Smuggled parrots signal ever-growing conflict between wildlife and humans

Dozens of smuggled parrots stuffed in plastic bottles were found on a ship docked in Indonesia’s eastern region of Papua last week. Police said the crew discovered 64 live parrots and 10 deceased ones after hearing noises coming from inside a large box.The destination of the parrots found in the port town of Fakfak was unclear, a local police spokesman told AFP news agency.The saved birds were black-capped lories, a type of parrot native to New Guinea and nearby islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It is a protected species in Indonesia but its beautiful plumage makes it highly sought-after in the illegal exotic pets trade, said Elizabeth John from the wildlife trade watchdog Traffic.“Indonesia perhaps leads the charge in bird smuggling interceptions in the region, but what is needed is more arrests and a true crackdown of the players from source to market,” she told the BBC.Captured wild birds are sold at giant markets in Indonesia’s major cities or smuggled abroad for sale as pets and status symbols.It’s not the first time that birds have been discovered hidden inside plastic bottles. In 2015 Indonesian police arrested a man who was trying to smuggle 21 yellow-crested cockatoos, an endangered bird, in bottles. In 2017 Indonesian authorities found 125 exotic birds forced inside drainpipes after wildlife raids.Conservation experts say the coronavirus pandemic is a watershed moment for curbing the global wildlife trade, which can spread disease and lead to extinction.Dirk Pfeiffer of Hong Kong City University says the real problem is the demand. “The people who are smuggling the birds from the wild, that’s an important source of income for them. Pushing the trade underground is not the solution.”Andrew Cunningham, deputy director of science at the Zoological Society of London, said, “This sort of way that we treat animals as if they’re just our commodities for us to plunder – it comes back to bite us and it’s no surprise.”To prevent another pandemic in the future, Cunningham says, the focus must be on the causes. At the root of the problem is the destruction of nature, bringing animals and humans into conflict.“Even in protected forests, the forests are still there, but the wildlife’s gone from within them because they have ended up in markets,” he says. “And it’s easy to finger point, but it’s not only happening in China, it’s happening in many other countries and even in the western world. Many people like to have exotic pets and too many of those are wild caught. We in the West ought to be putting our own house in order too.”


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Indian and Vietnamese warships drill together in disputed South China Sea

The Indian navy last week sent a warship to hold joint exercises with Vietnamese warships to assert navigation rights on the South China Sea as both countries try to boost maritime cooperation amid rising border disputes with China, reports the Deccan Herald.The INS Kiltan, an anti-submarine corvette, took part in a two-day passage exercise with the Vietnamese navy after it arrived at Ho Chi Minh City to deliver humanitarian assistance for those affected by typhoon floods in central Vietnam.The Indian navy’s assertion of navigation rights is along the lines of the Freedom of Navigation patrols that the US navy regularly performs in the South China Sea to challenge Chinese territorial claims.Beijing, which has made expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea and militarised islands there, has watched the exercises with a wary eye.Liu Zongyi of the Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS) wrote in the state-sponsored China Military Online that the joint operation is a bid by India to exert pressure on China through the South China Sea, to force it to back off from eastern Ladakh.The Indian and Chinese militaries are locked in a stand-off in the Himalayan border region of Ladakh after Chinese soldiers intruded into territory claimed by both countries. A border clash in Galwan in June killed about 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese soldiers.Both nations have stationed thousands of troops in the freezing heights and have dug in for the long haul, recent media reports have said.Zongyi added that India’s recent strengthening of military cooperation with Vietnam and Indonesia and building of military facilities near the Melaka Strait was with an “important purpose of guarding against China, even throttling its development”.Vietnam also has maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea region.China claims sovereignty over the region and its vast reserves of oil and gas, but Vietnam has made counterclaims, along with other littoral states like Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.


Rosmah’s lawyer questions validity of AG’s letter on Sri Ram’s appointment as DPP

The High Court in Kuala Lumpur was today told that Rosmah Mansor’s trial over a solar hybrid project is a nullity as Attorney-General (AG) Idrus Harun had issued a backdated letter on the appointment of Gopal Sri Ram as lead prosecutor in the case.Rosmah’s counsel Jagjit Singh said according to the letter produced by the prosecution to the court today, the letter was signed by the current AG on May 21, 2021 to appoint Sri Ram as senior deputy public prosecutor effective Aug 30, 2018.“In the letter, Idrus said Sri Ram could exercise all or any right and power vested in him (Idrus) under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) or any written law as provided under Section 376 (3) of the CPC and specifically to conduct the prosecution in Rosmah’s solar case including any other criminal applications and appeals related thereto,” he said.Jagjit said Idrus was a Court of Appeal judge on Aug 30, 2018, and he was appointed the AG on March 6, 2020.“Idrus cannot issue a backdated letter when he was not the AG at that time (Aug 30, 2018). Based on the letter issued on May 21, the trial is a nullity,” he said in his submissions at the hearing of Rosmah’s bid to nullify her RM1.25 billion corruption trial over the solar hybrid project and to disqualify Sri Ram as lead prosecutor in the case.Jagjit also argued that a new letter issued by the AG was an afterthought and that therefore Sri Ram’s appointment was illegal, irregular and defective.Rosmah, 69, filed the applications after the Court of Appeal on April 8 allowed her appeal to obtain a copy of Sri Ram’s appointment letter following the prosecution’s agreement to provide it to the defence team.Rosmah brought the matter up for appeal after the High Court dismissed her application over Sri Ram’s appointment letter on Aug 19 last year.The appointment letter was not dated on or before Nov 15, 2018, the day Rosmah was charged in court, and was not signed by then attorney-general Tommy Thomas.Instead, the letter was dated July 8 last year and signed by Idrus.The hearing before judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan continues on Thursday.


Guidelines won’t stop abuse of SOP law, say rights lawyers

Rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) today criticised the RM10,000 compound for SOP offences, saying the punishment under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 remains open to abuse despite the guidelines announced by law minister Takiyuiddin Hassan last week.It said those who are issued summonses for misdemenours such as failure to wear face masks or to observe physical distancing would still be “at the mercy of enforcement officers”.“They could still face a maximum compound of RM1,500, an exorbitant amount that is higher than the nation’s current minimum wage,” LFL coordinator Zaid Malek added.“The supposed appeal process is also of no help as it only creates unnecessary bureaucracy that may pave the way for administrative abuse. This is made worse by the ill-defined categories of offences listed under the guidelines which will lead to confusion and inconsistency in its implementation.”Takiyuddin, at a press conference on March 17, said offences would be categorised as serious, moderate or normal, with compound amounts corresponding to the severity of the offence.He also laid out hypothetical scenarios as examples and said that discounts would be given to those who pay their compounds within a week or two of the date of issue.He said the government would also take into consideration appeals for a reduction in compound by persons with disabilities, those in the B40 group, students, and the chronically ill.Zaid said those who had already been issued summonses and who had paid the compound in excess of the amount stated in the SOP would have already suffered financial setback without any recourse.“The guidelines introduced by the law minister on March 17, almost three weeks after the ordinance was gazetted and one week after it came into force, are irrefutable evidence that the ordinance was enacted without proper consideration of the ramifications it might have on the public at large,” he added.In a statement, he also noted the rule that criminal penalties should be proportionate to the gravity of the offence.“It is disheartening that the law minister, despite his own legal background and access to the legal minds within the Attorney-General’s Chambers, chooses to ignore this cardinal rule of proportionality of penal provisions,” he said.“We urge the government to cease implementing piecemeal and ineffective laws that lack any clear purpose and place excessive burden to the public. While there is a need to ensure compliance with SOPs, the penalties must be commensurate to the gravity of the offence and failure to do so is a direct affront to the Federal Constitution.”


Global daily Covid-19 deaths top 10,000, tally shows

More than 10,000 people worldwide have died from the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours as both Europe and the US are battling a second wave of the pandemic, according to an AFP tally on Thursday.With 10,010 recorded in the past 24 hours, it is the first time since the start of the pandemic that the daily number of deaths worldwide has surpassed the symbolic level of 10,000.The European region including Russia accounted for nearly half of those deaths, with 4,961 fatalities in a single day, Latin America and the Caribbean registered 1,868 and the US 1,330.In all, the novel coronavirus has killed at least 1,285,160 people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to the tally compiled by AFP from official sources.At least 52,151,580 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 33,563,800 are now considered recovered.The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections. Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.Based on latest reports, the countries with the most new deaths were the US with 1,330 new deaths, followed by Italy with 623 and the UK with 595.The US is the worst-affected country with 241,808 deaths from 10,402,274 cases. At least 3,997,175 people have been declared recovered.After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 163,373 deaths from 5,748,375 cases, India with 128,121 deaths from 8,683,916 cases, Mexico with 96,430 deaths from 986,177 cases, and the UK with 50,365 deaths from 1,256,725 cases.The country with the highest number of deaths compared to its population is Belgium with 119 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Peru with 106, Spain 86 and Brazil 77.China – excluding Hong Kong and Macau – has to date declared 86,299 cases, including 4,634 deaths and 81,252 recoveries. Latin America and the Caribbean overall has 417,104 deaths from 11,817,331 cases, Europe 322,177 deaths from 13,625,939 infections, and the US and Canada 252,477 deaths from 10,678,117 cases.Asia has reported 179,581 deaths from 11,255,051 cases, the Middle East 66,603 deaths from 2,824,871 cases, Africa 46,277 deaths from 1,920,306 cases, and Oceania 941 deaths from 29,974 cases.As a result of corrections by national authorities or late publication of data, the figures updated over the past 24 hours may not correspond exactly to the previous day’s tallies.


