Has Healthcare Flatlined?

 

The healthcare sector is grappling with rising costs, understaffing and growing demand from middle-income earners who are increasingly turning to public services as they are priced out of private healthcare due to high insurance premiums and soaring medical costs. The government spends a significant amount on healthcare every year – and the absolute figure has risen rapidly – as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). But this is still underinvesting. Under Budget 2025, the government allocated RM45.3bil, or 4.7% of GDP. This represents a nearly 10% increase from Budget 2024 in percentage-of-GDP terms, and a 13.5% increase in absolute terms compared to Budget 2023.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Healthcare advocates have long lobbied the government to allocate at least 5% of GDP to healthcare. At 5%, Malaysia’s healthcare spending would remain substantially lower than the often-cited Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) benchmark of between 8% and 10% of GDP. According to an OECD policy brief released last December, members countries allocated an average of 8.8% of GDP to healthcare in 2019. 

According to a PwC Malaysia report published last June, countries in the upper-middle income bracket should allocate 6% to 7% of GDP to public healthcare – above the firm’s estimated 5.1% allocation for Malaysia. The report suggests greater public-private partnership as a viable option for the government to consider in reforming the dual-healthcare system. It notes that forward-looking private healthcare providers could collaborate with their public counterparts to improve service delivery and capacity. Malaysia’s ageing demographic adds urgency to this issue. 

Currently, just over 8% of the population is aged 65 and above. By 2040, the country will be classified as an aged society, with approximately 15% of the population aged 65 and older. Upgrading public healthcare infrastructure takes time – so does training and nurturing talent. This is where the government can make a real difference, by allocating a higher percentage of GDP to healthcare. 

The resources are there – the expanded SST is estimated to generate up to RM5bil annually, while the diesel subsidy rationalisation could save up to RM7.5bil per year, according to government projections earlier this year. Beyond SST, more tariff hikes are likely.

A proposed water tariff hike is in the pipeline, and the base electricity tariff hike effective July 1 in Peninsular Malaysia is likely to generate savings (the government allocated nearly RM2.4bil in electricity subsidies for the first half of 2025).  Additionally, the pending rationalisation of the RON95 fuel subsidy is estimated to save up to RM8bil annually. 

Malaysia’s public healthcare system is under strain, but the problems can be fixed. The system proved its resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, outperforming even some developed countries’ healthcare systems. What’s needed now is not a quick fix that shifts the burden onto ordinary wage earners by dipping into their retirement funds, but a long-term commitment to structural reform. 

Revenue generated from the SST expansion and savings from subsidy rationalisation should be ploughed back into the public healthcare system. This would not only strengthen capacity but also ensure that even middle-income earners – many of whom already pay taxes and hold private insurance – can continue to access quality public healthcare when needed. 

Reference:

Budget remedy needed as healthcare flatlines, Fintan Ng, The Star, 5 July 2025

 

 

7 Types of People Not to Give a Second Chance!

 1.   Serial Liars

According to research on deception and trust by Knapp and Vangelisti (2018), once trust is broken, it's incredibly challenging to restore. The psychological toll of constantly doubting someone's words can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and a pervasive sense of betrayal. When faced with chronic deception, it's crucial to recognize that rebuilding a shattered trust foundation might not be worth the emotional investment. Alternatively, prioritize relationships where honesty reigns supreme, and mutual respect forms the bedrock. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

2. Emotional Vampires 

Have you ever been part of a discussion and emerged feeling as if you've just run a marathon, mentally and emotionally spent? Welcome to the aftermath of engaging with an emotional vampire. These individuals feed on others' energy, often leaving them depleted and overwhelmed in return. Unlike mutual exchanges of support and care, interactions with emotional vampires are unidirectional—you're always the giver, and they, the endless taker. 

In a study on emotional contagion, it is highlighted how certain people can heavily influence your mood and energy levels through their constant conveying of negativity or neediness. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, strained resources, and an imbalanced relationship dynamic. It's crucial to establish boundaries and practice self-care, ensuring your well-being takes precedence. Your emotional energy isn't infinite—it demands careful conservation and protection from needless drains. 

