13MP allocation for bumiputera highest since Merdeka, PM tells critics
He said the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (Putera35), introduced under the 13MP, is clear proof of the government's unwavering commitment to strengthening the bumiputera economy.
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The Sun
13 minutes ago
- The Sun
Thailand and Cambodia extend ceasefire pact after border clashes
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire after recent deadly clashes along their shared border. The truce follows five days of hostilities last month that left at least 43 people dead. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mediated the ceasefire as ASEAN chair, with backing from US President Donald Trump and Chinese negotiators. The agreement mandates a halt to all weapons use, including attacks on civilians and military targets. 'Both sides agree to a ceasefire involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians and civilian objects and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas,' the joint statement said. The deal also prohibits any violations under any circumstances. Initial breaches were reported, but skirmishes along the 800-kilometre border have since diminished. Thai and Cambodian defence officials signed the agreement in Kuala Lumpur after three days of talks. Thai Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha confirmed a freeze on troop movements and patrols. 'We are here for a detailed ceasefire arrangement to stop bloodshed and the suffering by soldiers and civilians of both sides,' Tea Seiha said. The statement calls for another meeting within a month and urges both sides to avoid spreading misinformation. US ambassador Edgard Kagan warned that tensions remain high despite the agreement. 'We have to be honest and say that there is still a very high level of tension, there's a high level of distrust,' he said. The conflict stems from a century-old border dispute linked to French colonial-era demarcations. Last month's violence displaced over 300,000 people, marking the deadliest clashes in over a decade. – AFP
Borneo Post
13 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
LLRC slams Guan Eng over remarks on migrant worker wages, EPF
Lo says the comments could encourage employers to offer lower wages to foreign workers, potentially undermining the local job market. KUCHING (Aug 7): The Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) has voiced concern over remarks by former finance minister Lim Guan Eng, who suggested Malaysia need not mandate minimum wage or Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for migrant workers. LLRC deputy president Andrew Lo said the comments could encourage employers to offer lower wages to foreign workers, potentially undermining the local job market. 'Such a statement is a betrayal of Malaysian workers. It seems that he (Lim) has no inkling of labour economics and continues to support employers' addiction to cheap labour and low wages,' he said in a statement today. Lo also pointed out that allowing exemptions from EPF contributions would widen wage disparities and risk suppressing local salaries further. Citing Malaysia's ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 100 on equal pay, Lo argued that Lim's suggestion disregards international labour standards. Lim, who is Bagan MP, made the comments during a recent parliamentary debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan. According to MalaysiaKini, Lim argued that Malaysia is not legally obligated to enforce such measures for migrant workers already employed, and cited Singapore's policy of excluding Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions since 2003. Lo, however, dismissed the comparison, saying Singapore has no minimum wage framework, making it an inappropriate benchmark. Andrew Lo epf Lim Guan Eng migrant workers
New Straits Times
43 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
CAP wants SST imposed on cigarettes in 2026 Budget
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the 2026 Budget to include a sales and service tax on cigarettes. CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow said it was high time for this as cigarettes have been exempt from sales taxes for eight years. "The last SST was imposed in 2018 on tobacco products. After that, there was no tax on cigarettes for eight years, which is a big disappointment. "Smokers spend about RM500 every month. Even healthy food does not cost that much. "As such, we expect a mandatory sales tax on cigarettes in the 2026 Budget if the government wants to reduce the current number of five million smokers," he told the New Straits Times. Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, said the government was considering a proposal to raise the tobacco tax to between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of retail prices. He said the proposal was consistent with the government's health reforms. Last week, Anwar had said the government would expand its pro-health tax framework to include tobacco, vape products, and alcohol, beyond just sugary drinks, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Subbarow said evidence from countries across all income levels showed that raising cigarette prices was very effective in reducing demand. "Higher taxes encourage some smokers to quit and deter others from starting. They also reduce the number of ex-smokers who return to cigarettes and reduce consumption among continuing smokers. "Given that this fact has been confirmed in other countries, CAP hopes our prime minister will announce a sales tax on cigarettes," he added.
