coach, former Indonesian great Hendra Setiawan. &ldquo;We wanted to show the new coach what we&rsquo;re capable of,&rdquo; Wooi Yik noted. The confirmation could not be clearer: alongside last month&rsquo;s Asian Championships gold, this success suggests the partnership has rediscovered the spark that earned Olympic bronze in Tokyo.
Prize Money and Momentum: A Winning Formula for Malaysia
Both pairs will return home to prepare for the upcoming PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2025, scheduled to take place from 20 to 25 May at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. This home tournament presents another crucial Super 500 event where the Malaysian players are expected to perform strongly, buoyed by recent successes.
The US$37,525 (~ RM161,191) prize for each pair represents not just a financial reward but also a confidence boost and important ranking points. Malaysia&rsquo;s tax exemption on sporting earnings means these winnings go entirely to the players, unlike in some countries where cuts or taxes diminish the haul. Beyond the monetary gain, the victories signal growing momentum as the badminton calendar heats up, with the 2024 Paris Olympic cycle concluded and the qualification process for Los Angeles 2028 already underway.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Malaysia Masters and Beyond
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c8d7f2d2ad3bcd88bf983434b09a57d4cb584126fbc2fc4e8c502fa6ecba2b89" />
While the Thailand Open triumphs have provided a significant lift, both pairs remain grounded and focused on the challenges ahead. Pearly-Thinaah acknowledged that celebrations will be brief as they return immediately to training, with the Malaysia Masters around the corner and more competitive pressure looming.
For Aaron and Wooi Yik, the mission is clear: maintain their form, protect their rankings, and continue to deliver on big stages. With BAM navigating coaching reshuffles and contract negotiations, the players&rsquo; unity and performance under pressure will be vital for Malaysia&rsquo;s badminton ambitions.
As Malaysia departs Thailand with double gold, the rewards extend beyond trophies and prize money. These wins enrich the nation&rsquo;s sporting pride, boost player confidence, and signal a promising trajectory towards future tournaments and the ultimate Olympic dream.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With victories secured by both doubles pairings, attention now shifts to the PERODUA Malaysia Masters. 

