Training potential journalists to be more aware
Don't get me wrong. I am not blaming these Malaysians. Believe me, I understand that people have different lives, different commitments, different problems.
Recently, I brought my journalism students from the University of Wollongong Malaysia to visit a refugee community, the Coalition of Burma Ethnics Malaysia (Cobem), in the heart of Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.
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The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
'I'm just tired': Malaysian man opens up about financial strain of supporting parents
PARENTS deserve care and support in their elderly years, but for many adult children, this responsibility comes with a heavy price—especially amid the rising cost of living. A man recently took to Reddit to share his financial struggles, revealing the pressure he faces in allocating a substantial portion of his monthly salary to support his parents. Believing that many Malaysians are caught in a similar cycle, the man explained that he has been consistently giving money to his parents since he began working 20 years ago. What started as a RM500 monthly allowance has now ballooned to RM2,000—and he has no idea how to stop. 'I'm just tired. I never understand why so many Malaysians are stuck in this cycle,' he wrote. 'I just wish I could disappear from all this financial burden. I'm exhausted, seriously. Sometimes, I feel resentment.' The man clarified that he had never been a financial burden to his parents—he completed matriculation and pursued higher education at a public university with a full scholarship. In addition to providing a monthly allowance, he also sponsored a car for his parents and is currently servicing a housing loan with 10 years remaining. His post struck a chord with many netizens who shared similar experiences in the comments. Several users recounted how their parents or in-laws demanded large monthly allowances despite the children's financial constraints. One commenter claimed their in-laws received RM6,000 monthly from their children, as well as a BMW fully paid for by them—yet still found it insufficient. The user shared a particularly troubling experience from in-laws, involving traditional medicine: 'Fell a bit sick, went to a traditional doctor and was recommended expensive medication. 'They ended up spending RM500 a day, and their condition worsened due to body overheating from the medicine. Eventually, the total cost hit RM5,000 over two weeks.' Several commenters labelled the situation as a form of financial abuse, urging adult children to have open and honest conversations with their parents. They emphasised that while filial piety is a deeply rooted cultural value, it should not come at the expense of one's own financial stability and well-being. 'Asian parents can sometimes be insatiable,' one user noted. 'It's sugar-coated as filial piety, but often it's just a burden that's passed down without question.'
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Growing up with NST: Stories of Bukit Jalil and its people
THE Covid-19 pandemic changed many lives in ways we never expected. For me, however, it brought a miracle of sorts. With offices closed and movement restricted, I found myself confined at home with time on my hands. I decided to revisit my roots and write about my childhood growing up in Bukit Jalil Estate. My maiden article recounted the annual temple prayers, a grand three-day celebration that united every estate worker and their families. I shared the trials we faced during the devastating 1970 floods, the unexpected blessing of free chickens saved from the floodwaters, and the vibrant estate weddings, not forgetting memories of Deepavali and Ponggal celebrations. Then there were my routine of trekking to school, helping my parents in rubber tapping and collecting firewood with my father. I introduced all kinds of traders who frequented the estate, such as Roti Bhai, the kacang putih man, the Macam-Macam man, the Oomai Bayee cloth merchant, the tin polishing man and the man who chiselled the granite spice grinder. Fondly remembered were the estate dispensary and the caring dresser, Rajan. I shared the spirited seven-a-side football tournaments that filled our weekends, and the much-anticipated monthly treat of MGR movies. Through these stories, I was able to capture the spirit and resilience of a community that many Malaysians, and even overseas readers, found deeply moving. My journey with the New Straits Times (NST) began when I met the then executive editor, Sharanjit Singh, through the kind introduction of former NST group editor Datuk Hardev Kaur. This meeting led to the publication of my first "Estate Chronicles" article in the New Sunday Times, which detailed how the first rubber seeds came to Malaysia and the vital role Bukit Jalil Estate played in the nation's economy, especially during World War 2. "Estate Chronicles" quickly gained in popularity. Every Sunday, my phone would ring with calls from readers eager to share their own memories or express their appreciation. Sharanjit once told me that the column was among the most-read stories, boasting the highest number of clicks and engagement on NST's digital platforms. This recognition was deeply touching and motivated me to keep sharing the stories of Bukit Jalil and its people. NST's generosity extended beyond words. It provided access to its fabulous collection of historical photographs, enriching my stories with visuals that brought the estate's past to life. This collaboration was a testament to NST's commitment to nurturing local voices and preserving Malaysia's heritage. Reflecting on my journey, I realise how much NST has shaped my career and identity. From a little estate boy with a passion for writing, I have grown to contribute columns to nearly every major newspaper in Malaysia. Bukit Jalil has transformed dramatically over the decades. Once known as Ladang Bukit Jalil, a sprawling 1,800-acre rubber plantation, it was a quiet rural area of gently sloping hills and lush greenery. The name "Bukit Jalil" fittingly means "Majestic Hill", a nod to the beautiful terrain that offered breathtaking views over Kuala Lumpur. In the early 1990s, the estate made way for the development of the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex, which hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games and helped transform the area into one of Malaysia's fastest-growing suburbs. Writing about the estate's history and its people during the pandemic was more than just a nostalgic exercise. It was a way to preserve memories that might otherwise be forgotten and to share the spirit of community, resilience and hope with a wider audience. The stories of floods, festivals, football matches and everyday struggles are threads in the rich tapestry of Malaysia's multicultural heritage. I must say that after my writings on the estate were published, many more writers began telling their stories and experiences about living and growing up in their own estate homes, too. Some have even gone further and published books on a similar theme. I am touched and in awe for having encouraged so many others to share their life stories with the rest of the world. I am grateful to NST for believing in these stories and for giving me the opportunity to tell them. Its unwavering support has helped turn an estate boy's memories into a shared national narrative. Thank you, New Straits Times, for being not just a newspaper, but a partner in my lifelong passion for storytelling and for helping me contribute to the vibrant fabric of Malaysian journalism.
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zaliha: KL mayor reviewing proposal to place Pantai Dalam fire victims in PPR
KUALA LUMPUR: The mayor will review a proposal to place Pantai Dalam fire victims in People's Housing Project (PPR) units, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would assess the eligibility of the victims as the fire affected both Malaysians and foreigners. "More than 50 people from 13 families, including locals and foreigners, were affected when a blaze destroyed 14 houses and several business premises. "The victims are now housed at a religious school, but will be moved to a community centre when the new school term begins. "We will look into whether they qualify for temporary housing under DBKL's management. "I have asked the mayor to examine this matter. We will help them as best we can," she said after chairing the first session of the 35th term (2025–2026) of the Federal Territories-level National Youth Consultative Council. Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that long-term assistance would be studied before a coordinated plan was implemented, with DBKL set to meet affected families in the coming days. Zaliha said immediate relief, including basic necessities and compassionate payments, had been provided to the fire victims. "For now, we can only extend initial support in the form of essential supplies and financial aid. "We have received feedback from the victims, who expressed their gratitude to the Fire and Rescue Department, DBKL and the school for their swift action, which brought them comfort." On Friday, a fire broke out at a row of shoplots in Pantai Dalam, near Apartment Pantai Indah. Thick black smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the premises. The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that 14 squatter homes and four shoplots were damaged in the blaze. The department received an emergency call at 11.11pm and despatched 36 firefighters from the Pantai, Hang Tuah, Seputeh and Sri Hartamas fire stations.
