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Malay Mail
08-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Unintended consequences of vape ban by states — Liu Hai Kuok
MAY 8 — I support public health and protecting our young people from addiction. However, the recent push by some states to stop issuing vape licences, while well-intentioned, may end up doing more harm than good. Let's be honest: people are still vaping. Banning vape sales won't make the habit disappear; it just pushes the whole thing underground. Johor has had a ban for years. Has it stopped people from vaping? No. It only forced legal sellers to close shop while illegal ones took over. These backdoor sellers don't follow any rules. They disregard age limits, proper labelling, and safe ingredients — making it even more dangerous for our kids. If you ban something but don't stop the demand, you create a black market. We've seen this happen before with cigarettes. Malaysia is already notorious for having one of the highest rates of illicit cigarette use in the world. Are we going to repeat the same mistake with vapes? What's worse is that these unregulated products can be harmful. Some are mixed with cheap or toxic chemicals. If someone falls sick or worse, there's no one to hold accountable. No manufacturer. No quality control. No protection. Unregulated vape products can be harmful. Some are mixed with cheap or toxic chemicals. If someone falls sick or worse, there's no one to hold accountable. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Also, banning vapes sends mixed signals. Cigarettes are still openly sold, taxed, and regulated. So why crack down only on vapes — which many adults use as a way to quit smoking, such as through heated tobacco products? Shouldn't we guide smokers toward safer alternatives, not make it harder for them? Enforcement will also be a nightmare. If one state bans vapes and another doesn't, people will simply drive across borders or buy them online. How will state officials manage this? And won't it confuse both consumers and traders? Let's not forget tax revenue. Vape liquids are now taxed by the federal government, and that money could fund health campaigns, education, or better enforcement. By shutting down the legal market, we lose that income — and people will still vape. There's already a federal law in place: the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act. If there are concerns, improve that law. Don't bypass it with patchwork actions at the state level. We need one clear, consistent policy — one that protects young people, guides adult smokers, and tackles illegal trade head-on. Blanket bans won't achieve that. Regulation and strong enforcement will. Again, I support public health. But let's be smart about how we get there. Don't push vape users underground. The country will lose out. • This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Why Malaysia needs the Urban Renewal Act and why some are resisting it
KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — After more than a decade in the making, Malaysia's much-anticipated Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled in the upcoming July parliamentary sitting. The Bill aims to restore the vibrancy of old areas, provide affordable housing, enhance public facilities and revitalise architecture. However, despite these goals, it still faces resistance on the ground. PAS Youth recently announced a protest set for June 14 in the Klang Valley to oppose the Bill. The group argues that the legislation could open the door to exploitation by developers and endanger vulnerable communities. So why does Malaysia need an Urban Renewal Act (URA)? Many of the country's buildings were constructed during the post-independence property boom. As a result, many are now deteriorating and in need of rejuvenation. However, redeveloping these properties has long been hampered by legal hurdles. Under current laws outlined in Section 57 of the Strata Titles Act 1985, a strata development can only be sold if 100 per cent of unit owners agree. The proposed URA aims to lower this threshold based on the building's age and condition. If the Bill is passed in Parliament, it is intended to overcome that gridlock. While the URA is much needed in Malaysia, Adjunct Professor Shuhana Shamsuddin of Taylor's University said the proposed Bill seems developer-driven. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Majority rule proposed to break redevelopment deadlocks Professor Jamalunlaili Abdullah, dean at Universiti Teknologi MARA's Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, said the Bill will look at giving power to the majority when it comes to determining consent threshold — before a building is sold or listed under the URA for refurbishment or redevelopment. 