Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Throwaway0

Sime Darby’s palm oil still not welcome, US agency

Throwaway0 — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 07:48:11 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Plantation’s (SDP) palm oil and related products are still banned from entering the US over claims of forced labour practices.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reiterated the continued restriction on SDP following remarks by plantation industries and commodities minister Zuraida Kamaruddin earlier today that there were “no restrictions” on SDP’s products by the agency.

“The assertion made is not true. The Sime Darby withhold release order (WRO) is still in effect,” a spokesman for CBP said in an email to FMT.

Zuraida had earlier said SDP’s issue was being resolved and was in the process of “settlement”, adding that “for SDP, there are no (restrictions)”.

In December 2020, CBP announced a ban on palm oil and products containing palm oil produced by SDP and its subsidiaries, following allegations of forced labour practices.

Yesterday, human resources minister M Saravanan said a labour department investigation had found no breach of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 11 indicators of forced labour.

Former minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the US and the UK should not lecture Malaysia on forced labour issues as historically, the two countries had worse records.

He also claimed the US ban on palm oil produced by SDP was a “white man’s game” intended to stop Malaysia from exporting its commodities abroad.

An SDP spokesman said it expected to receive an independent assessment report by the end of this month on the issue of forced labour.

“We are also continuing to engage with the CBP,” the spokesman said.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...ency-clarifies/

no.1 pirated movie, tv show and countries in 2021

Throwaway0 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:49:19 +0800

[url=https://pictr.com/image/BjGJjV]

[/url]

https://www.akamai.com/resources/state-of-t...in-the-outfield

Cukurlah malaysia petrol is cheap. RM6/liter in

Throwaway0 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:50:27 +0800

CCP

Ron95 9yuan per liter

Myvi myvi, here it comes. God car of the decade

Throwaway0 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:19:25 +0800

[fb]https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=951015145567245[/fb]

MY retail only shrink 2.6% in 2021, 2022 +6.5%

Throwaway0 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 11:09:43 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 ― Malaysia’s retailers enjoyed a boost in business from October to December 2021 period as Malaysians did more shopping as tourists and for the festive celebrations for Christmas and Chinese New Year, but still contracted by 2.3 per cent for the entire year, a retail research firm said.

In its latest report released today, research firm Retail Group Malaysia noted that Malaysia’s retail industry had recorded a promising and robust growth in sales of 26.5 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2021 or the last three months of the year, when compared year-on-year to the fourth quarter of 2020 which had recorded a -19.7 per cent growth rate.

This positive performance was higher than the retail industry’s own projection in November 2021 of 18.3 per cent for the October to December 2021 period, the report said.

But after having recorded a -9.9 per cent decline in sales in the January to March 2021 period, a positive 3.4 per cent growth in the April to June 2021 period and a -27.8 per cent decline in the July to September 2021 period, the retail industry in Malaysia ultimately declined by 2.3 per cent in sales for the entire 2021.

“The dismay sales performance during the first nine months of 2021 dragged down the overall growth. The sales turnover generated during the last three months of the year was not sufficient to compensate for the heavy losses incurred earlier.

“This is the second consecutive year the Malaysia retail industry recorded a negative growth rate. In 2020, the retail industry contracted by 16.3 per cent as compared to the previous year,” the report said.

In explaining the improved performance of Malaysia’s retailers’ business in October to December 2021, the report had listed the lifting of more restrictions that were put in place as precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“Started from October 1, spa, wellness centre and massage centre were allowed to re-open to fully vaccinated public,” the report said.

The report also noted that the ban on interstate travel in Malaysia was lifted on October 11 after 90 per cent of the country’s adult population was fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which then resulted in increased travelling locally with a positive spending impact that was felt throughout the country.

“Domestic tourism brought more sales to retailers that were dependent on tourism spending. It benefited retail outlets located in not just Klang Valley, but also Langkawi, Georgetown, Ipoh, Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Island, Desaru Coast and Melaka,” the report said.

The report also noted that all states in Malaysia were by November 30 in Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan — phases which had lesser Covid-19 restrictions — and that 96.9 per cent of Malaysia’s adult population had by then completed their Covid-19 vaccination.

“Retail sales climbed higher in December due to two major festivals- Christmas and Chinese New Year. Malaysian consumers resumed their festive shopping during this period.

“Malaysians returned to physical stores in both commercial centres and shopping centres located throughout the country. By the last month of the year, shopping traffic returned in all major shopping malls located in Malaysia. Major shopping centres were packed with shoppers and diners,” the report said.

The report was based on interviews with members of the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) and Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) on their retail sales performance for the entire year of 2021 and their projections for the first quarter of 2022.

Entire Malaysia is now in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan, and more restrictions are set to be relaxed when the country moves towards the phase of “transitioning to the endemic phase” on April 1.

In the report today, Retail Group Malaysia projects that retailers will experience a 6.3 per cent growth in sales for the year 2022.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...ing-boo/2046336

Breaking! Non-Malays not the only ones migrating

Throwaway0 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 08:38:50 +0800

From Murray Hunter

It has long been known that a significant number of non-Malays have migrated to other countries in search of more opportunities and a better life.

