Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Money

money

KWSP

savings

growth

payout

dividend

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is expected to declare a dividend of more than 5.8% for conventional savings in 2024, exceeding the 5.5% announced in 2023. Meanwhile, the dividend for Shariah savings is projected to be between 5.4% and 5.6%, slightly higher than the 5.4% declared in 2022, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Highest Dividend in Three Years
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e76e7fc7af063d7cd068a05d6390bfac8310a972a71015ddc0068c8ce95bd5ff" />
A source from Free Malaysia Today (FMT) described these estimates as a "safe bet," with the official announcement anticipated in early March. Over the past decade, EPF's average dividend rate has stood at 6%, and if confirmed, this year's rate would be the highest in three years.
"Whatever the case, it will definitely be much higher than last year," the source stated. In previous years, EPF's dividend announcements have been made between late February and early March. In 2023, it was declared on 4 March, while in 2022, the announcement came on 11 March.
Strong Investment Performance Boosts Dividend Expectations
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/60e928cf9fd88bde85293c4125c9661c7d9f2314a0334b5ca54093e108e6164c" />
EPF's strong financial performance in 2024 is expected to support the higher dividend rates. For the first nine months of 2024, EPF posted an investment income of RM57.57 billion, marking a 20% increase from RM47.86 billion during the same period in 2023.
Despite the strong returns, the source cautioned contributors against expecting overly high dividend rates. EPF follows a conservative approach by distributing dividends based on realised returns&mdash;profits that are actually cashed in after selling investments&mdash;rather than total returns, which include unrealised paper gains that fluctuate with market conditions.
"EPF does not base dividends on total returns, which include paper gains that are later determined by market performance," the source explained. This prudent approach differentiates EPF from other pension funds, such as Singapore's Central Provident Fund, which follows a similar realised-gains method and has averaged 4% dividends over the past decade.
EPF&rsquo;s Total Payout and Membership Growth
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a648b9ac0655413627e3a130cdd798b61b3fa836a59a099671232d679992ba5f" />
In 2023, EPF disbursed RM50.33 billion in dividends for conventional savings and RM7.48 billion for shariah-compliant savings. With more than 16 million members, including 8.5 million active contributors, EPF remains one of the largest pension funds in the region.
Additionally, EPF&rsquo;s voluntary contribution schemes, such as i-Saraan and Top-Up Savings, saw increased participation, attracting around RM13 billion in deposits last year. The number of voluntary contributors surged 39% year-on-year, reaching 742,556 members in the first half of 2024. These figures highlight a growing awareness among Malaysians about the importance of financial security in retirement.
Majority of Contributors Retaining Their Savings
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3d0c4e489e09f3ab215d6f9af3af82ec55a6f090afa6fdfcf25092aea6112098" />
EPF officials also noted a positive trend in long-term savings behaviour. Around 70% of members have not made withdrawals from the recently introduced Account 3, which allows flexible withdrawals at any time. Furthermore, 3 million members aged 55 and above, who are eligible to withdraw their entire savings, have opted to keep their funds within EPF to benefit from higher returns and financial stability.
Economic analysts suggest that this trend reflects greater financial literacy among Malaysians, as more people recognise the advantages of keeping their retirement savings intact for long-term growth.
What This Means for Contributors
As anticipation builds, contributors can expect the official dividend announcement in early March. The increase in EPF&rsquo;s investment income and prudent financial strategies suggest a favourable outcome for members. However, experts advise maintaining realistic expectations, as EPF continues to prioritise long-term financial security and sustainable growth in its dividend distribution approach.
While the upcoming dividend rates may not fully match the 10-year average of 6%, they will likely be a significant improvement compared to previous years, offering much-needed relief to contributors who depend on EPF for their retirement planning.
For now, all eyes remain on EPF as Malaysians await confirmation of what could be the highest dividend in recent years. 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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Boosted by strong performance in Q3 2024, EPF’s dividend rate may surpass the 2023 figure.