17f2cea0b62d1c5dd59263aee033d370cd27bd2cc01235b6a9545057443bc3e2

Golden Glory: Malaysia Bags Double Gold At The 2025 Thailand Open

Shopee sellers are bracing for yet another increase in operational costs as the e-commerce platform confirmed a hike in its SPayLater seller fee. The change, set to take effect on 8 May 2025, will see the fee rise from 3.5% to 4.5% for all completed orders involving the SPayLater payment option.
The update was announced through Shopee&rsquo;s official Seller Education Hub, continuing a trend of rising charges for merchants using the platform.
What Is SPayLater? 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a62796e4303ff33bf724897f79a3f39b982bad43119b1080a6710fedfa3de146" />
SPayLater is Shopee&rsquo;s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, designed to give buyers flexibility in managing their purchases. The feature enables customers to split their payments over installment plans ranging from one to 24 months. Instalments up to three months typically carry no extra fees for buyers, but longer tenures can incur charges of up to 36%, depending on the duration.
However, while buyers may choose whether or not to use SPayLater, sellers are automatically enrolled in the programme with no option to opt out. This means they must absorb the associated transaction fee regardless of whether they benefit directly from the instalment feature.
Why Are Sellers Frustrated?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e816e805f983200358e1b1830eb38cfdc3be9218e22e47533de142280683cf1c" />
The fee hike has been met with widespread frustration among Shopee merchants, many of whom took to online seller communities to express their discontent. One recurring point of criticism is the lack of transparency&mdash;Shopee has not provided any formal explanation for the increase.
Many sellers are questioning why they are being penalised when it is ultimately the buyer&rsquo;s decision to use the SPayLater facility. The platform&rsquo;s insistence on making SPayLater mandatory for eligible sellers has only fuelled further resentment.
A number of sellers have even suggested raising their prices to cushion the impact of the new fee, potentially making Shopee less competitive for buyers as a result.
Sellers Speak Out: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s Getting Too Much&rdquo;
Among those voicing concern is Loh, a power tool seller who requested partial anonymity. Speaking to local media, Loh said that the compounding cost of selling on Shopee&mdash;including this new SPayLater fee&mdash;is driving him to reconsider the platform entirely.
&ldquo;My business has to contend with more and more extra fees, and I&rsquo;d need to hire someone just to operate and manage the sales channel,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s pushed my business away from focusing too much effort towards selling on Shopee.&rdquo;
A Pattern of Increasing Charges
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5268806b0bc67a485230899cca302a30408a47ee615a61836d3eb4fcd5c7d8bc" />
This latest update follows a previous hike in August 2024, when Shopee increased its general Transaction Fee for sellers from 2% to 3.5%&mdash;a move that excluded SPayLater and credit card payments at the time. That change, too, received criticism from small business owners struggling to maintain margins on the platform.
It&rsquo;s also worth noting that the new 4.5% SPayLater fee is subject to Malaysia&rsquo;s 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST), effectively making the total cost to sellers even higher.
Shopee&rsquo;s Justification &mdash; and What&rsquo;s Missing
While Shopee has highlighted that SPayLater can increase a seller&rsquo;s gross merchandise value by offering flexible payments to buyers, it has not justified the fee hike directly or provided any context for the additional cost burden. The omission has left many sellers feeling alienated, especially as BNPL platforms typically share costs across both buyers and sellers in a more transparent manner.
What&rsquo;s Next for Shopee Sellers?
As sellers scramble to adjust to the updated fee structure, questions remain about Shopee&rsquo;s long-term strategy and its impact on small and medium-sized businesses. If costs continue to rise without improved support or clearer communication, more sellers like Loh may look to alternative platforms or offline sales.
For now, the 4.5% fee for SPayLater orders will go into effect from 8 May 2025, and sellers will have no choice but to comply &mdash; or reconsider their future on the platform.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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To offset the higher fee, some sellers may begin raising their product prices.

