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Limited relief leaves M40 struggling to keep up

Limited relief leaves M40 struggling to keep up

PETALING JAYA : Malaysia’s middle-income earners (M40) say Budget 2026 offers limited relief as they continue to be squeezed by rising living costs, stagnant wages and shrinking disposable income, trapped between aid for the poor and the privileges of the rich. While some welcomed targeted measures such as Budi95 and tax breaks, many said the focus remains heavily on the B40, leaving middle-income families struggling to keep up. Tina Abdullah, 50, a logistics manager, said while a few initiatives were helpful, many M40 households fall just outside the eligibility bracket for most assistance schemes. “Some are suitable, but some are not. Apart from the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and Budi95 programmes, many M40 families are no longer eligible for other forms of subsidies or cash aid. “It is somewhat unfair because some people end up paying more than usual. Under Budi95, for instance, those who use more than the subsidised limit have to pay RM2.60 per litre for the rest.” She said the government’s focus on the lower-income group was understandable but left others behind. “The B40 need help, yes, but middle-income families also face financial pressures and do not see much direct benefit from the Budget.” Nuraida Mohd Ramlee, 42, a mother of three, said the strain on working parents is worsening. “Some parts are okay, such as tax relief for child education and the continuation of Budi95, but overall, it is still not enough for the M40. With three kids, childcare, groceries and school fees take up a huge part of our income. We are not poor enough to get aid, but not rich enough to cope easily.” She said even modest support could go a long way. “Even small help with childcare, housing or daily costs would make things a bit easier for working parents. “The gap between the B40 and lower M40 is narrowing. Many of us are struggling in cities, especially those with young children. The focus should be more balanced.” Desmond (not his real name), 30, a site engineer, said while targeted relief is welcome, structural issues remain unresolved. “Honestly, it feels quite unfair at times. We do not earn enough to feel secure but we also do not qualify for most forms of aid. “Prices for groceries, rent and transport keep rising, so many of us feel left out.” He urged the government to consider practical support mechanisms instead of blanket rebates. “I would propose flexible tax deductions or rebates tied to essential spending such as education, healthcare and transport, not handouts but practical relief that acknowledges the squeeze we are feeling.” He said many others in his income bracket have seen no improvement in financial stability compared with last year. “Everything costs more, but our pay has not changed. “While Budget 2026 helps lower-income groups, its impact on middle-income families is limited. It feels like we are quietly slipping through the cracks.”

Financial reform and climate resilience key to Malaysia’s AIR2040 agenda

Financial reform and climate resilience key to Malaysia’s AIR2040 agenda

KUALA LUMPUR : Immediate financial reform and stronger climate resilience within Malaysia’s water sector are crucial to realising the Water Sector Transformation 2040 agenda. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stressed that current challenges must serve as catalysts for innovation and deeper collaboration across the sector. He said financial reform must be treated as a national priority requiring a fair and sustainable financing framework. “Tariffs must reflect the true cost of supply while ensuring that vulnerable groups are protected through transparent and targeted support mechanisms.” “Only with financial stability can utilities reinvest, innovate and build a water sector capable of meeting future demands,“ he said in his keynote address at the 37th Malaysian Water Association Annual Dinner and Awards Night. Fadillah noted that Malaysia’s progress has led to a surge in water demand from households and energy-intensive sectors. He urged the adoption of an integrated and data-driven approach linking water planning with industrial development and environmental protection. “Key strategies include stronger demand forecasting, efficient water use and diversification of supply sources through recycled water, rainwater harvesting, desalination and groundwater management.” In addressing climate pressures, Fadillah said Malaysia is witnessing erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and recurring floods. He called for increased investment in climate resilience including protection of water catchment areas and modernisation of infrastructure. “These efforts must be supported by the integration of environmental stewardship and early warning systems into every level of planning.” Fadillah emphasised that AIR2040’s success depends on partnerships involving regulators, utilities, academia, and industry players. “The Government, through PETRA, remains firmly committed to providing clear policy direction and supporting collaboration with state governments and agencies nationwide.” Also present were Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow and PETRA’s Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. – Bernama

Pematuhan pasang alat had laju melonjak tujuh kali ganda

Pematuhan pasang alat had laju melonjak tujuh kali ganda

KUALA LANGAT – Kesedaran dalam kalangan pengusaha kenderaan perdagangan mengenai pemasangan dan pengesahan Peranti Had Kelajuan (SLD) melonjak hampir tujuh kali ganda sejak penguatkuasaan fasa pertama bermula 1 Oktober lalu. Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli berkata, ini menunjukkan perkembangan positif terhadap pematuhan arahan berkenaan dalam memastikan keselamatan jalan raya. Katanya, ... Read more The post Pematuhan pasang alat had laju melonjak tujuh kali ganda appeared first on Kosmo Digital .