14 bodies found washed up on Myanmar beach

The bodies of 14 people have washed up on a beach in Myanmar, police told AFP on Monday, with the UN Refugee Agency citing reports that the deceased include Rohingya children.At least 17 people are feared dead after their boat capsized, according to the UNHCR.A rescue organisation said the group had been attempting to reach Malaysia.“Fourteen dead bodies were found, and 35 people including the boat owners were rescued alive,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tun Shwe, a police spokesperson in Pathein district, around 200km (124 miles) west of Yangon.Although the full details remain unclear, the UNHCR said the boat reportedly left Sittwe in western Myanmar on May 19 and encountered rough waters, capsizing two days later.A member of Myanmar Rescue Organization Pathein who requested anonymity said eight bodies were found on Sunday on a beach around three hours from the district capital.A Rohingya activist told AFP that 12 women and two boys had died.The boat had been carrying people from the western Myanmar towns of Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Sittwe, the activist added, also requesting anonymity.Survivors told the rescue group that 61 people had been on board the vessel, leaving 12 still missing.Those who were saved were being held at the Pathein police station, spokesperson Tun Shwe said.He did not say whether any would be charged – as sometimes happens to Rohingya caught trying to flee Myanmar.“The latest tragedy shows once again the sense of desperation being felt by Rohingya in Myanmar and in the region,” said Indrika Ratwatte, UNHCR’s Director for Asia and the Pacific.Perilous journeysHundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fled a military crackdown in Buddhist-majority Myanmar in 2017, bringing with them harrowing stories of murder, rape and arson.In March, the US said that violence against the community amounted to genocide with clear evidence the military had attempted to “destroy” the group.The Rohingya still in Myanmar are widely seen as interlopers from Bangladesh and are largely denied citizenship, many rights and access to healthcare and education.The leader of Myanmar’s junta, Min Aung Hlaing – who was head of the armed forces during the 2017 crackdown – has dismissed the Rohingya identity as “imaginary”.Each year, hundreds of Rohingya make perilous, months-long boat journeys to other parts of Southeast Asia, often during the November-March period when the sea is safest for the small trawlers used by traffickers.Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the favoured destination as it hardly hosts a sizeable Rohingya diaspora.Those caught are often sent to detention centres, which rights groups say are typically overcrowded and filthy.Hundreds of Rohingya migrants escaped a detention centre in Malaysia last month after a riot broke out, with six killed on a highway as they fled, authorities said.


Umno’s Ahmad Maslan drops out of race for deputy speaker

Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan has withdrawn his candidacy for deputy speaker, Bernama reported today, hours after the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition said it would not support any constitutional amendments to provide for a third such position in the Dewan Rakyat.Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament building today, he said the decision was to allow him to focus more on his duties as Umno secretary-general, especially during the ongoing political uncertainty.He also said he wanted more freedom to voice his opinions in the Dewan Rakyat.“I love giving opinions. If I were to sit in the deputy speaker’ chair, what can I really say? Just telling people to sit, to leave… my active function (as MP) cannot be performed,” he said.He said he had notified law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and speaker Azhar Harun of his decision earlier today.MalaysiaNow previously reported that Umno leaders aligned with former prime minister Najib Razak were pushing for Ahmad to be given the post of deputy speaker following the resignation of Azalina Othman Said in August.Ahmad himself was said to have agreed, with Padang Rengas MP Nazri Aziz saying the Pontian MP would be the candidate of the government bloc for the post of deputy speaker.But concern had been voiced over the prospect of obtaining the support of government MPs, especially from PN.PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin had made it clear that his coalition would not back individuals facing criminal charges for any role in the administration.While Ahmad was recently acquitted of a money laundering charge, MalaysiaNow reported early this month that the six PN parties had decided not to support Umno’s plan to nominate him for the post of deputy speaker.Ahmad, among the staunchest supporters of former prime minister Najib Razak’s attempts to dislodge the PN-led government in August, had paid a RM1.1 million compound slapped on him by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which the anti-graft body said was a form of asset recovery.The prosecution subsequently withdrew two charges against him, that of money laundering for failing to declare money he had received, and another for giving false statements to MACC.


India prepares for ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ Nivar

Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in low-lying areas of southern India and moved to evacuation shelters to escape cyclone Nivar as it nears the region’s coast.Nivar, now categorised as a very severe cyclonic storm, is expected to bring heavy downpours after slamming ashore near Mamallapuram and Karaikal in Tamil Nadu state, the Indian Meteorological Department said. The storm, with sustained winds of 120kph and gusts of up to 145kph is likely to damage crops, trees, and houses, it said.SN Pradhan, the director of India’s National Disaster Response Force, said thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed in coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry states, ready for any damage the cyclone brings.State governments have cancelled flights and trains as a precaution.In Tamil Nadu’s capital, Chennai, authorities said they are closely monitoring the level of reservoirs and lakes to avoid a repeat of floods in 2015, when nearly 430 people died in the state, according to ABC News.In May, nearly 100 people died after Cyclone Amphan, the most powerful storm to hit eastern India in more than a decade, ravaged the region and left millions without power.


PN ministers turn to Agong to oppose early GE moves

Cabinet members from Bersatu and PAS have penned a letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to voice their disagreement to calls by Umno leaders for the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the next general election this year.
It is understood that all 12 ministers from both parties, which are part of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, signed the Oct 3 letter to Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, in a sign that the Cabinet is divided over any move to dissolve Parliament.
The letter, received by the palace yesterday, cited among others the Malaysian Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) forecast of heavy rain and floods due to a monsoon transition in the weeks ahead, which could coincide with the general election season leading up to polling day if Parliament is dissolved in the near future.
It also called for a focus on economic recovery following more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
There has been intense speculation that Ismail Sabri Yaakob could advise the Agong to dissolve the Parliament in the days to come, as the prime minister comes under growing pressure from a faction of Umno leaders aligned with party chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, together with his deputy Mohamad Hasan and jailed former leader Najib Razak, have been the biggest proponents for polls to be held this year.
The 15th general election is due around the middle of next year.
PN and opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) have strongly protested any move to call for polls, saying the focus should be on the economy as it recovers from the pandemic, as well as preparations for the annual floods, which last year claimed scores of lives and left billions of ringgit in property losses.
Yesterday, PH announced that Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan – the three states under its control – would not dissolve their state assemblies in tandem with the dissolution of Parliament, saying elections at the state level would only be called next year so that authorities could prioritise flood preparations.
Last week, MetMalaysia warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms through to November, as the country moves through the monsoon transition phase following the end of the southwest monsoon period.
"During the monsoon transition phase, the country will experience weak winds from all directions, conducive to thunderstorms that usually bring heavy rain and strong winds within a short period of time.
"Such incidents occur mainly in the evening and early night in most areas of states on the west coast, the interior of the peninsula, west Sabah and central Sarawak," it said, adding that these weather conditions could cause flash floods and damage to unsound structures.


Tourism industry staggers under MCO 2.0

Putrajaya’s announcement of an extension to the movement control order (MCO) re-implemented in mid-January to address the spread of Covid-19 has compounded the hardships of those in the tourism industry who have been struggling to stay afloat amid hotel shutdowns and job losses from movement restrictions and border closures.Malaysian Association of Hotels chief Yap Lip Seng said the situation would only worsen with the country’s return to MCO, now extended until Feb 18.Speaking to MalaysiaNow, he said there were still no signs of the government reopening the borders to allow the entry of foreign tourists.“We have crossed into February 2021 now without any plans to reopen international borders because we are still under MCO,” he said.“The tourism industry is losing hope of any recovery in the near future given the lack of tourists, whether foreign or local.”He said more than 90 hotels across the country had been forced to shut down due to the various instalments of movement restrictions put in place since March last year, when the first MCO was announced.“The tourism industry is losing hope of any recovery in the near future given the lack of tourists, whether foreign or local.”“Some shut down completely while others closed temporarily until the situation improves.”More than 12,000 hotel workers have also been given the pink slip while others have suffered pay cuts or been told to take unpaid leave, he said.Zuraidah Zuraimi is one of the thousands affected by the collapse of the tourism industry.She used to work as a chef at a hotel in Genting Highlands, Pahang, one of the country’s biggest tourist hotspots. But when the management could no longer afford to pay its workers, she and 13 others were let go.Zuraidah has five siblings to support, all of whom are still schooling. She takes care of them at their aunt’s house in Penang as their parents are in Perak.The family was forced to separate after her father was diagnosed with Covid-19. He is currently undergoing home quarantine.In order to put food on the table and to continue paying for her sibling’s school fees, the 27-year-old began an online cake business called “Bakery Chef Eyda”.“After I was let go, I tried looking for another job but until now I have been unable to find anything. That is why I decided to open an online business,” she told MalaysiaNow.Sharifah Nazirah Syed Zainol Abidin, a public relations manager at a hotel in Selangor, is thankful that she still has her job although she must now adjust to working from home.But while the management did not sack any of the hotel’s 1,000-plus workers, their salary was cut by 20%.She told MalaysiaNow the management had launched a monthly online bazaar initiative to help the workers generate more income.“We can sell any items or food among the staff,” she said. “This has helped us earn more money, up to RM1,800.”MalaysiaNow’s efforts to reach Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Nancy Shukri for comment have so far failed.


