Latest news with #HariRayaAidilfitri
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's Q2 GDP projected to grow 4.5pct
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economy is estimated to grow 4.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, slightly higher than the 4.4 per cent recorded in the previous quarter, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The preliminary estimate signals that Malaysia's economic growth momentum remained steady in April and May, with expectations of stronger performance in June. For the first half of 2025 (1H25), the economy is projected to expand moderately by 4.4 per cent, staying close to the government's official target range of 4.5 to 5.5 per cent for the full year. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the economy continued to expand in the second quarter of 2025, supported by firm consumer demand despite ongoing global challenges. He said domestic consumption remained the key growth driver, backed by public sector salary adjustments, school holidays and seasonal spending during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha. He added that a stable labour market with low unemployment and inflation further strengthened household spending. "On top of that, the continued implementation of cash assistance programmes such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) also contributed to sustained household spending throughout the quarter," he said in a statement. By sector, Mohd Uzir said manufacturing showed mixed performance, with growth of 5.6 per cent in April before moderating to 2.8 per cent in May. This was driven by sustained activity in the electrical and electronics subsector and strong demand from domestic-oriented industries, as reflected by the Industrial Production Index. Similarly, wholesale and retail trade sales, which indicate consumer and business activity, rose 4.4 per cent in May, easing from 4.7 per cent in April, mainly supported by steady wholesale and retail trade performance. However, the external sector posted mixed results, with trade activities growing at a slower pace in May due to weaker demand for exported goods. "While domestic spending remains the main pillar of the economy, the external sector faces challenges influenced by tariff-related developments and ongoing global political uncertainties," he said. Mohd Uzir said services remained the key growth driver in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), recording a 5.3 per cent increase compared with 5.0 per cent in the first quarter, mainly contributed by wholesale and retail trade, transport and storage as well as business services. The manufacturing sector grew 3.8 per cent, supported by the production of electrical, electronic and optical products, vegetable and animal oils and fats, and food processing. The construction sector registered double-digit growth for six straight quarters, rising 11 per cent, driven mainly by non-residential buildings and special trades activities. The agriculture sector increased 2.0 per cent, fuelled by the palm oil subsector.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia 2Q GDP Forecast To Expand 4.5 Pct, Fuelled By Robust Domestic Demand -- DOSM
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economy is forecast to grow by 4.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q 2025) based on advance gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, slightly outpacing previous quarter's 4.4 per cent. Growth is expected to be driven by robust domestic demand amid global headwinds, according to the Statistics Department Malaysia (DOSM). In a statement today, DOSM said growth momentum was sustained in April and May, with a stronger performance anticipated in June. "Overall, the economy is estimated to have grown moderately by 4.4 per cent in the first half of 2025," it said. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said domestic consumption remained the key driver, significantly boosted by the lingering effects of public sector wage adjustments, school holidays and seasonal spending during both Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha. A stable labour market, together with low unemployment and inflation rates, further reinforced household spending. 'Cash assistance programmes such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah also contributed to sustaining household consumption during the quarter," he said. Mohd Uzir noted that the manufacturing sector experienced varied performance in 2Q, growing by 5.6 per cent in April and moderating to 2.8 per cent in May. "This growth was largely attributed to sustained activity in the electrical and electronics sub-sector and robust demand from domestic-oriented industries, as indicated by the Industrial Production Index.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Superman' Syed Saddiq attends birthday party of Bella Astillah's children
Syed Saddiq turned up in a Superman costume at the birthday party of Bella Astillah's children. Photos: Budak Tadika/TikTok via Majoriti Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has sparked buzz online after he was seen celebrating the birthday of Malaysian actress Bella Astillah's children. A video making rounds on TikTok showed the 32-year-old politician arriving at the party dressed as Superman, drawing cheers from Bella's family and fellow guests. The celebration was themed around animated movie characters. Bella, 31, was seen dressed as Disney's Moana, while her children – Ayden, eight, and Ara, five – came as Iron Man and Lilo from Lilo & Stitch, respectively. Many netizens praised Syed Saddiq's efforts to bond with Bella's children, applauding his playful spirit and involvement in the celebration. Others also couldn't help but gush over a heartwarming video of Ara beaming with joy as she posed with the former Youth and Sports Minister. 'I really respect his efforts. Ayden looks very comfortable and happy. Bella and her family also look happier,' said one netizen. Another quipped: 'YB came to the party dressed as Superman. This means whenever Bella and her kids are in trouble, he will be there for them.' Bella and Syed Saddiq sparked dating rumours earlier this year after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a local fashion label. On June 25, Bella arrived at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal. He was later acquitted of all four charges in the RM1.2mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. In a TikTok livestream the next day, Syed Saddiq described Bella as an 'extraordinary woman', adding: 'Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared to what she has gone through.' Bella was previously married to Singaporean artiste Aliff Aziz, with whom she shares two kids. The former couple first divorced in 2019 but reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time on June 13, 2024, after Aliff, 34, was caught in a khalwat (close proximity) case with local actress Ruhainies, 32.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Driving common sense