486591d2aada5e7e7cdb1a777ccb5cfacd3cf20f258f5a16abb14661bd83d8cc

EPF Expected to Announce Highest Dividend in Three Years, Potentially Exceeding 5.8%

Malaysian students recently accepted into Harvard University are now caught in the crossfire of a major political crackdown by the Trump administration, which has revoked the prestigious institution&rsquo;s ability to enrol international students. The decision, announced by the US Department of Homeland Security, takes effect from the 2025&ndash;2026 academic year and has thrown future and current students into deep uncertainty.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of "fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party". The university&rsquo;s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has been revoked, barring it from issuing the documents required for student visas. Existing foreign students, including Malaysians currently enrolled, have been told to transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal immigration status.
Unprecedented Move with Far-Reaching Impact
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6007d43a278630ba14159c7a19fda94a4d7eb6f794d881e34496c2779c9583c1" />
This is the first time in recent history that a US administration has directly revoked a single university&rsquo;s ability to host international students, and it marks an escalation in what critics describe as a politically charged assault on academia. Harvard has vowed to challenge the decision, calling it "unlawful" and a retaliatory act that threatens the university&rsquo;s mission and global standing.
In a statement, Harvard said, &ldquo;This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard&rsquo;s academic and research mission.&rdquo; The university added that it remains "fully committed" to educating international students and scholars.
Harvard enrolled around 6,800 international students in the 2024&ndash;2025 academic year &mdash; approximately 27% of its student body. Although it is not immediately clear how many Malaysians are currently studying there, Malaysia has historically been represented in Harvard's international community, alongside peers from countries like China, India, Singapore, and the UK.
Harvard Club of Malaysia Responds
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a5852b4fa119e781d9cd08eba13606ea9703cdf2d1fc5804e7b7362e3a700bd1" />
Speaking to local media, Harvard Club of Malaysia president Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob acknowledged the growing concern among Malaysian families and students. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a developing situation and legal avenues are likely to be pursued. At the moment, we&rsquo;re waiting for further clarification on how this will affect Malaysian students specifically,&rdquo; she said.
Wan Nadiah also shared Harvard&rsquo;s official response and reiterated that the university is committed to supporting affected students. &ldquo;The community is understandably anxious, but Harvard is working hard to find a resolution,&rdquo; she added.
Trump Administration&rsquo;s Wider War on Universities
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f09b76af8ebf4d894cbb7d5923de800b4d88e59c42422897a09fecfe57e6a2da" />
The revocation is part of a wider campaign by US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s administration to reshape American higher education. The administration has accused elite institutions of harbouring &ldquo;radical left&rdquo; ideologies, promoting anti-American sentiment, and providing platforms for pro-Palestinian protests.
The decision against Harvard came shortly after the university reportedly refused to comply with Homeland Security&rsquo;s demand for extensive records on foreign students &mdash; including video and audio recordings of protest activity dating back five years.
In a stark warning to other institutions, Noem stated that similar action could be taken against other universities, such as Columbia University. &ldquo;This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together,&rdquo; she said in an interview.
Financial and Legal Implications
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9e4659d1cd5d2147408dfa8e5c4637aa818ea3354f030d034bcaf09ba6a77922" />
The decision has serious financial implications for Harvard. International students, including those from Malaysia, often pay full tuition, contributing significantly to the university&rsquo;s income. Annual tuition at Harvard is estimated at around US$59,000 (~RM 250,101), with total costs including accommodation reaching nearly US$87,000 (~RM 368,793). Although Harvard offers need-blind admissions, international students still make up a substantial part of its funding ecosystem.
The Trump administration has already frozen roughly US$3 billion in federal grants to Harvard and recently withdrew an additional US$60 million over alleged failures to address antisemitism. These moves prompted Harvard to launch legal action to restore its funding and defend its independence.
In a related legal challenge, a federal judge recently blocked the administration from terminating the legal status of foreign students without following proper regulatory procedures. However, it remains uncertain whether that ruling will protect Harvard&rsquo;s international student body.
Malaysian Students Treated as &ldquo;Collateral Damage&rdquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d75fb3bbb72e185ff4079a32e4632cea098bba207f5244c488cd10971fbe4cc8" />
Advocates and immigration experts have slammed the administration&rsquo;s move as politically motivated and damaging to innocent students. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, of the American Immigration Council, described the situation bluntly: &ldquo;None of them have done anything wrong. They&rsquo;re just collateral damage to Trump.&rdquo;
For Malaysian students who earned places at one of the world&rsquo;s most selective universities, the decision is both devastating and disruptive. It raises serious questions about the future of academic collaboration and access to US education for Malaysians.
What&rsquo;s Next for Malaysians Affected?
For now, affected Malaysian students have few clear options. They may be forced to transfer to other US institutions, though that process is fraught with logistical and legal complications. Some may defer their studies or consider universities in countries like the UK, Australia, or Singapore, where international students are still actively welcomed.
The Malaysian government has yet to issue an official response, but education counsellors and alumni networks are stepping up efforts to provide guidance and support. Many in Malaysia&rsquo;s academic and diplomatic circles are watching closely to see whether Harvard&rsquo;s legal fight will yield any reprieve for students who had dreamed of studying in the US.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Visa crisis alarms international students heading to the Ivy League; Harvard pledges swift support.

