Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Money

Shopee

charges

complaints

price increase

frustration

SPayLater

hike

sellers

Shopee sellers are bracing for yet another increase in operational costs as the e-commerce platform confirmed a hike in its SPayLater seller fee. The change, set to take effect on 8 May 2025, will see the fee rise from 3.5% to 4.5% for all completed orders involving the SPayLater payment option.
The update was announced through Shopee&rsquo;s official Seller Education Hub, continuing a trend of rising charges for merchants using the platform.
What Is SPayLater? 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a62796e4303ff33bf724897f79a3f39b982bad43119b1080a6710fedfa3de146" />
SPayLater is Shopee&rsquo;s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, designed to give buyers flexibility in managing their purchases. The feature enables customers to split their payments over installment plans ranging from one to 24 months. Instalments up to three months typically carry no extra fees for buyers, but longer tenures can incur charges of up to 36%, depending on the duration.
However, while buyers may choose whether or not to use SPayLater, sellers are automatically enrolled in the programme with no option to opt out. This means they must absorb the associated transaction fee regardless of whether they benefit directly from the instalment feature.
Why Are Sellers Frustrated?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e816e805f983200358e1b1830eb38cfdc3be9218e22e47533de142280683cf1c" />
The fee hike has been met with widespread frustration among Shopee merchants, many of whom took to online seller communities to express their discontent. One recurring point of criticism is the lack of transparency&mdash;Shopee has not provided any formal explanation for the increase.
Many sellers are questioning why they are being penalised when it is ultimately the buyer&rsquo;s decision to use the SPayLater facility. The platform&rsquo;s insistence on making SPayLater mandatory for eligible sellers has only fuelled further resentment.
A number of sellers have even suggested raising their prices to cushion the impact of the new fee, potentially making Shopee less competitive for buyers as a result.
Sellers Speak Out: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s Getting Too Much&rdquo;
Among those voicing concern is Loh, a power tool seller who requested partial anonymity. Speaking to local media, Loh said that the compounding cost of selling on Shopee&mdash;including this new SPayLater fee&mdash;is driving him to reconsider the platform entirely.
&ldquo;My business has to contend with more and more extra fees, and I&rsquo;d need to hire someone just to operate and manage the sales channel,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s pushed my business away from focusing too much effort towards selling on Shopee.&rdquo;
A Pattern of Increasing Charges
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5268806b0bc67a485230899cca302a30408a47ee615a61836d3eb4fcd5c7d8bc" />
This latest update follows a previous hike in August 2024, when Shopee increased its general Transaction Fee for sellers from 2% to 3.5%&mdash;a move that excluded SPayLater and credit card payments at the time. That change, too, received criticism from small business owners struggling to maintain margins on the platform.
It&rsquo;s also worth noting that the new 4.5% SPayLater fee is subject to Malaysia&rsquo;s 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST), effectively making the total cost to sellers even higher.
Shopee&rsquo;s Justification &mdash; and What&rsquo;s Missing
While Shopee has highlighted that SPayLater can increase a seller&rsquo;s gross merchandise value by offering flexible payments to buyers, it has not justified the fee hike directly or provided any context for the additional cost burden. The omission has left many sellers feeling alienated, especially as BNPL platforms typically share costs across both buyers and sellers in a more transparent manner.
What&rsquo;s Next for Shopee Sellers?
As sellers scramble to adjust to the updated fee structure, questions remain about Shopee&rsquo;s long-term strategy and its impact on small and medium-sized businesses. If costs continue to rise without improved support or clearer communication, more sellers like Loh may look to alternative platforms or offline sales.
For now, the 4.5% fee for SPayLater orders will go into effect from 8 May 2025, and sellers will have no choice but to comply &mdash; or reconsider their future on the platform.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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To offset the higher fee, some sellers may begin raising their product prices.

d833dc61e66b6ef0a5823f527e207e67a587df0bf7f6b63aee2eaa945ecfefb6

Shopee Hikes SPayLater Seller Fee To 4.5% From 8 May

d9d56c8e5c29847e2917983575418651c94c72608ef9e914a6542c4a698d7349

Scentify

e891e864574960ae21e3a00f338f06377dd53af0baffdac1786ad4ed7dad7721

Oatside

c6e5412e94f35f5e45d8d645b31f06c7e7692356c43e40dffb5b8af1b8e8c3a9

Rohto

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Apple is facing a proposed class action lawsuit in the United States after a woman claimed she lost US$80,000 (~RM340,000) through a cryptocurrency scam app downloaded directly from the official Apple App Store.
The lawsuit was filed in California by Danyell Shin, who alleges that the app in question&mdash;Swiftcrypt&mdash;was part of a sophisticated fraud scheme commonly referred to as "pig butchering". The method involves gradually gaining a victim&rsquo;s trust before coaxing them into investing larger sums of money. Once enough funds are deposited, the perpetrators vanish&mdash;locking users out of their accounts and disappearing with the cash.
The Swiftcrypt Scam: Trust Betrayed
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8345d3639b4aec5d8866154452c2bcf5c7358407b2fc7b23e36a41ceaaa6a454" />
Shin reportedly discovered Swiftcrypt in late 2023 or early 2024 through an online investment group. Convinced of its legitimacy&mdash;partly due to its availability on Apple&rsquo;s App Store&mdash;she downloaded the app and began investing, believing she was seeing returns. After following instructions provided within the app, she made successive deposits totalling $80,000. Then, suddenly, her access was revoked and the funds were gone.
In her lawsuit, Shin claims she reasonably relied on Apple&rsquo;s widely publicised assurances that all App Store apps undergo rigorous security screening. By hosting Swiftcrypt, she argues, Apple misled users into believing the app was trustworthy and safe to use.
Apple&rsquo;s &lsquo;Walled Garden&rsquo; Under Scrutiny
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/eb474ae66c57d2e6677a9126d8c7f16e579048cb2d1be48bf6711329c6bbfddc" />
For years, Apple has defended its exclusive App Store ecosystem as a secure and carefully curated platform. From the late Steve Jobs to current executives like Craig Federighi, the tech giant has consistently portrayed the App Store as a bulwark against cybercriminals. Apple often highlights its app review process and routinely markets the App Store as &ldquo;safe&rdquo; and &ldquo;trusted.&rdquo;
Shin&rsquo;s lawsuit challenges those claims. It accuses Apple of misrepresentation and failing in its duty to protect users by allowing a scam app to slip through its vetting process. It also points to the company&rsquo;s monopoly over app distribution on iOS devices as a contributing factor in fostering false confidence among consumers.
&ldquo;Apple has structured its ecosystem so that customers rely on Apple for the perceived safety and reliability of the App Store,&rdquo; the lawsuit argues.
Legal Claims and Broader Implications
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/53f54c80ef9f82e11c3207583554d343e13fbad6dbb2a53873e709dc589e8e86" />
The legal action seeks damages for violations of California&rsquo;s consumer protection and competition laws. It also alleges that Shin &ldquo;overpaid&rdquo; for her iPhone, under the premise that part of the phone&rsquo;s value lies in its supposedly secure App Store.
Beyond individual compensation, the suit calls for corrective advertising to clarify the real security limitations of Apple&rsquo;s platform.
The case has yet to be certified as a class action, which would require the court to determine if there are enough similarly affected individuals to proceed collectively. So far, no other victims from Shin&rsquo;s investment group have publicly joined the case.
A Pattern of Legal Firestorms
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3040a6e38954e82fd1f55bc3cdd5b4cd22a18eadf7b25a6f33eb9397b1ce4fa7" />
This isn&rsquo;t the first time Apple&rsquo;s App Store practices have faced legal challenges. Most notably, the Epic Games v Apple case accused the company of anti-competitive behaviour by mandating the use of its own in-app purchase system, from which Apple takes a 30% commission. Apple largely emerged unscathed from that lawsuit, but it sparked widespread debate about digital marketplaces and monopolistic control.
In the UK, Apple is also facing a separate &pound;1.5 billion (approximately US$2 billion) anti-trust class action trial over similar allegations relating to its App Store policies.
Victim Blaming or Corporate Responsibility?
Some commentators have suggested that Shin shares some responsibility for her losses, noting that Swiftcrypt lacked substantial online presence or regulatory credentials. Critics argue that a basic search might have raised red flags&mdash;highlighting the barebones website and absence of legitimate reviews. Others point to the broader difficulty consumers face in distinguishing genuine apps from scams, especially within a platform marketed as safe by design.
Even so, many agree that the issue highlights the growing sophistication of fraud and the limits of current app review systems&mdash;even those managed by tech titans like Apple.
Apple Yet to Respond
As of now, Apple has not issued any formal response to the lawsuit. The Swiftcrypt app has since been removed from the App Store, and its official website has been taken down. There is no indication whether the company will attempt to settle or fight the lawsuit in court.
Meanwhile, the case underscores growing global scrutiny of major tech companies and the platforms they control. With third-party app stores now emerging in the EU under new regulations such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple&rsquo;s future grip on app distribution may weaken&mdash;but with it, possibly the consistency of app safety as well.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Swiftcrypt scam sparks lawsuit — is the App Store as safe as Apple claims?