d833dc61e66b6ef0a5823f527e207e67a587df0bf7f6b63aee2eaa945ecfefb6

Shopee Hikes SPayLater Seller Fee To 4.5% From 8 May

Malaysia&rsquo;s real wages have deteriorated drastically over the past four decades, leaving today&rsquo;s workforce with significantly reduced purchasing power, former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim warned in a recent interview with Sinar Harian. He remarked that many Malaysian graduates are now trapped in low-income jobs despite the country&rsquo;s economic growth, and are increasingly unable to meet basic life milestones such as home or car ownership.
Recalling his own experience, Muhammad said he earned RM1,300 upon entering the job market in 1984. Today, a typical fresh graduate earns between RM2,000 and RM3,000 monthly&mdash;a marginal increase in nominal terms that doesn&rsquo;t reflect the sharp rise in living costs. When adjusted for inflation&mdash;assuming a conservative annual rate of 5%&mdash;today&rsquo;s graduates should be earning closer to RM7,000 to RM8,000 to match the purchasing power of their 1980s counterparts.
&ldquo;In real terms, salaries today are only a third of what they used to be,&rdquo; he said, adding that if current trends continue, today&rsquo;s young people may never enjoy the same quality of life his generation did.
The Rise of the Low-Income Graduate
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8b9b1df643980df936b15d80d18d4cd0dc132c1876493e893f16a7f82f9ea0b9" />
Quoting recent data from the Ministry of Higher Education, Muhammad pointed out that around 40% of university graduates today earn less than RM2,000 per month in their first job. He believes this is a clear indication that the country&rsquo;s education and economic systems are not aligned with the demands of a competitive, modern workforce.
&ldquo;Without major reforms in our education and economic frameworks, we are condemning our youth to a future dominated by low-skilled, low-paying jobs,&rdquo; he said. He warned that Malaysia continues to lag behind other nations that were once on par with or even behind Malaysia in the 1960s, including Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Japan&mdash;all of which now enjoy far higher standards of living due to sustained structural reform.
Foreign Labour Suppressing Wage Growth
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5406ec1a17a9d7bf3194d18b8d4f0f3a9b308046fa34fae7aa9052f441ee73c0" />
Muhammad also addressed the impact of Malaysia&rsquo;s heavy reliance on foreign labour, which has contributed to wage stagnation&mdash;particularly for the country&rsquo;s B40 income group. As of 31 December 2024, there were 16.78 million workers in the country, with 2.37 million or roughly 14% of them being foreign workers.
These foreign workers primarily fill 3D (dirty, dangerous, and difficult) jobs in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, food services, and domestic work. While these jobs are often shunned by locals, the influx of low-cost labour from countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nepal has created wage suppression for Malaysians in similar roles.
&ldquo;When employers can hire workers cheaply, they have no incentive to raise wages for locals. This affects our citizens directly, particularly those in the B40 segment,&rdquo; Muhammad explained.
A Growing Brain Drain: Nurses, Labourers, and the Search for Better Pay
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98e2ef14dd46045ab74a765328aa4a01be2305e38cc96f307eb39f9fb5a9095d" />
Malaysia is not only failing to retain its skilled workforce&mdash;it is also losing talent to neighbouring countries with better wages. Muhammad highlighted that many local nurses are now migrating to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, where they can earn two to four times more than they would at home.
For example, JobStreet data shows that a nurse in Malaysia earns between RM2,700 and RM3,400 a month, while in Singapore, the salary ranges from RM11,000 to RM13,000. Even Saudi Arabia offers nearly RM7,000 per month.
Beyond white-collar professionals, Muhammad noted an increase in Malaysians crossing into Singapore to perform menial work. &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just brain drain&mdash;it&rsquo;s now even low-skilled drain,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If we don&rsquo;t address this soon, Malaysia may one day become a labour-exporting country, with our children working as maids or labourers abroad.&rdquo;
Income Reclassification Misses the Bigger Picture
In response to the government&rsquo;s recent proposal to update income classifications&mdash;changing the B40, M40, and T20 system to B20, M50, and T30 based on consumption data&mdash;Muhammad said the new categorisation risks masking the real challenges of wage stagnation and cost-of-living pressures.
He argued that income-based benchmarks remain critical, as consumption patterns can be misleading, particularly when driven by debt or necessity. &ldquo;If you use the older income definitions, the B40 group probably now encompasses 60% of the population, not just 40%, due to post-COVID economic strain, low savings, and wage stagnation.&rdquo;
GDP Growth Is Not the Only Measure of Progress
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/22a9e4e83055f7cdd1d63ffcdcda10cf416dc4f30fb6da1e70054dc4586bb5bf" />
Muhammad also criticised the nation&rsquo;s obsession with GDP growth as a benchmark for success. &ldquo;GDP doesn&rsquo;t put food on the table,&rdquo; he said bluntly. &ldquo;Real progress should be measured through employment quality, wage growth, and job structure&mdash;not aggregate output.&rdquo;
He noted that at international forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, discussions in developed countries have shifted from GDP to employment outcomes. &ldquo;The real question they ask is: what kinds of jobs are being created? That&rsquo;s where Malaysia needs to start focusing,&rdquo; he added.
Urgent Reforms Needed to Avoid Long-Term Decline
Despite the grim outlook, Muhammad said Malaysia still has time to reverse course. He pointed to the remarkable growth trajectories of East Asian economies that once had lower per capita incomes than Malaysia but have since surged ahead through long-term reform in education, technology, and governance.
&ldquo;We cannot continue benchmarking ourselves against regional peers who are also struggling. We must aim higher,&rdquo; he said.
He concluded with a warning: &ldquo;Without a bold and decisive push for structural change, we risk raising a generation that is poorer than the last, unable to afford homes, education, or healthcare, and forced to look overseas for dignity and opportunity.&rdquo;
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Adjusted for inflation, graduate salaries today should be at least RM7,000 to RM8,000. 

