Latest News from Sinar Daily
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Delay use of commercial LPG, burdens small traders
Rosol also stressed that any subsidy restructuring must be carried out cautiously, with clear communication and appropriate support incentives. The government is urged to postpone the mandatory use of 14-kilogramme commercial LPG cylinders for small traders. Inset: Rosol – Stock photo KUALA LUMPUR – The government has been urged to postpone the mandatory implementation of the use of 14-kilogramme commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for small traders, which took effect on May 1. Hulu Terengganu Member of Parliament Datuk Rosol Wahid said the move not only caused operational costs to surge by up to threefold but also put pressure on small traders already struggling to stay afloat. 'Many food business owners have complained to me that they previously spent around RM2,600 a month on gas, but now they are forced to bear costs reaching RM7,000 after being directed to use commercial LPG,' he said in a statement on Thursday. The former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) deputy minister said the situation worsened as many traders became targets of Op Gasak over the past three weeks, with some fined and their gas cylinders confiscated by the authorities. 'I sympathise with the plight of small traders who are not only burdened by the high cost of living but are now facing pressure from a hastily implemented policy by the Madani government,' he said. Rosol also stressed that any subsidy restructuring must be carried out cautiously, with clear communication and appropriate support incentives. 'The chain reaction from this cost increase will ultimately be borne by consumers. Don't be unjust to the people,' he added. Therefore, he urged the government to postpone the implementation until a targeted aid plan and suitable support measures are introduced for small traders. 'At the very least, the government must have a dedicated plan to ease the cost burden so that end users do not have to bear the sudden impact,' he said.
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
The skin I didn't expect: The extreme facial changes this mum faced during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a journey many women long for, a time often celebrated for its beauty, joy, and anticipation. But behind the glow often comes with expectant mothers lies a reality that is not always as picture-perfect. For Farah Faizal, a 28-year-old marketing manager, her second pregnancy has been both a blessing and an emotional challenge. "I've been married for almost four years, and this is my second pregnancy. I had a miscarriage once before, so this journey has felt even more personal and emotional," Farah shared to Sinar Daily. However, what she didn't anticipate were the unforeseen changes her body—and particularly her skin—would undergo. "The first thing I noticed was that my usual skincare routine just stopped working. I started waking up with new pustule-type acne every day and my skin felt itchy and looked like it was sunburnt," she explained. Surprisingly, these changes began even before Farah realised she was pregnant. By the fourth month, her skin condition worsened. 'My smile lines became more visible and I started looking older. Then by the sixth month, frown lines started forming and just kept getting deeper week by week,' she said. These changes took a significant toll on her emotionally, shaking the very foundation of her sense of self and confidence. "I felt so down and kept wondering, 'Why me?' I worried that maybe these changes were permanent," Farah said. The once-confident marketing manager found herself becoming self-conscious. 'I stopped taking pictures and didn't feel comfortable going out without wearing a mask to hide my face," she added. The emotional strain of these physical changes left Farah feeling overwhelmed, but she found solace in her support system. 'I opened up to my husband about how I was feeling, and he reminded me that this is temporary. His constant support, along with the love from people around me, helped me get through those tough moments,' she shared. Farah chose not to consult a dermatologist, as she had read that pregnancy limits treatment options. Instead, she turned to self-research. "I had read so many articles on my own, trying to figure out what was happening to my skin. There wasn't one specific trigger I could pinpoint, but I suspect it was mostly hormonal," she said. Farah tried adjusting her diet and avoiding products with strong ingredients, but the changes persisted. Accepting that these issues were hormonal helped her find peace. 'Knowing it's part of the process makes it a bit easier to accept,' she added. Reflecting on her journey, Farah expressed a desire for greater awareness about the less-discussed aspects of pregnancy. "I wish more people understood that pregnancy isn't just about the cute bump and baby kicks. There are so many changes - physical, emotional and mental - that we go through. Every woman's experience is different and all of them deserve to be acknowledged," she stressed. For Farah, the challenges have also brought a new perspective on strength and resilience. 'Carrying another human being inside your body is no small feat. I've come to realise how strong and resilient women are," she said. To mums-to-be, Farah offers a message of hope: 'You are not alone. You are seen. You are loved. Don't be too hard on yourself - you're doing amazing. This, too, shall pass.'