77a7d90a23b32e6167d11a9a4c60444bf74ba7c7d92c76af9a5de9d81caed35b

Apple Sued Over Crypto Scam: Woman Loses $80,000 After Downloading Fraudulent App From App Store

A Malaysian company has come under intense public scrutiny after a team-building ice bath challenge left one of its female employees collapsed and unable to stand unaided. What began as a corporate wellness activity quickly turned into a viral controversy&mdash;raising questions about safety protocols, employer responsibility, and the rise of extreme self-improvement culture in the workplace.
From Motivation to Medical Emergency
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/37f623645efafc6a70c81dbd3d462c6368d0cd8d2736922d53af4bc3483b80ab" />
In a video that has since made rounds on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, a young woman is seen participating in a team-building challenge where employees were required to remain submerged in an ice bath for a full 10 minutes. As the footage progresses, it&rsquo;s evident she is in growing physical distress&mdash;her lips turn purple, her face pales, and her body begins to tremble violently.
Despite her deteriorating condition, she pushes through while chanting motivational affirmations like:
&ldquo;I must be myself. I need to break through. I&rsquo;m not afraid of pain or hardship. I&rsquo;m not afraid to cross this road.&rdquo;
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1846072592625046&amp;width=500&amp;show_text=true&amp;height=697&amp;appId" width="500" height="697" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Moments after the challenge ends, the woman appears disoriented and unable to stand. Her colleagues rush in, lifting her out of the ice-filled tub and attempting to massage her legs, which are visibly reddened from the prolonged cold exposure. She can be seen slipping into a limp state, sparking real concerns about her physical wellbeing.
Company&rsquo;s Defence: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re Not a Cult&rdquo;
The video sparked immediate online outrage, with many questioning the ethics and legality of such an exercise being carried out in a workplace setting. Critics described the act as dangerous, unnecessary, and even exploitative, with some likening it to cult-like conditioning rather than professional development.
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In response, the company&rsquo;s founder took to Facebook with a strongly-worded post defending the ice bath challenge and dismissing the criticism. She claimed that the event had been conducted under professional medical supervision and insisted that employees were not coerced.
&ldquo;Why do we get criticised? Is it because we&rsquo;re merely a small and medium enterprise (SME)? We&rsquo;re not a cult. We&rsquo;re just a group of women working hard for our dreams,&rdquo; she wrote.
The founder added that the challenge was inspired by similar routines performed by celebrities and influencers, including athletes and politicians, and that it was meant to build resilience, mental strength, and team spirit.
&ldquo;You can laugh at us and criticise all you want, but we will keep working hard for our dreams.&rdquo;
The Ice Bath Trend: More Than Just a Fad
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/459625245446569657581d1aeb6a1932f79e2ee5b5c9ba37de6cf09055787efb" />
The ice bath trend has surged in popularity over the last decade, bolstered initially by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014&mdash;a viral campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Since then, ice-related stunts have evolved into more extreme forms, particularly in the health and wellness space.
One of the most influential proponents is Dutch endurance athlete Wim Hof, famously known as &ldquo;The Iceman.&rdquo; Hof&rsquo;s breathing and cold therapy techniques claim to offer a range of benefits including improved immunity, reduced stress, enhanced circulation, and mental clarity.
Athletes use ice baths to aid muscle recovery, and social media has only amplified the visibility of the practice. Malaysian politician Khairy Jamaluddin has shared his own experience with cold exposure therapy. In the US, even former President Donald Trump has been photographed engaging in ice bath routines.
But what works for professional athletes or public figures under expert supervision may not be suitable for the average employee&mdash;especially in corporate settings where implied pressure and hierarchy can complicate consent.
Health Risks: What the Experts Say
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/36e740e09719142fcb4f50932d180e086cbf80cabec0b04a942fe486b9a94741" />
Medical professionals have repeatedly warned about the dangers of prolonged cold water immersion, particularly for individuals with no prior exposure or training.
Cold exposure for more than a few minutes can trigger hypothermia, fainting, or even cardiac arrest, depending on the individual&rsquo;s health, body composition, and the water temperature. Experts recommend limiting exposure to 3&ndash;5 minutes for beginners, with gradual adaptation and close monitoring by healthcare professionals.
The video raised concerns not just about the duration but also about whether informed consent was given, if participants were properly briefed, and if adequate emergency measures were in place.
Netizens React: Divided Opinions and Heated Debate
The online reaction has been mixed. While many condemned the company for prioritising spectacle over safety, others voiced support for the founder&rsquo;s defence of mental toughness. Others questioned whether employees could truly opt out of such challenges without fear of judgement or retaliation, especially in closely-knit or high-pressure work environments.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments. Do note that some comments may not be 100% accurate due to translation:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cfe0223b685dbda36cec7c8b80a7586bf877da6f8b8afe2e2d8bd546ab7b9987" />
Corporate Wellness or Cult Mentality?
Team-building activities are typically designed to foster camaraderie, improve communication, and offer a break from routine. But when the line between motivation and manipulation becomes blurred, the risks&mdash;not just physical but psychological&mdash;can outweigh the intended benefits.
Experts say that corporate wellness should focus on inclusivity, emotional safety, and individual boundaries, rather than pushing employees to breaking point under the guise of empowerment.
While some employees may thrive on high-stakes challenges, for others, it may lead to trauma, burnout, or deteriorated trust in leadership.
Lessons Learned: Where Do We Draw the Line?
This controversy serves as a cautionary tale for Malaysian companies&mdash;and corporates around the world&mdash;about the need for careful planning, clear safety measures, and informed consent when introducing wellness or team-building programmes.
HR professionals and company leaders must ask themselves:
<ul>
<li>Is the activity evidence-based and safe?</li>
<li>Is it inclusive and accessible to all employees?</li>
<li>Have medical professionals been properly involved?</li>
<li>Is participation genuinely voluntary?</li>
</ul>
Without these safeguards, the pursuit of resilience and team spirit can result in very real harm&mdash;and potentially legal consequences.
The Aftermath
As of now, the company involved has not issued an apology or confirmed whether any internal review or changes to its wellness programmes are being considered. The female employee who collapsed has not spoken publicly, and her medical condition remains unclear.
The conversation around corporate wellness, employee rights, and viral trends continues online&mdash;reflecting a growing public awareness that while ambition and innovation are welcome in the workplace, employee safety must always come first.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Cold plunges can be great—but not for 10 minutes. Know your limits.