Names like Jimmy Choo, Tsai Ming-Liang, Kwen Liew, Zang Toi, Yuna, Bernard Chandran, Tan Hock Eng, Ng Yi-Ren, James Wan, Pua Khein-Seng and Penny Wong come up, just to name a few successful expatriate Malaysians.

In addition, there are thousands of expatriate Malaysians running or holding key positions in companies in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and even the US.

Current statistics of the brain drain from Malaysia are difficult to come by, as it is a sensitive issue. What we do know is that the brain drain slightly decreased from 2016, and dramatically dropped when Pakatan Harapan won government in 2018 and the Covid restrictions began in 2020. However, recent media reports indicate that Malaysia’s brain drain is increasing at the rate of 6% per annum once again.

If one talks to members of the Malaysian diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, the US and Britain, there is a significant number of Malays exiting Malaysia to migrate to other countries.

Back in 2007, controversy erupted when then deputy home affairs minister Tan Chai Ho released statistics showing that out of 107,000 Malaysians who had renounced their citizenship since independence, 79,000 were Malays.

Three decades ago, those Malays who went overseas and did not return were those who either married a local when they were studying overseas, or got a job offer they could not refuse.

However, this demographic is different today with whole families migrating abroad, based on reports by local Malay community organisations assisting these families to settle into their new country.

The author has spoken to a number of Malays who migrated abroad to find their reasons for doing so. All mentioned the better economic opportunities, higher salaries, better education systems, and better quality of life for them and their families.

However, many also talked about not being able to freely express themselves in Malaysia, and the need to socially and intellectually comply with the prevailing narratives, rituals and codes set by society.

Many Malays, who are Muslims, object to being told how they should practise Islam. These Malays are not disinterested in Islam, they have a passion for the religion, as indicated by their active participation at local mosques and religious schools in their new country. They just want to practise Islam how they believe Islam should be practised.

Many went on to complain about the political situation, which some said was “hopeless”. They reject elitism, saying things like “there are more Datuks at the market in the morning than there are apples for sale”. They turn to the society they are living in now and say, “here nobody cares about position and titles like back home”.

Professionals and, in particular, academics, said that nepotism and favouritism within the workplace prevented hardworking, honest and high-achievers from rising in their careers. They complained their bosses were more like politicians than academics or professionals.

The corporate culture in Malaysia stifled creativity and the ability to express ideas freely. Work tended to be orientated around achieving the personal agendas of bosses who wanted to rise in their own careers. Those who could not conform to this culture were often bullied.

Malay entrepreneurs complained about the bureaucracy in Malaysia and difficulty in getting the necessary licences to operate, and claim it is much easier to do business in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Malay art entrepreneurs in London and Amsterdam spoke of the inability to freely express themselves within the arts and entertainment industries in Malaysia as well as LGBT issues.

All the above reasons run contrary to the narrative that Malays are attracted to other countries due to the pull of better opportunities, where the grass seems to be greener. In contrast, most reasons given by Malay migrants indicate push factors that influence them to seek an alternative future outside of Malaysia.

Although some of these push factors are structural issues, like low wage rates, which are difficult to remedy in the short term, issues such as meritocracy in the workplace can be changed with a strong will by Malaysia’s political leadership.

Other reasons given, the repressiveness of society in general and restrictions in practising Islam, indicates some dissatisfaction with the way Malaysian society is heading.

A major migration agent in Kuala Lumpur said there is an increasing number of Malays seeking migration visas to Australia, so that they can be ready to exit the country, should they feel the need. According to this migration agent, 15% of migrant visa applications to Australia are from Malays.

Currently, 15% of 64,000 visa overstayers in Australia are Malaysians. Although there is no statistical breakup in Australian statistics, members of Malay associations in Australia admit that a number of members are overstayers.

Today, there are more than 2 million Malaysians abroad. It is too easy to associate the brain drain with discrimination against non-Malays and an environment that prevents equality of opportunity. However, many of them are Malays who have felt strongly enough to leave.

Consequently, Malaysia is now losing some of its best Malay doctors, engineers, scientists, university professors and other professionals due to the environment Malaysia’s leadership has created in the country.

Murray Hunter is an independent researcher and former professor with the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Malaysia Perlis.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...ones-migrating/

Proton Saga use Shell V Power Racing, better?

Throwaway0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:16:29 +0800

https://www.facebook.com/aurizn/photos/a.44...58570138051080/

Poland : Fake news about donating jet fighter

Throwaway0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:25:43 +0800

enough of the fake news la .

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fighter-jets-u...ne-poland-deal/

Although Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. would give the go-ahead to the transfer of the planes to Ukraine and is already talking with Poland about backfilling its aircraft inventory, Poland has not yet decided to move ahead with the transfers. In a tweet over the weekend, the chancellery of the Polish prime minister called a story stating that Poland would give Ukraine MiG-29s in exchange for U.S.-made F-16s was "fake news."

