5/09/2025

FRIDAY | SEPT 5, 2025

2

Budget 2026 to strengthen housing reform PUTRAJAYA: As preparations for the upcoming Budget 2026 to be unveiled in October are underway, the government will also examine support mechanisms to strengthen housing reform, with a focus on expanding access to affordable housing, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said the government is committed to ensuring that more Malaysians, especially those in the lower and middle-income groups, can own homes that are within their financial means. Amir Hamzah said reforms under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) are also designed to address housing challenges, including the development of new models such as rent-to-own schemes and a gradual shift towards a build-then-sell approach to reduce the risk of abandoned projects. “Affordable housing will continue to be a priority for Malaysia going forward, and we are looking at new mechanisms to ensure more people can own and afford homes,” he told reporters after launching the Property Information System Malaysia 2.0 yesterday. Commenting on the increase in the overhang of residential units since the first quarter of this year, Amir Hamzah said the overall property market remains stable, but reforms are needed to address structural issues. “The key for us is that the overall market is still stable. What is important is to support the segment that needs it most, especially affordable housing,” he said. Amir Hamzah noted that housing affordability is closely linked with income levels, stressing that the government has been implementing wide ranging labour market reforms to strengthen household purchasing power. “We have seen initiatives such as minimum wage increases, the push for progressive wages and encouragement for companies to adopt living wages. These are aimed at improving affordability by raising income levels.” To complement these measures, Amir Hamzah highlighted the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme, which allows those without a fixed income to secure housing loans through government guarantees. He said these are creative solutions to help people get onto the property ladder. “But the most important area remains fixing the basis of affordability in the country, which includes strengthening income levels.” – Bernama King presents appointment letters to envoys KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty, the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim presented instruments of appointment to seven Malaysian envoys assigned to missions abroad and also received the letters of credence from seven foreign envoys to Malaysia at Istana Negara yesterday. The seven envoys who received their instruments of appointment from His Majesty are ambassadors Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah (Thailand), Datuk Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman (Saudi Arabia), Datuk Mohammad Ali Selamat (Brazil), Mohamad Razdan Jamil (Germany), Haznah Md Hashim (Spain), Datuk Azri Mat Yacob (Poland) and Malaysian High Commissioner to South Africa Datuk Yubazlan Yusof. His Majesty also accepted the credentials of seven foreign envoys to Malaysia – Karim Mohamed Elsadat Abdelkarim Abdelkhalek (Egypt), Silke Riecken-Daerr (Germany), Daniella Ortega de Paiva Menezes (Brazil), Gerhad Eisl (Austria), Hennadii Nadolenko (Ukraine), Marianne Fosland (Norway) and Raffaele Langella (Italy). Also present at the event were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Istana Negara Comptroller Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani. – Bernama

EV plant launch highlights close ties with China: PM TANJONG MALIM: The launch of the first Proton electric vehicle (EV) factory in Malaysia yesterday reflects the close cooperation between Malaysia and China through Proton and its strategic partner, Geely, thus driving the country’s automotive industry to a higher level. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the results of the collaboration not only involved investment but also evidence of commitment to technology transfer and opportunities to train local engineers towards mastering future automotive technology. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, their willingness to cooperate has been proven. “This is proven because not only do they benefit from the collaboration in this field and industry, but their willingness to transfer technology and provide space for locals (to be involved in the industry),” he said at the launch of the Proton EV factory yesterday. Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Anwar said the development of the Proton EV factory is in line with the country’s key policies, including the energy transition, industrial master plan and national automotive policy, all of which emphasise mastering high technology. “The launch of this EV factory fulfils several policies. Firstly, our climate policy, namely the energy transition. Secondly, it also fulfils what we call our industrial roadmap and master plan and, of course, the national automotive policy.” Anwar also expressed his appreciation to the Proton workers for their high commitment to making the historic project a success. “I want to thank the government of China because, in several of our meetings with