ef83410d3e0f9d7becedc185fe35367b92dc47dc74729224b4fccaf3d1945823

Masterclass Or Misstep? Malaysian SME Slammed After Ice Bath Team-Building Ends In Collapse

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves across Malaysia, a former MasterChef Malaysia finalist and her ex-husband have each been sentenced to 34 years in prison for the torture and murder of their 28-year-old Indonesian domestic helper. The case, heard at the Kota Kinabalu High Court, exposed disturbing details of prolonged abuse suffered by the victim, whose death came amid the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Victim Abused in Silence
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3f31cf9970a7079d26072ba558dff17b6853a36b29c20a054cbad048f4f15992" />
The court found that Etiqah Siti Noorashikeen Mohd Sulong, 37, and her former spouse, Mohammad Ambree Yunos, 44, were jointly responsible for the death of Nur Afiyah Daeng Damin. The crime took place over several days between 8 and 11 December 2021 at their shared residence in Amber Tower, Lido Avenue Condominium, located in Penampang, Sabah.
The prosecution revealed that Nur Afiyah, who had migrated from Indonesia to work as a maid, was subjected to persistent mistreatment and inhumane working conditions. She was not only deprived of wages and basic rights, but also physically tortured over an extended period. Photos and videos presented in court&mdash;recovered from the couple&rsquo;s own mobile phones&mdash;graphically captured the abuse she endured in the days leading up to her death.
Brutality Captured on Camera
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1bbebfcc1e19e7e0d6a9c2cb8ae7a54ca36309eed41dad0f2d1278eb086088d0" />
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Dacia Jane Romanus, the abuse was systematic and deliberate. &ldquo;This was not a killing born out of rage or a single moment of violence,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It was prolonged, premeditated torture, with no regard for the victim&rsquo;s humanity.&rdquo;
The videos and images showed visible signs of physical injury, with the court hearing that the couple had even documented the abuse themselves, seemingly without remorse. The disturbing nature of the footage strengthened the prosecution&rsquo;s argument that the pair had every intention of inflicting harm and had acted with a shared purpose.
&ldquo;This was a young woman who left her home to earn a living honestly in the midst of a global pandemic,&rdquo; Dacia told the court. &ldquo;She died not in an accident, not in an act of sudden violence, but as a result of sustained, systematic cruelty at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and shelter her.&rdquo;
Court Delivers Verdict and Sentencing
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/62338b84cb95fbcacdaf61013f99d5c70b34ee9c5858cb20e4105167e2ec178a" />
Presiding over the trial, High Court Judge Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng ruled that the evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that both Etiqah and Ambree acted with common intention to murder Nur Afiyah. Their failure to provide medical care, food, and fair treatment, paired with overwhelming evidence of injury and abuse, led to their conviction.
The two were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34, which pertains to murder committed by more than one person. This section allows for the death penalty, or imprisonment for not less than 30 years and up to 40 years, as well as not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane for those not sentenced to death.
While the Attorney-General&rsquo;s Chambers initially pushed for the mandatory death sentence, Judge Lim instead imposed 34 years of imprisonment for both individuals, citing the severity of the crime and the strength of the evidence. Ambree was also ordered to receive 12 strokes of the rotan, while Etiqah was exempted from caning due to her gender, in line with Section 289 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Both convicts, who had previously been out on bail, were ordered to begin serving their sentences immediately from the date of conviction.
Defence Fails to Raise Doubt
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a945c0ac924bed3d43fb0204cfc0e75249bba387f387408552ceb9452d1373d1" /> Etiqah Siti Noorashikeen Mohd Sulang with lawyer Rakhbir Singh at the Court of Appeal in Kota Kinabalu, three years ago. 
In his judgement, Judge Lim noted that the defence had failed to raise any reasonable doubt in the face of overwhelming forensic and photographic evidence. The nature, location, and duration of the victim&rsquo;s injuries were consistent with repeated and intentional infliction of harm, and not an accident or isolated incident.
The court also noted the emotional and psychological torment suffered by the victim, who had been isolated from any form of external support or protection. The judge highlighted how this case reflects not just individual criminality, but also broader systemic vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers&mdash;particularly foreign nationals&mdash;living in private homes in Malaysia.
Prosecution: &ldquo;A Case That Shook the Nation&rdquo;
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/369ba04fa7610d270b306b518eb5d8ea9badaa54457bac23792959f8af3e19f6" />
Calling the crime one of the most distressing cases of recent years, DPP Dacia Jane Romanus urged the court to consider the broader impact on society. &ldquo;The brutality of this case has not only appalled Sabah, but the entire country. It speaks to a failure in how we treat those who come into our homes to serve and support us.&rdquo;
She added that Nur Afiyah was not only denied wages and freedom of movement but was also robbed of dignity and life. &ldquo;She was never allowed to return home. Her body did, but her hopes, her sacrifices, were extinguished behind closed doors,&rdquo; she said.
Public Backlash and Broader Concerns
The case has reignited public outrage over the treatment of domestic workers in Malaysia, particularly those from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. NGOs and human rights groups have long campaigned for better safeguards and routine checks, as many workers operate without contracts, proper wages, or protection from abuse.
The fact that Etiqah had once gained public recognition as a finalist in MasterChef Malaysia 2012 made the case all the more shocking, with many questioning how someone in the public eye could inflict such cruelty behind closed doors.
Justice Served&mdash;But Questions Remain
With the sentence now handed down, many hope the conviction marks a turning point in how the legal system handles cases of domestic worker abuse. However, activists caution that without consistent enforcement and policy reforms, many other cases may remain hidden.
Meanwhile, the victim's family in Indonesia is left grappling with a painful loss. No amount of sentencing, they say, can replace the daughter who left to provide for her family and returned in a coffin.
This case stands as a chilling reminder: justice, when delayed or denied, often comes too late for the vulnerable. For Nur Afiyah, the courtroom brought justice after death. For others still living under oppression, it may be the only hope.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While Etiqah was exempted from the rotan due to her gender, her ex-husband Ambree was ordered to receive 12 strokes of the cane.

