Latest news with #FAIHANGHANI
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Bank Negara: Malaysia's headline inflation unchanged at 1.4% in April
Shoppers buying vegetables at a wet market in the Klang Valley. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's headline inflation remained unchanged at 1.4 per cent in April 2025, while core inflation edged up to two per cent from 1.9 per cent in March 2025, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). In its Monthly Highlights for April 2025, the central bank said the rise in core inflation was driven by price increases in core components, including mobile communication services, jewellery and watches, as well as air passenger transport. "These were partially offset by lower inflation for non-core items such as fuels and lubricants, as well as fresh vegetables, amid an easing cost environment,' it said. BNM also reported that gross exports grew by 16.4 per cent from 6.8 per cent last month, mainly due to the continued strong expansion of electrical and electronics (E&E) exports, supported by a rebound in non-E&E and commodities exports. "Malaysia imports expanded by 20 per cent (March 2025: -2.9 per cent), amid a sharp growth of capital imports. However, intensified trade tensions are expected to weigh on exports and increase downside risks. "This will be partly cushioned by sustained global demand for E&E and Malaysia's integral role in the global supply chain,' said BNM. The central bank noted that credit to the private non-financial sector grew by 5.5 per cent (March 2025: 5.5 per cent), supported by steady growth in outstanding loans (5.5 per cent; March 2025: 5.6 per cent) and higher growth in outstanding corporate bonds (5.5 per cent; March 2025: 5.3 per cent). "Growth in business loans moderated slightly to 4.6 per cent (March 2025: 4.8 per cent), reflecting slower loan growth, particularly in the services sector. "Notwithstanding, demand for business financing remained forthcoming across both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-SMEs. Household loan growth remained steady at six per cent with continued growth across most loan purposes,' it noted. BNM highlighted that the global financial conditions became more volatile following tariffs announcement by the United States (US) administration. "Global investor sentiment also turned cautious amid rising concerns over a more subdued US economy and its negative spillovers to the global economy. Amid these developments, the ringgit appreciated by 2.7 per cent against the US dollar. "The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI rose by 1.8 per cent (regional average: 1.1 per cent), while the yield on 10-year Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) declined by 11.0 basis points (regional average: -14.7 bps), in line with movements of global bond yields. "This trend was largely driven by net foreign inflows into the bond market, amid heightened global risk aversion,' it noted. Additionally, it said the banking system continued to show healthy liquidity buffers, with an aggregate liquidity coverage ratio of 155.8 per cent (March 2025 to 151.6 per cent). "The aggregate loan-to-fund ratio decreased slightly to 83.3 per cent (March 2025: 83.8 per cent) as the increase in total funds outpaced loan growth,' said BNM. Malaysia's gross and net impaired loans ratios remained stable at 1.4 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively. "The loan loss coverage ratio (including regulatory reserves) remained prudent at 131.0 per cent of gross impaired loans, compared to 131.3 per cent in the previous month,' it added. - Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- Science
- The Star
EDUCATING YOUTH, ENERGISING THE FUTURE
ARE lights left gleaming in empty rooms? Do devices remain plugged in long after they are charged? These are just a couple of the wasteful and habitual behaviours that many still practise today, despite the widespread shift to sustainable narratives that have become prevalent in recent years. This pervasive misuse of energy has long-term implications on the environment and society, which is why Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), in collaboration with Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), is taking proactive steps to educate the next generation to cultivate energy-efficient habits. In response, the national utility provider is reigniting the 'Powering The Future' school activation programme for its third year. It was originally launched in the Klang Valley in 2023, covering 10 schools and benefiting 890 students. The second edition saw the programme expand to the West Coast, reaching 4,545 students across 60 schools. This year, it will head to the East Coast – covering Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu – and further north to Kedah and Perlis, reaching a total of 40 schools across five states. (Seated in the fourth row) Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Star Media Group representatives with SMK Indera Shahbandar principal Jama Mat Yunus (fifth from the left) at the 'Powering The Future 3.0' school activation programme launch in Pekan, Pahang on May 7. — Photos by FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Powering The Future 3.0 Kicking off in Pahang, this year's programme will highlight and promote energy efficiency through hands-on learning modules, utilising techniques like gamification to cultivate an interactive experience for all students who take part. The official launch was held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Indera Shahbandar in Pekan on May 7, with 93 Form Three students participating in the opening programme. Powering The Future 3.0 (PTF 3.0) will feature different activities tailored to primary and secondary school students. PTF 3.0 continues to promote energy efficiency through hands-on learning modules including gamification