Latest news with #UniversitiTeknologiMara
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Economists laud RM100 aid as timely respite for households
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's latest cost-of-living relief plan is drawing praise from economists, who say the RM100 one-off cash handout – expected to inject RM2.2 billion directly into the domestic economy – could provide an immediate boost in spending and ease the burden on struggling households. Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak, senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam, said the cash aid, which will be given to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, could act as a short-term economic stimulus, particularly for youths and low-income groups. 'With three adults in a household, that's RM300. It's a quick injection that could lift spending on retail, food and essentials and support small traders. 'But without follow-up measures such as job creation or sustainable financial aid, the effect may not last,' he told theSun. He said Anwar's broader cost-of-living package – including fuel subsidy adjustments, expanded food assistance and a freeze on toll hikes – signals the government's effort to tackle inflation and shield household income on several fronts. He highlighted the RM600 million boost for the Jualan Rahmah programme as one of the most strategic moves. 'By offering essential goods at discounted prices, this directly lowers household spending and helps cushion inflation.' Mohamad Idham also welcomed the toll hike postponement involving 10 highways, saying it would ease the burden on daily commuters and small business operators. 'This brings real relief, especially for those travelling long distances for work. It helps preserve consumer spending and dampens inflationary spillover. But ultimately, the government needs a more sustainable model for infrastructure financing.' On fuel subsidies, he said the government is on the right track. 'We welcome this, but the government should also explore targeted options, with added support for the M40 through tax breaks or tailored cash aid.' Economist Professor Geoffrey Williams described the cash handout a 'smart and meaningful' initiative that could serve as a test bed for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) framework. 'This is an unconditional, automatic cash transfer – no applications, no eligibility hurdles. That's the DNA of a UBI. 'If scaled up, it could evolve into monthly payments and pave the way for reforming the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) and SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) schemes.' Williams suggested Malaysia could even lead globally in rolling out a nationwide UBI model. 'If developed properly, it could be a bold signature of Anwar's social policy legacy.' He added that the move is financially viable, especially with savings from the ongoing subsidy rationalisation drive and would generate a ripple effect in local economies. 'For the B40 and lower M40 groups, RM100 is significant. Most of it will be spent in neighbourhood shops and stalls – directly stimulating grassroots demand. It can help lift consumer spending in the second half of the year.' Williams acknowledged the public's scepticism, but urged Malaysians to view the move on its merits. 'This is a solid step forward. The government deserves credit for it.' The RM100 cash aid, set to be disbursed via MyKad from Aug 31, is expected to benefit over 22 million Malaysians. It complements existing food subsidies, fuel support and frozen toll rates under the government's multi-pronged strategy to ease living costs.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Best foot forward: Nga struts out in Malaysian-made firemen's shoes
PETALING JAYA: While the "Made in Malaysia" product on labels can evoke a sense of pride in locals, a federal minister says the spotlight should be shifted to products that are "made by Malaysia". Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the Madani administration has made it a policy to buy products that are not only locally made but also designed by Malaysians. He also highlighted how he has been wearing shoes designed for the Fire and Rescue Department since he took over the ministry. According to Nga, the shoes were designed by a Universiti Teknologi Mara engineering graduate. "They are also regarded as medical shoes and also sold at the National Heart Institute," Nga said. He added that he has been wearing these shoes to promote local products and show solidarity with the Fire and Rescue Department. 'The quality of the shoes is amazingly good and the price is affordable,' he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Do not incite hatred through protests, says Anwar
NIBONG TEBAL: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Malaysians that while peaceful protests are a right in any democratic nation, actions that incite hatred and division undermine national unity and hinder progress. He said this is especially so if the incitement is along racial or religious lines. Speaking at the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration at Batu Kawan Stadium, Anwar addressed ongoing demonstrations calling for his resignation, acknowledging that public dissent is a legitimate part of democracy. "This is a democratic country. If people want to express dissatisfaction through protests, that is their right. I will not stop them," he said on Saturday (July 19). However, Anwar drew a firm line between peaceful protest and attempts to sow discord. "Acts of protest, defamation, and inciting hatred will not solve problems. Instead, they will only provoke anger among the people and prevent us from moving forward," he said. Anwar said that political discourse must remain civil and constructive and warned that divisive rhetoric could fracture the country's social fabric. He stated that those in positions of power should prioritise the needs and welfare of the people by addressing pressing issues and ensuring that no community, regardless of race, is left behind. Earlier, at the launching ceremony of the Tunas Madani and JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang Branch in Permatang Pauh, Anwar revealed that an announcement aimed at addressing the rising cost of living is expected next week. He said the Finance Ministry is in the final stages of refining several proposals that could be implemented immediately to help ease the burden on the people and tackle pressing economic concerns.
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FAI_1752895875.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that the upcoming announcement of an 'extraordinary tribute' to Malaysians is related to the government's efforts to ease the rising cost of living. However, Anwar said he needed a little more time to make the announcement, allowing his team under the Finance Ministry to prepare the 'surprise' in greater detail to ensure it is more comprehensive. "The problem our country is facing is the cost of living. We want to increase salaries and allowances for public servants by RM10 billion this year, and next year by an additional RM18 billion, plus the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) of RM13 billion, making it RM23 billion. "The increase (in cost of living) is not only happening in our country but worldwide, but I am looking for ways and efforts. "Every day at the Finance Ministry, we are working hard to find an approach that can be announced soon, specifically to address the cost of living. "Please wait. If not Monday, then Tuesday, within two to three days. The announcement must be significant. We are finalising the details now. Pray that it will be good," he said. He said this when speaking at the launch of the Bumiputera Master Plan, Tunas Madani and the JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang branch here today. Anwar recently sparked public interest after posting a mysterious teaser on his official Facebook page. The short message offered no further details, sparking widespread discussions.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Data-driven index for border control
PUTRAJAYA: The government has launched the National Border Security Index (IKSN) as a strategic mechanism to measure the effectiveness and preparedness of enforcement agencies guarding Malaysia's borders annually. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the index, developed by the Institute of Public Security of Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Mara, will utilise data from 31 enforcement agencies to produce a data-driven security performance score. 'What makes this index unique is that it's based on verified data provided by multiple agencies, not just the usual enforcement bodies,' he said after the ministry's monthly assembly yesterday. He said the ministry built a cloud-based system where these agencies upload data twice a year based on key indicators that were set. The data will then be compiled and analysed. He said the IKSN comprises 58 indicators across sectors, including immigration, maritime security, customs enforcement and anti-smuggling operations. 'The index operates on a five-tier scale: (0.00-1.0) Very Safe; (1.1-2.0) Safe; (2.1-3.0) Moderately Safe; (3.1-4.0) Less Safe; and (4.1-5.0) Unsafe,' he said. 'Twelve types of cross-border crimes were identified under the index, including illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug and firearms smuggling and kidnapping for ransom (KFR).' Saifuddin Nasution added that KFR and sea robberies are recorded in the best tier so far, with a score of 0.00, followed closely by firearms smuggling at 0.22. He also stressed that the IKSN would serve as a blueprint for asset deployment, personnel allocation and budget planning.
