Welfare

Rafizi says Anwar’s welfare policies mirror Najib’s BR1M era

FORMER economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has drawn parallels between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s welfare policies and those of former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak, saying current assistance schemes are a continuation of Najib’s BR1M programme.

“Assistance programmes such as the Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) and Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) need to be institutionalised in the same way done in other welfare states and not be used as political capital by the government,” Rafizi said on his Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast.

He added that “up to now, STR or Sara is still seen as a continuation of the old BR1M, and later, if the government changes, it becomes something else, not STR or Sara.”

Najib, who is currently serving a prison sentence for his role in the global 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, introduced BR1M during his premiership as part of his populist economic strategy.

Rafizi said cash assistance should instead be a permanent social policy: “If it’s institutionalised for those who qualify, the government pays every month.”

He also criticised Anwar’s decision to have teachers distribute RM150 in school aid directly to parents, calling it “a step backwards” and an unnecessary burden on educators.

Meanwhile, he said the government should prioritise recovering the RM41bil owed to PTPTN.

“The RM41bil PTPTN debt problem hasn’t been resolved yet. It’s like taking money from the left pocket to the right pocket.. if we’re not careful, PTPTN’s existing problems will escalate further.

“I favour a thorough approach…otherwise it’s merely cosmetic or a populist announcement. That’s what we’re worried about with PTPTN,” Rafizi added. — Focus M Oct 11, 2025

Galen Centre slams ‘meagre’ two-sen cigarette tax hike, calls it a missed chance

THE Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has criticised the government’s decision to raise cigarette excise duty by only two sen per stick under Budget 2026, calling it a wasted opportunity to boost revenue and strengthen Malaysia’s healthcare system.

“It is disappointing that after 10 years of no excise duty increases on cigarettes and other tobacco products, the best that the government could manage was a meagre increase of two sen per stick,” said Galen CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib.

“If this was 77 sen per stick, equivalent to 61% excise tax of the retail price, it would generate an additional tax revenue of RM771.8mil.”

Malaysia has not raised tobacco taxes since 2014. Azrul noted that the current tax rate of 58.6% remains below the World Health Organisation’s 75 percent benchmark.

“Malaysia spends an estimated RM16bil annually treating smoking-related illnesses. For every RM1 collected from tobacco excise duties, RM4 is spent on treatment,” he said.

He urged the government to introduce a national health and social insurance scheme to raise RM6 billion annually, saying, “We need to invest in future-proofing and increasing the resilience and sustainability of the public healthcare system.” — FocusM Oct 11, 2025

CAP

CAP urges stronger action on animal welfare after 7,600 abuse cases

THE Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called for animal welfare and protection to be given greater priority after 7,613 cases of abuse and neglect were reported nationwide between 2021 and 2024.

Citing statistics from the Department of Veterinary Services, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the figures reflect “an alarming level of inhumanity” in Malaysian society. Of the cases, dogs made up the highest number with 5,226 reports, followed by cats with 1,900 cases.

Other cases involved livestock and exotic pets including cows, horses, birds, rabbits and reptiles.

Mohideen urged authorities to step up enforcement and stressed the need for a change in public attitudes. He pointed to problems in industrial farming, where animals are often confined, denied natural behaviour, and left vulnerable to disasters such as fires or floods.

He also called for stricter monitoring of pet shops, citing the widespread practice of separating puppies and kittens too early from their mothers and keeping animals in unsuitable conditions.

“The exploitation of animals in entertainment must also end. Tigers, elephants and monkeys are not entertainers but living beings often forced into unnatural acts under threat of punishment,” he said. — FocusM Oct 4, 2025

Forests

Forests as our cornerstone of carbon dioxide storage in RMK13

UNDER the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13), the nation has charted a bold course toward building a resilient green economy. Among its key environmental targets is the commitment to increase carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage capacity by 10 million metric tonnes by the year 2030.

This ambitious goal reflects Malaysia’s broader pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and aligns with its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

While technological solutions such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) are part of the strategy, Malaysia’s greatest natural asset in this endeavour lies in its forests.

Forests are the most significant terrestrial carbon sinks in Malaysia, far surpassing other ecosystems in their ability to absorb and store CO₂.

From the dense dipterocarp rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia to the peat swamp forests of Sarawak and mangrove belts along the coast, these ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the climate, preserving biodiversity, and supporting Indigenous livelihoods.

Malaysia’s forests store more carbon than its marine ecosystems, making forest conservation a linchpin in the country’s climate strategy.