e570750737d3fcb0405ad92bce6c5dafae41fe5f241587cf96447bc565bd0985

Malaysian Students In Limbo As Trump Revokes Harvard’s Right To Enrol International Students

Malaysia&rsquo;s roads are no strangers to congestion &mdash; a persistent daily nuisance for millions of commuters. During peak hours, traffic in and around urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and Subang Jaya can grind to a halt, with journey times ballooning far beyond what would be considered acceptable in most major cities. As a result, many Malaysians have turned to public transportation in search of a more efficient, stress-free alternative.
Services such as the MRT, LRT, and KTM Komuter lines are positioned as affordable and practical ways to beat traffic, particularly for daily commuters. However, frequent breakdowns, delays, technical issues, and infrastructure weaknesses have continued to undermine public confidence in these services. For KTM Komuter in particular, its reputation has taken a repeated beating, with passengers often reporting unreliable schedules, poor communication, and inadequate contingency planning.
Three-Hour Delay Between Bangi and Serdang: A TikTok Video Goes Viral
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@horajunie/video/7507131892366462226" data-video-id="7507131892366462226">
<section><a title="@horajunie" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@horajunie?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@horajunie</a> a baddie dont deserve this typa service KTMB <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="ktmb" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ktmb?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#ktmb</a> <a title="baddie" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/baddie?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#baddie</a> <a title="stecu" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/stecu?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#stecu</a> <a title="♬ Dilanjaniyar - Chanclipse" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Dilanjaniyar-7495735523894774534?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Dilanjaniyar - Chanclipse</a></section>
</blockquote>
A recent incident involving a KTMB Komuter train on the Pulau Sebang&ndash;Batu Caves route has once again drawn widespread criticism. The issue gained viral attention after a user on TikTok, @horajunie, shared her personal experience aboard a train that came to a sudden halt between Bangi and Serdang stations.
According to her, the train was stranded on the tracks for three hours due to a fallen tree that caused a technical fault, compounded by a complete loss of electricity on board. The power outage rendered onboard systems non-functional, plunging carriages into darkness and cutting off ventilation and announcements.
There was reportedly no immediate update from staff regarding the cause of the delay or how long passengers would be stuck. For three hours, hundreds of passengers sat helplessly in sweltering heat, unsure of their next steps. The lack of communication and preparedness frustrated many, especially as conditions inside the train deteriorated.
Unplanned Evacuation: &ldquo;We Had to Walk Through the Bushes&rdquo;
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20ca46fd72998fffeee8332bc6945c197f33bb9777ef967bbfeeb79a6fd6d003" />
Eventually, KTMB staff instructed passengers to disembark the train and make their way to a nearby road on foot &mdash; through overgrown terrain that was clearly not designed for pedestrian access. In the TikTok video, passengers can be seen cautiously descending from the train and navigating a steep, uneven embankment while carrying bags and luggage.
&ldquo;It felt like jungle trekking,&rdquo; the user remarked, attempting to inject humour into the situation. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know the guy in front was so brave &mdash; he was carrying luggage and still managed to balance himself with a backpack.&rdquo;
Despite her lighthearted tone, she expressed concern for elderly passengers who struggled with the impromptu descent. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s really sad, especially for the older folks. There was a shop area in front of us, but we still had to go down a very steep and slippery path to get there,&rdquo; she added.
Others who commented on the video highlighted the risks involved &mdash; such as the possibility of injuries, lack of safety railings, and the complete absence of any emergency evacuation procedure.
Netizens React: Humour, Frustration, and Resignation
Unsurprisingly, the post triggered a wave of reactions online. Some users responded with sarcasm and humour, reflecting the public&rsquo;s growing sense of exasperation with KTMB&rsquo;s services.