3. Chronic Critics 

Baumgardner and Crothers (2015) discuss how consistent exposure to negative feedback can escalate stress levels to mirror that experienced in traumatic circumstances. It becomes a relentless assault on one's self-esteem, inducing feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. It's vital to differentiate between constructive feedback, which nurtures growth, and habitual criticism that deteriorates self-worth. Take care to distance yourself from relentless negativity and surround yourself with voices that uplift and encourage. 

4. Unapologetic Repeat Offenders 

This is particularly draining because it plays on the hopeful human tendency to believe in second chances and redemption. However, psychological theory reminds us that genuine change requires concerted effort and introspection—elements often missing in repeat offenders. Tolerate their behaviour with caution, observing actions over words. Protect your emotional health and consider whether continual forgiveness may inadvertently enable their damaging patterns. 

5. Fairweather Friends 

During life's inevitable challenges—be it illness, job loss, or emotional distress—having steadfast companions is invaluable. According to psychological studies, authentic friendships are founded on reciprocity, empathy, and mutual understanding (Fehr, 1996). If you notice someone consistently retreating at the first sign of hardship, it may be time to re-evaluate their role in your life. Seek out those who stay through thick and thin, ensuring a network of genuine, supportive connections. 

6. One-Uppers 

Psychologically speaking, one-uppers often have an insatiable drive for validation and self-importance. Their behaviour can undermine meaningful interactions, shifting focus from shared moments to their tune of triumph. Acknowledging this dynamic empowers you to set boundaries, embracing those who genuinely celebrate your successes and empathize with your challenges. Keeping genuine companionship at the forefront leads to more fulfilling interactions. 

7. Manipulators 

It is a fact that manipulation can warp your perception of reality, often leading to feelings of self-doubt and a compromised sense of self-worth. The impact of prolonged manipulation can be devastating, fraying the emotional fabric of those involved. It’s critical to reclaim your agency in such situations by steadfastly maintaining personal boundaries and prioritizing mental health. Remember, you deserve relationships predicated on respect, honesty, and mutual empowerment. 

To work through terrains of human relationships is an art. Everyone deserves a chance but not those who drain, stress, fail to add value to your well-being. Prioritising your mental health is never the wrong choice. And you are on planet Earth to add value in the lives of others! 

Reference:

7 types of people not to give a second chance to, Tekkaus, June 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battle for Higher Wages?

As of June 30, 2025, RM11bil had been deployed into high-growth, high-value sectors such as semiconductors and the energy transition, as well as initiatives to uplift underserved communities and develop local talent, says the MoF. 

The MoF says it is delivering on its promise to raise the rakyat’s quality of life and lead the national agenda for wage reform. GLCs are to commit to pay a minimum of RM3,100 a month and drive the economy.

 

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com

The RM3,100 threshold is a Living Wage, the amount of money deemed just enough for Malaysians to afford the basics in life. That means that the monthly wages will be enough for housing, food and other essentials. 

The cost of living in the country is different for Malaysians compared to foreign workers, who are more likely to sacrifice much of what Malaysians will consume to save their money to be remitted back home. The irony is that the living wage is way higher – almost double – than the minimum wage and what the government pays its lowest-paid civil servant. The current minimum wage is RM1,700 a month. By right, the minimum wage should be at least the amount of money it takes a Malaysian to live with some dignity. The poverty line income in Malaysia is said to be RM2,589 – and that was in 2022! 

Both those incomes will make it hard for Malaysians to live decently in the country without having to take a second job to make ends meet. The government’s recent civil servant pay hike saw a 15% to 43% rise in salaries, and that added more than RM10bil in emoluments being spent by the government, with the bill hitting RM140bil a year. 

Setting a precedent with the living wage for GLCs is fine, but it needs to be expanded across the board. Setting the minimum wage at such a level just incentivises companies to pay that for its entry-level staff, especially if workers are not employed by larger companies. 

In a scenario of rising cost of living, wages need to be revised and hopefully productivity will also improve. Otherwise, we will have low output, high costs and non-competitive products and services! 

Reference:

Waging a battle for better pay, Jagdev Singh Sidhu, The Star, 5 July 2025

Can We Counter 25% US Tariff Impact?

