WITH the influx of foreign nationals, is Malaysia becoming more and more dangerous to live in?
Perhaps this question is best answered by the photo of a victim who could be seen suffering from knife wounds on his cheeks and hands.
Apparently the boy had just escaped from an attempted kidnapping which involved two men in Section 13, Shah Alam.
More frightening was the fact that it happened in broad daylight while he was jogging. The incident has since made many netizens question the safety of Shah Alam.
“It was fortunate that he could fight back. If it was a girl, I wonder where she would be dragged to,” said @lltelpmpkin.
Another netizen said the police should make more patrols in Shah Alam. “It is time to start thinking twice if we want to go jogging alone,” said @wzrdman8.
One netizen added that day by day, Malaysia is becoming more and more like Brazil and Mexico.
Perhaps the best comment goes to @mdsukie who said, “Good little brother. It is alright to have wounds on your body rather than your body going missing.”
Also, netizen @54R411 raised an alarming question about why Shah Alam is full of kidnapping cases.
According to her, it happens often at Section 12. Even in 2017 to 2018 there was news of kidnapping at section 13.
To this, @pleadyg16 replied that many rich people lived in Shah Alam while @paawwsup32 attributed it to the many foreign nationals there.
@Muhamma23393053 added that these kidnappers would turn their victims into scammers, ask for ransom or even to harvest their organs to be sold on the black market.
Shah Alam District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim has since said to news portal Kosmo that the victim, who was jogging alone, was approached by a car believed to be a Proton Saga or Iswara.
“One of the suspects then got out of the vehicle, pointed a knife at the victim, and ordered them to get into the car,” he said.
“However, the victim refused and struggled with the suspect before managing to escape to the guardhouse of a nearby condominium to seek help,” Iqbal added. No further updates are available at the time of writing.— Focus Malaysia
IN his recent talk at the 18th Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) Triennial Assembly, our ever-enthusiastic Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang emphasised just how crucial religious institutions are in the grand tapestry of nation-building.
The minister, ever the voice of reason, reminded the gathered leaders of their enduring responsibility to provide calm, clarity, and a sprinkle of peace during those chaotic, confusing moments in our communities.
When politics mixes too freely with religion, reason gets tossed out the window. Dogma takes the wheel instead of logic, leading us down the roads of division rather than unity, and progress becomes a distant memory.
We as citizens must be aware that such a blend could ultimately unravel the very fabric of our glorious nation. History has taught us that this unholy alliance tends to cultivate oppression, encourages sectarian strife, and hampers innovation.
Indeed, nothing stops a nation quite like a blend of religious belief and governmental power—one that can transform harmony into conflict, leaving development to wither on the vine.
Now, if you ask how exactly this can ruin a nation, the answer is quite simple (and rather unfortunate). For starters, it divides good neighbours into ‘believers versus infidels’, reminding one of the dubious sectarian quotas from Lebanon.
Corruption blooms where governance becomes a plaything for religious elites rather than serving justice, much like those notorious morality police in Iran. Education and innovation find themselves choked as dogma takes precedence; just look at the Taliban’s decision to close girls’ schools!
Investors, too, take a backseat as instability sends them packing, causing economic distress, just like the story of Pakistan’s recent troubles.
(Image: Reuters)
And violence? Well, that can escalate quickly, leading to holy wars and persecution, as we’ve tragically seen with the Rohingya in Myanmar.
What’s the remedy? We insist that the answer lies in a neutral stance on religion from the state; a commitment to equal rights and the freedom to believe without foisting those beliefs upon others.
Now, what about the possible outcomes when religion and politics go hand in hand? History shows us that the mingling of the two often paves the way for division, conflict, and sometimes even the outright decline of nations.
Drama tends to unfold as societies slip into an ‘Us versus Them’ mentality. When political parties align closely with a particular faith, the outcome is usually marginalisation for minorities.
There’s also the nagging issue of secular governance being undermined. Religious edicts can overshadow civil laws, which tend to sow confusion and inequality.
The example of Iran’s theocratic regime imposing harsh interpretations of Shariah law provides an alarming picture, showcasing everything from executions for blasphemy to oppression of women.
To add to these grievances, the scales of justice can become imbalanced when religious biases creep in.
Malaysia itself has faced instances where Islamic courts override civil law, creating what one could call a legal conundrum—like child custody battles caught between Muslim and non-Muslim parents.