ab913615cee49d2d8512a9f2d0146eb430beb6469209b488b57f97f85918f6f8

MasterChef Malaysia Finalist And Ex-Husband Jailed 34 Years For Maid's Murder

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has once again escaped conviction in one of his many legal battles, after the High Court granted him a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) over RM27 million allegedly misappropriated from SRC International. However, the 70-year-old remains behind bars, serving a six-year sentence for a separate SRC-related conviction involving RM42 million.
SRC International: The RM27 Million DNAA Explained
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On 20 June 2025, High Court Judge K Muniandy delivered the long-awaited decision on Najib's final SRC-related criminal case, which had stalled since charges were first brought in February 2019. The former premier had been accused of receiving RM27 million in illegal proceeds through his AmPrivate Banking accounts on 8 July 2014.
The judge ruled in favour of a DNAA, agreeing with the defence that it would be unjust for Najib to continue facing charges indefinitely without trial. Noting the prosecution&rsquo;s repeated delays and inability to proceed&mdash;despite six years having passed&mdash;Justice Muniandy said there was no sign the case could move forward within a reasonable time frame.
&ldquo;The prolonged wait has become a long haul for the accused, denying him timely resolution,&rdquo; the judge said. He emphasised that criminal charges should not hang over an accused like &ldquo;the sword of Damocles.&rdquo;
A DNAA means Najib is released from the charges, but not acquitted&mdash;should fresh evidence emerge, the prosecution may reopen the case.
Prosecution&rsquo;s Delays and Missing Documents
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7ab937d699a838aeb527ed37289ca16e8dde99b05c558748df9bbacbb8648a4e" />
Najib&rsquo;s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, revealed the prosecution had failed to compile over 500 essential documents needed to move forward with trial. When queried by the court in May, the deputy public prosecutor admitted they could not commit to a timeline, leading to further uncertainty.
The judge also noted that no witnesses had been called in the six years since the case was filed, with only repeated postponements. Even the prosecution conceded it would not be prejudiced by a DNAA, highlighting the case&rsquo;s deadlocked state.
Shafee later told reporters that Najib was &ldquo;very happy&rdquo; with the outcome, adding that the number of cases hanging over his client was now diminishing, allowing the former premier to focus solely on the high-profile 1MDB trial.
Najib&rsquo;s Ongoing Legal Woes
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5379d4145a2d71b8d6443e17be09a74b78ccb33b3adf88755fcad48df6780080" />
While the RM27 million SRC case is now on pause, Najib is far from a free man.
He remains imprisoned in Kajang Prison after being convicted in 2020 for seven charges involving RM42 million from SRC International, including criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering. The conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021 and the Federal Court in 2022. Initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million, Najib&rsquo;s sentence was halved in 2024 following a partial royal pardon.
The 1MDB-linked case that landed him in prison was the first to result in an actual conviction&mdash;but it is far from his only legal entanglement.
The Larger 1MDB Scandal and Other DNAA Cases
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa4c0c5afbd5c019f4dff8129179d387be9f2f3cda1e4a3522dec3a63c218fd7" />
Najib is currently fighting a separate, more complex case: the 1MDB-Tanore trial. He faces four charges of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering involving RM2.27 billion in 1MDB funds. That trial, which began more than seven years ago, is finally nearing its end. Written submissions are due by 30 September 2025, with oral arguments scheduled for October.
He has previously been granted DNAA status in other high-profile cases:
<ul>
<li>RM6.6 Billion IPIC Case: In 2018, Najib and former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Irwan Serigar were charged with criminal breach of trust over RM6.6 billion related to a settlement between 1MDB and Abu Dhabi&rsquo;s International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). The case stalled due to missing documents and was DNAA&rsquo;d in 2023.</li>
<li>1MDB Audit Report Tampering: Najib and former 1MDB CEO Arul Kanda were acquitted in 2023 of tampering with the 1MDB final audit report after the court found insufficient evidence.</li>
</ul>
House Arrest Bid and Ongoing Controversies
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/99644eb54db6f13278d94eb00d0a370e80ca96ab018fac57d884460d06c75c0a" />
Najib is also pursuing a civil application seeking to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest, based on an alleged &ldquo;royal addendum&rdquo; issued in January 2024 by former King Al-Sultan Abdullah. His legal team claims this royal order was overlooked by authorities.
His lawyer Shafee recently lodged a police report against former Attorney General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh, accusing him of misleading the courts by claiming that the addendum did not exist. Shafee maintains that the former AG had full knowledge of the document, which allegedly permits Najib to complete his sentence under house arrest.
However, access to confirm the existence of the royal decree has reportedly been stalled by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Shafee said the Prisons Department had no objection to Najib lodging a police report himself, but Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had not granted permission despite multiple written requests.
What Happens Next?
For now, Najib&rsquo;s legal focus shifts solely to the 1MDB-Tanore case. If he is found guilty, it could add more jail time on top of his current sentence&mdash;even with the reduced term from the royal pardon.
The DNAA granted in the RM27 million SRC case spares Najib from immediate further prosecution, but it remains a temporary reprieve. The prosecution is free to reinstate the charges when ready, and the shadow of his extensive legal history still looms large over the former prime minister.
With mounting controversies and his legacy deeply entwined with one of the world's most infamous financial scandals, Najib Razak&rsquo;s courtroom saga is far from over.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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One case dropped. But the legal battles are far from over.