1254876841663624d39e980db9c2b93f80e0bd826af3bf2c5e6c4faf4ff6f6b7

Former BNM Governor: Malaysian Real Wages Have Dropped Threefold Since The 1980s

Conservative American commentator Bill O&rsquo;Reilly has reignited tensions with Malaysia after doubling down on controversial remarks suggesting Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, lack the financial means to benefit from Chinese trade relations. The former Fox News host&rsquo;s comments drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who accused O&rsquo;Reilly of holding a worldview rooted in colonialism and racial superiority.
Xi Jinping&rsquo;s Regional Tour Sparks Economic Debate 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2f7aebc041329cdd6e457b355330ed4e677bf6ab968aa120dfb644b6e0da3bc7" />
The dispute stems from Chinese President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s recent diplomatic tour of Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia &mdash; a strategic move by Beijing in light of escalating trade tensions with the United States, including a newly imposed 145% tariff on Chinese goods.
O&rsquo;Reilly responded to Xi&rsquo;s visit by questioning the economic value of China&rsquo;s outreach to the three Southeast Asian nations. He suggested these countries lacked the financial capacity to purchase Chinese-made products, sarcastically declaring: &ldquo;We have the money, we buy stuff. The &lsquo;Malays&rsquo; aren&rsquo;t gonna buy your stuff. They don&rsquo;t have any money.&rdquo;
His use of the ethnic term &ldquo;Malays&rdquo; to generalise the entire Malaysian population further provoked backlash online, with many accusing O&rsquo;Reilly of cultural ignorance and racial insensitivity. Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4248/xi-jinpings-southeast-asia-tour-draws-mockery-from-us-commentator-but-malaysias-economic-numbers-tell-a-different-story">Xi Jinping&rsquo;s Southeast Asia Tour Draws Mockery From US Commentator &ndash; But Malaysia&rsquo;s Economic Numbers Tell A Different Story</a>
Anwar Hits Back: &ldquo;Xenophobia, Racism, and Colonial Arrogance&rdquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/08bbca4443221f96e4102a5acfecd8f583bbc2966c981a0e99634993d3cc665c" />
In a strong rebuttal, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lambasted O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s statements as not only factually flawed but also emblematic of a deeper, more insidious mindset.
&ldquo;He is clearly trapped in a narrow worldview shaped by colonialism, racism, and xenophobia,&rdquo; said Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia&rsquo;s Finance Minister. &ldquo;It reflects a deep ignorance of the socioeconomic realities in Southeast Asia and a belief that only their group or nation is successful.&rdquo;
Anwar&rsquo;s remarks were widely supported by Malaysians and regional observers, who viewed O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s comments as dismissive of the economic progress made by developing nations in Asia.
O&rsquo;Reilly Responds with More Provocation &mdash; and Geography Errors
In a subsequent YouTube video, O&rsquo;Reilly read out Anwar&rsquo;s response, appearing both amused and unrepentant. He reiterated his claim that Malaysians &ldquo;don&rsquo;t have money&rdquo; by citing Malaysia&rsquo;s household income per capita, which he claimed stands at US$5,731 annually (~RM25,110), compared to the US figure of US$42,220 (~RM184,585).
&ldquo;That's eight times higher,&rdquo; O&rsquo;Reilly declared. &ldquo;So if you want to buy a little hat, and you're only making five grand a year, you're not gonna buy it. You're not getting Chinese takeout either in Kuala Lumpur. You're barely eating.&rdquo;
He added, &ldquo;China is not going to be able to sell its stuff in your country, or Vietnam, or Cambodia. Got it?&rdquo;