Now, if you follow this thread a little longer, you’ll find that such an entanglement invites extremism. A politicised religion can nurture extremists that perceive dissent as sinful. For illustration, let’s think of Sri Lanka, where Buddhist nationalism has resulted in anti-Muslim pogroms.
The chilling spectre of terrorism does not shy away either, evident from the troubles in Northern Ireland where Catholic and Protestant violence has claimed countless lives.
The consequences are not limited to social tensions; they reach into economic and social realms as well, leading to talent flight when marginalised groups pack their bags in search of safety and prosperity.
It is evident then, when religion steps over into the political realm, it often leads to ruin. History has taught us that once that occurs, recovery is a long-suffering journey—just look at Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar.
Thus, keeping faith private and governance secular seems to be the better path forward.
(Image: The Edge)
So how do we shy away from mixing politics with religion? Suggestion are that we need more programmes aimed at promoting human rights and gender equality—emphasising education and anti-discrimination efforts through non-partisan NGOs, UN forums, and grassroots movements.
Our government should focus on fostering community-building efforts that don’t involve political manoeuvring, such as improving moral education, alleviating poverty, and engaging in interfaith dialogue
Moreover, initiatives aimed at combatting climate change should be perceived as a collective duty for all humankind, rather than a bullet point on any political agenda.
Partnering with scientists and policymakers—not lobbying for any political entity—can ensure sustainability for all.
Additionally, supporting refugees and migrants using humanitarian aid for universal dignity must be our goal—let’s not exploit anyone’s hardship for political mileage as has been seen elsewhere.
Finally, voting ethically should be our guiding principle; let’s vote based on justice and anti-corruption, never swaying voters with the authority of pulpits.
In the end, faith can indeed be a source of inspiration for social change, transcending petty politics while fostering unity and ethical advocacy without imposing beliefs upon anyone.
Let us tread carefully on this delicate path, where understanding and love should prevail over division and discord.
KT Maran is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
HUMANS are inherently social, which is crucial for survival, psychological well-being, and cultural development. Our thoughts and behaviours are geared toward forming social connections, fostering cooperation, and living within social groups.
We long remember childhood friendships and the nostalgic years spent with classmates are deeply treasured for the shared experiences and a sense of connection that transcends time. These memories reflect our shared journey and provide a sense of comfort and continuity.
The most friendly phase of our lives was during early adulthood, when our desires were the strongest for connection, support, and shared values. This period of between the ages of 20 to 39 is marked by many significant milestones and life transitions.
It is characterised by completing education, entering the workforce, developing careers or businesses, forming long-term relationships and many would marry and start their families. But later, as we get older and more discerning, social circles will gradually shrink.
For elderly folks, they could be divided into two main categories. The first are those who can be happy when alone, and the second are those who prefer to be in the company of others and love to hang out with a regular group at affordable spots such as traditional coffee shops.
The first group treasures alone time and enjoys reading, watching or listening to what they like or engage in hobbies such as gardening, growing vegetables or fruits, breeding animals for food or kept as pets, fishing, travelling, writing or busy with favourite pastimes that do not bother others.
(Image: Pexels/RDNE Stock project)
The second group spends most of their time gossiping and talking and may cover anything under the sun.
Many regard themselves experts on the subject at hand, speaking louder to exert their confidence. It is best described in Chinese and translated to mean “loud but inaccurate”.
Elderly folks who are semi-illiterate and with limited knowledge are not fond of intelligent pursuits or engage in meaningful activities.
But many have oversized egos and this often results in misunderstandings and quarrels, and losing face can lead to revenge and even violence.
Last Sunday, a 63-year-old man was stabbed to death by a 70-year-old near Bukit Mertajam in Penang. Three days earlier, the two had a misunderstanding.
While six elderly folks gathered at a hut to chat, one of them hit the victim from behind with a stick causing him to fall to the ground.
He then took out a knife and stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene but was later arrested. All five men are now in police custody and the case is being probed for murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
Also last Sunday, a man was found dead at 1am lying in a pool of blood in front of an entertainment centre at Mini in Sarawak after many people were involved in the deadly fight.
Within 24 hours, police have arrested six people in their 40s and efforts are being made to track down other suspects. Again, investigations will be carried out under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
(Image: NST)
I chose to be an industrial trainer as I was fond of engaging with trade personnel to help them understand better about their careers and businesses, not just by lecturing but more through explanations on the business environment, challenges. opportunities and methodologies.