&ldquo;Since when did KTMB start offering jungle survival camps?&rdquo; one user quipped, while another wrote, &ldquo;Next time, don&rsquo;t forget to bring hiking boots when boarding KTM.&rdquo;
Yet others took a more serious tone, asking whether passengers would receive any form of compensation for the lengthy delay and the hazardous disembarkation. The TikTok user confirmed that no reimbursement or official response was provided to passengers at the time of writing.
Many commenters also shared similar past experiences on KTMB trains, revealing that service disruptions are not uncommon. One user lamented: &ldquo;KTMB has been unreliable for decades. From my student days to now, as a working adult, nothing has changed.&rdquo;
Another added, &ldquo;I used to live in Rawang. If there were MRT or LRT services there, I&rsquo;d never use KTM again. But we don&rsquo;t have a choice &mdash; and that&rsquo;s the sad part.&rdquo;
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9c06d03b7050e05c26e65d6b79349842bf22b55f5f0526c022b3fce5992b708f" />
Not the First Time: A History of Train Disruptions and Power Failures
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Updated - still no moving <a href="https://t.co/1ByoWlxndQ">pic.twitter.com/1ByoWlxndQ</a>
&mdash; syab (@sybwho) <a href="https://twitter.com/sybwho/status/1713877131355472265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
but I believe that KTM could be doing more to address these issues. I urge you to look into this matter and take steps to improve the reliability and comfort of the KTM train service. Thank you for your time and consideration. Here some pictures for today issues. <a href="https://t.co/0Bquqxo0TU">pic.twitter.com/0Bquqxo0TU</a>
&mdash; syab (@sybwho) <a href="https://twitter.com/sybwho/status/1713875382074740773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
This was not an isolated incident. In fact, complaints about KTMB delays due to power outages or technical problems are alarmingly frequent. A similar case was reported earlier by a X (formerly known as Twitter) user, who shared photos of passengers waiting outside a stalled train at Batang Benar station. That delay reportedly lasted over an hour.
The user claimed this was a regular occurrence and that no meaningful improvements had been observed in recent years. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been commuting on KTM for over three years, and every few weeks there&rsquo;s some sort of delay or technical fault. Sometimes, trains just stop between stations for 20&ndash;30 minutes without any explanation.&rdquo;
Passengers in that case were also left to wait without guidance or support, fuelling perceptions that KTMB lacks the infrastructure and crisis management capability to handle such situations efficiently.
Calls for Structural Reforms and Transparent Communication
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0bca11cb9d8dcc7f3abb103eed4008bb30a999d5d1bec5fecd34f3b5743dff19" />
With Malaysia&rsquo;s public transport system expected to play a central role in reducing traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and urban sprawl, these repeated failures have prompted calls for serious reform. Many argue that the KTM Komuter network is long overdue for a comprehensive upgrade &mdash; not just in terms of trains and tracks, but also in staff training, emergency planning, and communication protocols.
&ldquo;People will never shift away from cars if they can&rsquo;t trust the train system to get them to work on time,&rdquo; one netizen commented.
Transport advocacy groups have also weighed in, calling on the government to hold KTMB accountable for service standards and passenger welfare. Suggestions have ranged from implementing service-level agreements (SLAs) with financial penalties for delays, to establishing independent oversight for public complaints and response management.
A System in Need of Direction
For everyday commuters, public transport is not a luxury &mdash; it&rsquo;s a necessity. The KTM Komuter line serves thousands of Malaysians who rely on it daily for work, school, and appointments. When delays occur without warning, and passengers are forced to evacuate in unsafe conditions, the consequences go beyond mere inconvenience. Trust erodes, productivity suffers, and the broader public transport agenda is set back.
While @horajunie&rsquo;s video managed to find humour in an otherwise uncomfortable situation, the underlying issue is no laughing matter. Until concrete steps are taken to modernise the KTMB system and ensure safe, reliable service, many will continue to feel that taking the train is a gamble &mdash; one that too often ends with them stranded in the bushes.
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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&nbsp;