7c514ff574ab19e688311eab2750c5d22f9efe9b65b62ac02d3ac8f6f2f50b53

Najib Razak Walks Free From RM27 Million SRC Charges – But Remains A Jailed Man

Penang&rsquo;s long-anticipated Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is finally set to break ground, with physical construction works expected to begin as early as August 2025. Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently confirmed the update, noting that preparatory works, including piling, will commence within the next month or two.
Malaysia&rsquo;s First LRT Outside Klang Valley
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f4ac82b11784c1f6a1ad20b3a5cb4aef54b651ba87f886d088a4286722085e5d" />
The Mutiara Line marks a significant milestone for Penang and for Malaysia&rsquo;s public transport development. It will be the country&rsquo;s first LRT system located outside the Klang Valley and aims to transform mobility across the northern state. The project was originally proposed in 2015 under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), with the goal of easing traffic congestion and offering a more efficient alternative to road travel.
Initially led by the state government, the project was taken over by the federal government in early 2024. MRT Corporation has since been appointed as the official developer and asset owner, bringing with it the experience and infrastructure expertise from the Klang Valley MRT lines.
A 29.5km Line Connecting Key Districts
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fa35de7e4e5e3b23856ca239ec976043d0f81350ee9b7e57b53ddb05b91f2194" />
The Mutiara Line will span 29.5km and include 21 stations. It will link George Town&rsquo;s city centre with Jelutong, Gelugor, and Bayan Lepas on Penang Island, before extending across the channel to Seberang Perai on the mainland. A full end-to-end trip is expected to take approximately 49 minutes.
Transport authorities estimate that the line will serve around 45,600 passengers per day during its first year of operation. It is also expected to play a key role in reducing the state&rsquo;s vehicle dependency, especially among daily commuters.
All Approvals Settled, Work Packages Awarded
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0bafa55ac7772a9e1bdd2c147248b0cddc54331fc01cbfea998a6c6a4ed3190b" />
Transport Minister Loke confirmed that all administrative issues between the federal and state governments have now been resolved. &ldquo;Penang doesn&rsquo;t need to wait anymore. Everything is done,&rdquo; he said, adding that the Notice to Proceed has been issued and all relevant documents, including letters of release, are in place.
He also mentioned that major work packages have already been awarded to subcontractors by the main contractor. Among them is Econpile (M) Sdn Bhd, which recently secured a RM42.82 million contract for bored piling and related groundwork from Irama Duta Sdn Bhd.
Acknowledging Penang&rsquo;s existing traffic challenges, Loke assured that proper traffic management plans will be implemented to minimise disruptions during construction. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve requested that, once piling and construction begin, there must be a proper traffic diversion plan in place,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;As with any construction project, there will be some impact, but our aim is to keep it manageable.&rdquo;
Residents can expect regular updates and engagement efforts from local authorities and MRT Corp as works progress, especially in high-traffic areas near George Town and Bayan Lepas.
Target Completion by 2030
The full completion of the Mutiara Line is slated for 2030. While this may seem a long wait, transport experts note that the complexity of urban rail infrastructure &mdash; particularly in heritage-rich and densely built-up areas like George Town &mdash; requires careful planning and phased execution.
The government has not ruled out the possibility of certain segments becoming operational ahead of full completion if conditions allow.
A New Era for Penang&rsquo;s Urban Mobility
Once operational, the LRT will not only ease traffic congestion but also offer a more sustainable, reliable alternative to private vehicle usage. It is expected to spur economic activity along the corridor, increase property values near stations, and create job opportunities throughout its construction and operation phases.
For Penang, the Mutiara Line represents more than just a transport upgrade &mdash; it&rsquo;s a vision for a more connected, accessible, and modern future.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Here’s hoping Penang’s new train system will finally ease traffic congestion across the island.

aa4a3917c798363693f1e062da3f7cede73676cbcf6cea4e7aef7ab57b2cf842

Penang’s First-Ever LRT: Mutiara Line Construction To Begin By August 2025

With luxury lifestyles, travel vlogs, and sponsored unboxings dominating social media feeds, it&rsquo;s no wonder that many Malaysian youth are increasingly drawn to the idea of becoming full-time content creators. The appeal of turning hobbies into income&mdash;and the hope of achieving viral success&mdash;has even led some to consider abandoning formal education or traditional career paths.
But behind the glamour lies a far more complex reality. Popular culinary content creator Che Nom, known for her meticulously crafted cooking videos and trusted recipes, has taken to social media to deliver a stark and sobering message for those romanticising the creator lifestyle.
&ldquo;It Looks Fun, But There&rsquo;s More Than Meets the Eye&rdquo; 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/72c1a49549bc884e9ba8faaf45b15dbaad0400ac6005020be1b112871e52c413" />
In a widely shared <a href="https://www.facebook.com/resepichenom/posts/pfbid02FqcPj8oopnjHuRwSzYLPJdx48SeChuraK7nnPBXcL6QLrj8oKyM4yS8oRH231kTjl">Facebook post</a>, Che Nom opened up about the realities of running a content creation business, especially within the highly competitive culinary niche.
&ldquo;Many DM me saying they love cooking and want to start making food videos because they enjoy watching mine,&rdquo; she wrote. &ldquo;But what people often don&rsquo;t realise is that behind every short video is an enormous amount of effort, planning, and financial cost.&rdquo;
According to Che Nom, passion alone is not enough to survive&mdash;let alone succeed&mdash;in the fast-evolving digital content landscape. From high-quality video production and scripting to sound, lighting, recipe development and editing, each video involves multiple layers of labour and expertise.
Revenue vs. Reality: Why Views Don&rsquo;t Always Pay
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5f3e2939c597efcaf5ecb824c6db6fc347b2d7182335beed1b49bafb4fdeda1c" />
In what may come as a surprise to many, Che Nom revealed just how little ad revenue can be generated from a seemingly successful video. She pointed to a recent reel on Kek Lapis Sarawak, which received over 56,000 views, yet earned her only RM415.40&mdash;and that, she clarified, was more than a month after it was uploaded.
Even more revealing was the financial breakdown of her monthly production costs, which typically fall between RM12,000 and RM16,000 for just 5 to 6 videos:
<ul>
<li>Videographer: RM2,500&ndash;RM3,500</li>
<li>Editor: RM2,500&ndash;RM3,000</li>
<li>Kitchen assistant: RM2,000&ndash;RM2,500</li>
<li>Premium ingredients &amp; repeated recipe testing</li>
<li>Electric usage for ovens (often for hours)</li>
<li>Utilities, props, equipment, and editing software</li>
</ul>
&ldquo;For those just starting out&mdash;if your monthly views don&rsquo;t even hit 300,000, your ad revenue likely won&rsquo;t exceed RM2,500,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s not enough to cover basic costs, let alone make a living.&rdquo;
Seasoned Creators Are Struggling Too
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/42cf9284992b868217e00e1279e8c8a8164818dccdff52c33a4447120303d447" />
Che Nom didn&rsquo;t only speak from the perspective of a newcomer. She made it clear that even experienced content creators are now facing growing difficulties. As audience habits shift toward shorter formats like TikTok, YouTube viewership is declining for many, particularly on older videos that once generated passive income.
&ldquo;Many long-time creators are struggling now,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;RPMs (revenue per thousand views) are dropping, and it&rsquo;s getting harder for new videos to perform well. Passive income from older uploads is dwindling, and viewers have become far more selective.&rdquo;
In this environment, low-quality videos simply won&rsquo;t survive. Poor visuals, unclear audio, or lacklustre storytelling will quickly drive users to swipe away.
Burnout and Budget Pressure: The Emotional Toll
One major misconception Che Nom addressed is the belief that having a team lightens the load. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s only half true,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Yes, a team helps with production, but it also adds to monthly costs. If you go solo, you face burnout. If you hire help, you face higher expenses. Either way, it&rsquo;s tough.&rdquo;
The pressure to consistently produce high-performing content&mdash;combined with rising operational costs and unstable ad revenue&mdash;has led many in the industry to feel stretched thin, both financially and emotionally.
The New Rule: Diversify, Don&rsquo;t Depend on Ads
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2530abe6f858af9771e62d5ec2879a92e99636c01ffa12c2a1651ebaab8d646e" />
One of Che Nom&rsquo;s key messages to aspiring creators was simple but vital: do not rely on YouTube ads alone. Instead, she recommended building multiple revenue streams to support the content business:
<ul>
<li>eBooks: Offering exclusive recipes or guides</li>
<li>Affiliate marketing: Partnering with brands for commission-based promotions</li>
<li>Products: Selling branded merchandise, kitchen tools, or ingredients</li>
<li>Online classes: Hosting paid virtual workshops or tutorials</li>
</ul>
She stressed that creators should only choose monetisation methods that align with their expertise and values, rather than blindly following what&rsquo;s trending.
&ldquo;Find a niche that you&rsquo;re truly good at,&rdquo; she urged. &ldquo;And don&rsquo;t try to compare yourself to someone who&rsquo;s been in the game for a decade.&rdquo;
Final Thoughts: It&rsquo;s Not Just About Glamour&mdash;It&rsquo;s About Grit
Che Nom&rsquo;s message wasn&rsquo;t intended to discourage&mdash;it was meant to ground expectations in reality. She acknowledged the beauty and creative freedom that comes with content creation but reminded her followers that it&rsquo;s also a business that demands planning, resilience, and the willingness to adapt.
&ldquo;Content creation is an art, but the journey is filled with challenges,&rdquo; she concluded. &ldquo;If your passion is genuine, go for it. Just know that success takes more than talent&mdash;it takes strategy, sustainability, and strong mental preparation.&rdquo;
Che Nom&rsquo;s post is a crucial reminder at a time when the dream of going viral seems more accessible than ever. Behind the glossy thumbnails and upbeat vlogs are real people facing real challenges. As she puts it: the dream is worth chasing&mdash;but only with eyes wide open.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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RM415 profit from 56k views? The truth about content creation might surprise you.