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has expressed deep concern over the latest announcement under the US reciprocal tariffs which will see a 25% blanket tariff imposed on all Malaysian products entering the US market effective Aug 1. 

This announcement comes as a surprise given the intensive and on-going negotiations between the Malaysian government and the US coordinated by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) under the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) framework. Why is the Minister in Washington jogging when we could have done that in Putrajaya?

 

 

The manufacturing sector is already impacted from the earlier 10% US tariff and escalating domestic cost pressures, including the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and electricity base tariff revisions. The latest escalation risks further de-stabilising an already fragile industrial landscape, severely impacting export competitiveness and placing additional strain on manufacturers. Feedback from manufacturers as gathered by FMM during the initial 10% US reciprocal tariff implementation already pointed to serious concerns over the sustainability of export operations with many warning that further tariff hikes would result in significant declines in shipments and severe erosion of profit margins. 

Most Malaysian exports including rubber products, textiles, furniture and industrial components will be adversely affected, thus placing added strain on companies already grappling with rising input costs and market uncertainty. Although Malaysia’s initial proposed 24% tariff in April 2025 was lower than peers such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, the new blanket 25% rate places Malaysia in a more punitive position, especially as Vietnam has since secured a bilateral arrangement which reduces its rate to 20%. 

Compounding the issue, other ASEAN members such as Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines were not named in the latest tariff wave. These disparities risk diverting US sourcing to lower tariff alternatives and eroding Malaysia’s market share. 

Our compliance record, investment linkages and value-added contribution should form the basis for seeking targeted relief or differentiated treatment to prevent long term structural damage to Malaysia’s export position. This was expressed by FMM. But are we doing anything seriously about this or just jogging along? 

Reference:

Where have we erred? FMM urges swift diplomatic interventions to counter 25% US tariff impact, Focus Malaysia, 8 July 2025

 

Houston, We Have a Problem!

Malaysia is planning to build one or two rocket launch sites – one in Sabah and the other in Pahang. By 2026, we could blast payloads into orbit! 

We can’t afford avocados but not going to space! The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said a feasibility study is underway. Never mind about potholes, leaky roofs, rising prices, lack of internet or poor education system, launching satellites will fix that.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Once upon a time, we were looking at flying cars, then a 3^rd national car but now we ready for space – to go where no man has gone before! Are we renting these launch pads to foreigners while we watch? Do we have safety protocols, EIA studies, skilled workforce? 

We can dream big! But please fix recurring floods, gas pipelines, corruption, the judicial appointments, quality of schools and institutions and then have a pool of STEM people to lay the groundwork for space. India has a science and engineering base; so, does China or Japan. Our base is humanities, and you want to reach the moon?  

Reference:

Comment: Houston, we have a ‘reality’ issue! Joseph Masilamany, Malaysiakini, 4 July 2025

Top 10 Countries for Plastic Waste Export!

Every year, around five million tonnes of used plastic are shipped internationally, with the vast majority (71%) coming from just 10 high-income countries. While these exports are often presented as a recycling solution, a report by CleanHub reveals a more troubling truth. 

Plastic waste exports are containers of plastic refuse that are shipped across the oceans for processing abroad. The plastic is sent on cargo ships that can transport hundreds of tonnes at a time, providing a way for countries to offload unmanageable waste while importing recyclable materials to produce new products.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 Top 10 countries ranked by most waste exported per year:

1.               Germany: 688,067 tonnes

2.               Japan: 606,374 tonnes

3.               United Kingdom: 600,000 tonnes

4.               Netherlands: 576,702 tonnes

5.               United States: 431,841 tonnes

6.               Belgium: 391,263 tonnes

7.               France: 344,367 tonnes

8.               Italy: 205,621 tonnes

9.               Canada: 201,780 tonnes

10.            Austria: 174,976 tonnes 

Collectively, these top 10 countries export more than 4.4 million tonnes of plastic waste per year, representing 71% of all plastic waste exports. Additionally, all these exporters are high-income, developed nations - with seven of them in Europe. 

