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Research suggests that children who experience frequent physical punishment are more likely to resort to violence when dealing with conflict in their adult lives. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

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$0635&4: $"-- Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching receiving a souvenir from Xinhua News Agency general secretary Xu Yuchang when he visited her at Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

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WEDNESDAY | FEB 19, 2025

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Civil servants urged to improve financial literacy

Malaysia Airlines to receive 19 Airbus jets in stages KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines Bhd, will gradually receive the delivery of the remaining 19 Airbus aircraft from this month until 2026. Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said Airbus and Rolls Royce were asked to implement stricter quality control measures for the new aircraft deliveries. “Malaysia Airlines is committed to ensuring that the production quality of the ordered aircraft is of the highest standards.” He was replying to Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan (PN-Merbok) in Dewan Rakyat on Monday about the action taken after Malaysia Airlines temporarily suspended operations of its newly received Airbus on Dec 19 due to technical issues. He said their first Airbus, grounded for 48 hours in December due to technical issues, resumed operations after a faulty component was replaced. The aircraft has completed 101 flights without issues. “MAG has one spare engine for the Airbus, with three additional spare engines expected to arrive in stages starting from the third quarter of 2025.” He said the first aircraft was temporarily grounded on Dec 22 and 23 due to technical issues attributed to aircraft manufacturer Airbus and engine supplier Rolls Royce. – Bernama Action taken over cross-dressing Muslim men KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic Development Department has taken immediate action following viral news of an incident in which several Muslim men were involved in cross-dressing during an entertainment event on Sunday. Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the incident has caused unease among the public and affected the sensitivities of Islam and the country’s culture, Bernama reported. He said the department has contacted the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to address the issue and ensure appropriate actions are taken under existing laws. “The department will call the relevant parties for further clarification and arrange a closed door discussion to provide advice and guidance. “Islam is a religion of mercy that acknowledges the human desire for entertainment. However, it must be balanced with proper etiquette to not contradict Islamic beliefs, law and ethics.”

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Awareness programmes and stricter controls on loan accessibility could reduce risk of bankruptcy: Cuepacs

Adnan said regular salary structure reviews and the implementation of appropriate allowances should be considered to ensure civil servants do not have to rely excessively on debt to sustain their livelihoods. Economist and Global Labour Organisation Southeast Asia lead Prof Dr Niaz Asadullah said while civil servants enjoy job security and form a stable part of the workforce, news of rising bankruptcy among them could weaken consumer confidence and signal deeper economic vulnerabilities. “Financial distress among civil servants could lead to lower productivity, increased absenteeism and diminished motivation. If employees are preoccupied with financial burdens, service efficiency and decision-making may suffer. “Financial strain may lead to a rise in corruption or misconduct as individuals seek alternative means to meet their financial obligations.” He said aside from reviewing salary structures to better reflect the cost of living, introducing alternative savings and investment schemes could help build long-term financial security, adding that financial institutions should offer systematic debt restructuring options for struggling civil servants. “The 40% net income rule should be reviewed for flexibility in special cases to prevent financial hardship. While it promotes financial stability through ‘forced savings,’ it may also have unintended economic effects. “For lower income civil servants, the cap may limit access to credit for essentials, such as housing, education and medical needs. Over time, reduced spending power could weaken consumer demand and affect businesses.” He warned that the 40% policy unintentionally makes lower income civil servants more financially vulnerable, especially as they already struggle with the rising cost of living. “If they are unable to secure formal loans, they may turn to informal lenders with high interest. This would increase financial distress, so the policy should incorporate flexibility to account for different income levels and essential cost burdens.”

PETALING JAYA: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services has urged civil servants to practise better budgetary planning, participate in financial literacy programmes and seek professional advice before committing to long-term monetary obligations. This comes amid concerns over rising debt among civil servants, with 106 of them having faced disciplinary action as of 2023 for bankruptcy due to excessive borrowing. Its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the disciplinary actions are intended to uphold efficiency and integrity in the public service. “Preventive measures, such as financial awareness programmes, stricter controls on loan accessibility and financial management training, should be strengthened to reduce

must adopt prudent financial management practices and carefully assess their needs before taking loans.” He called on the government to review the loan eligibility criteria for civil servants as it could be a proactive measure to address excessive debt issues. He said the current criteria allow civil servants to take loans based on set regulations but there are cases in which their actual financial capacity is exceeded. “A more in-depth assessment is necessary to ensure only those who can genuinely afford repayments are granted loans. Improving financial literacy among civil servants could help them make more responsible financial decisions.”