Passengers say the power supply was cut after a fallen tree obstructed the tracks, leaving them stranded for hours.

350503a5403f778d61d58460b4a9a77204279004a2f157010feb176c23bce4ad

KTMB Train Delay Sparks Outrage After Passengers Forced To Disembark And ‘Jungle Trek’

Singapore has been ranked the <a href="https://happy-city-index.com/">third happiest city in the world</a> for 2025, following Copenhagen and Zurich, according to the latest Happy City Index by the London-based Institute for the Quality of Life. The annual study evaluates 250 cities across 82 indicators covering six themes: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1a1a9f86a02252095bf1b3ec8297965aa163f01183e352286f538fc9c20e1a55" />
Praised as a &ldquo;city-state unlike any other,&rdquo; the index commended Singapore for its economic strength, effective governance, and urban innovation. With a score of 979 points, Singapore was identified as one of the institute&rsquo;s so-called &ldquo;Gold Cities&rdquo; &mdash; a label given to urban centres offering consistently high standards of living.
Education and innovation were named as key pillars of the city&rsquo;s success, with local universities ranked among the top 50 globally and a remarkable 7.37 patents granted per 10,000 residents, highlighting a &ldquo;steady pipeline&rdquo; of new ideas. Singapore also enjoys high digital literacy, with 55 per cent of citizens possessing digital skills and over 63 per cent fluent in a foreign language &mdash; a reflection of its global connectivity.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5922aedd37c841510f2dfeacda8e192a849d48ebf366a5890d88184226a48cc7" />
From a governance standpoint, the city scored highly thanks to its 95.81 per cent voter turnout, its expansive open data ecosystem featuring over 8,000 datasets, and a robust e-governance framework offering digital access to services ranging from online payments to scheduling public appointments.
Singapore&rsquo;s healthcare system also drew praise. The city offers universal medical insurance, a doctor-to-population ratio of 2.8 per 1,000, and an average life expectancy of 83 years. Mental health services are reportedly expanding, with 15 per cent of adults receiving coordinated care.
Mobility and public safety also contributed to Singapore&rsquo;s high standing. All public transport vehicles are accessible to individuals with disabilities, while traffic-related fatalities remain exceptionally low at 0.24 per 10,000 residents. Crime rates are minimal, with only 3.31 cases of public violence per 1,000 residents reported.
Environmentally, the country was noted for having 100 per cent sewage treatment coverage and placing sustainability at the centre of urban planning. However, the index did point out challenges in waste management, despite recent improvements in recycling.
<img src="https://i0.wp.com/media4.giphy.com/media/xTiQyBOIQe5cgiyUPS/giphy.gif?w=780&amp;ssl=1" alt="VIDEO: Using A Ski To Jimmy Car Door Lock - Unofficial Networks" />
TikToker Fires Back: &ldquo;Stress Until You Want to Cry&rdquo;
Despite the glowing report, not every Singaporean is convinced, especially one outspoken TikToker whose fiery video has gone viral across social media platforms. In a scathing monologue, the content creator sarcastically questioned the credibility of the rankings, exclaiming,
