Latest news with #Malaysians'
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Turning into bravehearts
On fire: Aaron Chia (left) and Soh Wooi Yik pose after their victory against Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae of South Korea at the Singapore Open. — AFP PETALING JAYA: It's a new era of consistency for men's doubles players Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik under coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. Yesterday, the former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik fought bravely to slay formidable South Korean foes Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae 15-21, 21-18, 21-19 in the men's doubles final to lift their first Singapore Open title. There were anxious moments towards the end but the Malaysians did not crumble as they used to in the past, but instead, had the last laugh by outfoxing the All-England champions to bag the US$74,000 prize money. It was the Malaysians' third title and fourth final appearance this year. In fact, it was their third back-to-back final but they hardly showed any sign of lethargy at the Lion City but kept attacking the world No. 10 Won-ho-Seung-jae. And Aaron attributed their fine run to their growing confidence under Herry. 'We are glad and happy with our consistent show. 'One of the aspects that had made the difference for us is our new coach. We have to give him the credit,' said Aaron. 'He had polished our game play and is turning us to be more solid and consistent. 'And all these are helping us to feel more confident of ourselves and is leading us to play confidently.' Wooi Yik, who has shown a lot of improvement and seemed more calm under duress, said their trust in each other also played a key role. 'Our trust in each other and the match preparation made the difference in our game. It was close in the decider but Aaron calmed me down. We wanted a victory but fortunately, we didn't rush into it,' said Wooi Yik. Will they have enough fuel in the tank to give another good showing and stay unbeatable at the Indonesian Open starting tomorrow in Jakarta? Aaron and Wooi Yik do hope so. 'We still have much to improve, as long as we train hard and translate it into our game, the results will come,' added Wooi Yik. Meanwhile, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn was on top of the world after beating Lu Guangzu of China 21-6, 21-10 in just 37 minutes to lift the men's singles title. The former world champion, currently ranked second behind Shi Yuqi of China in the world ranking, is set to become Thailand's first men's singles player to be ranked No. 1 in the world when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) publish the new list tomorrow.
Hype Malaysia
6 days ago
- Hype Malaysia
Local Influencer CEO Batu Back On TikTok Following Release From Police Custody?
Last week, Malaysian netizens were outraged after local influencer CEO Batu was exposed for sending inappropriate images to a 14-year-old. Unfortunately, many believe the content creator isn't remorseful of his actions. For those unfamiliar with the case, CEO Batu is a Malaysian influencer known for his comedic videos on TikTok. However, last week, singer Caprice exposed the public figure for sending inappropriate photos to a 14-year-old fan. Caprice also alleged that there are other victims, also minors. CEO Batu was arrested by authorities on 22nd May 2025 and released on police bail on 27th May 2025 (Tuesday). However, on Wednesday morning, a Twitter user alleged that CEO Batu created a new TikTok account shortly after being released. His previous TikTok account, which boasted over a million followers, was banned from the platform following his arrest. The supposed creation of the new account sparked outrage amongst netizens, with many lamenting that the media personality seemed unfazed by his recent case. The Twitter post also highlighted the surprising number of followers that the account already has. The user argued that this, unfortunately, showcases Malaysians' tendency to support disgraced influencers despite them getting implicated in serious crimes like paedophilia. However, some netizens expressed doubt, arguing that CEO Batu may have created the account before his recent arrest as a backup, or someone else may have created it to ride on the current issue. It's unknown when the account was made or whether it belongs to CEO Batu. Nevertheless, netizens are angry over the support the influencer is still receiving despite there being evidence of him sending inappropriate photos to a minor. Many also lament the shocking number of people defending CEO Batu on social media, adding that it draws concern for the safety of children. CEO Batu's case is being investigated under Section 15(e) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. If found guilty, the influencer could face imprisonment of up to ten years or a fine of up to RM20,000 or both. What are your thoughts on this? Source: Twitter
The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Drop in road accident, vehicle theft cases in 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians' growing awareness of road safety and vehicle security has led to a decline in cases of both vehicle theft and traffic accidents in 2024, says the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (Vtarec). Its chairman, Datuk Lokman Jamaan, said the number of road accidents reported by the insurance industry fell to 266,716 cases in 2024, from 299,657 in 2023, a decrease of just under 11%. He said the total cases involved 229,739 cars, 15,149 motorcycles and 21,828 commercial vehicles. He noted that the figures from the insurance industry were slightly less compared to statistics from the police in both years. 'This is because insurance industry statistics reflect claims made by vehicle owners whose vehicles are insured. 'Meanwhile, police statistics cover all accident cases, including those without insurance coverage,' he said during his speech at the launch of the council's public vehicle theft and road accident awareness campaign yesterday. On a similar note, Lokman said vehicle theft cases fell to 3,925 in 2024 from 4,370 in 2023. The vehicle theft cases included 1,771 private cars, 1,833 motorcycles and 321 commercial vehicles. Lokman warned that commercial vehicle thefts remained alarmingly high, driven by strong demand in illegal markets. 'As the next step, Vtarec will intensify collaboration with ministries, agencies and other stakeholders. 'This will include ramping up eradication efforts, preventive measures and interventions against vehicle theft syndicates, cloned vehicle syndicates and syndicates involved in the 'rebirthing of total lost vehicles' and 'cut cars',' he added.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia committed to 2025 petrol subsidy cut but no fixed date
