15/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 15, 2025

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Making do, moving forward

‘Out-of-school work for teachers to be reviewed’ JASIN: The Education Ministry is considering setting limits on the number of out-of-school activities teachers can participate in to help reduce workload pressure, says Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad. He said this is crucial so that teachers can remain focused on core classroom duties. “We will also discuss how many teachers can be away from school for such activities,” he told reporters after launching the national-level Mahrajan Al-Quran Sekolah Sekolah programme at Merlimau Polytechnic yesterday. The initiative follows recent remarks by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who outlined seven measures to ease teacher workload, including eliminating low-impact programmes and assigning non-teachers as examination invigilators. Mohd Azam said the issue of teacher workload requires a holistic approach. He called on principals and head teachers to better coordinate external and co curricular activities to avoid overburdening teachers. “Teachers shouldn’t be weighed down by programmes that have little or no impact. Tasks that are unprofessional or unrelated should be dropped.” – Bernama

game has changed and legacy reporting is finding it harder to stay ahead,” he admitted. While the job hunt proved fruitless, their small business steadily grew, buoyed by community support. Today, Farhan is slowly letting go of his journalistic ambitions and focusing on the entrepreneurial path. “We’ve had to scale back our lifestyle. No new debts, just essentials. But we’re happy. I spend more time with my children and I’m surrounded by love – that’s a blessing many overlook.” Farhan’s story is far from unique. In cities and small towns alike, Malaysians are quietly adapting to economic uncertainties, with many making personal sacrifices just to stay afloat. For instance, Edwig (not his real name) has been job hunting for three months without success. “There are jobs out there, but I want a career, not just a paycheck. I’ve had to cut down to one proper meal a day. I snack when I can, and rarely go out with friends now,” said the 34-year-old former customer service officer from Selangor.

freelance gigs now and then, so that helps. But it’s a constant juggle between hope and survival.” Meanwhile, 23-year-old security officer Mohd Noraiman Nor Azmi is also feeling the pinch of rising living costs – despite being single and still living with his parents in Petaling Jaya. “I help out with groceries – just the basics such as chicken, eggs and local fish. We rarely splurge. The economy is tough, especially for low-income earners like me.” To save on transport, he commutes to work by motorcycle – a practical choice amid rising fuel prices and daily traffic jams. “Sometimes I bring food from home, but because of my shifts, I don’t always have the time. Eating out becomes unavoidable, so I have to manage my spending carefully. Otherwise, there’s nothing left to save.” Noraiman is also considering picking up a side hustle. “A second income is almost a necessity now. You just can’t rely on one job anymore.” As Malaysia continues to grapple with economic pressures – from stagnant wages to inflation – stories like these reflect a quiet resilience. Whether it is pivoting careers, starting a food stall, or learning to live with less, many Malaysians are finding ways to survive, adapt and rediscover what truly matters.

o Amid layoffs and rising costs, Malaysians are trading old careers for new beginnings, turning to side gigs, small businesses and scaled-back living to get by

experience could shield him from the industry’s decline. Farhan, 37, who previously worked at defunct dailies, found himself jobless last September after a major news portal laid off 18 staff in a restructuring exercise. “I saw it coming. I was one of the last hired and sensed the company was going by ‘last in, first out,’” he said, recounting the days leading up to the layoff, which was announced during a company town hall. “Thankfully, my wife and I had already started a small roadside kuih stall to supplement our income.” His wife, also a former journalist, understood the fragility of media careers. That emotional and practical support helped the couple weather the storm, even as Farhan continued applying for media jobs.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING many Malaysians, losing a job, skipping meals or downsizing dreams are no longer worst-case scenarios but everyday realities. Yet, in the face of layoffs, rising costs and shrinking opportunities, ordinary individuals are finding extraordinary ways to stay afloat. From a former journalist selling kuih by the roadside to young workers trimming daily expenses just to stretch every ringgit, their stories reflect more than hardship – they reveal quiet resilience, practical reinvention and the power of community. For over a decade, Mohd Farhan Darwis was a familiar face in Malaysia’s media circles – a seasoned journalist known for his generosity, calm demeanour and willingness to guide younger reporters. But in a volatile media landscape, not even JAYA: For KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s chicken egg supply has remained stable and sufficient despite the subsidy reduction by five sen per egg since May 1, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said this proved that the reduction has not disrupted supply. “In fact, it reflects the growing sustainability and resilience of the local production system,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday. The government had previously announced the end of egg price controls, with subsidies cut from 10 sen to five sen per egg from May and set to be fully removed next month. The ministry had said the decision was made after considering the industry’s commitment to ensuring that egg production remains sufficient. It also noted that prolonged price controls and subsidies are unsustainable for the long-term viability of local producers and the country’s financial position. Re-targetting egg subsidies is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure more efficient use of public funds and promoting the sustainability of local food production. – Bernama

“But after a while, I had to face reality – traditional journalism is struggling to keep up. These days, platforms such as TikTok drive the speed and reach of information. The Supply of eggs not affected by subsidy reduction: Minister To save further, Edwig walks to nearby eateries from his rented room, a short 250m walk, except when the heat makes it unbearable. “Some friends help me with

Chicken egg prices remain stable despite the subsidy cut from 10 sen to five sen per egg starting May 1, ahead of full removal next month. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Medical officers to receive incentive payment during probation period’ PUTRAJAYA: The government has approved the specialist incentive payment to medical officers who are undergoing the supervised work experience (SWE) after completing their specialist training. The Health Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said the incentive payment is in line with the Medical (Amendment) Act 2024 [Act A1729], which came into force this month. the incentive payment after completing the gazette process. “The payment rate is the same and it involves officers in Grades 10 to 14,” it said. The incentive serves as It is also a significant step in safeguarding the welfare of ministry personnel, while boosting morale and ensuring the continuity and quality of medical services for the people. registration of specialists, especially those in the fields of cardiothoracic surgery, family medicine, plastic surgery and generic pathology can now be considered for registration as promised by the government early last year.”

With the enactment of Act A1729, all specialist training programmes are more clearly regulated under the law. “Any medical practitioner affected by the issue of recognition and

recognition of the commitment and responsibilities carried by medical officers throughout the SWE period, during which they perform duties equivalent to those of a medical specialist.

“The payment will start as soon as the officer commences SWE. Before the Medical Act 1971 was amended, the process was known as the specialist gazettement, where the medical officer would only receive

SWE is a probationary period during which they will be supervised by senior medical experts to ensure they are competent in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as specialists.

Medical officers who undergo SWE under the regularity of the relevant process also no longer need to worry about the allowances they are entitled to receive. – Bernama