Lecturer named children's commissioner

The government has named academic Farah Nini Dusuki as the children's commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.
In a statement, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said said Farah, who is also the brother of Umno's Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, has more than 30 years of experience in the field of human rights and child law.
She did her post-graduate studies thesis on socio-legal issues to protect children from abuse and neglect.
"The government hopes that with the appointment of Farah Nini as children's commissioner, various children's issues that occur in Malaysia will be given more attention to ensure that the basic rights, as well as the safety and well-being of children in our country, are always protected," Azalina said.


New Delhi extends Covid-19 lockdown as India cases hit new record

India’s capital New Delhi on Sunday extended its lockdown as the country’s Covid-19 crisis grew with infections and deaths hitting record highs.The vast nation of 1.3 billion people recorded 349,691 fresh cases and 2,767 deaths – the highest since the start of the pandemic.The northern megacity – home to 20 million people and the worst-hit in India – had imposed a weeklong lockdown on Monday as hospitals beds and oxygen supplies ran out.“We have decided to extend the lockdown by one week,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a video statement.“The havoc of corona(virus) continues and there is no respite. Everyone is in favour of extending the lockdown.”The announcement came as the healthcare system struggled to cope with the huge spike in cases, with reports of overwhelmed hospitals, severe oxygen and medicine shortages, and patients’ families pleading for help on social media.There has been growing criticism of the government over allegations that it was caught underprepared ahead of the surge.On Sunday, Twitter confirmed it had withheld dozens of tweets critical of the unfolding crisis at the request of the Indian government.The social media giant said the tweets were blocked in India after a legal demand from New Delhi, months after similar action was taken against comments critical of the government’s new agriculture laws that had sparked violent protests.Some tweets involve remarks, including from regional opposition lawmakers, about the overwhelmed healthcare system, which has seen patients die from oxygen shortages.“When we receive a valid legal request, we review it under both the Twitter Rules and local law,” Twitter said in a statement.“If the content violates Twitter’s rules, the content will be removed from the service. If it is determined to be illegal in a particular jurisdiction, but not in violation of the Twitter rules, we may withhold access to the content in India only.”In the last seven days, India has recorded more than two million cases – an increase of 58% on the previous week, according to data compiled by AFP.Other Indian cities under lockdowns, night curfews, or other restrictions to try and contain the spread of the virus include the financial hub Mumbai.The government has stepped up its efforts to provide oxygen supplies through special trains and airlifts of containers from other countries.


Fewer buses going all through town leave waiting commuters tapping their feet

Commuters in the Klang Valley who depend on the network of public transportation services in order to get around have found themselves chasing fewer buses and waiting for longer stretches as mass transit operators struggle to adjust to the restrictions imposed under the various phases of lockdown introduced since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.Speaking to MalaysiaNow, they said waiting times for buses, especially, had increased during the pandemic.Rani, 60, said the minimum waiting period for a RapidKL bus in her neighbourhood is at least half an hour.“You have to wait at least 30 minutes if you miss a bus,” she added. “I often wait up to an hour because the buses don’t show up on time.”The senior citizen who is based in Shah Alam said travelling by bus to work in Petaling Jaya or Kuala Lumpur can end up being an exasperating experience for those who do not have the luxury of their own car. A lot of time is spent just waiting for the bus to arrive.During peak hours, she said, it can take up to two hours to reach Kuala Lumpur if traffic is heavy.Checks at several bus stations found fewer buses in operation with longer waiting times.A 50-year-old man who asked to remain anonymous told MalaysiaNow he uses the bus to get around the city on a regular basis.The problem, he said, is that bus operations in some parts of the Klang Valley are not reliable.“We only have access to buses here, whereas in some places people can use trains instead which is a lot better.“Buses these days just don’t show up on time. The estimated arrival time you see at the bus station is not always accurate.”This makes life especially challenging for those who must rely on buses to get around.When contacted, a spokesman for Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the company that manages public transportation in the country, said services had been reduced in the Klang Valley due to a drop of over 60% in ridership since the first movement control order (MCO) last March.Osman Amir said this had contributed to the longer waiting times.Bus operations have also been slowed down by the roadblocks set up across the Klang Valley to prevent attempts at crossing district lines which is prohibited under the MCO.Osman acknowledged that the reduction in services had had an impact on bus routes in the city but said these services are being gradually increased in tandem with the increase in ridership.He added that the team had increased efforts to ensure that buses depart from the first stop based on the planned schedule.“As of April, our overall punctuality record stood at 88%,” he said.The company has also introduced a mobile app called “Pulse by Prasarana” which can help customers plan their journey.“This will enable them to minimise the time they spend waiting for buses, consider alternative trip options, and track buses,” he said.But with stricter SOPs implemented under the MCO which sees public transportation capped at 50% capacity and scheduled at reduced frequencies, bus users may just have to strap in and wait – at least for now.


Britain to apply to join Asia-Pacific free trade bloc

Britain said it is to apply to join a massive 11-nation free-trade bloc of Asia-Pacific countries this week, not long after quitting the European Union’s single market.International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will formally request Monday for Britain to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a market representing half a billion people and roughly 13.5% of the global economy.The move comes a year after Britain left the European Union, ending more than 40 years of membership, and after five years of complex trade discussions with the bloc.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the potential new partnership would “bring enormous economic benefits for the people of Britain”.“Applying to be the first new country to join the CPTPP demonstrates our ambition to do business on the best terms with our friends and partners all over the world and be an enthusiastic champion of global free trade,” he said.Negotiations between the UK and the partnership – which represents 11 Pacific Rim nations including Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico and Vietnam – are expected to start this year, the trade department said.But opposition Labour party shadow international trade secretary Emily Thornberry questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the pact.After five years of debate over Brexit trade agreements, she said people would question the British government’s decision “to rush into joining another one on the other side of the world without any meaningful public consultation at all.”“At present, Liz Truss cannot even guarantee whether we would have the right to veto China’s proposed accession if we join the bloc first,” she said.‘Enormous opportunities’Truss said joining the CPTPP would offer “enormous opportunities”.Britain has already made agreements with CPTPP members such as Japan and Canada in the wake of Brexit and, according to British media reports, CPTPP nations accounted for around 8% of UK exports in 2019.Truss said the deal will mean lower tariffs for car manufacturers and whisky producers, and would also deliver “quality jobs and greater prosperity for people here at home”.Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Truss praised the arrangements of the CPTPP in comparison to the EU, where Britain was subject to bodies like the European Court of Justice.“There aren’t the strings attached so we wouldn’t have a court making judgments, we wouldn’t have any control over our borders lost, we wouldn’t be paying any money in,” she said.Karan Bilimoria, president of the UK’s largest business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the move marked a “new chapter for our independent trade policy”.“Membership of the bloc has the potential to deliver new opportunities for UK business across different sectors,” he said.The CPTPP was launched in 2019 to remove trade barriers among the 11 nations representing nearly 500 million consumers in the Asia-Pacific region in a bid to counter China’s growing economic influence.The partnership is an updated version of a giant deal originally backed by former US president Barack Obama.The United States pulled out of the agreement under Donald Trump’s presidency – turning away from what he viewed as unfavourable multilateral deals – but 11 countries eventually agreed to sign the new version.Britain’s departure from the European single market at the end of 2020 brought to an end the one-year Brexit transition period it had agreed with the EU. And the UK is seeking to advance the brand of “Global Britain” in 2021.The UK holds the rotating presidency of the G7 in 2021 and takes over the presidency of the UN Security Council in February.


Conflict of interest, loose land transactions involving DBKL, says PAC

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had not followed any SOPs in the sale of 97 pieces of land in the city.Wong Kah Woh, chairman of the bi-partisan parliamentary committee, said the process was loose, open to abuse, and did not protect the interests of DBKL and the residents of Kuala Lumpur.PAC also found that DBKL had no SOPs for the disposal or sale of its land, he said.“Only after 2015 did DBKL improve its process for the sale and disposal of land by empowering the Privatisation Committee through the arrangement of checklists with more detailed procedures and ISO certification (in 2017),” he said in a statement.The statement was in response to the debate on the PAC report on the transactions of DBKL, which is under the purview of the federal territories ministry.From April 4 to Nov 12, PAC had called up former federal territories minister Khalid Samad, former attorney-general Tommy Thomas, former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Mohd Shukri Abdull, and former Kuala Lumpur mayor Nor Hisham A Dahlan.Wong said PAC also found that the draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 approved by the ministry was different from the draft plan presented to the public in 2008, and that the draft plan was gazetted before the necessary feedback was obtained.He said DBKL issued more than 400 development orders while waiting for the green light from the federal territories ministry for the plan, which had a negative effect on the environment, the conversion to commercial zones, and improvements to density including the plot ratio.He said PAC also found that the management of the Federal Territories Foundation (YWP), which had a land purchase deal with DBKL, was open to conflict of interest as the federal territories minister and Kuala Lumpur mayor were its chairman and board member.The management of YWP as a company registered under the Companies Act 1965 could not be monitored by any authority including the National Audit Department, he added.PAC urged the government to ensure that the sale and disposal of land owned by DBKL is done in an open and transparent manner and according to comprehensive SOPs.It also called for a review of the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 to take into account the changes made from the original draft.Wong said PAC also recommended that YWP’s role be reviewed in line with its mission of protecting the interests of Kuala Lumpur residents, and that its status be changed to that of a statutory body to enable the government to monitor it more effectively.