When the media reported the government ban on "dummy " seat belt buckles — devices designed to disable seat belt warning systems—the initial reaction was likely incredulity. Perhaps the report should have focused on banning "dummy drivers", as that's what individuals who resort to not wearing seat belts have truly become. Why this manoeuvre? For two inane reasons: to silence the "annoying " audible alert (triggered by placing heavy objects on the front seat) or to avoid wearing seat belts altogether because they are "irritating". The first reason can be attributed to plain laziness —heavy objects can easily be placed in the back seat or the car boot —while the second is plain idiocy. For good reason, seat belts have been mandatory since 1978, and have proved highly effective over the decades in reducing road fatalities and injuries. One study, for instance, revealed that seat belts reduce fatalities by 50 per cent, curbing fatal injuries for drivers by 43 per cent — and even up to 67 per cent depending on crash severity. Beyond preventing forcible ejection or non-injurious impact with the steering wheel or windshield, seat belts are crucial in preventing blunt force trauma, internal injuries, whiplash, and neck injuries. Despite its effectiveness, some motorists, especially younger adults, fail to buckle up. Rear seat belts were introduced in the 1940s and Malaysia made them mandatory from Jan 1, 1995, with enforcement commencing in 2009. Many rear-seat passengers, however, remain oblivious to or ignore this law. The recent ban on "dummy " seat belt buckles, applicable universally, also encompasses alarm deactivators, clip extenders and similar devices designed to bypass safety alerts when inserted into seat belt slots. While the ban's enforcement should prioritise common sense, its very necessity and the prevalence of these devices expose a disturbing cavalier attitude among Malaysian drivers towards road safety. The ban is undoubtedly justified, but convincing those who stubbornly flout such measures remains a formidable challenge. As of mid-2025, Malaysian roads continue to witness a tragic average of 14 fatalities daily. During the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri balik kampung period (March 29 to April 6), 123 deaths were recorded —although this marked a significant 29.3 per cent decline from the 174 deaths in 2024, which averaged 1,729 accidents per day and 14 deaths daily. This begs the questions: how many more of those deaths and injuries could have been prevented if drivers and front-seat passengers had simply had the good sense to wear seat belts? Again, intellectually challenged motorists must be compelled towards a mindset shift that extends beyond enforcement, especially since the obscene highway fatalities demonstrate minimal deterrence. Short of a total ban on highway driving, it's indeed exhausting to continuously reiterate essential safety measures that ought to be embraced and enforced. Yet, we must persist because road safety has now been tragically devalued to mere gimmickry and pretension.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Bella joins Syed Saddiq, family for birthday celebration
KUALA LUMPUR: Actress and singer Bella Astillah has once again captured public attention after being seen celebrating the birthday of Muar MP Syed Saddiq's elder brother, alongside the politician and his family. The intimate gathering, held on June 28, was documented in three photographs shared on Instagram by Syed Saddiq's sister-in-law, Aishah Kamal. One image showed Bella, 31, standing next to Syed Saddiq, 32, in a family portrait, while the other two featured her posing with his mother, sister, and Aishah herself. Aishah Kamal captioned the post, saying: "Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! So happy we could celebrate you today with our family. You're the best father and husband, and you deserve all the happiness in the world! Big thanks to my sister-in-law and Bella for helping me pull together this lovely gathering." The post quickly became a talking point on social media, with many netizens remarking on the apparent closeness between Bella and Syed Saddiq. Some also praised Bella for her support during what was described as the former Youth and Sports Minister's "darkest times." Rumours of a romance between Bella Astillah and Syed Saddiq have been circulating since their joint appearance in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a local fashion label earlier this year. Adding to the speculation, Bella was present at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya on June 25, offering her support as Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal in a RM1.2 million graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. He was subsequently acquitted of all four charges. The following day, during a TikTok livestream, Syed Saddiq acknowledged Bella's consistent presence in his life over their six-month acquaintance. He described her as an "extraordinary woman," adding, "Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared to what she has gone through." Bella Astillah was previously married to Singaporean singer and actor Aliff Aziz. They have two children. Their first divorce was in 2019, followed by a reconciliation in 2020. They divorced for the second time on June 13, 2024.