'Currently, even 10 per cent of residents can block a project supported by the 90 per cent who want a redevelopment project. 'So supposed if an area is very dilapidated, then supposed that 90 per cent of the residents want it to be redeveloped but 10 per cent disagree, they (authorities or developers) cannot do anything. 'That's why some of the projects are stalled for redevelopment. This new Bill will allow for that — majority power to determine a renewal project,' he said when contacted by Malay Mail. That is not all, Jamalunlaili said as there are concerns on the ground, for example the concern of what happens after redevelopment is completed. 'Yes, people may get larger, better homes. But can they afford the property taxes and upkeep later? 'The property tax will increase as this tax is based on the value of the properties in an area. When redevelopment is done, the value of properties in the area will go up,' he added. He also said that while the Bill is positive, it still needed to include some safeguards for property owners, especially if they belong to the low-income tier. 'People need this assurance that they will still be able to afford living in their houses after it has gone through redevelopment and this assurance should be long term — for the next 10 to 20 years. 'There have been cases in the past whereby land owners have to sell their land due to rising taxes. This is something that could still happen today,' he said. A vision for renewal should prevent gentrification While the URA is much needed in Malaysia, Adjunct Professor Shuhana Shamsuddin of Taylor's University said the proposed Bill seems developer-driven. 'If you compare this proposed Bill to URA in other countries, there is no mention of developers in their URA. 'Ours seem to put developers at the forefront, leading the renewal programmes. 'What should be done is the government setting up an agency that overlooks these urban renewal programmes,' she said when contacted. Shuhana, who is also the Malaysian Urban Design Academy (Perekabandar) president, said this is why there is anxiety on the ground as property owners still have the sentiment that developers will not protect them. 'The sentiment on the ground is that people fear their homes will be demolished and replaced by high-rises that they cannot afford,' she said. Citing an example, Shuhana pointed to Kampung Baru — a once-thriving cultural enclave now overshadowed by surrounding development. 'Urban renewal shouldn't erase identity. It should protect it,' she said. A general view of the Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur April 26, 2025. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa On the ground, residents speak out Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali said even if 1 per cent do not agree to sell their property, this decision should be respected. 'Why are they (government) pushing for 75 per cent and 85 per cent. You must respect even if one individual refuses, you must be able to work through it. 'If it's going to benefit them in the long term without any financial implication without loss of anything, then that is okay. 'This is what the government must make clear, what the exact plan is and why are they pushing so hard for a lesser percentage. 'Even if 1 per cent objects, you have to be able to convince that one person. Yes, they want better homes, but not at the cost of the community and livelihood,' said Ali. Is there potential abuse of the URA? According to Jamalunlaili, there should not be any room for abuse of the Act as any redevelopment should follow what is stated in the existing local and structure plans. 'That's why they need to follow the zoning laws in the local plan — plot ratio, density, how many units. 'Taman Rimba Kiara is an example — it was protested due to zoning issues. So in other scenarios, if the local plan states a plot ratio of 1:8, developers cannot build more than that. 'There should not be any abuse of the URA as the local plan has laws and must be followed,' he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since said the proposed URA will protect the rights of property owners by ensuring fair and significantly higher compensation than is currently provided. He also said that the law aims to protect the rights and dignity of the people, particularly Malays in the cities, ensuring that the urban poor can live with greater dignity, rather than being left to live in overcrowded conditions for decades without resolution.