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V85NEV6pQZM" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Despite the inflammatory tone, O&rsquo;Reilly did attempt to soften his comments by acknowledging that Malaysia is a &ldquo;beautiful&rdquo; country &mdash; albeit one he described as &ldquo;complicated.&rdquo; He also claimed he wanted the country to succeed but cheekily concluded, &ldquo;this &lsquo;colonialist&rsquo; has told the truth.&rdquo;
However, the commentator went on to confuse Malaysia with Indonesia, wrongly stating that former US President Barack Obama was &ldquo;partially raised in Malaysia.&rdquo; In fact, Obama spent part of his childhood in Indonesia &mdash; an entirely separate country. The factual gaffe further undermined O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s credibility, especially among viewers in Southeast Asia.
The Flawed Economic Comparison: A Misunderstanding of Local Realities
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ce282d27b51434ea8b4d878053177e3f809da63fcc1e8d47c8593eff0347b0dc" />
While the household income figures quoted by O&rsquo;Reilly are broadly accurate &mdash; with Malaysia&rsquo;s data taken from CEIC and correct as of late 2022 &mdash; his interpretation of those numbers lacks nuance. Economic analysts were quick to point out that comparing raw income figures between two vastly different economies without considering the cost of living and purchasing power parity (PPP) paints a misleading picture.
According to forecasts from Statista, Malaysia&rsquo;s household disposable income per capita is projected to rise to RM32,228 (~USD7,370) by 2025. When adjusted for PPP, the income disparity between Malaysia and the US narrows considerably, offering a more accurate representation of everyday purchasing power.
Furthermore, O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s claim that Malaysians are &ldquo;barely eating&rdquo; and can&rsquo;t afford Chinese take-out in Kuala Lumpur drew widespread mockery online. In truth, Chinese cuisine is among the most common and affordable foods in Malaysia. Local Chinese restaurants, hawker stalls, and kopitiams offer hearty meals for as little as RM6 to RM20 &mdash; easily within the reach of most working and middle-class residents.
A Clash of Cultures &mdash; or Just Misinformation?
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/bf8f9e0672ef18e5532af95f858eae6bc18c59785f744c785baa6a73d7f42766" />
O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s long-standing relationship with US President Donald Trump and his deep roots in American conservative media have helped shape public opinion in the United States for decades. However, his latest comments have highlighted a broader issue: the cultural blind spots and outdated assumptions that still exist in Western commentary on Asia.
While O&rsquo;Reilly may find support from sections of the American right, many in Southeast Asia viewed his remarks as tone-deaf, outdated, and laced with condescension. As Anwar and others have pointed out, such statements not only misrepresent the region&rsquo;s progress but also reinforce dangerous stereotypes about the Global South.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments from netizens:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/286074c669df0c5f11a2f4de26b0e5871fcfc66b5acef40c8ea242c653e5fb72" />
Conclusion: More Than Just a Viral Clip
What began as a throwaway comment in a YouTube video has now morphed into a diplomatic and cultural flashpoint, illustrating how global discourse is increasingly shaped by online personalities with outsized influence.
In this case, Bill O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s reductive take on Southeast Asia&rsquo;s economy sparked a much-needed conversation &mdash; not just about income disparities, but about the lingering legacies of colonial attitudes and the importance of understanding nations on their own terms.
&nbsp;What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Even with eight times less household income per capita, Malaysians don’t suffer as much as the average American.

