Trump

Trump says he thinks China can open its markets to US goods

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Reuters (Jan 13): US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he thinks China can open its markets to American goods, once again asserting he had a good relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

"I think it's going to happen," Trump said when asked if he thinks Chinese markets could open to US goods. He did not elaborate.

Washington and Beijing have had tense ties for years over issues like trade tariffs, intellectual property, human rights, the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, cybersecurity and policies towards Taiwan, Hong Kong and Russia's war in Ukraine.

A day earlier, Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on countries that trade with Iran, risking reopening old wounds with Beijing, Tehran's biggest trading partner.

China condemned Trump's threat and Trump did not provide details on his plan to impose tariffs on countries conducting trade with Iran, which is currently seeing some of its biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.

Trump has been weighing how to respond to the situation in Iran, which fought a 12-day war with US ally Israel last year and whose nuclear sites were bombed by the American military in June.

Trump

Trump will take Greenland by any means necessary

DENMARK has described itself as now facing a defining moment in its diplomatic crisis with the United States over the issue of Greenland.

The assessment was made after US President Donald Trump once again hinted at the possible use of military force to seize the Arctic territory.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said there is a conflict over the territory ahead of a meeting in Washington, which will discuss the global competition for key raw materials.

US President Donald Trump has again insisted that Washington will take over Greenland “by whatever means necessary”, citing national security interests and concerns over Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said Greenland, which is rich in strategic mineral resources, must come under US control to prevent other major powers from dominating it.

Trump’s stance has drawn strong opposition from Germany and Sweden, both of which expressed firm support for Denmark, in line with most NATO member states.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned that any US move to take over mineral-rich Greenland would be a violation of international law and could encourage other countries to act in a similar way.

Meanwhile, Germany has reiterated its support for Denmark and Greenland ahead of the talks in Washington.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who is scheduled to meet his US counterpart Marco Rubio, held discussions in Iceland to address the strategic challenges in the region.

“If the US President is concerned about threats that might come from Russian or Chinese ships or submarines in the area, we can certainly work together to find solutions,” he said, stressing that Greenland’s future must be decided by its own people and Denmark. — FocusM, Jan 12, 2025

MALAYSIA

From forest to flood: How lost biodiversity shows up in your wallet

WHEN floods hit Malaysia, the first thing we notice is the rising water. It moves quickly, fills our streets, enters our homes and brings life to a temporary standstill. What we do not always see is the deeper story behind these disasters.

The decline of forests, weakened river systems and shrinking mangroves has slowly reduced the ability of our landscapes to absorb heavy rain and buffer storms.

The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Living Planet Report 2024 highlights that wildlife populations in the Asia Pacific have fallen by about 60% since 1970. Freshwater species worldwide have declined by 85%. These figures signal that ecosystems everywhere are struggling to cope with climate stress.

Biodiversity may sound like a scientific term, but it simply refers to the variety of life that keeps our natural systems running. Forests hold rainwater and release it gradually into rivers. Wetlands act like natural sponges. Healthy soils prevent erosion and landslides. Mangroves cushion coastal villages from strong waves.

Scientists refer to these benefits as ecosystem services, and they form the foundation of Malaysia’s safety, wellbeing and economic activity.

Global studies by the World Bank in 2023 and the WWF report in 2024 show that more than half of the world’s economic output depends on these natural systems. When they deteriorate, the services they provide weaken, and the consequences are felt across homes, businesses and public funds.

In Malaysia, healthy forests, wetlands and rivers are often the first and most affordable defence against severe weather. The financial impact of natural disasters goes beyond the immediate clean up after a flood.

Floods disrupt transport networks, slow down deliveries and force businesses to close temporarily. Agricultural areas take longer to recover, which affects harvests and reduces supply.

Local authorities spend more in drainage upgrades, river maintenance and emergency services. At the same time, families face higher repair bills and lost income during periods when they cannot work.

The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)-World Bank’s 2022 analysis of nature-related financial risks in Malaysia notes that repeated climate-related disasters place growing pressure on both household finances and national development plans.

Each flood becomes part of a larger cycle that drains resources and reduces long-term financial security. For ordinary Malaysians, the decline of natural systems creates three financial pathways that impact the cost of living and long-term financial wellbeing.

The first is the cost of food. Farming depends on stable rainfall, healthy soils and functioning rivers. When these systems are disrupted, harvests become unpredictable and fish stocks decline.