fac3ac4a30f0d778d31008fcb72f0484f3493e1607a88edc62b6e8464ce5ca6f

Che Nom’s Reality Check: The Hidden Costs And Realities Of Being A Content Creator In Malaysia

Despite being mandatory for most Malaysian workers, many contributors to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) remain unaware of the full scope of benefits available to them. One such benefit is the Temporary Disablement Benefit (Faedah Hilang Upaya Sementara), which provides income support to workers who are temporarily unable to work due to accidents or injuries &mdash; even during their commute to or from the office.
A recent <a href="https://www.threads.com/@mikaylamajla/post/DK_G2VMSE97?xmt=AQF0E7z_Y0P-jZH1LGO6g_zDGOnxC3HNyQJYzS1CEXQjgA">viral post</a> by a Malaysian woman has highlighted just how effective and swift the claims process can be &mdash; if you know what steps to take.
A Freak Accident on the Way to Work
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4484df2bb9346e31e25e233bc62e2ee66411ef4130d7c73bb620e400d0fa9baf" />
The woman, a single mother, shared her experience on Threads, playfully beginning her post with: &ldquo;Who doesn&rsquo;t want free money??&rdquo; She went on to explain that she had fractured her foot after slipping into a roadside drain while dropping off her child at school &mdash; part of her usual journey to work.
&ldquo;It was kinda funny at first, but the pain was like death! I couldn&rsquo;t even stand,&rdquo; she wrote. Parents nearby helped carry her to the car, and her fianc&eacute; rushed her to a nearby clinic. The injury was so severe that a specialist later confirmed it required immediate surgery the very next day. Her X-ray showed seven fractures in her foot, including an avulsed peroneal tendon &mdash; a serious and painful injury.
Two Months of Recovery &ndash; And a PERKESO Lifeline
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fc4addafaf4db47dc1f1b08d72de2a2c2197f7bedb792f33387b7fdd41129f32" />
She was placed on two months&rsquo; medical leave and had to use a wheelchair and crutches during her recovery. Knowing she contributed to PERKESO via salary deductions, she investigated whether she qualified for the Temporary Disablement Benefit &mdash; and found that she did.
Crucially, PERKESO confirmed her eligibility despite the accident occurring while dropping her child at school and not yet being at her workplace. As it was part of her regular route to work, it counted as a valid commuting injury under PERKESO guidelines.
PERKESO then contacted her to verify her story. When asked why she didn&rsquo;t use public transport, she explained that as a single mother living in Bukit Damansara, owning a car was a necessity due to poor public transport access in her area.
Her claim was approved just four days after submitting the required documents.
Quick and Efficient Processing
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/490d416ad076a1824f7aa6affa0be418d57ede352dd05e22cf6bcbd7b8b728ac" />
She submitted her application at the PERKESO Jalan Tun Razak branch. Within five minutes, her number was called. The entire submission process took under 10 minutes.
The next day, she received a phone call for follow-up. By 13 June, the funds were deposited into her account. Her experience was so smooth that she praised PERKESO for their efficiency and even encouraged others to make use of their entitlements.
&ldquo;Thank you, PERKESO, for making things easier for this single mum,&rdquo; she said emotionally.
What Is Temporary Disablement Benefit?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cddd2d8def74a52c392aaa1a3fb2cd82804758d0d51fe66da7015ffef8f0d80d" />
According to PERKESO&rsquo;s official site, the Temporary Disablement Benefit (HUS) provides daily income support of 80% of your average assumed daily wage. The payout ranges from a minimum of RM30 to a maximum of RM158.67 per day. You must receive medical leave of at least four days (including the day of the accident) to be eligible.
This benefit is part of PERKESO&rsquo;s broader Employment Injury Scheme, which also includes:
<ul>
<li>Medical Benefits</li>
<li>Permanent Disablement Benefit</li>
<li>Constant Attendance Allowance</li>
<li>Vocational and Physical Rehabilitation</li>
<li>Dependents&rsquo; Benefit</li>
<li>Funeral Management Allowance</li>
<li>Education Benefits for Children</li>
</ul>
Additionally, PERKESO also administers the Invalidity Scheme, which provides 24-hour protection in cases of illness or disability not related to work. It includes benefits such as:
<ul>
<li>Invalidity Pension</li>
<li>Invalidity Grant</li>
<li>Constant Attendance Allowance</li>
<li>Survivor&rsquo;s Pension</li>
<li>Rehabilitation Facilities</li>
<li>Dialysis, Return-To-Work Support</li>
<li>Funeral and Education Benefits</li>
</ul>
There is also the Employment Insurance System (SIP), which offers financial assistance to those who have lost their jobs under qualifying conditions.
How to Make a Claim: Required Documents
To ensure your claim goes smoothly, make sure you prepare and submit the following documents:
<ol>
<li>Form 34 (downloadable from the PERKESO website)</li>
<li>Copy of your NRIC</li>
<li>Original medical certificate (MC) &mdash; keep a second copy for yourself</li>
<li>Payslips from the six months prior to the accident</li>
<li>Attendance record for the month of the accident</li>
<li>Bank statement from a local bank</li>
<li>Police report lodged at a station near where the accident occurred</li>
<li>Hand-drawn route map from home to your workplace showing your travel path</li>
</ol>
You&rsquo;ll also need to get your HR department to sign and stamp Form 34 before submission.
She chose to walk in rather than submit her documents online, explaining that doing so allowed her to confirm everything was in order on the spot &mdash; and get a receipt as proof of submission.
Submit Within 3 Months &ndash; Or Risk Rejection
Importantly, she reminded others that all claims must be submitted within three months of the incident. Claims made after that period will not be entertained, regardless of the reason.
Don&rsquo;t Overlook Your Rights
She concluded her post with a simple message: &ldquo;This is your right. PERKESO is here to protect us workers. Just follow the steps and prepare your docs properly.&rdquo;
Whether you&rsquo;re injured at work, on your way there, or returning home &mdash; you may be entitled to benefits you never even knew existed.
For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.perkeso.gov.my">official PERKESO website</a>.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Unaware of PERKESO’s support? It’s time to know what you're entitled to.