The thorns behind the rosy promises of trans-pacific trade pact

A debate is brewing on whether the new trans-pacific trade pact will have more negative effects than benefits for Malaysia in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc on the economic, social and health fronts.The impetus for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the precursor to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), was a 2005 trade pact between a small group of Pacific Rim countries: Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore.In 2008, then-president George W Bush announced that the US would open trade talks with this group, leading Australia, Vietnam and Peru to join as well.As talks progressed, the collective expanded to include Canada, Japan, Malaysia and Mexico, taking the total to 12 countries.However, the deal was never ratified by the US Congress, and President Donald Trump formally withdrew from the TPP on his first full day in office in January 2017.With the US’ withdrawal, the agreement morphed into the CPTPP. While much of the CPTPP remains unchanged, there are several notable differences, the most substantive of which concerns intellectual property.In TPP negotiations, Washington pushed for longer copyright terms, automatic patent extensions, and protection for new technologies including biologics – a cutting-edge medical technology.When opposed by other participants, these provisions were removed from the CPTPP although aspects such as investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions remained.But CPTPP members say the provisions have only been suspended, a distinction intended to signal that they could be reinstated if the US decides to rejoin.Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has stated that he would consider US participation if the terms are revised while stressing the importance of the US writing the rules on trade.‘No gain without US’According to economist KS Jomo, though, any real trade gains from the original TPP have been reduced with the withdrawal of the US.“Without the US market, the TPP’s supposed benefits largely disappear,” he said in a recent email commentary.Malaysia’s merchandise imports have been outpacing exports for the last 10 years. Trade balance went from US$34 billion in 2010 to US$23 billion in 2015 and US$22.6 billion in 2017.If Malaysia ratifies the CPTPP without participation from the US, this scenario is likely to continue. The US, as the largest trading partner for CPTPP countries, held the maximum weight in terms of economic gains and losses for partner nations.“Without the US market, the TPP’s supposed benefits largely disappear.”Exports to CPTPP partners would increase only marginally as agreements are already in place with top export destinations such as Japan, Singapore and Australia which account for approximately 84% of exports to CPTPP members.Jomo warned that provisions such as IPRs and ISDS would fetter the economic “catch-up” prospects of developing countries.This is as strengthened IPRs would further limit technology transfer, in addition to raising the cost of medication and technologies.The CPTPP would also involve considerable regulatory changes for partner countries which in turn would lead to huge short-term adjustment costs – an aspect often ignored by policymakers and researchers.Malaysia’s current tariffs are relatively low, thus any further trade agreements would not see a substantial boost to exports. However, within these pacts, Malaysia has a sensitive list whereby its tariffs are not as low vis-a-vis in these countries.Any new trade agreement could imply a reduction of tariffs on these goods, causing a rise in imports of products such as vehicles and plastics.In comparison with other CPTPP countries, meanwhile, Malaysia’s import tariffs are much higher. This means that tariff revenue loss if Malaysia ratifies the CPTPP will also be higher, at around US$1.6 billion per year.Of this, 28% will be from the removal of duties on vehicles, plastics and articles thereof, as well as machinery and mechanical appliances.Economic growth or wishful thinking?Jomo said a “wishful thinking” had emerged – a belief that the CPTPP would somehow enhance the country’s economic growth and progress.On the contrary, he said, the pact would commit Malaysia to further trade liberalisation, accelerating deindustrialisation while constraining the growth of modern services, development finance and policy space.Nevertheless, trade pacts are still regarded by local lobbyists as favourable.Those who take this stand assume the conventional view that such deals would bring the country closer to free trade by reducing the transaction costs associated with regulatory differences or explicit protectionism.It is true that these deals might result in freer, mutually beneficial trade through the exchange of market access.But it is also possible that they will produce purely redistributive outcomes under the guise of freer trade.


Daily Covid infections top 1,000

Daily Covid-19 cases passed the 1,000-mark on April 29, with 1,050 reported infections taking total confirmed cases in the country to 5,071,840.
The daily caseload came against a backdrop of 2,503 reported tests, meaning a positivity rate of 15.5%.
There were 600 recoveries, taking total recoveries to 5,020,529.
There are now 14,291 active cases, of which 13,371 or 93.6% are undergoing home quarantine and 891 (6.2%) have been hospitalised.
A total of 29 are in ICU with 22 in need of respiratory assistance.
No new deaths were reported, leaving total deaths unchanged at 37,020.
The health ministry has repeatedly said that the country's Covid-19 situation is under control, with daily caseloads beneath the 1,000-mark since December 2022.


Sorry.


It's not just Malaysia, says Bank Negara after ringgit plunge

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) today said that the recent depreciation of the ringgit against the US dollar was not unique to Malaysia and that the currency should improve as global uncertainties subside.
In a statement, the central bank said that ongoing developments in global financial markets had weighed down on market sentiment.
"These include the US debt ceiling impasse and episodes of stress in the US and European banking sectors," it said.
"This has led to an increase in demand for safe-haven assets such as the US dollar and outflows from most emerging market economies as investors seek to protect their investments. Against this backdrop, the US dollar has strengthened against most currencies."
As a result, it said, the ringgit, alongside most other currencies, had faced heightened depreciation pressures.
"It is important to consider the overall performance of the ringgit in relation to not only the US dollar, but also the currencies of our significant trading partners," it added.
"The movement of the ringgit against our major trade partners, as measured by the nominal effective exchange rate, has been relatively more muted.
"In the current environment, external developments are having a more dominant impact on ringgit performance. Given this, the ringgit’s performance against the US dollar, or any particular currency, is not a reflection of the state of the economy."
BNM said the economy was expected to continue expanding within the range of 4.0% to 5.0% this year, while domestic demand would continue to drive growth.
"At the same time, Malaysia’s diversified export markets and product segments will continue to support the resiliency of the external sector," it said.
It said the ringgit movements would continue to be determined by the market, while BNM would continue to manage the risks arising from heightened financial market volatility.
"To this end, BNM’s market operations will ensure sufficient liquidity and orderly functioning of financial markets.
"The ringgit’s performance should improve as uncertainties from global market developments subside. This in turn will better reflect Malaysia’s sound economic fundamentals," it said.


Agong calls for ‘consultative democracy’, bipartisan cooperation

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today urged the government and the opposition to practise “consultative democracy” in resolving problems, saying the people are looking for maturity through the bipartisan cooperation of all parties.“I welcome the government’s openness in providing an opportunity for various parties including MPs to be involved in the country’s administration,” he said in his speech at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 14th Parliament.“I also welcome and greatly appreciate the efforts towards bringing about a new approach of bipartisan cooperation between all parties that will shape a new political landscape and bring about changes in the country’s administrative system.”He then quoted a Malay proverb, saying: “Biduk lalu, kiambang bertaut (When the boat passes, the seaweed comes together again)”, adding that “Those who win do not win everything, and those who lose do not lose everything.”“Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation together as a Malaysian Family can we face the various challenges and trials that will come,” he said, using the term introduced by Ismail Sabri Yaakob in his inaugural speech as prime minister.The Agong also said that the country is on the right track in tackling the Covid-19 situation, through the formation of the National Recovery Council, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme and financial assistance packages offered to the people.“I greatly appreciate all ongoing efforts by the government in carrying out the various strategies to handle the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy, society and the well-being of the people,” he said.“The percentage of recoveries in our country is high, and the majority of new cases are in Category One and Two.”He also praised the country’s vaccination rate which he said was among one of the fastest in the world.However, he cautioned against becoming complacent, saying efforts should be continued to flatten the curve of infection especially in light of the new variants.“The government should continue its efforts to lower the number of daily cases and to achieve herd immunity soon.”Sultan Abdullah also called for “whole of society” efforts to be intensified with an effective communication narrative.“I welcome the government’s efforts to strengthen the national ‘Malaysia Sihat’ agenda in teaching the Malaysian Family how to live alongside this virus.“Through this approach, the people will become confident to accept and adapt to the Covid-19 situation in its endemic phase.”He likewise warned MPs against gambling the future of the country and the people in order to further certain agendas.“I urge MPs to return their focus to efforts to battle the Covid-19 pandemic and restore the glory of the people and the country,” he said.


Time for revamp at Mavcom

I refer to the news dated Sept 4 titled "Time for Mavcom to have its own enforcement unit?"
As checks and balances, it’s normal and important for Mavcom or any other public authority including the police to investigate and go through the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) if they wish to take any action to court. Even without an enforcement unit, Mavcom had previously acted against several airlines found to have committed offences. Why waste it to establish an enforcement unit in Mavcom now?
Although complaints about refunds and flight delays are not unique to Malaysia but are happening throughout the world, the apparent discrepancies in the airlines’ flight delays, cancellations and refunds policy are unique in Malaysia where consumers buy air tickets to kiss their money good-bye under all circumstances.
On the refunds sought by AirAsia and AirAsia X passengers, many consumers are not aware that the airline's "unethical" actions are indeed sanctioned by Mavcom through the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) 2016, particularly Paragraphs 7A (1) and 12(5). It’s unfair and deceptive for the airline to repeatedly say that it has already refunded passengers by providing travel credit or vouchers. This is wrong, the airline should return the money it owes its passengers when it cancels flights.
That’s why Mavcom has been often described as "toothless" for failing to act against AirAsia and AirAsia X and instead allowing the company to ignore the rights of consumers.
How disgraceful for Mavcom to continue protecting airlines' "unethical" refund policies instead of consumers' right to a refund when airlines cancel flights.
The time has come for Mavcom to revamp its organisation and flawed consumer protection code, not make announcements and take stances that are full of hot air.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.


