30/08/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday AUG 30, 2026

Grocery BNPL signals income strain: Expert

KULAI: A total of 1,000 sites, including in Sabah and Sarawak, have been identified for the implementation of Phase Two of the National Digital Network (Jendela) plan this year, said Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said its implementation would ensure stronger and more stable internet coverage nationwide. “There are 2,700 sites under the implementation of Jendela Phase Two, but for the first phase (of Phase Two) this year, 1,000 sites have been identified, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has issued tenders for implementation at the sites,” she said after officiating the Japen@Petronas Jalur Gemilang expression programme here yesterday. Jendela is a government initiative coordinated by MCMC to improve digital infrastructure and internet coverage nationwide. Meanwhile, Teo said various activities had been lined up for the public through the Riuh Merdeka programme, particularly for those planning to camp out at Dataran Putrajaya to watch the parade. She said free public transport facilities, including shuttle buses, would also be provided at MRT Putrajaya Sentral every five minutes, while services at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre would operate every 10 minutes. “Therefore, the public are encouraged to use public transport as many roads will be closed,” she said. Earlier, Teo, who is also the Kulai MP, distributed free Jalur Gemilang -shaped magnets to the public to enliven the National Month celebrations. She said the initiative was a collaboration between the Communications Ministry, Information Department and Petronas at selected petrol stations. – Bernama 1,000 sites identified for Jendela rollout

buffers,” he said. On the proposed interest rate cap, Idham said it would be a positive consumer protection measure but should be complemented by broader safeguards. “These should include affordability assessments before credit approval, mandatory reporting of BNPL obligations to credit reporting agencies, clear disclosure of fees and repayment schedules, limits on multiple concurrent BNPL facilities and stronger financial literacy programmes. “Such measures would help protect vulnerable consumers while preserving access to legitimate short-term credit that supports responsible financial inclusion,” he said. Previously, the Finance Ministry said the number of active BNPL account holders had risen to eight million in the first quarter of 2026, with outstanding balances reaching RM5.3 billion. Overdue payments stood at RM181 million, or 3.4% of the total outstanding BNPL balance, while around 40% of users were aged 30 and below. experiences about 20 typhoons annually. “Climate change is a global issue. Talking about it is one thing, but addressing it is what matters. “We need the political will and leadership to overcome it, particularly as the gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen,” Johari said. He also highlighted China’s long-term strategy to promote green technology and environmental protection through sustainable technologies, electric vehicles and the expansion of green spaces. Scientists have continued to warn that climate change is driving rising temperatures and sea levels while altering rainfall patterns, increasing risks to communities and ecosystems.

vulnerable to financial shocks.” Idham said although BNPL could improve financial inclusion, excessive reliance among young adults could undermine their long-term financial resilience if repayment obligations continued to accumulate. He said repeated reliance on BNPL for basic necessities could be a warning sign of financial distress, particularly when consumers experienced missed repayments or used multiple accounts to cover daily living expenses. “Using BNPL for everyday necessities becomes a sign of financial distress when consumers rely on it consistently to purchase basic essentials because their regular income is insufficient to meet recurring expenses.” He said policymakers should look beyond aggregate BNPL debt figures and examine users’ income profiles, debt-servicing capacity and repayment behaviour. “Aggregate debt levels alone may underestimate financial vulnerability if a significant proportion of borrowers have low incomes or limited financial a glacial collapse in the Himalayas, which flooded river systems along the Nepal-China border, Bernama reported. As of Friday, 469 people had been confirmed dead and 2,381 remained missing, including 644 foreign nationals, according to The Himalayan Times . Several Malaysians were also reported missing in the disaster. From mountainous Nepal in South Asia to landlocked Laos in Southeast Asia, communities across the region face recurring climate-related disasters. Millions of people, particularly in rural areas, live under the constant threat of flash floods, storms, landslides and typhoons that destroy farmland and vital infrastructure. The Philippines alone park near the terminals and take the water taxi to the venue to watch the National Day parade comfortably while enjoying Putrajaya Lake,” he said. According to PPj, the free services will operate along three routes: Marina Putrajaya–Anjung Floria, Kelab Tasik Putrajaya– Monumen and Terra@8– Monumen. The public are advised to check the schedules issued by PPj for departure times and plan their journeys accordingly.

Short-term credit for essentials may point to rising financial stress

PHNOM PENH: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul has warned that failure to address climate change is inflicting immense suffering on vulnerable communities and damaging the planet. He said the climate crisis was no longer solely an environmental issue, as it was also affecting economies and threatening public health, food security and energy security. “It is worrying that our leaders do not even talk about it, while some lawmakers are not sufficiently informed about the issue. “Why are we cutting down trees? Why have we not considered solar, wind or ocean wave energy? “When we need more energy, PETALING JAYA: The growing use of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) to purchase food and groceries could signal that some households are struggling with stagnant income growth amid rising living costs, said an economist. Universiti Teknologi Mara economist Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the current trend suggested BNPL was increasingly being used to bridge the gap between income growth and household expenses, rather than simply to finance discretionary or lifestyle spending. “When short-term credit is used to finance essential items rather than discretionary purchases, it indicates that some consumers are struggling with insufficient disposable income as they try to handle rising living costs.” He said the trend warranted Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

close attention, particularly if consumers continued relying on BNPL to meet their everyday needs. Idham said young Malaysians were increasingly using BNPL as a cash-flow management tool, with irregular incomes, delayed salary cycles and rising monthly commitments prompting some consumers to spread even small purchases over several instalments. “While BNPL offers temporary financial flexibility, prolonged dependence could expose users to repayment difficulties if income remains constrained,” he said. The economist also expressed concern over the fact that 40% of BNPL users are aged 30 and below, saying this group was generally at an early stage of wealth accumulation and career development. “Younger consumers typically have lower earnings, limited savings and shorter credit histories, making them more we burn coal to fuel power plants. We need climate change education in schools, more research and development and greater investment in technology,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the Second Inter Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Phnom Penh on Friday. He said policymakers needed to invest more in early education and research while harnessing technology to combat the effects of climate change on all segments of society. His warning came days after devastating floods swept across Nepal, killing hundreds and destroying homes and livelihoods. Preliminary reports indicated that the disaster was triggered by

‘Climate neglect hurting vulnerable communities’

Public urged to use free water taxi service PUTRAJAYA: Members of the public attending the 2026 National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31 are encouraged to use the free water taxi services provided by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj). Communications Minister 2pm on Aug 31 in conjunction with National Day,” he told Bernama after inspecting preparations for the services yesterday.

Fahmi, who is also chairman of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day Celebrations Main Committee, urged visitors to plan their journeys and park near the water taxi terminals before continuing to the celebration venue. “Make full use of this opportunity. Plan your journey,

Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the services would make it easier for visitors to reach the venue while offering families a pleasant journey across Putrajaya Lake. “This year, PPj will provide free water taxi services from 5am to

Fahmi taking a ride on the water ferry during the rehearsal. – BERNAMAPIC