eeb00258686da6dff7bf601317ec304fe039ba4a5f37a93c56e77539c5199872

Bill O’Reilly Doubles Down On “No Money” Claim As Anwar Ibrahim Fires Back

As the United States reinstates heavy tariffs on Chinese imports under former President Donald Trump, a new trade controversy is emerging &mdash; and Malaysia finds itself unwillingly at the centre of it. Reports have surfaced that unscrupulous freight brokers based in China are rerouting goods through Malaysia and mislabelling them as "Made in Malaysia" to evade the steep US duties, raising serious concerns over the potential damage to Malaysia's trade reputation.
From Trade Partner to Transit Point: Malaysia&rsquo;s Role in a Rising Smuggling Tactic
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4d8cc18d4a0ca3a7db37c9bc2a167dafe4a6f5789aa5c653a38e7fb11337eb08" />
According to reports by Malay Mail and Bloomberg, China-based logistics brokers have been offering US online retailers highly suspicious services to cut down on shipping costs. These include falsifying the country of origin and undervaluing shipments &mdash; with Malaysia being one of the key countries misused in this deception. Some brokers even go as far as posing as importers themselves, offering to handle the documentation and falsely declare the goods as Malaysian-made.
&ldquo;Many clients are now choosing to route Chinese products through Malaysia and claim they are made here,&rdquo; said one freight broker to Bloomberg. The motivation is clear: while Chinese goods are currently facing tariffs as high as 145% in the United States, products genuinely originating from Malaysia are only subject to a 24% import duty.
The scheme is not only unethical but also illegal under US customs law. False declarations of origin constitute a serious offence and may result in civil or criminal penalties for all parties involved &mdash; including sellers, brokers, and importers. As of now, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not officially confirmed whether enforcement has been ramped up, though they have reiterated that public reports and complaints through their online portal remain a key part of enforcement efforts.
Trump&rsquo;s Tariff Surge Sparks a Wave of Workarounds
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6bcb751a7431f4b2e92f42c60b618422d15d5c3547bafa7eed5f254cc236183f" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4265/us-slaps-up-to-3521percent-tariffs-on-asean-solar-panels-threatening-malaysias-export-industry">US Slaps Up To 3,521% Tariffs On ASEAN Solar Panels, Threatening Malaysia&rsquo;s Export Industry</a> Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4218/the-impact-of-new-us-tariffs-on-malaysia-jobs-prices-and-the-iphone">The Impact Of New US Tariffs On Malaysia: Jobs, Prices, And The iPhone</a>
This illicit practice appears to have surged after Trump&rsquo;s announcement earlier this month of a new round of trade tariffs, starting at 10% for all imports into the US. Specifically, China has been targeted with the steepest hikes &mdash; first 54%, then 104%, and most recently a staggering 145%. China retaliated by imposing 125% tariffs on US goods, prompting fears of a full-blown trade war echoing previous years.
Even Malaysia &mdash; previously unaffected by the bulk of US trade restrictions &mdash; was not spared. Under Trump&rsquo;s revised policy, Malaysian exports to the US now face a 24% import tariff. Although significantly lower than the Chinese rate, it still marks a steep increase from previous levels and could pose challenges for legitimate Malaysian exporters.
The escalating tariff war has caused an upheaval in the global supply chain. Some Chinese companies are now resorting to third-country transhipment strategies to sidestep duties &mdash; with Malaysia and even South Korea among the countries being exploited as part of this growing black market workaround.
South Korea Faces Similar Challenges with Mislabelled Chinese Goods
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e4e9aa3a91010b9cc4c8d83659a4fbf4a16525928c0522d2834663ff1275d047" />
Malaysia is not alone in this predicament. South Korea, too, has discovered large-scale violations involving Chinese goods being falsely labelled as South Korean exports. According to the Korea Customs Service, a staggering 29.5 billion won (~RM91,000,000) worth of goods with incorrect origin labels were uncovered in just the first quarter of 2025 &mdash; with 97% of them destined for the US market.
The violations include Chinese-made cathode materials and surveillance equipment that were either reassembled in South Korea or relabelled outright before being shipped to the United States. Some of these goods had already been exported, while others were intercepted at the port.
In response, the Korea Customs Service has launched a special task force and is working closely with US authorities to crack down on these illegal transhipment practices. All violations are expected to be forwarded to prosecutors for legal action.
Malaysia Urged to Act Swiftly to Protect Its Trade Integrity
Malaysian trade analysts are now sounding the alarm. If this misuse continues unchecked, Malaysia&rsquo;s international credibility as a law-abiding trade partner could be at risk. The country's legitimate exporters may find themselves subject to heightened scrutiny by US authorities, leading to delays, increased compliance checks, and potential blacklisting.
There are growing calls for the Malaysian government to act decisively. Trade groups and analysts alike have urged authorities to investigate any abuse of Malaysia&rsquo;s national label and clamp down on foreign attempts to exploit its relatively favourable tariff position. They argue that failing to act could result in long-term reputational damage, making it harder for Malaysian exporters to maintain market access abroad.
&ldquo;Malaysia needs to take swift action to prevent being used as a cover for tariff evasion. This is not just about trade, but about safeguarding our nation's integrity,&rdquo; one analyst said
Understanding Tariffs and Why They Matter
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/ebdd724d306175630884f79b28dbb2541fa11e0b59529929bfd382852e84cb8c" />
For those unfamiliar with trade policy, tariffs are essentially taxes imposed by one country on goods imported from another. The idea is to make foreign products more expensive, thereby protecting domestic industries and discouraging reliance on overseas suppliers.
But while tariffs serve a political and economic purpose, they also create ripple effects. For instance, Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz previously explained that a shirt originally priced at USD 100 (~RM656.25) could cost as much as USD 154 (~RM673.75) after a 54% tariff &mdash; a cost that is typically borne by end consumers rather than corporations.
According to the Tax Foundation, tariffs are a regressive form of taxation. They disproportionately affect low-income households, who end up spending a larger share of their income on essential goods that have suddenly become more expensive due to import taxes.
A Trade War With Global Consequences
As Trump hints at a possible reduction in the 145% tariff on Chinese goods &mdash; stating it will "drop significantly, but not to zero" &mdash; the uncertainty continues to roil global markets. What is clear, however, is that countries like Malaysia must tread carefully. Being caught in the crossfire of a geopolitical trade war not only endangers economic interests but also risks entanglement in a global web of fraud and deception.
Malaysia must now navigate these turbulent waters with a firm stance, ensuring its name is not co-opted by foreign actors for unlawful gain, and upholding its hard-earned reputation as a responsible global trading partner. The time to act is now.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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South Korea also uncovered falsely labelled goods, highlighting the scale of the transhipment schemes.