And whether Poland would turn over its entire inventory of these planes — or even whether they're all in working condition — isn't clear yet, either.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that while the U.S. is working with Poland and other NATO allies on this issue, "this is Poland's sovereign decision to make."

She noted the logistical challenges of physically transferring the planes from Poland to Ukraine. "Are they going to fly? Where will they depart from? Where will they land? Those are all very important questions here," Psaki said during the daily White House press briefing.

Mr.DIY tauke so rich now, wow.

Throwaway0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 16:41:33 +0800

impressive success story!

https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/we...n-teh-hong-piow

T20 helang now go to Cameron Highland using

Throwaway0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:34:45 +0800

helicopter? fuiyoo, but why Cameron Highland during rainy season?

inbe4 piap piap nonstop in hotel only.

Oversea Malaysians want to come back, good?

Throwaway0 — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 17:18:19 +0800

you all keep whining, but they want to come back, and some actually came back.

https://www.reddit.com/r/malaysia/comments/...ft_the_west_to/

QUOTE

I am a Malaysian in the UK, but feel there are so many problems here, from exponential racism (violent physical racism, gone up a few thousand percent in UK/USA/Canada, yes racism that is perhaps objectively bigger and worst than anything in a Malaysian's day-to-day life) to failing decaying NHS health care service. I've decided to leave to live in Malaysia and find my feet there. I already thought of leaving 10 years ago and really regret being persuaded otherwise. Bad things keep happening to/around me in UK and I'm really sick of it. I also really believe in the future of Asia.

Has anyone else done this? I feel some other Malaysians constantly gaslight me about how awful it is in Malaysia and how I should stay in the UK, but I swear my relatives are definitely having a better time than me despite there being problems there. Some of them are far wealthier than my family, yet still, moan all the time. When I hear others whinging about the state of the country, I feel their problems are almost parallel to what is actually happening in the West, but at least the food is better in Malaysia and I can be close to my family.

My colleague constantly says I'm lucky to be here, but I don't feel it at all. In fact I'm jealous that he managed to get great opps in Singapore and other parts of Asia, experiences I've never been able to have staying here. I feel sad that some Malaysians I know still look up to the West and look down on Malaysia, whereas me and a few of my boomer relatives are actually very optimistic and proud of being Malaysian despite problems that are beyond our control. When I look at Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, for example, they have grown massively in the last 50 years. Every time I have visited Malaysia since the 90s, there is always some new developments. I live in a relatively large town in UK, probably on a par with Ipoh, yet it has gone from bad to worst since my family arrived in UK about 40 years ago. The town is so dead, that we literally don't even have Marks & Spencer anymore (which was there for over 30 years at least), and my 'atas' Malaysian/Singaporean cousin was shocked about it lol. I feel that I live in a decaying country.

Any recommendations on how to find your feet back in the homeland as a returning diaspora? Have any other diaspora returned and what was your experience? Did you stay in Malaysia or did you travel to other parts of Asia to work? Thanks!

RT.com youtube shut down, padan muka evil Putin

Throwaway0 — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 11:33:55 +0800

RT US Branch shut down totally, padan muka supporting evil

fk your 'freedom of speech'

[YOUTUBE]f9sLHKKrIUE[/YOUTUBE]

indian students beaten by Ukrainian soldiers

Throwaway0 — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:17:10 +0800

TW Newsdesk, Mar 4: Indian medical students returned to Rajasthan from war-hit Ukraine currently. They said that the situation at the country’s border with Romania was horrifying.

“Ukrainian soldiers were treating us poorly. They were beating the boys. They were firing tear gas shells and bullets in the air,” a female student said. A male student said, “They kicked a girl in front of me. She fainted immediately.”

https://thewatchdog.news/national-e/ukrain-...were-beaten-up/

USA decided not to have nuclear war with Russia

Throwaway0 — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 22:12:43 +0800

Chickened out?

Pentagon officials announced Wednesday the postponement of an upcoming test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile as a means of showing America's status as a "responsible nuclear power.

https://www.newsweek.com/us-postpones-minut...ibility-1684316

Actual Korean traditional clothes that were 18SX

Throwaway0 — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 09:34:37 +0800

actual clothes that is getting sexy and sexier

Japan colonial master were disgusted, so they forced them to wear like this

Koreans were dreaming about they having nice clothes

Korean: Are you stealing my clothes
Japanese: Cover your tits la.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comm...an_around_1890/

Anonymous UKR : China is next, ggwp

Throwaway0 — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 08:54:45 +0800

Russia gets online support from India and offline

Throwaway0 — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 08:48:25 +0800

Russia gets online support from India and offline support from China

2022 is a good year for MY people and MY Govt!

Throwaway0 — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 08:26:32 +0800

Countries that sanctioned Russia, should MY join?

Throwaway0 — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:41:36 +0800

Cats in Russia is affected too, GGWP. No Russians

Throwaway0 — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 17:17:55 +0800