&ldquo;Singapore is ranked third happiest city in the world &mdash; knina*, who vote one?! You ask any Singaporean on the street, we all got the same emotion: stress, tired until you want to cry. You call this happy?&rdquo;
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@benwoahh/video/7505432372230507794" data-video-id="7505432372230507794">
<section><a title="@benwoahh" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@benwoahh?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@benwoahh</a> Knn Singapore is the third happiest country in the world&hellip;my ka chng la&hellip; <a title="benwhoah" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/benwhoah?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#benwhoah</a> <a title="tiktoksg" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tiktoksg?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#tiktoksg</a> <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Benwhoah 2.0" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Benwhoah-20-7505432414530489089?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Benwhoah 2.0</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
&nbsp;
His vivid rant highlighted the pressures of everyday life in Singapore, including crowded MRT commutes, relentless work culture, and the struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.
&ldquo;Everyday my blood pressure break national record. My kchng* (butt) never relax since I was born. Happy is when I sleep 12 hours, when I can touch my CPF, or when my pay go up &mdash; not just GST.&rdquo;
Rounding off with biting sarcasm, he concluded:
&ldquo;If Singapore is third happiest in the world, then I&rsquo;m the first happiest person in the world la siak. Don&rsquo;t gaslight me with happiest country. I&rsquo;m surviving, I&rsquo;m not smiling!&rdquo;
Netizens Weigh In
The video struck a chord with many online. Several commenters chimed in, agreeing with the TikToker&rsquo;s sentiments and questioning whose perspectives were truly being measured in the Happy City Index.
Some speculated the survey results may have leaned heavily on expats or high-income residents, rather than the average Singaporean citizen. Others even went as far as to say that life in Malaysia may be more attainable due to cheaper housing and car ownership.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/47a001fc54ccc01ece9384dd76b6b187085f257215efe27640e38b903e68d972" />
Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya Trail Far Behind
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bbb13fbd4ba9afb8316bc1386413c6284df19d1b89b5dd86485cad9193939a0e" />
While Singapore basked in its third-place glory, its regional neighbours fared significantly worse in the index. Kuala Lumpur was ranked 167th, while Petaling Jaya followed at 183rd out of over 200 cities.
The wide gap in rankings suggests a stark contrast in terms of infrastructure, governance, public services, and overall urban liveability &mdash; although local sentiments in Singapore show that a high rank doesn&rsquo;t necessarily equal high satisfaction on the ground.
As the debate rages on between data and daily realities, one thing is clear: happiness is far more complex than a number on a list.
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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#3 in happiness — but still not #1 in food, lah.