5ef2f3dbbc062a17bffd7944ae008473645f6f720f5fd9a0a84e976ec262a450

Malaysia Caught In US-China Trade War As Chinese Firms Mislabel Exports To Avoid Tariffs

The United States has imposed sweeping new import duties on solar panels from four Southeast Asian countries &mdash; Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand &mdash; in a move that is shaking up the global solar industry. The decision, aimed at bolstering American manufacturers, has drawn sharp criticism from industry players in the region and may have far-reaching implications for solar supply chains, investment flows, and green energy goals.
Tariffs of Up to 3,521% Following Yearlong Investigation
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fd7a24e27afef6e0915ae6627b58d78ae9ef4e8287ffe2a759532d0820fa1996" />
The new tariffs, announced by the US Department of Commerce, are the result of a year-long anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) investigation. The probe concluded that manufacturers in the four ASEAN countries unfairly benefitted from Chinese government subsidies and sold solar products in the US at below-market prices. The investigation was originally initiated during the Biden administration and pursued under pressure from a coalition of US solar manufacturers.
The resulting duties are staggering: Cambodia has been hit with the highest rate &mdash; a colossal 3,521% &mdash; after it reportedly ceased cooperation with the US probe. Vietnam and Thailand face tariffs of up to 396% and 375% respectively. Malaysia, though assessed more leniently by comparison, still received a nationwide rate of 34.4%, with certain companies facing significantly higher duties due to a lack of cooperation. Jinko Solar, for example, was assessed at 40% for exports from Malaysia and 245% for Vietnam. Trina Solar faces levies exceeding 375% for Thai exports and over 200% for those from Vietnam, while JA Solar modules from Vietnam could be taxed at around 120%.
US Seeks to Protect Domestic Manufacturers Amid Political Push
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/33fce60b543e0905b4ffe8a1fcce3178186ae6e439fcd15f89aea606ac6f92ab" />
The imposition of these tariffs aligns with US efforts to revitalise its domestic manufacturing base &mdash; a bipartisan goal under both former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration has pushed for greater domestic production of renewable energy components, including solar panels.
&ldquo;This is a decisive victory for American manufacturing,&rdquo; said Tim Brightbill, co-chair of Wiley&rsquo;s international trade practice and counsel for the coalition of solar companies that brought the case. He accused Chinese-headquartered solar companies of exploiting trade loopholes to undermine US firms and cost American workers their jobs.
American solar manufacturers such as Hanwha Q Cells and First Solar Inc. are likely to be among the beneficiaries of the new policy, which is intended to curb reliance on lower-cost imports and protect US market share.
Malaysia&rsquo;s Solar Sector Under Pressure
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dcf345cd6cb0575de93d0828366e50c139a0281994c641993d92dd391c370526" />
The impact on Malaysia could be substantial. The country exported RM12.5 billion worth of photovoltaic (PV) products to the US in 2024 &mdash; around 33.4% of its total RM37.4 billion in solar exports. While Malaysia's blanket tariff rate of 34.4% is lower than those imposed on its regional peers, several companies have been subject to rates as high as 81.24%, mainly due to non-compliance with the investigation.
The Malaysia Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) warned that the latest tariffs could be the final blow for Chinese-owned solar manufacturers operating in Malaysia, many of whom were already reeling from previous rounds of US trade restrictions. MPIA president Davis Chong noted that these firms were "almost killed off" by earlier tariffs and are now accelerating their exit from Malaysia, relocating production to other regions such as South Asia or the Middle East.