the risk of such incidents in the future.” Insolvency Department data showed that between 2020 and September 2024, 3,602 civil servants were declared bankrupt, making up 14% of all new cases and showing an increase from 12% in 2020. Adnan said the rule that limits debt commitments to 40% of net income is designed to prevent civil servants from facing financial distress but its effectiveness depends on the cost of living, number of dependents and unexpected expenses. He said in some cases, even with compliance, civil servants struggle financially due to unaccounted expenses. “In addition to the rule, they

Adnan called on the government to review the loan eligibility criteria for civil servants as it could be a proactive measure to address excessive debt issues. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Notice of employee termination or death needed for tax clearance KUALA LUMPUR: Employers in the private and public sectors must notify the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) of employee terminations or deaths to facilitate tax clearance. IRB Revenue Collection days after being informed of a death, allowing the IRB to issue a tax clearance letter. returns to their home country,” he said as a guest on the IRB Tax Clinic programme titled “10 Things to Know as a Responsible Employer”, aired on Bernama Radio yesterday. and issue EA statements (for the private sector) and EC statements (for the public sector) to employees by Feb 28 each year. He urged employers to register their roles as employer, employer representative or PCB administrator in MyTax under the new monthly tax deduction service system, e-PCB Plus, before its full implementation.

“Employers are required to withhold any payments due to the employee for 90 days or until the tax clearance letter is issued. “This applies in cases of termination, death or when an employee leaves Malaysia with no intention to return. “This measure ensures tax arrears are settled before the employee starts working for another employer or

“These statements must be provided on time to ensure employees can fulfil their tax obligations by submitting their tax returns to IRB within the stipulated period.” He added that these statements are essential for taxpayers to report their income through e-filing, which will begin on March 1.

He said effective Sept 1, 2024, all requests to amend or add employee information must be submitted through the e-SPC system on the MyTax portal while cancellation requests can still be made manually at the relevant IRB office handling employee tax files. He reminded employers to prepare

“This registration is to ensure a smooth tax submission process and transition to the new system.” Previously, the IRB announced that e-PCB Plus would replace the e-PCB, e-Data PCB and e-CP39 systems by integrating them into a single platform on MyTax. – Bernama

Department public relations officer Azharuddin Mohd Ali said the notification must be submitted through Form CP22A for government employees and Form CP22B for private sector employees. It should be sent at least 30 days before termination or no later than 30

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Resolve public healthcare issues to retain talent: MMA

Meanwhile, Datuk Jonathan Yasin (GRS-Ranau) urged the federal government to strengthen Malaysia’s maritime borders in Sabah after the Philippines filed a claim with the United Nations on June 15, 2024, seeking an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea. “The Philippines has clearly disregarded Malaysia’s borders by including Sabah in its projected maritime baseline. “I call on the Malaysian government to take firmer action, set up a maritime boundary monument, and prevent any future encroachment into our sovereign waters.” – Bernama Free flu jabs for senior citizens in Malacca MALACCA: The free influenza vaccination programme for senior citizens aged 60 and above began in Malacca yesterday. The Malacca health department announced that vaccines will be provided to individuals with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, or kidney and lung ailments. “This initiative by the Health Ministry aims to protect high-risk groups from serious complications, including pneumonia, sepsis and organ failure due to influenza infections.” The department emphasised that influenza vaccines are both safe and effective in preventing infections and severe complications, while also reducing hospitalisation and mortality rates among the elderly. Eligible individuals must book an appointment via the MySejahtera app, with slots allocated based on vaccine availability at health clinics across the state. Those in the high-risk category are encouraged to act swiftly as doses are limited. Alongside vaccination, senior citizens are advised to take additional precautions to minimise infection risks. These include frequent handwashing, practising proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing, wearing a mask if symptomatic and seeking immediate medical attention if experiencing prolonged fever, cough or cold symptoms. The Malacca health department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, particularly among vulnerable groups. “Therefore, we encourage those who are eligible to promptly get the influenza vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones from the risk of infections that can lead to serious complications,” it added. – Bernama Green light for bridge project in Sibu SIBU: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg has approved the construction of a 400m bridge connecting the west bank of Sibu to the town centre. Expressing confidence in the project’s feasibility, he pointed to the state’s success in delivering large-scale infrastructure, including the Batang Lupar Bridge. “If we can build a 4km bridge across Batang Lupar, this 400m bridge is nothing,”he said at the SUPP Sibu Chinese New Year 2025 Open House on Monday. The project will be executed with full commitment to quality, comparable to the Kemena Bridge in Bintulu, known for its iconic design inspired by the San Francisco Bridge. Abang Johari also said the new bridge would serve as a symbol of progress and pride for the people of Sibu. “So far, no other state has been able to build 16 bridges simultaneously. This is proof of the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to regional development,” he added. – Bernama