Despite the large export figures, many nations have reduced their plastic waste exports over the past year – notably the US by 28%, and Germany by 6%. Compared to European countries such as the UK and France, the US is shown to be better at handling its own plastic waste. Meanwhile, Japan and Canada's exports have increased by 7% and 10%, respectively. Exports from the Netherlands have shot up by 69% in the past four years. 

The problem is that highly developed countries like Japan and the US are exporting their plastic waste rather than investing in proper domestic recycling or reduction strategies. Whilst this allows them to maintain a lower carbon footprint on paper and portray them as countries progressing towards net-zero goals, the environmental and ethical consequences are much more significant. 

By sending the waste to other, less-economically developed nations for recycling, the burden is off-loaded. 

Top 10 countries ranked by most waste imported per year:

 

1.               Netherlands: 796,234 tonnes

2.               Turkey: 622,781 tonnes

3.               Germany: 503,268 tonnes

4.               United States: 446,831 tonnes

5.               Vietnam: 378,944 tonnes

6.               Malaysia: 351,284 tonnes

7.               Belgium: 282,980 tonnes

8.               Austria: 245,079 tonnes

9.               Czechia: 203,853 tonnes

10.            Indonesia: 194,130 tonnes

Despite some wealthier nations like the Netherlands, US and Austria recently increased their imports, the burden of managing this waste still falls disproportionately. Building domestic recycling infrastructure requires significant investment. Therefore, it's often cheaper and easier to offload the shipping waste to developing nations, especially when exchange rates are favourable. 

This imbalance incentivises wealthier countries to prioritise short-term cost savings over long-term solutions and environmental responsibility. The brunt of this plastic waste trade falls on developing nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Turkey - most of which lack the infrastructure and resources to handle the influx of waste effectively. 

According to the CleanHub report, plastic waste exports impact the environment through:

 

·    Ocean pollution: 5% of ocean plastic pollution comes from mismanaged waste exports. This translates to roughly 635,000 tonnes of bottles, bags, plates, and other waste forms. 

·          Country pollution: Exported plastic waste is routinely dumped and burned illegally, causing a grim fate for the land. These practices release toxic chemical pollutants into the air and water supplies, posing a serious threat to both the surrounding environment and people living in these areas. This figure will only rise in the coming decades if better plastic disposal techniques are enforced.

·    Air pollution: The transportation of plastic waste across large distances also contributes to the problem. Ships transport 11 billion tonnes per year, which produces 706 million tonnes of CO2, the five million tonnes of plastic waste itself contribute an additional 320,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. 

Whilst there must be consequences for mismanaging plastic waste exports, they should fall on the wealthier nations attempting to abdicate the responsibility through exportation means. By coming together, wealthier nations can provide the financial and strategic support that poorer countries urgently need to build robust waste management infrastructure. 

Reference:

Top 10 countries responsible for most exported plastic waste, Rebekah Jordan, Interplas Insights, 13 May 2024

Singapore Electricity, Gas Prices to Decrease from July!

Households in Singapore expect smaller electricity and gas bills from July to September due to lower energy and fuel costs. Electricity bills will decrease by 0.65 cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while gas prices will fall by 0.44 cent per kWh, before goods and services tax. This comes after grid operator SP Group announced on June 30 a 2.3 per cent drop in the electricity tariff for households from the previous quarter. An average four-room Housing Board household may see a $2.36 drop in its monthly electricity bill before GST. 

City Energy, the producer and retailer of piped gas, said in a separate statement that the gas tariff will drop from 22.72 cents per kWh to 22.28 cents per kWh due to lower fuel costs, compared with the previous quarter. 

SP Group and City Energy review the electricity and gas tariffs every quarter based on guidelines set by the electricity and gas industry regulator, Energy Market Authority.The energy cost component of the electricity tariff for each quarter is set using the average natural gas prices in the first 2½ months in the preceding quarter. The fuel cost component of the gas tariff for each quarter is set using the average fuel prices in the first 2½ months in the preceding quarter. The electricity and gas tariffs may fluctuate quarter to quarter due to volatile global fuel prices driven by geopolitical factors, such as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. 