“But at the same time, we must ensure it is safe, especially for children.” Fahmi added that Meta Platforms Inc – which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – and X (formerly Twitter) would be summoned next for talks with police and MCMC. At a separate event, he said Meta had been called up following a surge in scam-related complaints from the public and police. “Since Meta’s cooperation so far has been unconvincing, I have instructed that they be invited for further discussion. The platforms are clearly not taking the issue seriously. Every platform will be summoned.” Fahmi also assured that the government is on track to enforce the Online Safety Act (Onsa) by October, giving regulators stronger powers against platforms rather than targeting only individual posts. “Unlike the Communications and Multimedia Act, which applies to specific content, Onsa will cover platforms directly. If the Online Safety Committee decides, for instance, that deepfakes constitutes an offence, every licensed platform will be required to act. “This is about giving Malaysia stronger tools to deal with scams, cyberbullying and harmful online content.” While affirming that the government respects freedom of expression, Fahmi said it has a duty to keep online spaces safe and ensure platforms cooperate with regulators and law enforcement. “The people’s right to speak will always be defended, but platforms must also take responsibility. Right now, they are too passive. That has to change.” “Thank you to all the workers who have shown their determination, talent and discipline to ensure its success, not only to uphold the good name of the company but also that of our beloved country.” Anwar also hopes that the Proton EV cars could be rolled out from the new plant before the 47th Asean Summit in October to be showcased to more than 20 heads of state attending the summit. The factory was developed on a 2.2ha site, with construction costs estimated at RM82 million. In the first phase, it will produce the Proton EV e.MAS 7 model, followed by the second model – the e.MAS 6 – in the second phase, with the date yet to be specified. For the first phase, the plant has the capacity to produce about 20,000 EV units annually and once fully completed production capacity is expected to rise to 45,000 units per year. The factory is equipped with advanced digital systems, dedicated EV areas such as battery assembly, high-voltage safety, electrical testing and EV underbody integration. – Bernama

Anwar salutes as an e.MAS vehicle drives past him at the Proton EV factory yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysia warns TikTok over online safety failures o Govt demands transparency as Online Safety Act set to expand regulatory powers by October, says Fahmi

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

better known as Esha, who suffered severe online harassment before her death. Following the incident, TikTok pledged to hire more moderators, especially for Tamil language content and TikTok Live streams. “Until today, they have failed to give us the numbers. We have asked repeatedly, but no answers. This is very serious. We continue to receive complaints from the Indian community about cyberbullying on TikTok.” He also raised alarm over children under 13 using TikTok, despite platform rules prohibiting them from having accounts. “In many of my school visits, I have seen pupils as young as Year 1 using TikTok. It clearly shows the system is failing.” Fahmi urged TikTok to develop stronger age verification systems, pointing to Singapore, Australia and China as examples where apps restrict functions such as commenting or sharing unless users verify their identity. “This is urgent. It is not just about content, but about the online safety of children and families.” Despite mounting complaints, Fahmi ruled out banning TikTok, stressing that the government’s priority is compliance with Malaysian law, not blocking platforms. “The government has no intention of banning TikTok. People use it to sell products, to livestream events and for many other positive purposes.

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has warned TikTok to step up action against online harms or face legal consequences, stressing that the government will not tolerate platforms that drag their feet on public safety. Fahmi said he was deeply dissatisfied with TikTok’s slow response to requests from Malaysian authorities, warning that continued inaction could trigger enforcement under existing or new laws. “From Jan 1 to Aug 31 this year, MCMC data shows 76,002 pieces of content were removed from TikTok. However, 10,730 flagged items were not acted upon, which means the takedown rate stands at 86%. “The decisions are made by the platform based on its own community guidelines. Even when MCMC requests removal, TikTok will not act if it deems the content acceptable under its rules. This cannot continue,” he said after meeting TikTok representatives at Bukit Aman yesterday. He said TikTok had repeatedly failed to provide clarity on safety measures, particularly in moderating Tamil-language content, curbing cyberbullying and blocking underage access. Fahmi cited the case of Rajeswary Appahu,