82458a0bee3dc16f00a262d7f9161a5ba04d9504cecc98fece3604cdedaa43da

Know Your Rights: How A Single Mum's PERKESO Claim Was Approved In Just Four Days

From 1 July 2025, Malaysia will implement a sweeping expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), as part of the government&rsquo;s broader MADANI economic reform agenda. The overhaul, announced in Budget 2025 and detailed by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, is aimed at enhancing national revenue, reducing fiscal deficits, and improving public services without placing excessive pressure on ordinary Malaysians.
The Ministry of Finance has said the move is designed to strengthen the country's fiscal position, broaden the tax base, and upgrade infrastructure and the social safety net. While some consumers are bracing for price hikes, analysts believe the impact will vary across sectors.
What&rsquo;s Staying Tax-Free (No changes)? 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/79c27172b858d662193a9988c6ecc237fd3a3d68503dada61bd91b6c3822cc90" />
The good news for Malaysian households is that core staples and daily necessities remain zero-rated. This includes:
<ul>
<li>Unprocessed food: chicken, beef, fish, prawns, squid</li>
<li>Local produce: fruits and vegetables</li>
<li>Staples: rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour, pasta, noodles, milk</li>
<li>Essential goods: medicines, pet food, books, newspapers, journals</li>
<li>Construction inputs: cement, sand, stones</li>
<li>Agricultural supplies: fertilisers, pesticides, farming equipment</li>
<li>Medical devices and livestock feed</li>
</ul>
These items are protected to maintain affordability and protect vulnerable groups.
5% Sales Tax: Luxury Food and Industrial Goods 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2e9c195f5592d1198fb0fd40b05932be0c611242fda41a0db738983bc3bb6c93" />
A moderate 5% sales tax will now apply to a selection of luxury or imported products, reflecting their non-essential nature. Among the revised or newly taxed items in this tier:
<ul>
<li>King crab, salmon, cod</li>
<li>Truffles and imported strawberries</li>
<li>Essential oils and silk fabrics</li>
<li>Industrial machinery</li>
</ul>
Items already in the 5% bracket and unchanged include abalone, lobster, quinoa, cheese, fruit jams, and smartphones.
10% Sales Tax: High-End Goods and Collectibles 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/834ff1c3e41f102895c36e3d47a35916f461b7a92500f9d4a9c1dfd840c52eca" />
The 10% bracket targets premium and luxury categories. Revised items include:
<ul>
<li>Racing bicycles</li>
<li>Antique and hand-painted artworks</li>
<li>Tungsten scrap waste</li>
</ul>
Caviar, shark fins, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars, and leather products remain taxed at 10%.
Expanded Service Tax: What&rsquo;s Affected?
The service tax, previously limited in scope, has now been extended to six new categories, with rates of 6% or 8%, depending on the sector. Notably, the government has built in exemptions and grace periods to ease the transition, particularly for small businesses and ongoing contracts.
<ol>
<li> Construction Services (6%) </li>
</ol>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0781a862147735e98fb447d6211da1bc8b7a1f673a53f9f0dc23fc48eafc91d4" />
Tax applies to construction work on infrastructure, commercial, and industrial buildings exceeding RM1.5 million in annual revenue. However, residential projects and public housing are exempt. Business-to-business (B2B) services and contracts signed before July 1 will enjoy a 12-month exemption.
<ol start="2">
<li> Financial Services (8%) </li>
</ol>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7aad389470a344b4921fa173860faa58ff29bdb0d8e454bdaa0b7d6773238e26" />
Fee-based or commission-driven services, such as loan processing, will be taxed. However, exemptions include:
<ul>
<li>Basic banking and Islamic financing</li>
<li>Capital markets and foreign exchange gains</li>
<li>Outward remittances</li>
<li>Shariah-compliant structures</li>
<li>Services by Bursa Malaysia and Labuan-based institutions</li>
</ul>
<ol start="3">
<li> Private Healthcare (6%) </li>
</ol>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9d04d8a67d8283b10c78d09ae54444a042cdda7dc68f6bb707e40a0187ab412a" />
Applies only to non-Malaysians. Malaysian citizens are fully exempt, including for traditional and complementary treatments such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Islamic medicine, chiropractic care, and physiotherapy.
<ol start="4">
<li> Private Education (6%) </li>
</ol>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5d6bbac4f3294df37ac6cea5eda7139c3ce24131e9f8302fd3ac1e2fa641d494" />
Only affects:
<ul>
<li>Private preschools, primary, and secondary schools charging over RM60,000 annually per student</li>
<li>Higher education institutions for international students</li>
</ul>
Malaysians and persons with disabilities are exempt.
<ol start="5">
<li> Beauty Services (8%) </li>
</ol>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4a6975b08f4460e98298a32f97b71f1fb05daf98a80973dda3990dd6d3dede35" />
Includes facials, hairdressing, tattoos, body slimming, and similar services provided by businesses earning over RM500,000 annually.
<ol start="6">
<li> Rental and Leasing (8%) </li>
</ol>
Imposed on companies with revenue over RM500,000 per year from leasing or rental services. Exemptions include:
<ul>
<li>Residential property rentals</li>
<li>Reading materials</li>
<li>Financial leases</li>
<li>Tangible assets located overseas</li>
<li>MSMEs and B2B transactions</li>
<li>Existing contracts (12-month grace period)</li>
</ul>
Business and Market Response
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3a14e8e0b78dbd1517971a48fe904e1bcff718e67cf3105ab5326ae833557064" />
Despite consumer concerns over potential price hikes, analysts from CIMB Securities and Hong Leong Investment Bank have suggested the expanded SST will have a limited impact on inflation and broader economic performance.
CIMB warned of potential margin pressure for consumer-facing businesses, especially those selling discretionary or luxury goods, as companies may absorb part of the cost increases to maintain affordability. Conversely, essential goods manufacturers and retailers are expected to weather the changes better, buoyed by consistent demand.
HLIB, meanwhile, maintains that sectors such as construction, banking, and healthcare are largely insulated due to cost pass-through capabilities and strong regional competitiveness.
The Finance Ministry projects inflation to remain within a manageable range of 2.0% to 3.5%, thanks to the targeted nature of the revised tax framework.
A Grace Period for Compliance
To ease the transition, the government has announced a non-punitive grace period until the end of 2025, during which no enforcement action will be taken against businesses making a genuine effort to comply.
Further clarity is expected in the coming weeks, as the Finance Ministry and Royal Malaysian Customs Department will issue detailed guidelines, regulations, and FAQs to help businesses and consumers navigate the updated SST regime.
While Malaysians brace for the SST expansion, it is clear the government has opted for a targeted, strategic approach &mdash; exempting essentials while taxing luxury goods and services more likely consumed by higher-income groups. Businesses will need to adapt quickly, but with transitional support and careful policy design, the impact on everyday Malaysians may be less severe than feared.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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From beauty salons to imported fruit, the revised tax regime reshapes daily spending — but essentials remain untouched.