fb62e1b27bf1ae84d7fc7226081f9874e727e85d402945cb1a2ecb5e1d09316e

Singapore Ranked One Of The World’s Happiest Cities — But This TikToker Doesn’t Agree

Bolt, the leading European mobility platform, has introduced an innovative Flight Tracking feature aimed at transforming the airport pick-up experience for travellers arriving in Malaysia. Starting today, passengers landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 can now enjoy a more seamless journey from the runway to their final destination, thanks to Bolt&rsquo;s integration of real-time flight data into its ride-scheduling service.
This new tool empowers users to sync their flight details with their Scheduled Ride on the Bolt app. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the app will automatically adjust the pick-up time or cancel the ride accordingly&mdash;with no additional cost to the user. The update is designed to reduce stress and eliminate the uncertainty of airport transfers, especially during periods of flight disruption.
How to Use the New Flight Tracking Feature
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19d132082793cf214f8e67bf7a875e45f575f89e4a75d9188d2be13e673bfec6" />
To take advantage of the Flight Tracking function, users should follow these simple steps within the Bolt app:
<ol>
<li>Open the app and tap on the &lsquo;Schedule&rsquo; button located next to the destination search bar.</li>
<li>Enter KLIA Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 as the pick-up location.</li>
<li>Choose your intended destination.</li>
<li>Select the option to &lsquo;Add Flight Details&rsquo;, where you can enter your flight&rsquo;s landing date, flight number, airline, or departure city to search and select the specific flight.</li>
<li>Choose the preferred waiting time after the flight has landed before being picked up.</li>
</ol>
Once these steps are completed, Bolt will monitor the flight status and automatically revise the ride&rsquo;s pick-up time in case of delays or remove the booking altogether if the flight is cancelled. This real-time adjustment ensures that passengers are not left stranded or charged for missed connections outside their control.
Bolt Strengthens Position as Airport Mobility Leader
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e479b20a4a58663e609b59ebc8f576ec2faf2052bebc1e4a0978e19f5b2f6913" />
Afzan Lutfi, General Manager of Bolt Malaysia, expressed pride in the company&rsquo;s expanding role in global airport mobility services. &ldquo;Bolt is now an official ride-hailing partner at more than 30 airports around the world, including both KLIA 1 and KLIA 2. Our users can enjoy direct pickups from the Arrivals area without needing to hunt for a designated zone or walk long distances,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;With the new Flight Tracking feature for Scheduled Rides, both individual and corporate customers using Bolt Business can now relax knowing that their ground transport is aligned with their flight schedule. If their flight is delayed or cancelled, we&rsquo;ll take care of the adjustments automatically, allowing passengers to spend less time waiting around the airport and enjoy a smoother, more predictable journey&mdash;whether they&rsquo;re travelling during peak holiday seasons or the quieter late-night hours.&rdquo;
Enhanced Scheduling Options for Frequent Flyers
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/12661e1cecca32d8e36eb0a691241d5b200cbd99af651b378bd0897ddc45cbe6" />
The launch of Flight Tracking follows Bolt&rsquo;s previous expansion of its Scheduled Rides booking window, which now allows users to arrange their rides up to 90 days in advance&mdash;a key benefit for business travellers and long-term planners.
Customers also have the flexibility to cancel a Scheduled Ride up to one hour before the arranged time at no cost. Cancellations made less than one hour prior will incur a RM10 late cancellation fee, helping balance flexibility for passengers with fair compensation for drivers.
Bolt continues to refine its Scheduled Rides offerings across international markets, tailoring service categories to local needs and customer habits, making the platform increasingly attractive to both casual travellers and frequent flyers.
Improving the On-the-Ground Airport Experience
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/22bc307bc9792434d66b73445696b856b108f4382d45fa4fb224181984eeef0f" />
As airport transfers represent one of the most common ride types on Bolt&rsquo;s platform, the company is also investing in improving the end-to-end user experience. In addition to Flight Tracking, the Bolt app now includes in-app visual directions, complete with clear photos, to help users locate the designated Bolt pick-up zones at KLIA with ease.
Furthermore, Bolt is working on enhanced airport branding and signage, so passengers can spot Bolt vehicles and pick-up points more readily after disembarking. These measures are intended to simplify navigation within the often complex airport environment and ensure passengers enjoy a stress-free transition from flight to road.
Positioning Bolt as a Leader in Airport Mobility
The introduction of Flight Tracking represents another step in Bolt&rsquo;s commitment to becoming a comprehensive travel partner, not just a point-to-point transport service. By reducing the friction typically associated with post-flight transportation, Bolt hopes to set a new benchmark in convenience, customer service, and technological integration.
As the aviation industry continues to rebound and international travel increases, innovations such as these will be key in building user loyalty and enhancing the experience of ride-hailing services in competitive urban and travel markets.
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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Delayed flight? Your Bolt pickup time adjusts itself—no need to rebook.