Several major Chinese players &mdash; including JinkoSolar, JA Solar, Risen Energy, and Longi Green Technology &mdash; have reportedly scaled back or suspended their Malaysian operations. Risen Energy, for example, had committed to a RM42 billion investment plan in Malaysia over 15 years but may now reconsider its future in the country.
Global Solar Oversupply and Market Reactions
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/13ef7cef551c59d832b2c984a1e2388325b641846bc18cfd826bbfd8b8c28f6b" />
The global solar industry is already grappling with oversupply, and the new US tariffs could worsen the imbalance. Malaysian industry leaders have said they do not expect mass "fire sales" of solar panels unless manufacturers are looking to clear inventory ahead of plant closures. However, the market impact is being closely watched.
TA Securities has predicted only a "mild" short-term effect from excess supply, as solar panel prices are already near the bottom. MPIA&rsquo;s Davis Chong believes prices will likely stay below US$0.10 per watt, benefitting local solar installers and developers who continue to source most of their panels from China.
Malaysian installation firms such as Solarvest Holdings Bhd and Samaiden Group Bhd reported minimal earnings impact from the new tariffs, as they do not rely heavily on US exports and benefit from the global surplus in supply.
Risk of Broader Economic Fallout
Beyond the solar sector, concerns are rising over the potential macroeconomic impact on Malaysia&rsquo;s role as a major player in the global renewable energy supply chain. Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), warned that the country&rsquo;s status as a global solar hub could be jeopardised. He cautioned that the new US duties may prompt manufacturers to halt production, delay expansion, or shift operations elsewhere.
Solar exports account for approximately 2.08% of Malaysia&rsquo;s total RM601.2 billion in electrical and electronics exports in 2024. While this may seem modest, the solar industry is strategically important for Malaysia&rsquo;s green economy transition and its investment attraction strategies, particularly through tax holidays and other incentives.
Looking Ahead: More Tariffs to Come?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/883a74277265963524f290cd89a9d65310e78feddf68d2b12cf6494e1476fb6c" />
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is expected to deliver a final ruling by 2 June 2025 on whether American solar manufacturers have indeed suffered material harm. If the USITC affirms the findings, the newly proposed tariffs will become permanent.
However, analysts warn that this may not be the end of US trade actions. Countries such as Indonesia, India, and Laos &mdash; which have seen growing solar manufacturing investments in recent years &mdash; could face similar scrutiny and duties in the next wave of trade defence measures. Indonesia, for instance, is projected to host over 20 gigawatts of foreign-owned solar capacity by mid-2025, up from just 1 gigawatt in 2022.
JA Solar, for its part, has already announced it will open a new manufacturing plant in Oman by the end of 2025 as part of a broader strategy to diversify away from tariff-hit countries and reduce reliance on the US market.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for the Solar Industry
The US tariffs mark a pivotal moment for the global solar industry. While they promise to stimulate American manufacturing and address long-standing complaints about unfair trade practices, they also threaten to fragment international supply chains and undermine cost-effective access to renewable technologies. For Malaysia and its ASEAN peers, the challenge lies in adapting to this new trade landscape while safeguarding jobs, investments, and long-term green energy ambitions.
As solar panel prices fall and global oversupply persists, the next few months could be critical in determining whether Southeast Asia can remain a key pillar of the solar energy revolution &mdash; or whether the centre of gravity will shift elsewhere.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Despite a supposed 90-day pause, the US just hit four ASEAN nations with massive new solar tariffs.