Party chiefs to sign agreement on unity govt, says DPM Fadillah

Party chiefs who have expressed support for the unity government will sign an agreement tomorrow on their cooperation, says Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also the chief whip of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), said the agreement would formalise their cooperation with Pakatan Harapan in the unity government led by Anwar Ibrahim.
"Tomorrow there will be a signing ceremony involving all parties which have agreed to the formation of the unity government. There, you (media) can ask about the content of the agreement and its focus," he told reporters after an event in Putrajaya today.
When asked which party manifesto would be implemented by the unity government, Fadillah said this matter had not been discussed.
"One of our priorities is related to the cost of living," said Fadillah, who is also plantation industries and commodities minister.
Fadillah said he would be attending a GPS meeting today to study the content of the agreement.
Meanwhile, he said as far as he knew, the recent announcement of a 20% salary cut involved only Cabinet members.


847 new cases, 5 more deaths take virus toll past 200 mark

A total of 847 new cases were recorded today, taking cumulative confirmed infections in the country to 23,804.The bulk of them were recorded in Sabah (578), followed by Selangor (137) and Negeri Sembilan (38).Labuan recorded 29 new cases followed by Kuala Lumpur (23), Perak (14), Penang (10), Putrajaya (four), Kedah (three), Melaka (three), Pahang (two), Johor (one) and Sarawak (one).No new cases were recorded in Perlis.Active cases stand at 8,183 or 34.38% with 90 in the ICU and 29 in need of respiratory assistance.Meanwhile, 486 patients were discharged from hospital, pushing total recoveries to 15,417 or 64.77%.However, five more deaths were recorded, driving the virus toll past the 200 mark to 204.


Dewan Rakyat maintains decision to reject motion on Pandora Papers debate

The Dewan Rakyat today maintained its decision to disallow a motion to debate the leaked Pandora Papers claimed to contain, among others, the confidential financial files of several prominent figures in the country.Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s request for the matter to be debated was rejected for the second time by speaker Azhar Harun. He had first disallowed a similar motion on Oct 6.Azhar said the second rejection of the motion brought by Anwar under Standing Order 90 (1) and 90 (2) was because it was incomplete, adding that the Port Dickson MP should have cited Standing Order 43 instead.“I have seen the letter (notice) of Yang Berhormat (Anwar) and I have signed the letter and, as Yang Berhormat expected, I rejected the motion because Yang Berhormat made a motion under (Standing Order) 90 (1) and 90 (2) to stop enforcement of the ruling but did not state which ruling.“Secondly, the main issue raised in this latest motion is on the same matter and the motion under (Standing Order) 18(1) and 18 (2) submitted last week had been rejected by me… and, as such, I cannot accept under 90 (1) and 90 (2).“On last week’s decision (to reject the motion), I feel Standing Order 43 should have been used, which is for the House to review my decision… but what I got was a motion submitted under 90(1) and 90(2),” Azhar said.Anwar today again questioned Azhar’s decision to reject the motion, saying it was important for the matter to be debated in Parliament.Azhar said the Pandora Papers exposure did not touch on the hoarding or transfer of money to offshore companies but rather the shareholding in companies.“These are two different matters, Yang Berhormat. I have read about the Pandora Papers more or less, and it is not about the outflow of money but the shareholding of several individuals in offshore companies… and not as was raised by Yang Berhormat,” he said.Anwar however questioned Azhar’s explanation, saying the speaker was acting like a counsel for one implicated in the exposure.Azhar denied this and said: “I am not trying to be a lawyer here. I am only setting the facts straight. In any case, I have made my decision and it is final. It is up to Yang Berhormat to refer the decision under Standing Order 43.”


Umno fires Khairy, Noh as Zahid makes good on promise to purge critics

Outspoken former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar have been expelled from the party, after a meeting of its Supreme Council last night, chaired by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to purge the party of members critical of decisions by the top leadership.
The council also slapped suspension orders on Sembrong MP and former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, former information chief Shahril Hamdan, former Jempol MP Salim Shariff and Tebrau Umno chief Maulizan Bujang.
A statement issued by Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said that 42 members from Johor, Pahang, Selangor and Putrajaya had also been expelled for various offences, including standing as independent candidates in the general election.
Earlier, Noh, who is also on the Supreme Council, walked out of the meeting and informed reporters that he had asked to be sacked.
He said it was pointless for him to be suspended for six years, adding that he had fought for Umno for more than four decades.
It is understood that Noh, who was dropped from defending his Tanjong Karang parliamentary constituency in the last election, was accused of 16 counts of "sabotaging" the party during the recent general election campaign.
Last night's move came just two weeks after a controversial motion banning any challenge to Zahid and his deputy Mohamad Hasan was passed at the Umno general assembly, a decision that Khairy had slammed as undemocratic and described as "madness".
Tonight's decision also put paid to any hope of Khairy challenging Zahid for the president's post.
He last stood against Zahid for the Umno presidency in 2018, emerging second in a three-way race which also involved party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
Khairy was among several senior Umno leaders who called for Zahid's resignation following the party's worst electoral performance ever in the November polls, the aftermath of which saw the Umno chief taking 30 MPs from Barisan Nasional to back PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.
In a move to sideline him, Khairy was transferred out of his Rembau parliamentary seat, with Hasan named as candidate in his place, ensuring the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar a place in the Dewan Rakyat.
While campaigning for the Sungai Buloh seat, Khairy openly declared his intention to contest the Umno presidency, adding that the party had lost its way and should be "fixed".


RM1 million compound on Ahmad Maslan a form of asset recovery, says MACC

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said that the RM1.1 million compound issued against Ahmad Maslan was punitive act and a form of asset recovery under the country’s money laundering laws, hours after the Pontian MP was acquitted and discharged of failing to declare RM2 million to the Inland Revenue Board and giving false statements to the anti-graft agency.In a statement, MACC said Ahmad was offered the compound in October 2019 but had then chosen to go to court.“Accordingly, he was charged with two charges under Sections 4(1) and 32(8)(c) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 on Jan 20, 2020,” it said.It added that during the course of the trial proceedings, Ahmad had submitted several representations and agreed to pay the compound in question.“MACC would like to clarify that the compound imposed was a form of punitive action applicable to any individual involved, and a form of asset recovery under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001,” it said.Ahmad was freed after deputy public prosecutor Mohd Mukhzany Fariz Mohd Mokhtar informed the court that the prosecution was withdrawing the two charges after the Pontian MP’s payment of the RM1.1 million compound yesterday.For the first charge, Ahmad was alleged to have engaged in money laundering by not reporting his actual income in the income tax return form for the year of assessment 2013 which is contrary to Section 113 (1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967.The other charge was for giving false statements to MACC when questioned by investigating officer Mohd Zairi Zainal over the issue in 2019.Ahmad later said that the entire settlement process had taken more than a year before it was accepted and recorded in court today.“Several representations were sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers… The settlement process went through a series of applications, discussions and arbitration between the parties concerned and was only recorded in court after it was agreed on by all parties.“The settlement process was also finalised after all parties were ready to give their respective commitment to the agreed settlement terms,” he said.


Ex-Selangor MB Khalid dies at 76

Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, who became the first menteri besar outside of Umno to rule Selangor, passed away tonight after a long illness.
The 76-year-old former corporate leader had been hospitalised for a heart infection since April 23. He leaves behind his wife and four children.
Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has decreed that the former menteri besar be laid to rest at the royal mausoleum in Shah Alam.
Khalid joined PKR before being appointed as menteri besar soon after the 2008 election.
He led the state government for six years before being ousted in the so-called Kajang Move, a campaign by his own party to replace him.
Before his foray into politics, Khalid was best known for his involvement in the so-called Guthrie Dawn Raid in 1981, which resulted in then British-owned plantation giant Guthrie being taken out of British ownership when its shares were bought over just as the London Stock Exchange was waking up for the morning trade.
The move, orchestrated by the Malaysian government under then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, resulted in Permodalan Nasional taking the majority ownership of Guthrie.
Guthrie at that time owned more than 100,000ha in plantations and was listed as number 68 on the London Stock Exchange.


Parents of 43 murdered Mexico students hear soldiers, police to be arrested

Forty-three college students vanished together in Mexico six years ago and were never found. This year, DNA evidence has identified one of them.The 2014 disappearance shocked Mexicans and drew worldwide condemnation.Now Mexican authorities have ordered the arrest of 25 soldiers and other military personnel, as well as federal police suspected of involvement in the murders and huge cover-up.The arrest warrants were announced by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Saturday at a meeting with the anguished parents of the missing students.“Zero impunity – those proven to have participated will be judged,” he said, without giving details of the charges.The  soon-to-be teachers were travelling by bus to a protest, but were stopped by corrupt police in the city of Iguala, Guerrero state, and handed over to a drug gang.At first it was believed that the gang mistook the students for members of a rival drug organisation and killed them before burning their bodies at a garbage dump and throwing their charred remains in a river.Families of the victims have long asserted that the military and police did nothing to protect their children and may even have been involved in their murders.In July 2020, Mexican authorities finally identified the remains of one of the students. The identification through DNA testing was a breakthrough which led to renewed investigations.On Saturday, Attorney-General Alejandro Gertz Manero announced, “The missing youths were victims who ended up in the middle of a battle of interests between drug trafficking forces.”The area where they vanished is a distribution point for moving heroin made from opium poppies grown in the surrounding mountains north to the US.Manero said that in addition to the missing students, others were killed in the area on the same night. “Nearly 80 people were massacred and hidden by criminal groups and their official accomplices. A cover-up operation was established. It led to arbitrary arrests and torture.”Interior Ministry Under Secretary Alejandro Encinas said that since the search began for the students, some 245 bodies have been found in the area. Only 22 have ever been identified.ABC news reports that María Martínez, the mother of one of the missing students, who spoke for the other families, said she told the government to “squeeze a little more” because the families are “mad with pain”.The prosecutor leading the case said one federal police officer was already in custody.Mexico’s tattered reputation needs further arrests and convictions to be made sooner rather than later.