Supply tightens when weather events destroy crops or reduce fishing days, and prices rise as a result. Even modest disruptions in agricultural regions can create noticeable changes in market prices because the food system is closely linked to climate and ecosystem health.

The second pathway is the burden on monthly expenses. Frequent floods increase insurance claims, which leads to higher premiums. Households may also face repeated repair costs for vehicles, appliances and building structures.

Small businesses lose revenue when they have to close temporarily, and this affects overall household income. Local councils and utilities also face higher operating costs when infrastructure is repeatedly damaged, which increase pressure on public funds.

The third pathway relates to long term savings. Pension funds and financial institutions invest in sectors that rely on nature, such as agriculture, plantations, fisheries and tourism. These sectors rely heavily on stable ecosystems.

When natural systems decline and climate impacts grow stronger, investment risks increase, and returns may be affected. Over time, this trend can influence the performance of savings and investment instruments that Malaysians depend on for retirement.

The link between nature and money becomes even clearer when we consider how land utilisation decisions are made. Floods intensify when land use decisions do not consider the long term impact on water catchments and coastal ecosystems.

Forests are sometimes cleared too extensively, hills are cut in unsafe ways and rivers are constrained by development. These changes weaken the landscape and increase vulnerability.

Malaysia has strong frameworks for environmental management, yet the challenge often lies in consistent enforcement and long-term coordination. This is where financial institutions become important.

Banks and investors play an important role in shaping land use through the projects they choose to fund, and their decisions can either support healthy ecosystem or increase environmental risks.

Nevertheless, there is a hopeful side to the story. Nature can recover when given the chance, and restoration often costs far less than rebuilding after a flood. Evidence from WWF Malaysia and global nature based solutions research shows that restoration is both practical and cost effective.

For example, the mangrove rehabilitation in Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam has helped stabilise shorelines and protect fishing villages. In the Ulu Muda water catchment, conservation efforts have supported cleaner rivers and reduced sediment entering treatment plants.

Reforestation in highland areas such as Fraser’s Hill has improved slope stability and helped regulate water flow downstream. These projects show that strategic investments in nature can provide reliable and long lasting protection.

The growing impact of floods in Malaysia serves as a reminder that climate and biodiversity risks are closely connected to financial wellbeing.

Nature provides essential protection, and when it weakens, the costs fall on households, communities and the national economy. By strengthening land use planning, safeguarding forests and rivers, and expanding restoration work, Malaysia can reduce future losses and build a more resilient foundation for growth. ‒ Dec 17, 2025

 

- Dr Siti Hawa Yusof is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya.

TRASH

Trash keeps piling up: Illegal dumping hotspots surge across Kuala Lumpur despite warnings

Malay Mail KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Illegal dumping sites are becoming increasingly common across the capital, with dozens of new rubbish piles appearing in back lanes, on empty lots and along road shoulders despite repeated warnings.

According to a report by The Star, a senior officer from the Kuala Lumpur Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) said the number of hotspots has climbed to 56, with the figure continuing to grow.

The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said domestic waste is collected twice a week, while bulk items, recyclables and garden cuttings are picked up once weekly — yet many still choose to leave discarded furniture and other refuse by the roadside.

“They would rather leave an old mattress by the roadside than put it in front of their homes,” he said, adding that the growing number of illegal heaps is cutting into cleaners’ time for routine work.

He said it only takes one person to dump items such as garden waste or unwanted sofas for others to follow suit, creating what he described as a cycle that “just doesn’t stop”.

Construction and commercial waste have also become major contributors. 

Some owners, he said, avoid hiring licensed contractors by abandoning renovation debris or commercial refuse at communal bins or by the roadside to dodge tipping fees.

“To curb illegal dumping by the commercial sector, we have also stopped providing communal bins to shoplots in some commercial areas,” he said.

These premises will now receive individual 240-litre bins. 

Previously, shoplots used larger 660-litre communal bins supplied by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, but these were frequently misused by outsiders who discarded bulk waste and renovation materials.

The officer said the shift to individual bins is aimed at improving accountability among business operators.

Ageing

Ageing with dignity: Shaping a kinder future for our elderly

“MAK, are you okay?” That simple question, asked countless times a day across Malaysian households, reflects an increasingly urgent concern.

As adult children juggle careers, families, and caregiving, many elderly parents are quietly facing the vulnerabilities that come with ageing. By 2030, over 15% of Malaysians will be aged 60 or above, and the implications of this demographic shift are massive.