Although prices may have fallen but benefits are uneven. Residential tariff rates have fallen and may lock-in to fixed-rate plans. But carbon tax impact is probable in the future. Industrial and commercial consumers are biggest winners. Large factories, data centres and SMEs benefit. But like residential users, this group also faces carbon tax in the future. 

For Malaysia, it’s the other way around (tariffs are up!) and TNB faces a huge tax burden because the courts decided recently it is not a company involved in manufacturing of electricity but a utility. This was a major victory for IRB. And will TNB’s CEO resign? Don’t bet on it. This is Malaysia. 

Reference:

Singapore electricity, gas prices to decrease from July to Sept due to lower energy and fuel costs, Calista Wong, The Straits Times, updated 30 June 2025

 

Is PMX in a “Hot” Potato Soup?

Avocados from Australia, salmon from Norway, king crabs from Alaska, and mangoes from Thailand have become hot potatoes in Malaysia. PMX expanded the list of imported foods that will be taxed from July 1 to boost government coffers. Howls of protest has surfaced. And prices will increase by RM1 to RM2 for some fruits.

The widening of the SST in July 2025 has included a wide range of businesses like the leasing or rental of premises, construction, financial services, private healthcare and beauty services (which has now been exempted).

 

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com

The expansion of the SST is just the latest controversial move by the government on the economic front. The government is also mulling over whether to stop commercial eateries from using subsidised cooking gas, remove subsidies for RON95, and other similar items.

All these are part of a broader move by the Government to wean the public off government subsidies and boost public revenues.

And hovering over the whole economy is the uncertainty over how badly the Malaysian economy would be hit by US tariff. With all the negative noise, some back-pedalling was done! When presenting the 2025 Budget in October last year, the government said that the proposed SST expansion will generate an additional RM5 billion to bring the consumption tax collection to RM51.7 billion.

PMX as Finance Minister is looking at what international rating agencies will say if he does not re-calibrate his fiscal position. There are several other taxes that could generate RM5-10 billion in revenue and meet his objective. And that too from the “maha kaya” (as he calls the ultra-rich). But he is shying away from that and instead is milking his B40 and M40 constituents. He is headed for a hot potato soup in GE16!

Reference:

Malaysians fret over hotpot of bad economic news, as govt moves to expand sales and services tax, Lu Wei Hoong, The Straits Times, published 19 Jun 2025

Putra Heights Pipeline Report a Blast from the Past?

The investigation into the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1 was carried out independently and transparently, without any interference from the Selangor government, said Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari. Is DOSH independent?

 

The Selangor government was not directly involved in the investigation but only served as one of the 212 witnesses. The blaze and explosion destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40 percent, partially destroyed another 81 and affected 57 without burning, while 218 houses were unaffected, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong.

 

Police have classified the gas pipeline explosion incident as No Further Action (NFA) following criminal investigations that found no elements of negligence or sabotage. DOSH’s vague explanation cited “anthropogenic factors”. The report failed to explain how earthworks were allowed to occur within Petronas’ Right of Way (“ROW”). No developer was named. No contractor was charged. No earthquake. No cosmic fluke. No alien attack. Just soil and pipes – who can’t testify were found guilty.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

The DOSH Report was stating the obvious without saying anything useful. I could do the engineering or consultancy in this case. This storytelling reminds you of the Highland Towers tragedy in 1993 – same reasons i.e. soil and land instability! Common sense will tell you that soil doesn’t move by accident. We disturb it.

 

If the pipeline was built under U.S. standards, it will have concrete supports (with concrete foundation). Pipeline also has a shelf life of 50 years (this pipeline was probably built in 1984). So, what safety features were there?

 

Madani is looking poor. What could Madani do? Be transparent. Get Petronas to restore homes fully. Replace the pipeline with concrete supports. Charge the developer/ contractor. And have a buffer zone and fence for the ROW. If not, we will continue to have this blast from the past again!

 

References:

Probe into Putra Heights blast transparent, independent: Amirudin, Bernama/Malaysiakini, 3 July 2025

Putra Heights Inquiry: a technical briefing or a public brush-off?, Contributor, Focus Malaysia, 3 July 2025

Putra Heights blast: PAS slams report for blaming only soil, pipeline, N Faizal Ghazali, 3 July 2025