7ee901e8ec232ee1da27c3658125b1ba51c4f28800ec30d691cce92f81abb302

Malaysia’s Expanded SST Kicks In This July: What You Need to Know

At a time when many Malaysians are voicing concerns over the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and economic pressures, it is worth taking a step back to consider how the country is perceived by others, particularly foreigners who view Malaysia as a land of opportunity. One such voice is that of Sofi, an Indonesian woman whose personal journey in Malaysia has recently gone viral on TikTok. Her story offers a refreshing perspective on the advantages of living and working in the country.
Leaving Home for Better Prospects
Sofi&rsquo;s migration to Malaysia began in 2016, initially as a student furthering her education. But her long-term ambition was clear &mdash; she wanted to build a stable and successful life abroad. Although it meant leaving loved ones behind in Indonesia, the promise of greater opportunities, better pay, and a more conducive working environment gave her the motivation to take the leap.
She started her job search like many others, using common recruitment platforms such as LinkedIn and Jobstreet. But for the role she eventually secured at a tech company, she chose a different path &mdash; applying directly through the company&rsquo;s website. The risk paid off, and she was hired.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@anakmerantauu/video/7506521466763169042" data-video-id="7506521466763169042">
<section><a title="@anakmerantauu" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@anakmerantauu?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@anakmerantauu</a> Ga cuma di Taiwan aja yang banyak orang Indo nya👀 Ada yang tertarik kerja di Malaysia?🇲🇾 <a title="indotaiwan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/indotaiwan?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#indotaiwan</a> <a title="kerjaditaiwan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/kerjaditaiwan?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#kerjaditaiwan</a> <a title="kerjadimalaysia" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/kerjadimalaysia?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#kerjadimalaysia</a> <a title="♬ sonido original - Selectomusic | #GoodMusic" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/sonido-original-7352613124358425349?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ sonido original - Selectomusic | #GoodMusic</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

In her TikTok video, Sofi explained that one of the key reasons she chose Malaysia over other destinations was its geographical proximity to Indonesia. This made the transition more manageable, both culturally and logistically. Malaysia&rsquo;s shared elements &mdash; from food to language and religion &mdash; made it easier for her to adapt compared to countries further afield.
She also noted that among her peers back home, Malaysia has built a reputation as a relatively accessible destination for work and study, especially for those looking to escape the limitations of Indonesia&rsquo;s domestic job market.
Better Pay and Tangible Benefits
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/898db9ee463fc858086150067d58819204cf214c9f74853f4572a1417ba66fff" />
A standout factor in Sofi&rsquo;s decision to remain in Malaysia post-graduation was the significantly higher earning potential. She mentioned that earning RM3,000 per month is considered a high income by Indonesian standards, especially for young professionals. This salary not only covered her living expenses but also allowed her to save &mdash; something that might not have been possible had she stayed in her home country.
What truly impressed her, however, was the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), or Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP). She highlighted the 12&ndash;13% employer contribution as being much higher than what she would have received back home. This benefit, she said, made her feel more financially secure and gave her the assurance that she was building long-term savings.
Years of disciplined saving eventually paid off, and Sofi proudly shared that she was able to purchase her own car in Malaysia, spending around 40 million rupiah, or approximately RM10,440. While she didn&rsquo;t specify whether the car was new or used, the purchase marked a major personal milestone.
Interestingly, she still chooses to rely on public transport, particularly the LRT, for her daily commute. She finds it more convenient for navigating Kuala Lumpur&rsquo;s urban sprawl and noted that the city&rsquo;s rail network makes it relatively easy to get around without the stress of traffic or parking.
Criticisms: A Car-Centric, Pedestrian-Unfriendly Nation?
Sofi&rsquo;s video struck a chord with many viewers, drawing in comments from both Malaysians and fellow Indonesians. Many were quick to agree with her views, stating that Malaysia offers strong advantages for foreign workers &mdash; especially in terms of employment opportunities, overtime pay, and relatively straightforward hiring requirements.
One TikTok user from Indonesia wrote: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s totally worth working in Malaysia because most jobs in every state offer overtime pay. Plus, the job criteria are not that complicated.&rdquo;
However, not everyone was entirely convinced. Some questioned Sofi&rsquo;s car purchase claim, arguing that new cars in Malaysia typically cost more than RM10,000 unless second-hand. Others used her story to highlight areas where Malaysia still falls short, particularly in urban planning.
Among the critical feedback were comments from Indonesians who had visited or lived in Malaysia and felt that the country lacked pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s really not friendly for walking,&rdquo; one user commented. &ldquo;Compared to Indonesia, Malaysia is even harder to walk around in. It&rsquo;s very car-centric.&rdquo;
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e4387d958d4e14ad38e2e0b9da6c7f6663c33a9e4f2cdfcde374700b679ca1da" />
This sentiment reflects a long-standing critique of Malaysian city planning, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, where walkability, shade, and safety for pedestrians often take a back seat to road and highway development. Nevertheless, the increasing availability of trains and buses in recent years has improved access for many without personal vehicles.
Malaysia as a Land of Opportunity &mdash; With Room for Growth
Sofi&rsquo;s story is just one of many that reflect the aspirations and decisions of foreign professionals who choose Malaysia as their home away from home. Her experience highlights how Malaysia remains an attractive destination for talent &mdash; offering competitive salaries, meaningful employment, financial benefits, and access to modern conveniences.
For Malaysians, her perspective might serve as a reminder that while the country faces real economic and social challenges, it still holds many advantages in the broader regional context. With continued reforms, better urban development, and fair wage practices, Malaysia has the potential to retain local talent and remain a magnet for skilled workers from abroad.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With better wages, stronger benefits, and long-term prospects, she says Malaysia was the right move.

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