WWII veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore dies at 100 with Covid-19

The British World War II soldier, veteran of campaigns in India and Indonesia, who captured hearts around the world as he raised nearly US$45 million for health workers by walking around his garden, has died at 100 with Covid-19, his family announced on Tuesday.Captain Tom Moore became an international symbol of hope when he pledged to walk 100 laps around his garden before his 100th birthday to raise money for his “heroes” at Britain’s National Health Service who had helped him survive cancer treatment.For three weeks in April, his family shared videos of him pushing his walking frame around the garden each day. His positive attitude during the beginning of the pandemic was an inspiration to many around the world who followed him online.“Please always remember, tomorrow will be a good day,” Moore said during his walk, which became his trademark phrase.He initially set out to raise about US$1,250 for the NHS and reached that goal within 24 hours, and a few days later had raised more than US$1.25 million.The veteran soldier raised more than US$40 million in donations from around the world. For his efforts he was knighted by the Queen, who sent a private message of condolence to his family on his death.“The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of,” Moore’s family said in a statement. “While he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever.’’Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world.US President Joe Biden tweeted that Moore “inspired millions through his life and his actions”.


EU agency sees risk of Covid deaths rising as Omicron subvariants spread

Two new subvariants of Omicron, BA.4 and BA.5, are spreading more quickly than other corovanirus variants in Europe, which could lead to more hospitalisations and deaths as they become dominant, the EU’s disease prevention agency said on Monday.Most EU countries have so far detected low rates of the two subgroups. But in countries where the proportion has risen – such as Portugal, where BA.5 accounted for 87% of cases by May 30 – there have been surges in overall cases, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said on Monday.The two sublineages were added to the World Health Organization’s monitoring list in March and have also been designated as variants of concern by the ECDC.BA.4 and BA.5 do not appear to carry a higher risk of severe disease than other forms of Omicron.But an increase in case numbers from higher transmission rates risks leading to an increase in hospitalisations and deaths, the ECDC said.“The growth advantage reported for BA.4 and BA.5 suggest that these variants will become dominant,” it said in a statement on its website.In the US, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last week BA.4 and BA.5 were estimated to make up nearly 5% and 8%, respectively, of coronavirus cases as of June 4.


Bedtime no hindrance as Kedah MB woo crowds on TikTok

It's nearly one o'clock in the morning, but the political talk is still going strong.
Questions are thrown back and forth, and the debate continues despite the late hour.  Eventually, the speaker winds down the discussion and the audience scatters for the night.
Not too long ago, onlookers would make their way to their vehicles and begin their journey back home. Now, though, leaving a ceramah or talk is as easy as pressing a button on a screen.
It's the digital age, and Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is making the most of his social media platforms, especially TikTok.
Where politicians once went down to the ground, addressing physical crowds from stages, platforms, or simply the back of pickup trucks, a range of options are now available for interacting with audiences.
Nearly every night, Sanusi joins a live broadcast on TikTok hosted by users who invite him to participate.
On this digital platform, they discuss a variety of issues – mostly current affairs, politics and the cost of living.
Comments flow freely from critics and fans alike, who raise complaints and make suggestions, especially about issues within the state.
And as a form of interaction, it seems to be working – each broadcast is joined by thousands of users despite their late-night nature.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, researcher Anis Anwar said comparisons should be made between the strengths of individual social media platforms.
In Malaysia, for example, TikTok appears to be the medium of choice for many regardless of social background.
Anis, the chief researcher at O2 Research Malaysia, said TikTok's algorithm also makes it easier for content to go viral, gaining a wider reach.
The question, though, is how far online numbers translate into actual support among members of the public.
For Sanusi, Anis said, his "man on the street" image would factor into his backing, especially among those in Kedah where life is different from the corporate culture seen in urban centres.
"He wears casual clothing and speaks with a Kedah accent in order to portray himself as representative of the people on the street," Anis said.
He nevertheless added that live broadcasts on TikTok are a different matter from state assembly meetings and Parliament sessions, the latter of which Sanusi attends as a member of the opposition bloc.
At such meetings, he said, speakers have immunity while on social media, anyone can be sued or charged over what they say.
"If Sanusi uses this platform to convey political views and examine government policies, he needs to be more careful about how he does it," he said.
"It's not like official events where the basic text of the speech is already there as a guide, or the state legislative assembly where all of the preparations have been made in advance."


Ipoh business owners who don't fly Jalur Gemilang to face RM250 fine

Business owners in Ipoh will be slapped with a RM250 fine if they refuse to comply with the instructions to fly the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with this year's National Day celebration.
Ipoh mayor Rumaizi Baharin said the compound would be issued in accordance with the general conditions written at the back of business premise licences under Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act.
"To enliven the celebrations this time, we have issued 6,000 flag installation notices to private premises in Ipoh and hoisted more than 5,000 Jalur Gemilang along the main streets and around Ipoh city.
"We will monitor these premises regularly, usually a week before National Day, but all this time, the Ipoh City Council is still being tolerant by giving advice instead of issuing compounds," he said after launching the 2022 MBI-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign at Persiaran Bandaraya today.


Pandemic or not, people must stay active, says WHO

The coronavirus pandemic is no excuse for not getting enough exercise, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday, warning that even before the crisis many were getting too little physical activity.In an update of its physical activity guidelines, the UN health agency stressed that exercise was vital to physical and mental health, while sedentary behaviour can have serious repercussions.“WHO urges everyone to continue to stay active through the Covid-19 pandemic,” the agency’s head of health promotion Ruediger Krech told reporters.“If we do not remain active, we run the risk of creating another pandemic of ill-health as a result of sedentary behaviour.”There are still no clear statistics on what impact the pandemic has had on physical activity, but lockdowns, movement restrictions, gym closures and other measures have clearly forced many people to stay home and have disrupted regular activities and exercise routines.This is worrying considering that even before the crisis, data shows the vast majority of young people and many adults were not active enough, with dire repercussions for global health.WHO estimates that pushing more people to get off the sofa or office chair to move about more could avert up to five million deaths each year.‘Every move counts’“Being physically active is critical for health and well-being – it can help to add years to life, and life to years,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.“Every move counts.”Regular physical activity is key to preventing and helping to manage heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and cancer.It has also been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce cognitive decline, improve memory and boost overall brain health.To reap such benefits, the UN health agency recommends that adults get at least two-and-a-half to five hours of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week, while children and adolescents should on average move at least an hour a day.But it warned that its statistics showed that a full quarter of all adults and 80% of adolescents do not meet those targets.This, it said, is deeply concerning, since sedentary behaviour – included in the WHO guidelines for the first time – has been linked to a range of harmful health effects.‘Part of everyday life’Globally, this inactivity is estimated to cost US$54 billion in direct healthcare and another US$14 billion in lost productivity each year, WHO said.But the good news is that doing any kind of physical activity can counter the negative effects of sitting still for too long.Krech stressed that the guidelines showed “the benefits of activities you can do every day as part of your everyday life, whether at home, in transit or at work”.WHO said that living an active life was good for everyone, regardless of their physical ability.The guidelines encourage women to maintain physical activity throughout pregnancy and post-delivery, and also stress the benefits of physical activity for people living with disabilities.Older adults were meanwhile advised to add activities that emphasise balance and coordination, as well as muscle strength, to help prevent falls.“Any duration of physical activity is beneficial. But more is always better,” Krech said.Fiona Bull, in charge of WHO’s physical activity unit, said wearable trackers could be a good tool to get people moving more.“Monitoring how active you are is very good feedback for the individual,” she told reporters, adding that WHO was looking into ways of making such trackers more globally available.“We tend to underestimate how much time we spend sedentary.”


Al-Qaeda in Yemen congratulates Taliban, vows to continue jihad

Al-Qaeda’s Yemeni branch on Wednesday congratulated the Taliban on their takeover of Afghanistan, and vowed to continue its own military campaigns.“This victory and empowerment reveals to us that jihad and fighting represent the (Islamic law)-based, legal, and realistic way to restore rights (and) expel the invaders and occupiers,” Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) said in a statement.“As for the game of democracy and working with simple pacifism, it is a deceptive mirage, a fleeting shadow, and a vicious circle that starts with a zero and ends with it,” said the statement carried by SITE Intelligence group, which monitors jihadist networks worldwide.The Taliban had sheltered Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden during its rule from 1996 until 2001, when US-led forces toppled it in response to the Sept 11 attacks, but last week Taliban fighters took control of the capital Kabul at the climax of a lightning offensive.The US considers Aqap the most dangerous branch of Al-Qaeda’s global network, and has carried out drone strikes against its fighters in Yemen since soon after the 9/11 attacks.But on Sunday, Aqap fighters in Yemen’s central governorate of Bayda and southern province of Shabwa celebrated the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan with fireworks and by firing gunshots in the air, residents told AFP.The hardline Sunni Muslim group has taken advantage of Yemen’s war since 2014 between the internationally recognised government and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, bolstering its presence in southern Yemen.