o A‘ ny loss of doctors would affect strength of entire national healthcare workforce’

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira has urged for pressing public healthcare issues to be resolved so that more students will take up medicine and remain serving in the country. He cited as examples issues related to the contract system, getting timely permanent positions, uncertain career progression, unclear training pathways and so on. Addressing the problem of Malaysia losing medical practitioners to other countries, he said: “Any loss of doctors would affect the strength of our entire healthcare workforce.” He added that the challenge is in retaining doctors in the system and encouraging those planning to leave to stay back. Noting that most doctors who leave move to Singapore, Australia, the UK and Ireland, he said remuneration, work-life balance and career advancement opportunities are key areas that should be improved locally. The brain drain is particularly concerning for the public healthcare sector, which serves about 70% of the population. A declining number of students pursuing medicine has compounded the issue, largely due to the uncertainties in the profession. Although discussions have taken place on hiring foreign doctors to fill the gap, Kalwinder believes retaining locally trained professionals should be the priority. “As it stands, there has been a drop of new doctors entering service and is now around 3,000 plus each year. Our challenge is retaining these doctors in the system and encouraging those planning to leave, to stay back and serve.” Despite shortages across both public and private healthcare institutions, private hospitals have been better at retaining talent due to higher salaries and improved working conditions. Government hospitals reportedly struggle with high workloads, burnout and an uneven distribution of workers. Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia president Dr Shanmuganathan Ganeson

Shanmuganathan believes financial security and career growth are the main drivers for migration of medical specialists. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

nurse Denisa Haizar, 30, who now works in Singapore, shared her experience. “I wanted to gain international exposure, work with diverse patients and earn a better salary. Moving abroad was always on my mind, but building skills takes time.” She chose Singapore for its proximity to Malaysia. “My transition was not easy. Working in a first-world country comes with high expectations, but I adapted. New place, new rules, new people. It’s a whole new experience. “My life got a premium boost. I can now afford things I once only dreamt of and surprisingly, the cost of living is manageable due to the strong Singapore currency.” Shanmuganathan stressed that Malaysia’s healthcare system faces an uncertain future if urgent reforms are not implemented. “A National Health Financing Scheme is needed to ensure transparency and accountability in funding allocation. Without addressing governance issues, inefficiencies, and workforce shortages, the country risks declining healthcare standards. “Without urgent reforms, Malaysia risks a worsening healthcare crisis, making it even harder to retain its medical workforce.

believes financial security and career growth are the main drivers of medical migration. While doctors accept long working hours, they expect fair compensation and clear career progression. “Many internationally recognised degree holders find it easier to migrate, whereas local graduates struggle with non recognition of their qualifications (overseas),” he said. Shanmuganathan recommended separate salary scales for government medical practitioners, reduced documentation, appointment of experienced technocrats to lead the Health Ministry and a merit-based leadership approach. Recent discussions on staggered working hours aimed at improving work-life balance were dismissed due to a lack of proper stakeholder engagement. While flexibility is important, he believes financial stability remains a greater concern for most doctors. Without addressing salary and career progression, solutions such as staggered hours may have little impact on retention. Nurses are also leaving Malaysia. Staff