to cultivate an interactive experience for students. Primary students will take part in new activities, including a recently introduced renewable energy (RE) model kit-building exercise aimed at cultivating energy-efficient habits from a young age. They will be tasked with assembling hydro, solar, wind and hand generator model kits in groups. In secondary schools, the programme will engage students with critical thinking exercises, promoting energy-efficient practices and smart power management through real-world home scenario simulations. Students will also be introduced to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), equipping them with the knowledge and context needed to support a sustainable future. Additionally, all participating students will receive a free one-year subscription to The Star's e-Paper. This initiative aims to encourage active reading and improve English literacy while reinforcing energy conservation awareness. The other nine participating schools in Pahang are Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Teruntum, SK Seri Biram, SK Langgar, SK Batu Tiga, SK Tanjung Batu, SMK Nenasi, SMK Seri Pekan, SMK Paloh Hinai and SMK Tok Sera. Nurturing sustainability warriors TNB, in partnership with SMG and M.A.D Movement, collaborated to develop engaging activities for the PTF 3.0 programme. The aim is to expose students to a deeper understanding of the energy sector, the current energy generation process and the need to transition to renewable energy through carefully curated and customised workshops. (Above and below) A total of 93 Form Three students from SMK Indera Shahbandar participated in the opening programme. This programme seeks to bridge the gap between the younger generation and the world of energy and sustainability, educating them on the importance of using energy efficiently and practising sustainability through an interactive, engaging, and youth-friendly approach. As the Malay proverb goes, 'melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya' (it is easier to shape youth while they are young), and TNB hopes the students will better understand how each of our actions – big or small – can bring about major changes to the environment. Through the PTF 3.0 programme, participants can aspire to be youth ambassadors in bringing about positive change for a more sustainable future by inspiring change among their families and local communities. Meanwhile, SMK Indera Shahbandar principal Jama Mat Yunus expressed his gratitude to TNB and SMG for forming this synergetic partnership to promote energy literacy. 'This programme is an excellent platform to educate and nurture a society that is more environmentally conscious. 'We hope it will be a catalyst for the development of our youth, not only as students but ultimately as members of a society we aim to shape for the future,' he said. 'Hopefully, the students sitting before me today will be able to bring about change in our school community and go on to become energy champions of the future who will contribute to the nation's well-being.' After Pahang, PTF 3.0 will move on to Kelantan and Terengganu in June, covering 10 schools in each state. The programme will then expand to Kedah and Perlis in July, covering 10 schools in total.
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
New rules for online healthcare
Better regulations: Online healthcare service providers will now have to adhere to several new guidelines set by the Health Ministry. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Private online healthcare service providers, such as virtual clinics, are now required by the Health Ministry to comply with a set of guidelines that detail the standards and practices for their operations in the digital space. Under the guidelines, these providers are prohibited from attending to emergency cases involving injury or acute illnesses. The Health Ministry said in a circular dated May 5 that these guidelines would be an interim measure and could be a precursor to a future law to regulate the Online Healthcare Services (OHS) space. 'It is becoming apparent that healthcare policies and regulations created in an analogue age may be inadequate to cater for the often-disruptive healthcare service models in the digital age,' the guidelines said. 'Ambiguities and lacunas in the law create uncertainty for healthcare professionals, platform providers and patients alike. 'It is crucial for there to be clear standards and requirements to guide those involved in the online healthcare services industry,' the guidelines added. According to the guidelines that came into effect on May 5, OHS can only attend to non-emergency cases; follow-up management for stable cases; group session counselling services for areas such as psychology, nutrition or rehabilitation; referral or secondary care programme by specialist or consultant; or support services such as the supply of medication, laboratory and imaging services. They are barred from attending to emergency cases which involve injury or illness that are acute and pose an immediate risk to a person's life or long-term health or psychiatric cases requiring in-person sessions. Aside from that, cases which require the supply through post of any psychotropic drugs or drugs falling within the ambit of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and its related regulations; as well as cases which require intermediate or complex medical treatment are also prohibited. The company that runs the platform must be incorporated and registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and those with e-pharmacy services must employ a licensed pharmacist. At least one senior member of the board must be a medical practitioner registered in Malaysia with a valid practising certificate. The platform must be based in Malaysia and have a physical office. The platform must also have in place processes and procedures to enable the registration of Healthcare Professionals and Patients; conduct proper and necessary screenings and checks; obtain all required supporting documents from healthcare professionals and patients; and extend their best efforts to verify their veracity before approving any registration. Patients' written information for the collection, use, processing and retention of confidential data and written information as well as the provision of OHS are obtained and recorded during the registration process in line with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, the relevant Code of Professional Conduct and the Malaysian Medical Council Guideline. 