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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Alarming' birth rate decline threatens Malaysia's economic future
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's labour market is set to face "severe challenges" in 20 years if the downward trend in birth rates continues in an already ageing population, said an economist. Universiti Malaya's Faculty of Business and Economics Associate Professor Dr Tey Nai Peng said the country could begin to feel the impact of this imbalance within 10 to 15 years. By then, there will be more people aged 60 and above than those aged 18 to 59, a situation the associate professor in business and economics described as "alarming". Birth rates have been on a consistent downward trajectory since the 1960s, falling below replacement level in 2013. Between 2000 and 2023, live births dropped from 537,853 to 455,761. This year, the number of live births per quarter hit a record low — well below the 100,000 mark. According to Statistics Department data, there were only 93,500 live births in the first quarter of this year, compared with the 105,613 in the corresponding period a year ago. "With a shrinking working-age population, the demand for workers in critical sectors such as healthcare, eldercare, manufacturing and agriculture will intensify, leading to an even greater reliance on foreign labour. "This demographic imbalance will further weaken inter-generational support structures, placing an escalating burden on the shrinking working population. This burden includes healthcare and pension costs skyrocketing amid a shrinking taxbase. "While extending the retirement age from 60 to 65 may offer a temporary reprieve, the fundamental issue remains: fewer working-age individuals will be available to support a burgeoning older population." CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Tey said starting a family can be daunting due to the escalating cost of living, combined with stagnant wages. "This is compounded by the income insecurity due to job precarity for employees and irregular income for the self-employed. "Beyond costs, there is the growing embrace of individualism and changing lifestyle preferences." He said the dwindling birthrate was more pronounced in urban areas, where housing costs consumed a disproportionately large share of household income, leaving little for essential childcare, education and other child-related expenditures. "Societal pressure for quality education, including private tuition and enrichment activities, further exacerbates financial strain. "While the government offers a tax rebate of up to RM3,000 per child per year for childcare fees, and companies provide subsidies or workplace childcare, these measures are often insufficient to offset the overall burden." THE WAY FORWARD To help reverse the situation, Tey said government policies must support young adults to have more children. He pointed out that existing initiatives such as Bantuan Warga Emas (elderly assistance), healthcare subsidies, as well as various preferential discounts, were predominantly targeted at older adults. "In stark contrast, family support policies remain fragmented and often modest in their scope and impact. While housing affordability programmes, childcare support and family-friendly employment policies exist, they receive considerably less attention and investment relative to the magnitude of the fertility challenge." However, Tey said, money alone would not solve the issue. While countries like Singapore, South Korea and Japan invest billions in pro-natalist polices, they persistently have low fertility rates. This is because of deeply entrenched gender norms, intense work pressures and highly competitive educational environments that undermine efforts to encourage larger families. In contrast, France and Sweden have achieved relatively higher fertility rates thanks to comprehensive and long-standing family support systems, deeply ingrained gender-equal policies and robust work-life balance initiatives. He said Malaysia could take a leaf out of the book of European countries by increasing parental leave, providing childcare subsidies, encouraging flexible work arrangements and providing tax relief for families. Universiti Putra Malaysia Associate Professor in economics Dr Ida Md Yasin echoed Tey's concern. "For example, South Korea and Japan are among those ageing nations. In Japan, their productivity is impacted because fewer young people are working. "If you go to a fast-food restaurant there, the one serving you is an elderly person because there is a lack of young people," she said, adding that those nations had implemented immigrant-friendly policies due to a lack of talent. "If we are not careful, then we will end up like Japan at the end of the day."