The woman pulling her weight in a man’s world

A young woman in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan is throwing convention out the window, working side by side with her male relatives doing heavy lifting normally associated with men at her grandfather’s oil palm plantation in Felda Pasoh Empat.Twenty-year-old Nor Syazwani Norazaman smiled as she spoke in a recent interview with MalaysiaNow, her small frame belying the loads she carries on a regular basis, some of which are half her body weight.She began working at the plantation straight out of school when she was 15 years old. Twice a month, she and several cousins and uncles head over to help with the harvest.“Working at an oil palm plantation is not so hard when you know how to do it correctly,” she said.“For me, it’s not so much work as it is spending time with my family while earning an income.”It’s hard and heavy work, but Nor Syazwani Norazaman enjoys helping out.Syazwani and her family often come just to spend time at her grandfather’s plantation, some 6km away from their house. There, they have built a large hut where they can sleep, and only need to leave in order to do their laundry or buy daily necessities.It is a big plantation, measuring some 10 acres.Apart from helping her grandfather, Syazwani and her uncle also earn some money helping the Felda settlers in the area harvest their crops.It’s hard work but Syazwani’s family is proud of her.The petite 20-year-old is tiny in comparison to the trees from which she harvests the fruit.Her step-father, Khairul Muhamad Senawi, said she is also very versatile and able to do many other tasks.“She often helps me with my carpentry when I get jobs repairing the houses of settlers in the area,” he said.“One of her jobs is to mix the cement – she’s very good at that.”Nor Syazwani Norazaman pushes a wheelbarrow filled with oil palm fruit through her grandfather’s plantation.And she is equally skilful in the kitchen, he added. “Her mother used to run a restaurant. It’s closed now because of the pandemic, but Syazwani used to make the roti canai there.”Syazawni’s skill in the plantation recently landed her in the spotlight when pictures of her working there went viral on social media.She also drew the attention of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) which offered her a job at the mechanisation of plantations division.Syazawni, a third-generation Felda settler, is currently discussing the opportunity with MPOB and expects to begin working there in February.Nor Syazwani Norazaman holds her own against any of her cousins and uncles with whom she works.Her grandfather, Masran Hassan, is proud of what she has achieved but readily acknowledges that he will miss her once she is no longer at his plantation.He quickly adds however that he has no intention of standing in her way of a better job.“I would like it if she stayed here and inherited all this from me,” he said.“But I will not stifle her ambitions. If she has a better offer somewhere else, I fully encourage her to take it so that she can have a good future.”


School locker installation to roll out by end-September

The first phase of lockers in primary schools with two sessions will be installed at the end of this month, according to Education Minister Radzi Jidin.
He said the initiative would be implemented to address the issue of heavy school bags.
"As a start, the first phase of lockers will be installed for Standard One and Year Two pupils by October," he told reporters yesterday.
However, he said the education ministry had not finalised the location of the schools involved in the installation of the first phase, which would be announced later.
On March 6, Radzi said the ministry would provide lockers in primary schools as one of seven approaches to address the issue of heavy school bags.
On a separate matter, he described the hybrid solar project for rural schools in Sarawak as complicated as it is facing many legal issues that need to be examined by the ministry.
"It is a complicated matter that I need to go through. The ministry is looking into it," he said.


Millions of Chinese students sit gruelling college entrance exams

Millions of Chinese students sit for notoriously tough college entrance exams on Wednesday, the first since the country lifted zero-Covid rules that forced classes online for months on end.
China's education ministry says a record nearly 13 million students are registered to take the exams – known as "gaokao" – this year.
"I've been waking up at 4am every day, except on Sundays, to study for the past four years," Jesse Rao, a high school senior in Shenzhen, told AFP.
"I've done everything I can, but I still feel a bit nervous."
Testing high school students on their Chinese, English, mathematics and other science or humanities subjects of their choice, the tests are critical to landing coveted spots at China's top universities.
Many parents shell out hundreds of dollars on high-cost cram schools or hiring graduate students to sit with their children while they study late into the night.
Adding to the stress, this year's exam-takers have spent the bulk of their high school years under pandemic restrictions, which abruptly ended in December.
"I struggled to follow online lessons last year," Katherina Wang, a high school student from Shanghai who has been through two snap lockdowns in the past two years, told AFP.
"Our teachers held extra classes in the evenings and on weekends and helped us to catch up!"
The high stakes have led to elaborate attempts at cheating, from parents hiring graduate students to take the test on behalf of their children to exam-takers carrying electronic devices to communicate with experts outside.
Several provinces this year have installed scanners with facial-recognition capabilities to ensure that candidates don't hire proxies to take the test on their behalf, the state-run Global Times reported.
The scanners will also detect "electronic equipment such as (hidden) mobile phones, earpieces and electronic watches" that can be used for cheating, the newspaper said.
Exams last up to four days, depending on the province, taking between 60 to 150 minutes per subject.
The maximum score is 750, with a score of over 600 required for a place at the country's top-tier universities – for years a ticket to personal and professional success in China.
Very few make the cut: last year, only 3% of exam-takers in the country's most populous province of Guangdong scored over 600.
And for students with more modest ambitions, scores still play a critical role in securing spots in universities and what subjects can be taken.
For those that don't get the results they need, there's always next year – in 2021, 17% of students nationwide retook their Gaokao.
"If I don't get the results I want, I will try again," Benjamin Zhu, a high school senior from Guangzhou, told AFP.


Warisan to study Sabah anti-hopping bill before giving support

Parti Warisan (Warisan) is against party hopping but still needs to study a bill to be tabled by the Sabah government to prevent state assemblymen from switching parties, said Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said Warisan wanted to scrutinise the bill to ensure it could bring political stability to Sabah if it was passed and enforced.
"We do not want people to say Warisan does not support the anti-party hopping bill. We want it to be implemented as soon as possible but still, we need to know what is contained in the bill," he told a press conference in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor was reported as saying the Sabah government would table the anti-party hopping bill at the four-day sitting of the state assembly which began yesterday.
Shafie said to prevent party hopping, Warisan had proposed that Article 17 of the Sabah State Constitution be amended by adding Articles 17A and 17B and that it should be enforced immediately. He said Article 17A, among other things, would require a state assemblyman who switched parties or resigned from his party to vacate his seat.
"The same applies to an independent candidate who after getting elected as an assemblyman, joins a political party. An assemblyman need not vacate his seat if his party is dissolved or deregistered, or he resigns when elected as Speaker," he said.
In Penampang, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Malaysia (KDM) president Peter Anthony said the party was adopting an open mind on its former deputy president Juil Nuatim's decision to leave the party.
"We wish him all the best if that is what he has decided. We have no problems with that as anyone is free to decide their own direction in a democratic country. Our relations are still good," he told a press conference today.
When announcing his decision yesterday, Limbahau state assemblyman Juil said he is now an independent assemblyman supporting the leadership of Hajiji. Juil said he had no misunderstandings with Peter and his decision was spurred by his desire to bring development to his constituency.
Peter, who is Melalap state assemblyman, said that prior to making his announcement, Juil did not submit any resignation letter or discuss the matter with the party.
In the 16th Sabah state election in 2020, Juil won the Limbahau seat on a Warisan ticket but quit the party in December 2021.
Meanwhile, Peter said KDM was standing firm in its decision to support the coalition government and the Sabah state administration.
He also said the party would support the anti-party hopping bill to put an end to the problem of party hopping in Sabah.


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Pfizer jab okayed for use as booster shot

The government has granted conditional approval for the Covid-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech to be used as a booster shot, the health ministry said today.The approval allows the vaccine to be used only on adults aged 18 and above, at least six months after they have received their second dose, the ministry said in a statement.Authorities earlier said booster shots would not be compulsory but were highly recommended for those in vulnerable and high-risk groups.The mixing of different vaccines will also be allowed for booster doses. In addition to the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, Malaysia uses vaccines made by Britain’s AstraZeneca and Chinese firms Sinovac and CanSino Biologics in its national inoculation campaign.About 64% of Malaysia’s 32 million population are fully vaccinated, including 89% of adults.


Daily jabs pass half a million in new record for vaccine push

More than half a million Covid-19 jabs were administered yesterday, the highest number of daily vaccine doses given since the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) began in late February.A total of 507,050 doses of vaccine were given nationwide, of which 335,977 were first doses and 171,073 were second shots.This takes the cumulative number of vaccine shots given since the start of PICK to 16,024,916.Labuan continues as the state with the highest number of adults who have been fully vaccinated (70.7%) followed by Sarawak (51.5%), Perlis (36.9%), the Klang Valley (23.8%) and Negeri Sembilan (22.9%).