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
GTI Expo showcases next-gen VR thrills as Malaysia steps into global spotlight
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Malaysia is increasingly positioned as a future hotspot for cutting-edge virtual entertainment, as global manufacturers pivot their focus towards Southeast Asia in response to evolving market dynamics. This trend was illustrated at the recently concluded GTI South East Asia Expo held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, which offered a compelling glimpse into the future of fun by unveiling the latest advancements in amusement, recreation, and digital sports technology. Among the standout exhibitors capturing attention was MIXR (Mixed Reality Multiply in XR), a Chinese firm showcasing its innovative MXR simulation platform. This 'Glass-Free 9D Flying Theatre,' as described by MIXR representative Candy, immerses up to eight participants in a suspended, dome-screen environment, featuring experiences entirely developed in-house. Malay Mail tested MIXR's captivating underwater simulation, a journey featuring a cinematic tour of mythical Atlantis, a dramatic shark versus octopus battle, and a thrilling chase through oceanic depths. The visual effects were breathtaking, skillfully blending educational elements with immersive 3D visuals and a powerful soundtrack. Encounters with graceful whales, manta rays, and atmospheric sunken ruins created an experience blurring the lines between a high-tech museum exhibit and a theme park thrill ride. Game pods allow users to choose from various virtual experiences. — Picture by Raymond Manuel 'We are offering 20 different types of shows,' Candy explained. 'The space required is around 50 square metres, and the cost of the whole setup comes to approximately US$56,000 (RM242,000). You can customise it however you want, and so far, this product is not in Malaysia yet.' She added that their Guangzhou team developed the platform in just 45 days, building on eight years of R&D, with standard and 360-degree spinning VR rides also proving popular. The expo floor buzzed with a wide array of virtual sports machines, covering everything from tennis and football to golf and boxing. These quick, engaging experiences represent a growing alternative to traditional attractions. 'Price is a factor,' noted Cindy, a salesperson at one booth. 'Waiting hours for a roller coaster costing US$50 versus a quick wait for a 10–20 minute VR experience – many now prefer the latter. We've offered every sport possible in digital or virtual form and are seeing interest soar especially now in Southeast Asia after the tariffs.' Another significant draw was 'XR Mission Battleworld 2045,' an intense multiplayer virtual shooter from Japan's Nihon XR Center. Players don VR headsets and wield controllers to dodge missiles and battle robotic foes. 'Having launched in November 2024, we attracted 40,000 players in five months and won the 2024 Auggie Award,' said producer and CEO Taiga Thomas Kobayashi. He highlighted the accessible setup cost (under US$10,000 for four players) and ease of installation, noting the game was developed cost-effectively over 10 months by India-based talent maintaining Japanese quality standards. Visitors play the Battleworld 2045 VR game. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Andrew Lee, GTI Global Ambassador and Chairman of the Expo Organising Committees, emphasized the event's broader regional significance. 'This isn't just a KL expo anymore; it's for the region,' he said, pointing to exhibitors from Japan and Australia, and buyers flocking from the Middle East, India, and across Southeast Asia – including, for the first time, representatives from Sabah and Sarawak. This year's event, building on smaller versions in 2017 and 2018, deliberately focused on accessible entertainment options. 'Just like food and sleep, people need social interaction and enjoyment. That's why we're doing this. The amusement and attractions industry isn't a luxury, it's essential to how we live, especially in challenging times,' Lee added. He also sees Malaysia as an ideal testing ground for these concepts. 'Not every family can visit Legoland in Johor. But a local mall offering an immersive VR ride can be just as exciting and far more accessible.' Lee acknowledged that trade uncertainties, like US-China tariffs, are accelerating interest in Southeast Asia as both a market and production base, creating opportunities for regional collaboration and positioning Malaysia favourably due to its infrastructure. Beyond virtual realms, automation in the food and beverage sector also captured attention. A new generation of vending machines dispensing everything from customisable popcorn and cotton candy to hot pizza is gaining traction. Costing between US$2,000 and US$5,000, these units offer convenience, especially for time-pressed tourists, eliminating queues for quick snacks in resorts and urban centres, according to vendor Kiko. Following its success, the GTI South East Asia Expo will to return to Kuala Lumpur in April 2026.
Daily Express
25-04-2025
- Daily Express
IGP pledges full cooperation with MACC in RM15 million police false claims probe
Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: The Royal Malaysia Police is cooperating with the MACC after two officers were remanded over false claims involving the C4i system, following an internal audit that found improper payments, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Kuala Lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is ready to fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its investigation into two of its officers linked to false claims relating to the Command & Control, Communication & Computer Integration (C4i) system. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the two officers, with the rank of Superintendent and Inspector, have been remanded for seven days beginning yesterday. The Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department has also initiated financial audits into the C4i contract last year and found improper payments to a company before reporting it to the MACC for further action, he added. 'Whatever corruption related offences we (PDRM) find in investigations, we will work with the MACC, including this case,' he said when contacted yesterday. The MACC had remanded six individuals, in their 30s to 50s, including the two police officers, a company director and a chief finance officer over false claims totalling RM15 million. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