Expedite construction of Trans-Borneo Railway project: MP KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Trans-Borneo Railway, which will connect land routes between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, needs to be expedited to strengthen economic integration, particularly with Indonesia relocating its capital to Kalimantan. Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) believes the infrastructure network will expand markets, create jobs and boost incomes, positioning Borneo as a competitive economic growth centre. “High-capacity infrastructure such as highways is crucial for integrating Borneo’s economic regions. I appreciate the government’s efforts in completing the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak and its commitment to building a new international airport. “To maximise this infrastructure, I propose closer cooperation with Brunei and Indonesia to develop a land transport network connecting the entire island, including highways and rail systems,” she was speaking at the Dewan Rakyat during the royal address debate on Monday. The media previously reported that RM7 million had been allocated for a feasibility study on the Trans-Borneo Railway. Sabah Deputy Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also state works minister, confirmed that the study was fully funded by the federal government and had been approved for implementation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Rodiyah also urged the government to refine the “Look to Borneo” policy, not just for Sabah and Sarawak but to benefit Malaysia as a whole. She highlighted that the Borneo archipelago has a population of 23 million, equivalent to Peninsular Malaysia, giving it strong economic potential, especially for Sarawak’s resource-rich industries. “Sabah and Sarawak have abundant resources and strategic locations. With Indonesia relocating its administrative centre to Kalimantan, vast economic opportunities are opening up for the region,” she said.

WEDNESDAY | FEB 19, 2025

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New Awas launched to nab speedsters

Police bust fake liquor syndicate

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Police busted a syndicate involved in producing counterfeit liquor, following raids on two factories in Taman Industri Jaya and Taman Industri JB Perdana, which led to a seizure valued at RM330,000. Johor police chief M. Kumarasan said the raids were conducted by the Nusa Bestari police station and the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters on Feb 7 and 9. The syndicate, believed to have been operating for six months, targeted foreign buyers. “The factories were used to process counterfeit liquor. Investigations are ongoing to identify the masterminds,” Kumarasan said at the Iskandar Puteri police headquarters on Monday. He said the seized counterfeit liquor would be sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the first raid at Taman Industri Jaya, 122 boxes and 45 bottles of various liquor brands, nine barrels of liquid believed to be alcohol, and nine alcohol processing machines were seized, valued at RM317,640. Four Myanmar nationals, aged 21 to 43, who were workers at the factory, were arrested. The second raid at Taman Industri JB Perdana resulted in the seizure of RM12,350 worth of items, including 438 boxes of empty McDowell liquor bottles, five barrels of alcohol, and various packaging materials. Five Myanmar nationals, aged 22 to 39, were arrested. – Bernama Shooting suspect shot dead in Pulau Ketam SHAH ALAM: The suspect in last week’s shooting at a Setia Alam shopping mall was killed in a shootout with police at a hotel in Pulau Ketam, Klang, early yesterday morning. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the man in his 30s, was tracked down in a joint operation by the Bukit Aman and Selangor criminal investigation departments at around 3am. “A shootout occurred inside a hotel room, and the suspect was shot dead,” he said in a statement, adding that two loaded firearms were found in his possession during the raid. The suspect, who had nine criminal records, including one for a drug-related offence and seven for robbery, had been hiding at the hotel for the past two days, said Hussein. On Feb 8, a cleaner was shot in the leg by an unidentified individual at a shopping mall in Setia Alam. The suspect then fled by hijacking a vehicle and forcing the driver to help him escape. Police subsequently identified the suspect and launched a manhunt. - Bernama Woman held in fatal stabbing case KUALA LUMPUR: A domestic dispute is believed to have led a woman to fatally stab her husband in an incident outside an apartment in Kajang. In a statement, Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said on Monday police and a forensic team were despatched to the scene after receiving information from the public at 11.05am. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the 60-year-old victim had died at the scene. A knife, believed to be the weapon used, was seized along with other items for investigation. Naazron said the victim’s 59-year-old wife was arrested to assist in the investigation, and is being remanded for five days until Friday. The victim’s body was sent to the Serdang Hospital Forensic Department and a post-mortem conducted at 12.30pm revealed that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: With about five weeks before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri balik kampung rush begins, motorists have been reminded that upgraded Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) cameras are being rolled out to monitor speedsters and reckless drivers. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said motorists should start behaving themselves on the road and make it a good habit, or risk being faced with fines for dangerous driving. “The upgraded Awas system is a positive initiative aimed at enhancing road safety by ensuring consistent speed enforcement and promoting cautious driving. “Unlike traditional traffic cameras that capture speed at a single point, the new system measures the time taken to travel between two points. “It calculates a vehicle’s average speed over a designated distance between two camera locations and if it exceeds the limit, a violation is triggered. “This approach prevents drivers from slowing down only near cameras before speeding up again.” Announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Jan 6, the upgraded point-to-point system serves to correct serious loopholes that allowed traffic offenders to evade penalties, ultimately putting other road users at risk. “The new system’s wider enforcement net would be accompanied by heftier fines, with laws expected to be reviewed and amended this year to deter reckless driving,” he said. The system is being tested at high risk areas, including the Kuala Lumpur-Karak o Reckless motorists could face heftier fines due to upgraded system’s wider enforcement net, with laws expected to be reviewed to deter dangerous driving, says road safety expert Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The upgraded Awas calculates a vehicle’s average speed over a designated distance between two camera locations and if it exceeds the limit, a violation is triggered. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