The theatrics and reality of anger

“Kau gayut apa?!”This was Malek’s iconic shout in “Melur vs Rajawali”.This snippet from the film would occasionally appear as I scrolled through my social media feed, always guaranteeing a smile from me. I never really saw the entire film, but the shouting in the two minutes of that short scene purges me of the need to do the same.Having lived through the scene portrayed in the film, I would feel the shout that I never uttered while at boarding school being verbalised into existence by Eric Fuzi. That anger, manifested by someone else, is enjoyable to watch because I relate to it – and so do many others.Over the past few weeks, though, anger has appeared more frequently – not a theatrical or artistic portrayal, but a fully realised anger contained in the remarks and behaviour shown in shared media.This is understandable given the rise in number of Covid-19 cases, which threatens the people with another bout of the movement control order or MCO. Political acts that result in disparity take the people closer to the brink of actualising a revolt which, however, only exists virtually. Still, to perceive life through the lens of the media is to encounter continuously surfacing remarks of anger and frustration.Anger is not limited to media alone. It is spewed out so easily in conversation that to face individuals without a bit of anger in themselves is a peculiarity. It is entertaining to meet an acquaintance who threatens to spit on the face of the antagonist of their narrative, or pretends nausea over the mention of names that have tarnished the landscape of their lives.Like the burst of anger and the nagging portrayed in “Melur vs Rajawali”, the threat and the pretence of sickness seem theatrical – an antic for entertainment purposes. But they are in fact a symptom of the suppressed frustration that we all have within ourselves.People’s anger will continue to exist as long as there is a source of frustration. Anger exists as a power to push us into making our frustration known.When we are angry at political players acting against the best interest of the people, our anger signifies the frustration of the people with oppressive conditions. When we are angry at new movements falling short in providing a long-term, actionable direction, our anger signifies a hope that seems to be used as a commodity in political business.But sometimes anger is out of sync with the need to exert frustration and is simply to be enjoyed as it is or as an instrument for gain. When MPs hold shouting matches during parliamentary conferences, I doubt the antics are sincerely out of concern for the people. When student activists call on individuals from the student representative committee, the question is whether it is a genuine fight for students stuck in college or simply a show of courage.The reality we live in becomes more a portrayal than a life lived out. There is a fetishistic tendency for anger as a convenient crowd-collector in piecing together a collective consciousness against a common antagonist. Idolatrous figures are the champion in this method of usurping dominance. Genuine anger out of frustration is an effort towards an objective solution, but anger as an antic is a blister on the flesh of the nation.We need to acknowledge the way we emote ourselves through anger, and how anger may persist as a means of social transaction. The manners in which we may not be angry are decisions relative to the causes of frustration.We may choose to distract ourselves from the sources that manifest daily by actions that may be only a brief haven from the anger that will always be available in excess.We could also opt to indulge in the anger until the source dissipates, following which we may direct the anger at something else.Or we could try to understand ourselves in the way we become practical with our frustration and the conditions under which the frustration arose.Our understanding may not do much to ease the burden of living with frustration, but it might help us reflect on the worthiness of the anger from ourselves and in our perceptions.Until then, semoga kita terus berbakti.


Germans warned to prepare for up to 5 more months of ‘lockdown light’

Germans should prepare themselves for up to five months more of severe restrictions to curb the rise in coronavirus infections and should not expect the current rules to be eased quickly, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier has told Bild am Sonntag.He warned that Germany should be wary of relaxing restrictions too quickly. “We’re not out of the woods yet. We cannot afford a yo-yo shutdown with the economy constantly opening and closing.”He told the weekly that all countries that lifted their restrictions too early have so far paid a high price in terms of lives lost.The “lockdown light” is a response to the second wave of the pandemic raging around Europe. Restaurants are closed but schools and shops remain open.On Sunday the number of confirmed cases in Germany rose by nearly 17,000 to almost 800,000.“If we don’t want days with 50,000 new infections, as was the case in France a few weeks ago, we must not constantly speculate about which measures can be relaxed again,” Altmaier said.The German chairman of the World Medical Association, Frank Ulrich Montgomery, warned of possible shortages of beds and staff in German hospitals. “My forecast is that we will have to talk about further restrictions rather than any easing”, he told Augsburger Allgemeine.Reuters reports that German police fired water cannon during an anti-lockdown rally in Frankfurt on Saturday and eventually broke up the gathering as mask wearing and social distancing rules were not being obeyed.


Bank Negara raises overnight policy rate 25 basis points to 2.25%

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) increased the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.25% during its fourth monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting this year.
The ceiling and floor rates of the OPR corridor are correspondingly increased to 2.50% and 2.00% respectively, BNM said in its monetary policy statement today.
"Amid the positive growth prospects for the Malaysian economy, the MPC decided to further adjust the degree of monetary accommodation. This is consistent with the MPC’s view that the unprecedented conditions that necessitated a historically low OPR have continued to recede.
"At the current OPR level, the stance of monetary policy remains accommodative and supportive of economic growth," it said.
It added that the MPC would continue to assess the evolving conditions and their implications on the overall outlook for domestic inflation and growth.
Any adjustments to the monetary policy settings going forward will be done in a measured and gradual manner, ensuring that the monetary policy remains accommodative to support sustainable economic growth in an environment of price stability, it said.
The central bank also said the reopening of the global economy and improvement in labour market conditions continued to support the recovery of economic activities.
However, it added that these have been partly offset by the impact from rising cost pressures, the military conflict in Ukraine and strict containment measures in China.
"Inflationary pressures have continued to increase, mainly due to elevated commodity prices and strong demand conditions, despite some easing in global supply chain conditions," it said.
Consequently, central banks are expected to continue adjusting their monetary policy settings, some at a faster pace, to reduce inflationary pressures.
Going forward, the pace of global growth is expected to moderate and will continue to be affected by the elevated cost pressures, conflict in Ukraine, global supply chain conditions and financial market volatility.
"For the Malaysian economy, economic activities continued to strengthen in recent months. Exports and retail spending indicators affirm the positive growth momentum, supported by the transition to endemicity.
"In the labour market, the unemployment rate declined further, with higher labour participation and improving income prospects.
"Looking ahead, while external demand is expected to moderate, weighed by headwinds to global growth, economic growth will be supported by firm domestic demand," BNM said.
Additionally, the reopening of international borders since April 1 will facilitate recovery in tourism-related sectors, it said.
Investment activity and prospects continue to be supported by the realisation of multi-year projects, it said, adding that downside risks to growth however continued to stem from a weaker-than-expected global growth, further escalation of geopolitical conflicts and worsening supply chain disruptions.
BNM said that year-to-date, the headline inflation had averaged at 2.4%.
While this is projected to remain within the 2.2% to 3.2% forecast range for the year, headline inflation may be higher in some months, mainly due to the base effect from electricity prices, it said.
Underlying inflation, as measured by core inflation, is expected to average between 2.0% and 3.0% in 2022 as demand continues to improve amid the high-cost environment.
Nevertheless, the extent of upward pressures on inflation will remain partly contained by existing price controls, fuel subsidies and the continued spare capacity in the economy, BNM said.
The inflation outlook also continues to be subject to global commodity price developments, arising mainly from the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine and prolonged supply-related disruptions as well as domestic policy measures.


The pandemic good and bad for child development

While the various lockdowns sparked by the Covid-19 crisis had a devastating impact on the social and economic sectors, they also brought with them a silver lining in the form of an increasing awareness about developmental disorders among children.On normal days, parents busy with work and other responsibilities would be unable to spend much time with their children.But forced to remain at home under the movement restrictions meant to curb the spread of Covid-19, many began realising that their children might need help, a senior psychologist at the National Autism Society of Malaysia said.This, according to Lee Beewah, was the turning point for many.“The pandemic made parents more alert towards their children’s behaviour than ever before,” she told MalaysiaNow.“Before this, many parents did not have time for their children because both of them were working. But since we all needed to stay home during the pandemic, they could not help but notice that something was wrong with their children.”But while the pandemic may have facilitated discovery and early intervention for some, others already struggling with a diagnosis of developmental issues have had their daily problems compounded by the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.Autistic children, in particular, have been severely challenged by the constraints of the pandemic.While their situations might have been manageable when Covid-19 first hit early last year, after nearly two years of crisis measures including a string of lockdowns, Lee said the effects of isolation could be significant.“When children are stuck at home for too long, some might get too comfortable with it, and that is where it goes wrong,” she said.“Being in isolation affects children, especially children with autism disorders as they have less interaction with peers and anyone on the outside. It will affect the way they interact with people and in the long term, it will be very bad for them.”This is something that businesswoman Ieda Ilham knows all too well.Even before the pandemic, she had her hands full with her son, Megat Iman Ziqri, who was diagnosed with mild autism and speech delay when he was two.Ieda, who is vocal about her experiences raising an autistic child, attributes her son’s condition in part to the use of mobile phones at a very young age.Looking for a way to keep him occupied while she was working, she gave him his own phone when he was one year old.“This is a mistake that I don’t want other parents to make,” she said.“The child may not bother us anymore, but he or she will create his or her own world. In the long run, they don’t interact with other people anymore.”Megat is now nine and doing much better as even during the pandemic, he was able to attend his therapy sessions.He also receives more attention from his family, who have taken steps such as imposing a time limit on how long he can use the phone.“During the pandemic, parents need to spare some time and pay more attention to their children, especially those under the age of seven as that is the most significant period for development,” Ieda said.Lee agreed that giving children gadgets for a long period of time can be harmful.“Clinical research has proven that children who engage excessively with gadgets have weaker organisational and problem solving skills, and poor interactive and communication skills,” she said.“It affects many areas in child development.”She advised parents who suspect that something is not right with their children to make an appointment with a child development specialist.“It’s better if the child gets early intervention rather than being stuck at home while the parents wait and hope for the child to get better,” she said.“Parents can also do a little research on what they think it is. When you have knowledge about it, you will be calmer and realise that it’s not hard to get help.”