Borneo Post
07-08-2025
- Borneo Post
Sabah inmates trained for hotel jobs in Prison Department's holistic rehabilitation programme
Tey (third left) presenting the job offer letter to Vivian. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 7): The Malaysian Prisons Department is intensifying its holistic rehabilitation efforts through the Modular Course in the Field of Hotel Operations, held in Sabah as part of its 2025 initiative. The 18-day programme, which focused on training in housekeeping, kitchen and stewarding services, involved 32 participants — 17 men and 15 women — from the Kota Kinabalu Central Prison and the Kota Kinabalu Women's Prison. Conducted according to real hospitality industry standards, the course was delivered in partnership with Mercure Hotel Kota Kinabalu and facilitated by certified trainers who completed a Training of Trainer (TOT) programme in February. At the closing ceremony held at the hotel on Thursday, three participants were awarded job offer letters — a significant milestone in their reintegration journey. Among them was 45-year-old Vivian, who was offered a housekeeping position. 'I didn't expect to be picked,' said the Tawau-born, Sino-Kadazan mother of one. Vivian, who was incarcerated for drug use and is due for release in October 2027, shared that she had turned to methamphetamine to stay awake during her previous job as a tyre saleswoman. 'Never ever take drugs. Even when you're too sleepy, find other alternatives such as coffee,' she advised. Sabah and Labuan Deputy Prisons Commissioner Tey Hock Soon said the programme reflects the department's focus on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment. 'It proves that we are committed to giving second chances. This not only reduces recidivism through economic stability, but also opens real opportunities for job placements,' he said. 'We want prospects to exit the correctional system not just free from prison walls, but also free from the shackles of stigma and prejudice,' he added. The course aims to equip participants with practical skills that improve their employability post-release, while also contributing to the hospitality industry's corporate social responsibility and societal reintegration of former inmates.
Daily Express
14-06-2025
- Daily Express
Effective steps needed for drug-related cases: Director
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Mohamaddin presenting a certificate to one of the recipients. LAHAD DATU: More effective prevention and treatment measures are needed to address the increasingly concerning issue of drug-related cases in the State. Sabah and Labuan Prison Director Tey Hock Soon said 70 per cent of prospects detained in prison are involved in drug abuse cases. Advertisement He described the figure as deeply worrying and stressed the need for more effective rehabilitation approaches. He said the rate of reoffending and return to prison for drug-related offences is also alarmingly high. 'On average, out of 10 individuals who enter and are released from prison, seven return for the same offence. 'This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of current rehabilitation methods,' he said at the 2025 Crime Prevention and Inmate Resilience Building Programme for Sabah Zone at Dewan Toh Puan Halidah, Lahad Datu Prison. Lahad Datu Prison Director PKK Kalbin Mohd Said was also present. The programme was attended by 49 individuals, comprising prospects and Licensed Freed Persons (OBB) from Lahad Datu Prison. Tey said more effective prevention and treatment measures are needed to tackle the issue of drug addiction and distribution. He said the Crime Prevention and Inmate Resilience Building Programme is one of the initiatives aimed at addressing this issue. The programme, he added, is seen as a long-term social investment in the effort to build a safer and more inclusive society. 'Through this programme, emphasis is placed on building resilience among prospects as a foundation for starting a more positive and productive life after release. 'The programme also gives prospects the opportunity to identify their personal potential and the triggers of their past criminal behaviour, as well as to develop skills for managing emotions and life stress more effectively,' he explained. Tey said the programme includes activities focused on improving interpersonal skills and providing strategic psychosocial support to help prevent reoffending. He added that the transformation of each prospect aligns with the vision of the Prisons Department to become a Centre for the Development of Humanitarian Civilisation. Meanwhile, Segama Assemblyman Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi expressed confidence that the prospects are capable of returning to society as changed individuals. He also called on the community to accept former inmates with an open heart and to give them a second chance to rebuild their lives. 'Those who are about to be released can indeed be trusted to become good individuals, and we believe they will reintegrate into society. 'Therefore, prospects should make full use of the support provided, especially from their families, communities, and relevant agencies that are ready to help them get back on their feet,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Award winning research project