He faces two additional charges of receiving RM195 million in illegal proceeds from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, that were allegedly deposited into Bersatu’s account at CIMB Bank Menara KL between Feb 25 and July 16, 2021 and from Feb 8 to July 8, 2022. The charges were framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and a possible fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the illegal proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher. He also faces another charge of receiving RM5 million in illegal proceeds from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which was allegedly deposited into Bersatu’s account at AmBank Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya. Despite its benefits, he acknowledged that the system could still present challenges due to the technical complexity of monitoring and processing data from multiple cameras, especially across long distances. Law said weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog could also affect the system’s accuracy, while some motorists may perceive it as an invasion of privacy or enforcement overreach. “Another concern is fairness and transparency in enforcement, especially in cases of errors or disputes. “To ensure everything is above board, the government should establish clear and consistent dispute handling processes, such as a dedicated support line for motorists. “There should also be regular audits of the system to ensure it functions accurately. Transparency in how violations are detected and evidence is gathered would help build public trust.” He advised motorists to consistently follow the speed limits as the point-to-point system is designed to encourage good driving habits, so the best way to avoid penalties is to drive safely and within the speed limit. Law said over time, the system would lead to more careful driving, which would reduce road crashes and save lives.

Expressway in Genting Sempah and the Menora Tunnel in Ipoh, before being rolled out nationwide. As of Monday, the Road Transport Department has installed 45 Awas cameras nationwide. Perak has the highest number, with 15 operating. Loke said the system is particularly useful for high risk areas such as highways, where consistent speed control is crucial to preventing crashes. In November last year, Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said Malaysia recorded 532,125 road crashes from January to October, with 5,364 fatalities. Law said the upgraded Awas aims to reduce road crashes by discouraging dangerous behaviours. However, he stressed that its effectiveness depends on clear signage and higher public awareness. “Countries such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand have successfully implemented point-to-point enforcement. “The systems have been shown to reduce speeding and crashes in monitored zones due to proper implementation. “Malaysia can learn from them by implementing clear signages that alert drivers about enforcement zones and ensure transparent communication on how violations are handled.”

Muhyiddin corruption hearing to start on Sept 7 KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is facing abuse of power and money laundering charges, will commence on Sept 17 at the Sessions Court here. Wan Shaharuddin agreed to provide the formal witness statements two weeks before the trial, and the key witness statements three weeks in advance. the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

The court allowed Muhyiddin’s application for the temporary release of his international passport until March 3 to attend a conference in Belgium. Muhyiddin, 77, in his capacity as then prime minister and Bersatu president, faces four charges of abusing his position to solicit RM232.5 million in bribes related to the Jana Wibawa project from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd, as well as Datuk Azman Yusoff, for the benefit of his party. He was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times

Judge Azura Alwi set the trial dates for Sept 17 to 19, Oct 6 to 8, Nov 26 to 27 and Jan 13 to 15 next year. Additionally, case management has been scheduled for May 14 this year. In yesterday’s proceedings, DPP Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin informed the court that the prosecution intends to call 30 witnesses during the trial. Among them is Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Bernama reported. Muhyiddin’s counsel Chetan Jethwani requested that the prosecution provide the defence with key witness statements before the trial begins.

WEDNESDAY | FEB 19, 2025

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Spare the rod, guide the child

He said research also suggests that children who experience frequent physical punishment are more likely to resort to violence when dealing with conflicts in their adult lives. Instead of relying on punishment, Anuar advocates early intervention and guidance. “Rather than waiting for students to misbehave and then punishing them, we should identify the root causes of their misbehaviour. Many students act out due to personal or family issues. If we catch the warning signs early, such as declining grades or frequent absenteeism, we can guide them before they go down the wrong path.” Anuar said most Malaysian teachers are trained in child psychology and discipline management but in schools with thousands of students, there may only be one or two counsellors, which is insufficient. He proposed that the Education