'Such consent must be reproducible as and when required,' it said. A proper patient grievance mechanism and process to enable them to provide feedback on OHS, Healthcare Professionals and the platform must be in place. 'The Platform Provider shall ensure that any issue raised using such Grievance Mechanism is promptly addressed and managed,' it stated. 'The Platform is merely a technology platform to provide patients with access to Healthcare Professionals and facilitate the delivery of Online Healthcare Services, and there is no doctor-patient relationship between the Platform Provider and the Patient,' the guidelines said. It should also ensure the e-prescription issued must be controlled, given to the patient for single use only and can only be dispensed up to three times per prescription. Medications that are categorised under Group B under the Poisons Act 1952, whereby it cannot be purchased over the counter and can only be prescribed by a registered doctor or pharmacist, cannot be given on these platforms. 'Platform provider shall ensure any collection, use, processing, disclosure, transfer, retention and disposal of confidential data complies with all applicable laws including data protection laws,' it said. The healthcare professional employed by these platforms must be registered with a professional regulatory body in Malaysia; and possess valid practising certificate. 'A healthcare professional should have appropriate liability protection and coverage to provide protection from any malpractice incidences,' it said.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Smooth traffic flow in the city despite road closures
Preparations are well underway for the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Despite road closures, traffic is flowing with ease as the city welcomes leaders and delegates. - Photo — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Despite initial worry over congestion following the closure of major roads and highways around the city and the Klang Valley for the Asean Summit, the flow remains smooth, for now. A check by The Star yesterday, the first day of the road closure conducted in stages, traffic congestion was not visible. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department deputy director (operations) Deputy Comm MV Sri Kumar said police are ramping up preparedness to ensure everything is carried out smoothly. He said at least four simulation exercises have been conducted, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and relevant agencies. 'These exercises help in coordinating assignments and positioning personnel at strategic locations to ensure the safety of the heads of state and foreign delegates,' Bernama quoted him. He said 6,200 police personnel have been deployed on a rotational 24-hour basis, with operations progressing smoothly. On road closures around Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, DCP Sri Kumar said implementation has been smooth, and the delegates' travel to their respective destinations went on without significant issues. Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said all efforts will be in place to ensure ferrying delegates attending the summit will go smoothly without causing traffic congestion. 'We will also take note of measures taken by the ground personnel before and after road closures and diversions,' he said.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
MFL increase foreign players limit to 15 next season
JDT's Bergson Da Silva of Brazil is one of the foreign players who will be in action next season. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have announced that teams can have a maximum of 15 foreign players for the upcoming season. In a statement relased on Friday (May 22), they limited the registration to 34 players for clubs competing in Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite and ACL and 30 players for all other clubs (reduced from 32). With 15 foreigners now, the match day squad limit will be seven starters and two on the bench in the league scheduled to kick off in August. The composition is four players from Africa, North and South America, Europe and Oceania continents; one from Asia; and two from Southeast Asia. This is an increase from last season's limits of 12 foreign players (ACL Elite and ACL2) and nine for other clubs. "However, clubs are not obligated to fulfil the foreign quota as it depends on their financial capacity, especially as the FFP (Financial Fair Play) salary cap is being enforced," said MFL. The full enforcement of FFP introduced last season was set at 80 percent salary cap based on each club's annual budget. Clubs are now prohibited from spending more than 80 percent of their total annual budget on wages, a move designed to control costs, maintain healthy cash flow, and prioritise consistent salary payments. The import rule changes aim to provide equal opportunities, raise competition levels, and attract higher-quality imports, especially as the Malaysian league's calendar now aligns with top global leagues. The MFL also confirmed that Brunei will participate in the new season, after having secured approval from the FIFA. They last featured in the Super League in 2008.