6d764a260380a1b12a54869d7dfe4ed3afc5f22c35a9da9fdb4c96ec42cd88b5

Bolt Introduces Flight Tracking Feature For Smoother Airport Pickups At KLIA

In a decisive move to address rising concerns over youth vaping, the Selangor state government has ordered all local authorities to immediately seize and remove advertisements promoting vape and electronic cigarette products. This directive covers both physical media, such as billboards and shopfront banners, and digital promotions seen on screens or online platforms.
The instruction was issued following a high-level coordination meeting on 16 May, chaired by Selangor&rsquo;s Executive Councillor for Public Health and Environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin. The session, attended by representatives from the Selangor Health Department, Economic Planning Unit, district health offices, and local councils, was convened to discuss the prospect of a complete ban on vape sales in the state.
Backed by Federal Legislation
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/15413b323cd417bad634a5a6b35c5b08aa2093a6c016a94ecaa234d48e16fc2e" />
Jamaliah stated that the enforcement action aligns with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), a federal law which expressly prohibits all forms of advertising, sponsorship, and promotional activity for smoking-related products, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
&ldquo;This measure is in line with national legislation and reflects Selangor&rsquo;s commitment to safeguard public health, especially that of our younger generation,&rdquo; she said in an official statement.
The state&rsquo;s decision follows growing public concern about the visibility of vape marketing, particularly near schools and public areas, which critics say normalises the habit among impressionable youth.
Vaping Among Teen Boys Described as &lsquo;Alarming&rsquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/36e393857a8ff512a16debd1b8f85f4c05c8fd3aad70765be529317be714a97c" />
A significant motivator for the crackdown has been the escalating rate of vape use among adolescents. Jamaliah cited findings from the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), which reported that 14.9% of Malaysian boys aged 13 to 17 are regular vape users.
She described the figure as &ldquo;deeply alarming&rdquo; and warned that it signalled a dangerous trend that, if left unaddressed, could have long-term public health implications.
&ldquo;These statistics are not just numbers; they represent thousands of young lives potentially heading down a path of addiction and health problems,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We cannot afford to be passive. The time to act is now.&rdquo;
Online Sales Remain a Key Regulatory Challenge
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5b6523d58626dc71ccf5cd79a82c1fc9ad063fcdbe8568c37503dc143b29e4f7" />
The meeting also addressed enforcement hurdles, including the issue of licensing, legal ambiguities, and surveillance mechanisms. One particularly thorny issue is the proliferation of online vape sales, which continue to bypass traditional regulatory frameworks.
&ldquo;Online platforms have become a primary channel for teenagers to access these products,&rdquo; Jamaliah noted. &ldquo;Regulating this space is challenging, but absolutely necessary.&rdquo;
Discussions explored the feasibility of tracking online vendors, introducing stricter e-commerce regulations, and improving cooperation with federal enforcement bodies.
State Policy Still Under Review
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/519b613c9c2eaa0c156def051f85d7ef03f79f93099fdeda0253807b02040c9a" />
While the removal of vape advertising has begun, the possibility of a full state-wide ban on vape product sales remains under deliberation. The Selangor Public Health Standing Committee is set to hold a follow-up meeting in the coming weeks to assess potential policy pathways. A final proposal will then be submitted to the Selangor State Executive Council for formal consideration.
Jamaliah stressed that any regulatory decision would be made with a strong emphasis on public health outcomes and the long-term welfare of Selangor&rsquo;s population.
&ldquo;Our approach is measured but firm. We are studying all possible implications&mdash;economic, legal, and social&mdash;before proceeding with a final stance on vape sales,&rdquo; she said.
Selangor Joins Growing Movement Among States
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3b7a3b0b8993fee845fbe0b04133f93fa77a2cd31a9d81c372d056251f30899c" />
Selangor&rsquo;s move echoes actions taken in other Malaysian states. Johor and Kelantan banned the sale of vape products in 2016 and 2015, respectively. More recently, Perlis and Terengganu announced their own bans, set to take effect on 1 August 2025. Kedah has opted not to introduce an outright ban, but will instead halt licence renewals for vape-related businesses once current permits expire.
These diverse approaches have sparked debate, particularly among industry players who argue that state-level bans conflict with the regulatory framework established by Act 852, which was intended to manage, not prohibit, the vape industry under federal law.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Despite the legal nuances, Selangor is calling for widespread support to ensure the success of its anti-vape campaign. Jamaliah said that the cooperation of parents, schools, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations is vital to changing the tide of vape use among teens.
&ldquo;We welcome the active involvement of stakeholders at all levels&mdash;state, federal, and grassroots&mdash;to ensure these measures are effective and enduring,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;This is not just a government effort. It must be a collective societal responsibility.&rdquo;
The state government maintains that its actions are motivated not by political expediency but by a genuine concern for the well-being of future generations.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Local councils ordered to remove all vape promotions — is a full ban on the horizon?

fab1f772f40e4a637359579596157f82f1fd2fa640bcf02b3ad1c913d0d7ab2c

Selangor Cracks Down On Vape Advertising Amid Rising Teen Usage

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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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.
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*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.