On such matters, I can talk and listen and be fully absorbed the whole day. But I have little or no appetite to chat on trivial matters with friends or acquaintances, either face-to-face or over the phone, and I don’t make or pick up phone calls, regarding them as invasion of personal space.
I would rather be labelled anti-social than in bad company. Over the past decades, I never went with acquaintances to any entertainment centre, or met up with friends just to chat, aside from several reunions with my 1967 Form Five La Salle Klang classmates from around the world.
Although I am 75, I do not enjoy the company of old people. On the other hand, infants and kids are a delight to talk to as they can understand much more than what adults normally think.
Often, their parents will be surprised with the response I get from these intelligent young minds.
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
THE alarming rise in bankruptcy among Malaysian youths is a critical issue, with 877 cases reported in 2024 and over 5,000 since 2020.
This trend highlights significant financial challenges the younger population faces and calls for immediate attention to address the underlying causes.
Multiple factors contribute to this phenomenon, including personal loans, business loans, housing and vehicle loans, and insufficient financial literacy. This issue effectively involves a collaborative approach involving individuals, communities, and policymakers.
Many youth bankruptcy cases stem from personal loans, representing a significant financial burden. Many young individuals resort to personal loans to bridge income gaps or fulfil lifestyle aspirations, often without understanding repayment terms.
Similarly, business loans have contributed to the rising bankruptcy figures as young entrepreneurs struggle to navigate the complexities of managing finances in competitive industries.
The lack of adequate financial planning and business acumen often exacerbates their financial challenges, leading to insolvency.
Another major contributor to youth bankruptcy is the high housing and vehicle ownership cost. Malaysia’s younger generation often aspires to achieve milestones such as owning a home or car, which can strain their finances.
These aspirations are further compounded by the increasing cost of living, making it difficult for many to meet their loan obligations. Additionally, other types of debt, such as credit card liabilities and income tax debt, have contributed to the rising trend of bankruptcies.
The failure to contribute to retirement savings, such as those required by the Employees Provident Fund, also adds to the financial instability many young Malaysians face.
One of the root causes behind these financial challenges is the lack of financial literacy among the youth. Many young individuals lack the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about managing their finances.
This gap in financial education often results in poor budgeting, excessive borrowing, and an inability to manage debt effectively. Without a strong foundation in financial literacy, youths are more likely to fall into financial traps that ultimately lead to bankruptcy.
To address this pressing issue, comprehensive solutions must be implemented. First and foremost, financial literacy programs should be made widely accessible to young Malaysians.
Initiatives such as the Youth Financial Literacy Programme can educate youth about responsible financial management, budgeting, and the risks of excessive borrowing. By equipping young individuals with the tools to make informed financial decisions, such programs can help prevent future bankruptcy cases.
(Image: Malay Mail)
Debt management support is another essential component of the solution. Organisations such as the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) provide invaluable services to individuals struggling with debt.
These agencies offer counselling, financial education, and debt management plans to help individuals regain control of their finances. Expanding access to such services and raising awareness about their availability can significantly benefit youths facing financial challenges.
Economic empowerment initiatives are also vital in addressing the issue of youth bankruptcy. Programs that focus on alleviating the cost of living and enhancing economic resilience can provide young Malaysians with the support they need to overcome financial hurdles.
For example, targeted subsidies, affordable housing schemes, and skills development programs can help reduce the financial burden on the younger generation.
Policy interventions are equally important in tackling this issue. The government should encourage responsible lending practices by financial institutions to ensure that loans are offered based on individuals’ repayment capacity.
Additionally, amendments to insolvency laws, such as those under the Insolvency Act, can relieve individuals seeking to resolve their financial difficulties.
Policymakers should also prioritise incorporating financial education into school curricula to ensure that future generations are better prepared to manage their finances.
Community support and cultural shifts are other critical factors in preventing youth bankruptcy. Building a culture of financial awareness and responsible spending within communities can empower young individuals to make prudent financial choices.
Encouraging open discussions about finances and seeking support from peers and mentors can also reduce the stigma associated with financial difficulties.
The rising bankruptcy rates among Malaysian youths highlight the need for immediate and comprehensive action.
By addressing the root causes, such as personal loans, insufficient financial literacy, and the high cost of living, and implementing solutions like financial education, debt management support, and policy interventions, Malaysia can pave the way for a more financially stable future for its youth.
This collaborative effort, involving individuals, communities, and the government, is essential to ensure that the next generation is equipped to achieve financial independence and resilience.
Dr Cheah Chan Fattis a Research Fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT