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
High time for government hospitals to introduce IORT for early cancer detection
At the moment, IORT is only available in university hospitals and private hospitals. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily It is time for government hospitals to include intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in their services, said Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali. She emphasised the need for accessible cancer treatment options, particularly for women who are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. "Government hospitals should have IORT facilities because there are so many women out there who need them,' she said while sharing her experience as breast cancer survivor at Prince Court recently. According to Prince Court Medical Centre Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur, IORT is not available in government hospitals. "At the moment, IORT is only available in university hospitals and private hospitals. It's a costly piece of equipment, but it is highly effective for early cancer cases. It's about time the government considers equipping hospitals with this technology," she said. IORT is a form of targeted radiation therapy delivered directly to the tumor site during surgery. It is particularly effective for small tumors less than three cm in size and in cases where lymph nodes are negative. Dr Harjit explained that it is ideal for strongly hormone-positive and HER2-negative cancers in women over the age of 45. One of the major advantages of IORT is its ability to cut down waiting times and reduce the duration of external radiation therapy. 'Women often wait for weeks or months for radiation treatments. With IORT, we can significantly shorten that time,' Dr Harjit said. In cases where patients do not fully meet the criteria for IORT, it can still be used in conjunction with external radiation therapy to reduce the overall treatment duration. 'Instead of five weeks, external radiation can be shortened to two weeks when combined with IORT,' she explained. Moreover, IORT offers nearly equal results to external beam radiation therapy while causing fewer side effects. 'It's a very useful tool, but not everyone is suitable for it. That's why careful evaluation of the tumor type, biology and patient age is critical,' Dr Harjit added. The introduction of IORT in government hospitals could be a game-changer for cancer care in Malaysia. By investing in this technology, the government can ensure that women from all walks of life have access to effective and timely treatment for early-stage cancers. 'The results show that IORT is the way forward. We urge the government to consider this seriously and make these facilities available in government hospitals,' Dr Harjit said. More Like This
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Ditch traditional cures, prioritise early cancer detection
Dr Siti Hasmah attributed her courage and determination to the steadfast support of her husband, former two-time Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Never believe in traditional 'bomohs' or 'tok bidan' who claim they have cures for cancer. It's disheartening that many still trust these methods and dismiss professional medical advice, advises Tun Dr Hasmah Women must move away from relying on traditional medicine for cancer treatment and instead prioritise professional medical care, advises Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali. Drawing from her own experience with breast cancer, she cautioned that seeking unverified treatments from traditional healers, or 'bomohs' and 'tok bidan,' only delays crucial medical intervention. "Never believe in traditional 'bomohs' or 'tok bidan' who claim they have cures for cancer. It's disheartening that many still trust these methods and dismiss professional medical advice. "The Malay community, in particular, is deeply affected by this reliance on traditional cures," she shared during a talk at Prince Court Medical Centre last week. Dr Hasmah recounted her journey overcoming breast cancer to highlight the importance of prompt medical consultation. 'It all begins with awareness and taking responsibility for our health. Women must understand that early detection not only saves lives but ensures better outcomes," she stated. She urged women to schedule annual check-ups, including mammograms and ultrasounds, as these screenings are vital for early detection. "If something feels wrong, don't ignore it. Take action immediately. A simple pain or lump could be a sign and waiting only makes things worse," she added. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily Prince Court Medical Centre Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur described that most breast cancers are painless, which can make them particularly insidious. Often, by the time symptoms appear and patients seek help, it may be too late. "Early detection through screenings like mammograms and ultrasounds is vital. These procedures are straightforward and could save countless lives," she said. Dr Hasmah also addressed the stigma surrounding breast cancer, observing that shame and fear continue to prevent women from seeking medical attention. 'Women often hesitate because the affected area is private, or they are scared of what the doctor might confirm. But if God has given us the pain, He has also given us the remedy. It is our responsibility to find that solution," she added. She commended young women who use reliable internet sources to educate themselves and confidently seek medical advice. 'There is a positive shift among the younger generation. Many are proactive, asking doctors the right questions and taking charge of their health,' she added. Reflecting on her personal battle, Dr Hasmah attributed her courage and determination to the steadfast support of her husband, former two-time Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "When the doctor brought the positive diagnosis report to my house, my husband was disappointed that I hadn't told him earlier. But he was proud of my determination to get well. His support meant the world to me," she added. Dr Hasmah passionately urged women to make their health and well-being a top priority in their lives. She emphasised the importance of overcoming fear and stigma, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. "To all women out there, don't be afraid. Seek help, get your check-ups, and take charge of your health. If you want a happy and long life with your family, fear and shame have no place in this journey," she said.
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Tun Dr Hasmah: Don't let fear or shame stop you from getting screened for breast cancer
Women continue to lag behind in early breast cancer detection, largely due to fear and shame, as the disease involves sensitive areas of the body. This stigma, combined with the discomfort of screening procedures, has left many women hesitant to seek medical help, an issue that must be urgently addressed, says Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali. "There are many reasons women avoid getting screened. One major factor is the mammogram itself. Women are afraid because it's so uncomfortable, especially for those with either too much or too little breast tissue, as the process requires the breast to be flattened like 'apam balik'. "Another factor is shame. Women feel embarrassed because breast cancer involves private parts, but this fear must be overcome. Early detection can save lives," she said while sharing her experience as a breast cancer survivor. Tun Hasmah also highlighted that many women prefer female doctors due to the intimate nature of breast cancer examinations. This preference can lead to delays if female doctors are unavailable. 'Women are very choosy and prefer female doctors because they feel shy to expose themselves to male doctors. But if a male doctor is the only option, I urge women not to let their shyness stop them. He is just a professional doing his job. Do not let shame or fear deter you from getting the help you need," she added. She also shared her personal experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 while on an official trip to Manila. "Pain was my first symptom. It was so unbearable that I immediately booked an appointment upon returning to Malaysia. My husband, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, didn't even know about it at the time," she revealed. Prince Court Medical Centre Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur pointed out the terrifying reality of breast cancer: it is often painless in its early stages. This lack of symptoms leads many women to delay screenings, only seeking help when it is too late. "Breast cancer is often silent. By the time a lump becomes painful, it's usually already advanced. That's why early detection is key. Regular mammograms and ultrasounds can catch the disease in its early stages. Ultrasounds are painless, quick and simple, making them an excellent option for annual screening," she said. Dr Harjit added that breast cancer knows no age limits. "It's not just older women who are affected. Younger women and even girls are being diagnosed with breast cancer today. Screening is crucial for everyone," she added. Tun Hasmah acknowledged that her journey was a fortunate one because she experienced pain—a symptom that pushed her to seek help early. She also advocated for advancements in mammogram technology to make the process more comfortable. 'The equipment must be improved to reduce discomfort. This would encourage more women to undergo regular screenings," she said. According to her, the stigma surrounding breast cancer must be eradicated and the conversation about early detection must be normalised. 'We need to educate women about the importance of regular check-ups and screenings,' said Tun Hasmah. 'Fear and shame have no place in the fight against breast cancer. Lives are at stake," she said. Dr Harjit echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of early intervention. "You can't avoid breast cancer if it's meant to happen, but you can catch it early and improve your chances of survival. Screening is the only way forward," she said.