However, forest degradation and deforestation continue to pose serious threats. Logging, land conversion for agriculture, and infrastructure development have reduced forest cover and weakened the carbon sequestration potential of these ecosystems.

Without urgent policy reforms and stronger enforcement mechanisms, Malaysia risks undermining its climate targets.

Recognising this, RMK13 has begun to incorporate forest conservation into its green economy framework, but civil society groups and environmental coalitions are calling for more robust commitments.

One such initiative is the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO) mechanism, which aims to create a transparent national carbon credit system for the forestry sector.

This system would allow companies and investors to support forest conservation while offsetting their carbon emissions, thereby promoting both environmental integrity and economic opportunity.

Additionally, the establishment of a unified forest map and a Protected Forest Registry, as demanded by ecological coalitions, would enhance governance and accountability across state jurisdictions.

The importance of forest conservation extends beyond carbon storage. Forests act as natural buffers against floods, droughts, and soil erosion. They support water cycles, protect watersheds, and provide habitat for thousands of species, many of which are endemic to Malaysia.

Moreover, Indigenous communities have long served as stewards of these forests, preserving traditional knowledge and sustainable practices that are now being recognised as vital to climate resilience.

To meet the 10 million metric tonne CO₂ storage target by 2030, Malaysia must prioritise forest conservation as a central pillar of its climate policy. This includes halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, and expanding protected areas.

Financial mechanisms such as green bonds, direct access funds for Indigenous communities, and international climate financing—like the Tropical Forest Forever Facility—can provide the necessary resources to scale up these efforts.

Furthermore, integrating forest conservation into urban planning, infrastructure development, and industrial policy will ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of ecological stability.

The government must also foster cross-sectoral collaboration, bringing together ministries, local governments, businesses, and civil society to co-create solutions that are both sustainable and inclusive.

In conclusion, RMK13 presents a timely opportunity for Malaysia to redefine its development trajectory.

By placing forest conservation at the heart of its carbon storage strategy, the country can not only meet its climate goals but also safeguard its natural heritage for future generations.

Forests are not merely passive reservoirs of carbon—they are dynamic ecosystems that underpin Malaysia’s environmental, economic, and cultural identity. Protecting them is not just a climate imperative; it is a national responsibility. ‒ FocusM Sept 29, 2025

 

The author Dr Cheah Chan Fatt is a Research Fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

CHINA

China says trade tensions, pandemic made emissions cuts tough

Bloomberg, Sept 12: China has experienced challenges in reducing carbon emissions intensity, one of the key climate goals set out in the 14th five-year plan, citing factors including trade tensions, weather and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Controlling emissions intensity has been “more challenging,” China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said in a speech this week, according to a transcript published on Friday. He delivered the remarks to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

China faced challenges despite a massive clean-energy surge over recent years that allowed the nation to reach its 2030 target for wind and solar additions by mid-2024. In the first half of this year, the country reduced overall emissions by 1%, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

In 2021, China set a target to cut carbon emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 18% by the end of this year from 2020 levels. But factors including rising energy use meant the intensity factor had dropped only 7.9% by the end of 2024, according to a report from CREA in April.

While China’s biggest climate goals are its long-term targets to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060, it has used energy and emissions intensity as the key metrics for its short- and mid-term goals. 

China has set a goal with the United Nations to reduce its emissions intensity by 65% by 2030 from 2005 levels. Even if the country reduces overall emissions by 1% this year, meeting that goal would require a more ambitious target of cutting intensity by 22% in its next five-year plan due in March, according to CREA.

Cigarette

Cigarette tax hikes without fixing leaks will backfire

MALAYSIA’S plan to raise cigarette excise taxes is rooted in good intent: discourage smoking, improve health, and secure revenue.

But unless tax hikes are paired with stronger enforcement and smarter regulation of alternatives, we risk fuelling another surge in illicit trade and losing more revenue than we gain.

Malaysia loses about RM5 bil annually to illicit cigarette trade. Illicit products account for over half of all cigarette consumption, with estimates at 54–60%.

When legal prices rise sharply without higher costs on illicit substitutes, smokers—especially low- and middle-income groups—gravitate to untaxed options. Many B40 and even M40 smokers switch to illicit packs or unregulated sources.

This is not anecdotal. Enforcement agencies note more than 80 percent of illicit packs carry no tax stamp, while 13–14% carry counterfeits. Profit margins for smugglers are huge, risks low, and enforcement patchy. When prices rise faster than enforcement capacity, illicit volumes grow.

Another lever is vaping tax. Malaysia currently charges RM0.40 per millilitre on e-liquids, plus a 10% levy on devices. Between 2021 and mid-2025, vape tax revenue was only RM288 mil versus RM15 bil from cigarette excise.

That small share shows two things: vaping remains cheaper, and Malaysia has space to raise vape tax without pushing consumers into unregulated markets.

ASEAN neighbours offer benchmarks: Indonesia, for example, differentiates by product type and uses excise stamps for oversight.

If Malaysia raised vape duty to RM1.00–1.50/ml and tightened device levies or licencing, two outcomes follow: consumers still get a regulated, cheaper non-combustible option, and government captures more revenue instead of losing it to contraband.

The policy prescription is clear:

Strengthen enforcement before new hikes: digital tax stamps, better border controls, tougher penalties, and regional coordination.

• Raise vape taxes to ASEAN norms while maintaining legal, regulated channels.
• Reinvest revenue in enforcement: fund customs and policing to fight illicit supply chains.
• Track consumption shifts: if cigarette prices rise but vape remains accessible, smokers may switch—ideally to regulated products.

If Malaysia ramps up cigarette taxes without fixing enforcement or regulating vaping as a taxed alternative, history suggests another surge in illicit trade, undermining both health and fiscal goals.

Policymakers should take note: big tax hikes alone are not enough. ‒ FocusM Sept 10, 2025

 

Abdul Hasbi Abdul Salim

Petaling Jaya

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

TikTok

TikTok made me buy it: Why short videos trigger instant shopping

YOU scroll through TikTok for what feels like only five minutes. Suddenly, there’s a scarf, a phone case, and a Korean skincare product in your cart—and before you know it, you’ve paid.

These are items you never even considered before, but a 30-second video convinced you otherwise. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

A 2024 Universiti Malaya study of 224 Malaysian TikTok users found that 61.2% admitted to buying something immediately after watching a short video.

This is the new reality of shopping. TikTok has blurred the line between entertainment and e-commerce, creating a powerful environment where content doesn’t just capture attention—it converts attention into action. But what exactly makes TikTok videos so persuasive?

The voice that feels like a friend

Unlike traditional advertisements, TikTok videos rarely sound like sales pitches. They sound like conversations.

Phrases such as “I’m not promoting this, I just really love it” or “Ladies, I never thought this would change me in five days” mimic the tone of friends giving casual advice.

Our research shows that this “relatable voice” is key. Casual, humorous, or empathetic tones significantly increase engagement and trust. In contrast, polished scripts like “Introducing the new XYZ technology…” tend to bore users.

TikTok shoppers prefer brands that sound like humans rather than corporations. The platform thrives on the language of friendship, and trust is built one relatable sentence at a time.

Seeing is believing

Humans are visual creatures. TikTok leverages this by making the shopping experience highly sensory. A portable rice cooker demonstrated in a cosy kitchen, complete with soft background music and close-up shots, doesn’t just inform viewers—it immerses them.

Around 60% of purchases in our study were influenced by strong sensory cues. The more people could visualise themselves using the product, the higher the chance they would buy it.

Think of the sound of coffee being poured, or the glow of a well-lit vanity mirror. These elements don’t just show products; they make products felt.

Stories, not sales pitches

TikTok is built on storytelling, not slogans. A testimony like “My daughter laughed when I bought this RM10 bathmat, but now she wants one for herself” carries more weight than a polished endorsement.

Narrative-driven content works because it connects products with personal experiences. It turns ordinary items into meaningful solutions. Even the most mundane object—a mop, a water bottle, a phone stand—can become desirable when wrapped in a human story.

 Tone and brand fit

But not every tone works for every brand. While a comedic skit might be perfect for a food delivery service, it can backfire for an airline or bank. About 30% of participants in our study said they found Gen Z-style humour inappropriate when used by premium brands.

The lesson here: authenticity matters, but so does alignment. A brand’s TikTok voice must match its identity. Consumers notice when the tone feels forced or off-brand—and once trust is shaken, it’s hard to rebuild.

The pull of social presence

Do you ever feel like the person on your screen gets you? That sense is called “social presence”. It’s the psychological effect of perceiving a video creator as a genuine person rather than a marketer.

This explains why lo-fi videos—complete with human voiceovers, behind-the-scenes looks, and casual edits—often outperform glossy productions. Shoppers trust micro-influencers more than celebrities because they seem approachable and real.

Authenticity is the currency of TikTok. Once viewers suspect they’re being sold to, the spell breaks. But when they sense honesty, they’re not just watching a video—they’re taking advice from someone who feels like a peer.

Why TikTok is so irresistible

Put all these elements together—relatable voices, sensory immersion, storytelling, brand-appropriate tone, and social presence—and you get a platform that sells without looking like it sells. That is TikTok’s magic formula.

It explains why “TikTok made me buy it” has become both a catchphrase and a cultural phenomenon. The app taps into the psychology of trust and connection, making the act of shopping feel less like a transaction and more like a shared discovery.

What this means for Malaysians

Malaysians have embraced this blend of entertainment and commerce wholeheartedly. With high mobile penetration and a culture that values recommendations from peers, the platform fits seamlessly into daily life.

TikTok has essentially become a virtual pasar malam—full of stories, voices, and sensory triggers that make buying feel natural and even joyful.

But consumers also need to remain aware. The persuasive nature of short videos means we often buy things we don’t need, swept along by trust, visuals, and urgency. That scarf or gadget may look perfect in a 30-second video, but the reality may differ.

Final thoughts

TikTok is no longer just an app for dance challenges and lip-syncs. It is reshaping the way Malaysians shop, blending friendship, storytelling, and sensory appeal into one seamless experience.

For consumers, it means being more mindful of why we buy. For brands, it means recognising that success is not about shouting the loudest, but about sounding the most authentic.

On TikTok, trust is everything—and trust is built when businesses learn to speak like humans, not advertisements.

So the next time you find yourself saying “TikTok made me buy it”, pause for a moment. It wasn’t just the product that hooked you. It was the story, the voice, and the feeling of connection. That is the real power behind the scroll. ‒ FocusM Sept 3, 2025

 

Prof Dr Yusniza Kamarulzaman is a Marketing Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at Universiti Malaya.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

 

Economy

Malaysia’s economy: Identity politics doesn’t pay the bills

THE recent move by the United States to impose new tariffs makes one thing very clear: we are heading toward economic warfare. You do not need weapons to attack and bring down a government.

Economics is brutally simple. It doesn’t care about your race, religion, or rhetoric. It rewards productivity and punishes inefficiency. It respects innovation, not entitlement.

And this is where Malaysia keeps failing. We need to educate ourselves that the era of the “free lunch”—a relic of the 1990s and early 2000s—is over. Our future now boils down to pure productivity, innovation, and collaboration.

For decades, we’ve been trapped in the politics of identity. We argue about quotas, special rights, and who deserves what, while the world races ahead.

Vietnam is attracting manufacturers we once had. Indonesia is building a digital economy. Even tiny Singapore, with no natural resources, is outpacing us.

Meanwhile, we’re still measuring opportunity through the lens of race. Are we doing a disservice to our nation and to future generations?

Here’s the hard truth: the global market doesn’t care if you’re Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Iban. Investors only ask: Can you deliver? Can you innovate? Can you be trusted? If not, they will take their money elsewhere. The world owes Malaysia nothing.

Every time we reward mediocrity based on race, we punish the excellence that could lift the entire country. Every time we craft policy based on identity instead of merit, we weaken our international competitiveness. Every time we allow politics to divide us, we hand our future over to our rivals.

The government should not assume ordinary Malaysians are blind to this. Walk into a pasar malam or a kopitiam, and you’ll see people of all backgrounds trading, buying, and working together seamlessly.

On the ground, economics is colour-blind. It is politics that has poisoned the system for decades.

If Malaysia wants to prosper, we must have the courage to separate race and religion from economics. This is a bitter pill to swallow, but a necessary one.

Education must focus on skills, not slogans. Our mantra must be quality education that delivers unmatched, excellent skills. Opportunities must be based on merit, not ethnicity.

Merit breeds productivity and innovation—a fact proven by our own history. Productivity must matter more than privilege. Otherwise, we will keep sliding into irrelevance.

Economics is not sentimental; it is not swayed by hype. It does not reward identity. It rewards those who work, innovate, and cooperate.

If Malaysia doesn’t learn this truth soon, we will pay the price—not in political rhetoric, but in lost jobs, declining industries, and a generation left behind.

The staggering statistics of brain drain to our neighbours, who were once a part of us, tell the whole story. ‒ FocusM Sept 1, 2025

KT Maran is a Focus Malaysia viewer.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.