News@9: Today's top headlines - August 4, 2025 [WATCH]
The Central Database Hub will be used first to deliver targeted RON95 fuel subsidies, focusing on those most in need, ahead of its full national rollout.
An economist says Putrajaya's idea for retirees to receive both lump‑sum withdrawals and regular income may fail as most Malaysians have low savings and incomes.
Under the new Consumer Credit Act, Buy Now, Pay Later providers must check borrowers' ability to repay to prevent financial hardship.
Luxury cars lapsed
The Road Transport Department found over 1,000 luxury cars — including Ferraris and Lamborghinis — without valid road tax or insurance.
That's all for News@9.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
42 minutes ago
- The Star
‘Do not let money guide policies'
G25: Commercialisation of public services can further divide society PETALING JAYA: The creeping commercialisation of public services in Malaysia under the guise of 'financial sustainability' is concerning, says civil society group G25. Citing rising foreign student intake in public universities and preferential treatment for paying patients in public hospitals, the group of prominent retired civil servants said such trends could deny deserving Malaysians access to essential services. The group warned that such policies risk deepening socio-economic divides and undermining constitutional guarantees of equality. 'This risks creating new socio-economic divides not based on race or religion, but between those who can afford access and those who cannot,' it said in a statement yesterday. It could also be a violation of the equality provisions as enshrined in Article 8 (equality before the law) and Article 12 (equality in the administration of education) of the Federal Constitution, it added. It said that the nation's ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy hinges on consistent implementation of policies. 'Malaysia's ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy must be underpinned by policies that develop and retain talent as well as avoid deepening socio-economic inequalities,' it said. The group also warned that economic advancement must be matched by improvements in governance and civil liberties. 'As the saying goes, when the stomach is full, people expect higher standards. 'Failure to meet these expectations could lead to resentment that could be exploited by extremist narratives,' it added. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who first raised the issue, said he was not alone in his concerns about public university admissions. 'The G25 shares my apprehension about the commercialisation of these institutions, whereby the rich can just enrol in our public universities as long as they can afford the high tuition fees. 'This could impact access for less affluent Malaysian students, despite their academic excellence,' he said in a Facebook post yesterday. He noted that such practice was reminiscent of the Rakan KKM policy, where money allows one to skip the queue for medical treatment. 'Kudos to G25 for their courage in speaking the truth,' added Dr Wee. On Wednesday, Dr Wee reiterated his concerns about the sharp rise in foreign student enrolment at Malaysia's public universities which is outpacing that of local students, raising red flags about allocation of placements. Citing a recent study by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), he said the number of Malaysian students enrolling in public universities increased modestly from 172,719 in 2018 to 191,450 in 2024, reflecting a 10.8% rise and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of mere 1.73%. In stark contrast, non-Malaysian enrolment surged from 10,003 in 2018 to 19,731 in 2024, marking a 97.3% increase and a CAGR of 11.99%. While not against the intake of international students, Dr Wee said it becomes an issue when their enrolment seems to be replacing spots meant for Malaysian students. 'We must ensure a balance that respects the educational needs of our own creme de la creme.' In response, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir denied the allegation, saying the government continued to prioritise Malaysians with no compromise on the quotas allocated for local students in public universities.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Budget 2026 to focus on welfare of people
PUTRAJAYA: Budget 2026 will prioritise public welfare while addressing deep-rooted economic challenges, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking at the opening of Budget 2026 consultation session in Putrajaya yesterday, he said the government remains committed to pushing through essential reforms, even if they are unpopular in the short term. 'Fixing a broken economic structure is not easy. Some policies may be unpopular but they are necessary to deliver long-term benefits to the people.' He said this would be the first budget aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and it would revolve around three pillars – raising the ceiling, raising the floor and improving governance. Amir said raising the development ceiling would enhance Malaysia's economic competitiveness and attract strategic investments, especially in high-growth sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition and the Islamic economy. He said boosting household incomes and easing the cost of living would also remain top priorities. On strengthening the floor, Amir said the government would focus on improving public services, particularly in education and healthcare, while driving growth through digitalisation and artificial intelligence. He said fiscal reforms, including subsidy rationalisation, would not come at the people's expense. Citing examples, he said targeted electricity and diesel subsidies have been introduced without burdening most Malaysians. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Budget 2026 would reflect the aims of the 13MP by expanding strategic investments and improving essential services, especially for low-income groups. 'Since we've launched the 13MP, Budget 2026 must support its first year of implementation. That means raising both the ceiling and the floor.' He added that while the ceiling is intended to stimulate economic activity and investment, the floor ensures stronger public services and income security, both central to the government's reform drive. More than 300 participants from the public and private sectors, including economists, NGOs and international organisations attended the consultation session. Budget 2026 is scheduled to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 10.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
No longer carrying wads of cash
More convenient: Several digital financial service providers confirmed a rise in Malaysians opting for cashless transactions while overseas. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Malaysians prefer debit cards and e-wallets for ease and better rates PETALING JAYA: From sipping coffee in Stockholm to shopping in Jakarta, more Malaysians are opting for cashless payments abroad. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