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is committed to reducing petrol subsidies in the second half of 2025 and is refining its plan as US tariffs darken the economic outlook. The government 'will continue to assess inputs and feedback in refining details' of its fuel subsidy revamp as it actively engages with a wide range of stakeholders, a spokesman at the Ministry of Finance said in response to questions from Bloomberg News. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in October said the government would cut subsidies on the most popular petrol in mid-2025, a move that is expected to save the government 8 billion ringgit (S$2.5 billion) a year. Policymakers are planning a two-tier price system for RON95 petrol. Datuk Seri Anwar said then that only the wealthiest 15 per cent would pay the market rate for it, while the rest will enjoy the current subsidised price. 'The government remains committed to implementing the RON95 subsidy rationalisation in the second half of 2025, and will be sharing further details in due course,' the spokesman said. Mr Anwar, who is at the midpoint of his five-year term, faces a juggling act. Lawmakers have urged the government to postpone the move and other adjustments to fiscal policy that they fear would damp business confidence and increase costs for consumers. But cutting the subsidies are key to meeting government pledges to narrow the country's fiscal deficit. A reduction in diesel subsidies in June 2024 added to the government's coffers – and was followed by the ruling coalition's loss in a by-election. To assuage Malaysians' concerns, Mr Anwar – who is also finance minister – said in March that a government study showed the planned subsidy cut will not affect 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the population. A recent decline in global oil prices has made it easier for policymakers to push ahead with the politically sensitive move as disruptions in global trade from US President Donald Trump's tariffs dim the outlook for Malaysia's economy. Officials are seeking to negotiate a deal with Washington within the 90-day pause on higher tariffs mandated by Mr Trump, who has in the meantime imposed a 10 per cent levy on goods from Malaysia and many other trading partners. Malaysia has already delayed a planned expansion of its sales and service tax that was due on May 1, providing a temporary reprieve for manufacturers. Still, electricity prices are scheduled to rise in July. The government is confident of achieving its target to narrow the budget gap to 3.8 per cent of gross domestic product in 2025 from 4.1 per cent in 2024, Malaysia Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan said in April. Policymakers are seeking to ensure that the implementation of the petrol subsidy cut is 'as smooth as possible for Malaysians and effective in meeting its objectives', the Finance Ministry spokesman said. 'The overarching objective remains clear: to ensure that most Malaysians continue to enjoy RON95 at subsidised price while addressing the leakage of subsidies to foreigners, businesses and the highest income earners,' the spokesperson said. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia committed to 2025 petrol subsidy cut but no fixed date
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia is committed to reducing petrol subsidies in the second half of the year and is refining its plan as US tariffs darken the economic outlook. The government 'will continue to assess inputs and feedback in refining details' of its fuel subsidy revamp as it actively engages with a wide range of stakeholders, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Finance said. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in October said that the government would cut subsidies on the most popular petrol in mid-2025, a move that's expected to save the government RM8 billion (S$2.4 billion) a year. Policymakers are planning a two-tier price system for RON95 petrol. Anwar said then that only the wealthiest 15 per cent would pay the market rate for it, while the rest will enjoy the current subsidised price. 'The government remains committed to implementing the RON95 subsidy rationalisation in the second half of 2025, and will be sharing further details in due course,' the spokesperson said. Anwar, who is at the midpoint of his five-year term, faces a juggling act. Lawmakers have urged the government to postpone the move and other adjustments to fiscal policy that they fear would damp business confidence and increase costs for consumers. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up But cutting the subsidies are key to meeting government pledges to narrow the country's fiscal deficit. A reduction in diesel subsidies in June last year added to the government's coffers – and was followed by the ruling coalition's loss in a by-election. To assuage Malaysians' concerns, Anwar – who is also finance minister – said in March that a government study showed the planned subsidy cut will not affect 80 to 90 per cent of the population. A recent decline in global oil prices has made it easier for policymakers to push ahead with the politically sensitive move as disruptions in global trade from US President Donald Trump's tariffs dim the outlook for Malaysia's economy. Officials are seeking to negotiate a deal with Washington within the 90-day pause on higher tariffs mandated by Trump, who has in the meantime imposed a 10 per cent levy on goods from Malaysia and many other trading partners. Malaysia has already delayed a planned expansion of its sales and service tax that was due on May 1, providing a temporary reprieve for manufacturers. Still, electricity prices are scheduled to rise in July. The government is confident of achieving its target to narrow the budget gap to 3.8 per cent of gross domestic product this year from 4.1 per cent in 2024, Malaysia Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan said in April. Policymakers are seeking to ensure that the implementation of the petrol subsidy cut is 'as smooth as possible for Malaysians and effective in meeting its objectives', the Ministry of Finance spokesperson said. 'The overarching objective remains clear – to ensure that most Malaysians continue to enjoy RON95 at subsidised price while addressing the leakage of subsidies to foreigners, businesses and the highest income earners,' the spokesperson said. BLOOMBERG