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) achieved a significant milestone by winning 'Research Project of the Year: STEM' at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025, held on 22 April 2025 in Macao. The award was conferred in recognition of its groundbreaking project, 'Revolutionary 3D Multi-Material Printing System', led by Lee Kong Chian at the Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) together with academic Assoc Prof Dr Tey Jing Yuen and his research team. Their innovation transforms the landscape of additive manufacturing by offering a safer, cost-effective and environmentally friendly 3D printing solution that significantly lowers the barriers to entry for both industries and researchers alike. Dr Tey said, 'Conventional metal 3D printing relies on costly laser systems and expensive auxiliary support systems, which limit accessibility for smaller industries and researchers. 'We wanted to create a safer, eco-friendly alternative that lowers financial barriers. This project embodies our commitment to empowering local innovation through sustainable engineering solutions.' In demonstrating the versatility of the system, the team successfully produced 3D-printed articles using a variety of materials, including ceramic, stainless steel, copper, silicone, and other metal alloys-highlighting the technology's wide-ranging industrial applications. The successful team comprised of founder and managing director of Solid Lab Sdn Bhd Dr Bryan Cheong Chee Yuen, LKC FES academics Assoc Prof Dr Yeo Wei Hong and Assoc Prof Dr Tee Shiau Foon as well as postgraduate students Ang Xiang, Sean Fong Wei Zen, Lim Jeng Jit, Tan Xuan Qing and Leong Jia Wei. Together they developed an innovative technique that premixes metal powder with a liquid binder to form a semi-liquid mixture known as 'slurry'. This 'slurry' can be safely handled in open environments and printed directly. The method not only enhances safety and reduces environmental impact, but also cuts production costs by more than half compared to conventional laser-based 3D printing systems. The research project, supported by government and industry partners, has secured multiple accolades and international patent filings. Its impact is now being further realised through the establishment of Solid Lab Sdn Bhd, a UTAR spin-off company founded by the research team. Dr Tey emphasised, 'The founding of Solid Lab bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application. Our mission is to make advanced manufacturing a reality for everyone, unlocking new possibilities for industries while inspiring a new era of homegrown technological excellence.' With strategic partnerships in place and plans to expand across Southeast Asia, Solid Lab aims to position Malaysia as a regional leader in accessible and sustainable advanced manufacturing. The judging panel commended the project for its strong engineering foundation and far-reaching impact, stating that it opened the door to the technological potential of 3D-printing systems while ensuring cost efficiency, reducing environmental impact and facilitating technology transfer to the local industry. This win not only cements UTAR's reputation for innovation, but also marks a significant step in the university's ongoing contributions to impactful research. Visit UTAR Open Day on 10-11 May, 24-25 May and 31 May -1 June 2025 from 9am to 4.30pm at both Kampar and Sungai Long campuses. For more information, go to
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
SMEs urged to grab chance to grow
Mohd Jafni (second from left) speaking with Tey (centre, in white) and hawkers and petty traders who received tents from the state government during a ceremony at Johor Baru City Council. MICRO businesses as well as small and medium enterprises (SME) are urged to seize opportunities that come with the development of Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said JS-SEZ had the potential to contribute an additional US$28bil (about RM120bil) to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. He said the initiative spanning 11 key economic sectors was expected to see the start of about 50 projects in the first five years, with the number of projects going up to 100 in 10 years. 'This shows that JS-SEZ has many opportunities for SME and micro businesses to grab,' he said. The 11 key economic sectors under the JS-SEZ are manufacturing, logistics, food security, business services, tourism, energy, digital economy, green economy, financial services, education and health. During an interview, Mohd Jafni added that the state government, through its 16 local councils, had also been clamping down on the abuse of business licences to ensure that locals benefit from the economic activities. 'We have been running joint operations regularly to go after those abusing business licences, such as illegally renting them to foreigners,' he said. 'We want to ensure that the right people benefit from the state's development and this is the Johor government's priority.' Mohd Jafni highlighted that SMEs contributed 37% of the country's GDP and generated about 48% of the nation's workforce including in sectors such as services, manufacturing, agriculture and commerce. 'The state government recently distributed 6,000 units of tents worth RM3mil to petty traders and SME for the year.' He said the state government had also been collaborating with Bank Rakyat to assist businesses through the BR Johor Niaga financial scheme. As of March 31, 644 entrepreneurs had been accepted for the scheme, which had disbursed more than RM43.2mil since it was launched on March 22, 2023. The scheme allows eligible applicants to receive interest-free funding of between RM5,000 and RM50,000. The interest is fully borne by the state government. Johor Baru Small Business Association president Tey Tian Hwang urged eligible entrepreneurs to apply for the zero-interest scheme to upgrade and improve their businesses. 'SMEs, including hawkers and mobile traderswho are looking forward to the JS-SEZ implementation, should make plans to upgrade their businesses and uplift their services and image. 'With more developments, there will naturally be a higher demand for goods and services, which SMEs will stand to benefit from,' he said. Tey added that next year's Visit Johor Year promotion and completion of the Rapid Transit System Link, connecting Johor and Singapore by rail, would further boost the economy.