Ministry appoint mobile counsellors who could visit multiple schools, particularly those with high disciplinary issues. “We need more professionally trained counsellors instead of teachers acting as counsellors so students feel safe enough to open up about their struggles. Instead of just punishing students, teachers should work with parents to understand what’s happening at home. Parent teacher meetings should focus not just on academics but also on student well-being.” While corporal punishment is still allowed in Malaysian schools under strict regulations in which only headmasters or authorised teachers can administer it, Anuar believes it is time to move on. “We should be raising a society that is non-violent, empathetic and understanding. If we want a violence free future, we have to stop hitting our children today.”

a notable improvement from its 29th spot in 2022. In Malaysia, AI literacy is unevenly distributed across different demographics, with many underserved communities, including rural students, indigenous groups and lower-income populations still facing limited access to AI training. The digital divide poses challenges such as poor internet connection and lack of digital literacy programmes, slowing down the region’s ambitions to become a premier AI hub. The AI Ready Asean programme, launched in October 2024, aims to equip 5.5 million individuals with essential AI skills over the next 2.5 years, supported by a US$5 million (RM22.23 million) grant from Google.org. The convention also included hands on masterclasses and a visit to Google Indonesia’s office, offering participants deeper insights into AI applications and machine learning. He said as more countries ban corporal punishment in schools, Malaysia faces a crucial decision whether to embrace a more progressive and compassionate approach to discipline. SJK (T) Vivekananda science teacher Thenmoly Rajan said while the cane was once effective, it now has more negative consequences. “It depends on the student. For some, it works. But for others, it creates fear and resentment,” she said, adding that she manages misbehaviour with stern instructions, which students generally follow. However, she believes interaction is key and regularly checks on the well-being of her students, as emotional support is crucial. While Thenmoly sees counselling as effective for secondary students, she is sceptical about its impact on younger children. She said parents generally oppose caning but still expect teachers to be strict.

o Counselling and support advocated as caning causes low self-esteem, social withdrawal and aggression

KUALA Asean Foundation, supported by Google.org hosted the first Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready Asean event at its headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia last week. Its executive director Dr Piti Srisangnam said with the AI Ready Asean programme, the foundation is dedicated to helping young people, teachers and families across the region, making sure no one is left behind as AI evolves. “As we move into a future shaped by new ideas and technology, it’s important that every community, no matter where they are, has the knowledge and skills to succeed in the age of AI. “By working together, we can close the gap in access to technology and help everyone in Asean benefit fully from AI.” During the event, policymakers, AI practitioners and local implementing LUMPUR: The PETALING JAYA: For decades, the swish of the cane echoed through Malaysian schools, a stark reminder of the “spare the rod and spoil the child” belief in education. But Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad said corporal punishment is not only outdated but also psychologically damaging to students. “Corporal punishment does not instil discipline, it imprints fear which can turn into stress, depression and even long-term psychological problems. Students who are Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com Ű BY HASHINI K. KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

partners (LIP) from across Asean discussed regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives aimed at accelerating responsible AI adoption. The LIP from Malaysia are the Universiti Teknologi Petronas Asean Student Association and Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tun Fatimah. The programme supports Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap and focuses on closing the AI literacy gap in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, AI literacy is expanding through government initiatives and private sector collaborations. The “AI Untuk Rakyat” (AI for the People) programme, a free online course to increase AI literacy, and the “Cikgu Juara Digital” programme, which empowers teachers with the skills to teach AI and coding, are central to Malaysia’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving inclusive AI adoption nationwide. The Education Ministry also promotes frequently caned may grow up believing that physical violence is a solution to their problems,” he said. Anuar emphasised the belief that physical punishment leads to repentance is misguided, as there are many cases of students continuing to misbehave even after multiple punishments. “For some, the embarrassment of being caned in front of their peers leads to disengagement, a drop in academic performance and absenteeism. Studies show that corporal punishment can cause students to develop low self-esteem, social withdrawal and in extreme cases, aggression.”

Regional initiative to bridge AI gap

The programme supports Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap and focuses on closing the AI literacy gap in Southeast Asia. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Hour of Code, a worldwide programme introducing students to basic coding and AI concepts, encouraging computational thinking and problem-solving skills

among young learners. In the Government AI Readiness 2024 Index, Malaysia ranked second in Asean behind Singapore and 24th globally,

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A soldier films from an aircraft identified as a Chinese Navy helicopter as it tails a reconnaissance plane yesterday. – AFPPIC

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