We often talk about healthcare, economic policy, or pensions when discussing ageing but we rarely ask: how do we ensure our elderly can age with dignity? Behind every ageing statistic is a human story, either one of perseverance, of legacy, and often of loneliness.

Many older Malaysians live with limited mobility, chronic illnesses, or cognitive decline, yet continue to crave autonomy, purpose, and connection. And while families and caregivers do their best, the challenges of elderly care are growing more complex. That’s where biomedical engineers like myself come in.

As a student working on a sensor-based elderly care solution, I’ve had the chance to explore how technology can make ageing safer, more dignified, and less isolating. Our project focuses on integrating fall detection systems, room occupancy sensors, and wearable vital sign monitors into elderly care homes.

These systems can detect unusual activity patterns, alert caregivers in real-time, and help ensure that residents receive timely assistance. But the goal is not to flood homes with gadgets. It’s to design quiet guardians: tools that work in the background, offering support without intruding on privacy.

Imagine a grandmother who lives alone but wears a lightweight device that tracks her movements and vitals. If she falls or shows signs of abnormal heart activity, a caregiver is alerted within seconds.

Now imagine that same system in a care home, where one nurse watches over 15 to 20 residents. With smart sensors, that nurse can know exactly who needs help, and when. This isn’t science fiction; it’s biomedical engineering, applied with empathy and kindness.

Working on this project has reshaped how I view my field. I used to think engineering was about making things smarter or faster or cheaper. Now I see it’s also about making life kinder.

When we design systems for the elderly, we’re not just solving technical problems, but we’re restoring ability to people who often feel it slipping away.

We’re saying: you are still in control, even if your body isn’t what it used to be. Malaysia’s ageing challenge demands more than policy reform or hospital beds. It demands a cultural shift in how we think about old age.

Are our homes, hospitals, and public spaces prepared for the mobility needs of an 80-year-old? Are we training enough professionals to care for dementia patients? Are we investing in technologies that allow elders to live independently and safely?

Biomedical engineers have a key role to play in bridging the gap between clinical care and everyday life. We must collaborate with doctors, caregivers, and policymakers to ensure that our solutions are accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. After all, the best technology is the one that gets used.

Through this work, I’ve also learned a lot about myself. Being a student in this field during such an important time has been both humbling and motivating. It’s easy to get caught up in the typical engineering details: circuit boards, signal processing, algorithms.

But at the end of the day, our purpose is human. If our technology helps one elderly person avoid a fall, sleep better, or feel less alone, then all those hours in the lab are worth it.

Malaysia is not alone in facing an ageing population, because it’s a global challenge. But we have the chance to meet it with innovation and care. Let us build a society where no one feels invisible just because they are old. Let us use science not only to prolong life, but to enhance the quality of living.

To fellow engineers, I say this: design with dignity in mind. To policymakers: invest in age-friendly technologies. And to society at large: remember that we’re not preparing for someone else’s future, but we’re preparing for our own.

Because one day, we’ll be the ones answering that question: “Are you okay?” Let’s make sure the answer is yes. ‒ Dec 1, 2025

 

Tan Yan Yee is a final year biomedical engineering student at Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya.

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

 

Trump

Hello, Mr President, trade deal is off—and US imposes 30% tariff on Malaysia

SINCE opposition to the US-Malaysia trade deal is intensifying, there are many ways detractors can undermine the treaty.

Never mind the exit clauses in the reciprocal trade pact because nobody wants to believe that there are such escape exits. The core of the argument is that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has signed not only a business deal but also signed away national sovereignty.

Hence, the only way to resolve this issue is to take firm and decisive action against the Madani (civil and trustworthy) government. But how?

Ask PAS. No problem. Just hold a public rally and call it “Turun Anwar 2”. Maybe, this time people might hit the streets in the millions because they are led to believe that their very survival as a sovereign nation is at stake.

They might stage their protest at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where the “satanic deal” was signed and screamed their lungs out at Donald Trump alias the Great Devil.

To spice up the event, they can symbolically burn the trade document along with the effigies of the US president.

And, oh, why not also do an energetic, angry, hate-filled fist-pump dance (showing the balled-up fists to Trump) to the music of YMCA to get the crowd worked up to boiling point.

The whole show can end with a grand finale—a march to the US Embassy where political firebrands can sprinkle the ashes of the burnt trade document in front of the heavily guarded compound.

But street protest might not work. Anwar will still be around to ensure the trade agreement is kept intact.

Take another method. How about dragging the case to court to invalidate the “unfair, one-sided” reciprocal trade pact?

Resorting to legal action might work because if the court emphatically rules that the agreement is invalid as it violates the Federal Constitution, the Madani government might have to give in and cancel the deal.

However, there is a roadblock. The Attorney-General’s Chambers, according to Anwar, has reviewed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) and found it contains “no provisions that contradict the spirit or any articles of the Federal Constitution”.

This puts paid the ambition of some washed-out politicians whose words and deeds on this contentious issue are mere political grandstanding.

Is there another way to bury ART? There is and the answer lies in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is itching for another fight with his nemesis.

The twice former premier lost no time in leading a roundtable discussion on ART only to condemn the trade agreement outright and ominously vowing to defend the nation’s sovereignty.

Some political parties and NGOs were with him and one can only conjecture that they are probably planning to head to Istana Negara sooner or later and hand over their 12 joint resolutions which unanimously rejected the agreement.

One of the resolutions inevitably is Mahathir signature style—calling on Anwar to resign yet again to take responsibility for leading Malaysia into a trap where there are no exits.

The centenarian is playing a dangerous game with his bold assertion that the position of the Malay rulers and the rights of the Malays will be affected under ART.

Using the race and religion card must be his desperate attempt to provoke the Malays into action. Perhaps, he is seeking royal intervention to get ART revoked and ultimately see Anwar  making a quick exit from Putrajaya.

Even in Pakatan Harapan (PH) there is some grumbling about the perceived erosion of economic sovereignty. One ally, PKR, is going one step further—its lawmaker Wong Chen wants to convene a meeting on this matter through Parliament’s Special Select Committee on International Relations and Trade.

As committee chair, the Subang MP wants the hearing fixed for Nov 12 to review the whole trade deal. And how does he propose to go about aiming his “friendly fire” at the Madani government?

He will invite representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); the US Embassy; economists and business chambers to sit at the hearing and explain the pact and its implications for Malaysia.

It is highly unlikely that Wong will hear dissenting voices from the invited guests. Surely not from MITI or the US Embassy.

There may be some recommendations from the trade chambers and economists to tweak some aspects of the agreement but that will be as far as they will go. They will not cross the line to condemn it and call for its revocation.

In the end, Wong can do nothing much short of calling the PMX himself (who is also his PKR boss) to sit in the “dock”.

However, there is no guarantee that the ART storm has subsided even though all attempts to derail it might not succeed.

If it stays a hot and divisive topic and becomes hotter as the 16th General Election (GE16) approaches, Anwar himself can abrogate the trade pact and, perhaps, dial up Trump.

Anwar: Hello, Mr President, Anwar here.

Trump: Hello! Apa khabar! (he picked up a smattering of Malay during his brief visit to Malaysia last month).

Anwar: Baik. But Mr President, I have some bad news. The trade deal is off.

Trump: What!!?

Anwar: Mr President, sorry, I am facing intense enemy and friendly fire over the deal. My political position is precarious.

Trump: Really? I thought you’re in total control of your country.

Anwar: No, sir. We are a democracy and I listen to the people’s wishes.

Trump: OK! OK! OK! The deal is eh…eh (fumbling for the appropriate Malay word he has memorised)…. batal.

Anwar: Thank you, Mr President, have a nice day.

And the next day America imposes 30% tariff on Malaysia. ‒ FocusM Nov 12, 2025

 

Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.

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

Eurostat

Euro zone retail sales unexpectedly fall in September

Reuters FRANKFURT (Nov 6): Euro zone retail sales unexpectedly fell in September, challenging expectations for a consumption-led recovery and offsetting other mildly positive news from the 20-nation currency bloc, data from Eurostat showed on Thursday.

Retail trade fell by 0.1% on the month in September, coming short of expectations for a 0.2% rise, while sales were up 1.0% compared to a year earlier, in line with expectations.

Euro zone households are sitting on ample savings and the European Central Bank has long expected them to start running these down in a boost to growth, but uncertainty keeps consumers cautious and actual figures continue to be disappointing.

Retail sales expanded by 0.2% on the month in Germany, the bloc's biggest economy and 0.4% in Spain, but there were falls in Italy, France and the Netherlands, among the bloc's bigger nations.

Still, other data, including sentiment readings and PMI data, show that the economy is holding up and ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos said policymakers were now marginally more optimistic on growth.

Non-food products sales dropped by 0.2% on the month, fuel sales were down 1% and food sales were stagnant, Eurostat added.