Nor Hidayah cari ketenangan di puncak gunung

Nor Hidayah cari ketenangan di puncak gunung

BAGI Nor Hidayah Mohamad Tajudin, mendaki bukan sekadar hobi, malah aktiviti itu satu perjalanan menemukan ketenangan diri menerusi keindahan alam. Walaupun minatnya terhadap aktiviti lasak itu bermula agak lewat, namun semangat dan cintanya terhadap mendaki kini semakin membara. Berkongsi dengan K-Remaja, anak kelahiran Kedah itu berkata, dia meminati aktiviti mendaki sejak tahun 2022. “Saya mula ... Read more The post Nor Hidayah cari ketenangan di puncak gunung appeared first on Kosmo Digital .

Isu lori sampah: JPJ panggil pengurusan tertinggi KDEBWM

Isu lori sampah: JPJ panggil pengurusan tertinggi KDEBWM

KUALA LANGAT - Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) akan memanggil pengurusan tertinggi KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) dalam masa terdekat berhubung isu membabitkan lori sampah milik syarikat terbabit.Ketua Pengarah JPJ, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli berkata, ini bagi memberikan amaran agar syarikat terbabit melakukan tindakan segera dalam memperbetulkan kesalahan dilakukan lori sampah mereka.Katanya, perkara itu turut dibincangkan bersama Menteri Pengangkutan, Anthony Loke bagi memastikan tindakan tegas diambil terhadap mana-mana kenderaan syarikat itu yang gagal mematuhi undang-undang jalan raya."Saya telah arahkan Pengarah Kanan Penguat Kuasa JPJ (Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan) untuk memastikan mana-mana lori sampah KDEBWM yang bermasalah ditahan dan disita di atas jalan raya."Kita mahu beri mesej jelas bahawa walaupun syarikat itu milik kerajaan negeri, mereka tidak boleh sewenang-wenangnya beroperasi tanpa mematuhi undang-undang," katanya pada sidang pada sidang akhbar sempena Ops Khas JPJ di Stesen Penguat kuasa Banting di sini pada Selasa.Beliau berkata, sebanyak 22 lori sampah KDEB di Selangor telah disita setakat Isnin lalu.Tambahnya, terdapat 154 kesalahan dikesan termasuk tiada insurans dan Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM) selain menggunakan khidmat pemandu warga asing.Dalam pada itu, Aedy memaklumkan syarikat terbabit telah komitmen baik apabila melunaskan lebih 22,000 saman tertunggak berjumlah RM3.1 juta."Kita puji inisiatif KDEBWM itu, namun masih terdapat kesalahan berulang dilakukan kontraktor di bawah syarikat itu," tegasnya.Baru-baru ini, KDEBWM mengambil tanggungjawab sepenuhnya ke atas insiden lori sampah merempuh Plaza Tol Puchong Selatan di Kilometer 30.3 Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong, Jumaat lalu.Jun lalu, Kementerian Pengangkutan mendedahkan senarai 11 syarikat pengendali kenderaan barangan dan 17 syarikat bas ekspres yang mencatatkan jumlah saman tertunggak tertinggi atas pelbagai kesalahan lalu lintas.Anthony dilaporkan berkata, antara syarikat terbabit ialah KDEBWM dengan 22,017 saman.

EPL: Arsenal mungkin kecewa lagi

EPL: Arsenal mungkin kecewa lagi

ARSENAL – Pengurus Arsenal, Mikel Arteta diberi amaran bahawa pasukan itu tidak akan berjaya memenangi Liga Perdana Inggeris dengan prestasi yang ditunjukkan oleh penggempur utamanya, Viktor Gyokeres ketika ini. Gyokeres meledak tiga gol dalam 10 perlawanan selepas melengkapkan perpindahan dari Sporting, namun dilihat belum benar-benar menemui sentuhan terbaik seperti mana dilakukan di Liga Portugal sebelum ... Read more The post EPL: Arsenal mungkin kecewa lagi appeared first on Kosmo Digital .

Malaysia defeats Laos 5-1 in Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match

Malaysia defeats Laos 5-1 in Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match

MALAYSIA secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Laos in their Group F Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Laos surprisingly led 1-0 at half-time through a goal from Chanthavisay Khounthoumphone in the 19th minute. The home team mounted a spectacular second-half comeback with five unanswered goals. Muhammad Faisal Abdul Halim equalised for Malaysia in the 58th minute. Romel Morales then scored twice, putting Malaysia ahead in the 65th minute and adding another in the 70th minute. Laos defender Khammanh Thapaseut scored an own goal in the 79th minute to extend Malaysia’s lead. Paulo Josue completed the scoring with Malaysia’s fifth goal in the 82nd minute. The match was officiated by referee Ahmed Eisa Darwish from the United Arab Emirates. Malaysia’s starting lineup included captain Dion Cools and featured several key attacking players. Laos fielded captain Bounphachan Bounkong in their starting eleven for the crucial qualifier. This victory provides Malaysia with a strong start to their Asian Cup 2027 qualification campaign. – Bernama