Author: Medecci Lineil

Delicate handling the catch in puffer fish consumption

KUCHING: Not all puffer fish end up on the dinner plate, some are admired as decorative aquatic pets in aquariums. Sarawak Fishermen Association (Penesa) chairman Awangku Tajudin Awangku Ibrahim said this may be due to the risks involved in consuming the fish. “It is not as commonly consumed as other

Longhouse folk get lessons on finance, sustainability

SRI AMAN: A community programme recently was held at Rumah Panjang Selepong Lop. It focused on helping local communities to manage daily expenses and savings through proper financial and accounting strategies. Programme leader and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) economist Jerome Kueh emphasised the importance of financial and environmental literacy for

Keep politics out of BNM

KUCHING: The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) must firmly maintain its independence as an institution, free from any form of political influence. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) economist Jerome Kueh emphasised that the BNM’s primary role is to maintain monetary stability and support sustainable economic growth, rather than pursuing short-term political agendas.

Student council seeks UUCA reforms

KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) Student Representative Council (SRC) is calling for immediate amendments to the University and University College Act 1971 (UUCA) to grant students greater freedom and autonomy. In a recent interview with New Sarawak Tribune, its president, Mohd Azhari Afirul Amiruddin, said that the amendment of the

Economist against using EPF to support loans

KUCHING: An economist opposes the move to allow the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) to support loans, as Malaysia faces one of the highest household debt-to-GDP ratios globally. Centre for Market Education (CME) economist said that many Malaysians borrow to cover rising costs and unexpected emergencies, leaving them vulnerable to economic

Vouching to end subsidy burden

KUCHING: An economic think tank proposes providing vouchers to lower-income groups as a temporary measure while gradually phasing out fuel and essential item subsidies over the next two years. According to the Centre for Market Education (CME) economist Carmelo Ferlito, this proposal aims to alleviate the financial strain of heavy

Timber companies caught off-guard by new tax

KUCHING: Effective April 1, timber companies in Sarawak are subjected to a new sales tax (SST) ranging from 1 per cent to 2.5 per cent on the export of selected timber products. The affected timber products include plywood, fibreboard, sawn timber, veneer, particle board, and woodchips. Sarawak Timber Association (STA)

DLP: Lost in translation?

KUCHING: Mathematics and Science in the Dual Language Programme (DLP) is intended to be taught entirely in English, without translating between languages. However, the name itself has caused confusion among teachers, as Lim Boon Yann, head of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) department at Batu Lintang Teacher Education

Stress tests foster confidence in banks

KUCHING: Stress tests serve as valuable tools for banks to evaluate their financial health and resilience in the face of adverse economic conditions, acting as early warning indicators.Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) economist Jerome Kueh said it may enhance investors’ and customers’ confidence in the banking sector. He identified three factors

Fasting, faith and friendship

“Religious diversity should be celebrated, not feared. By recognising and accepting the differences in each other’s faiths, we can create a more vibrant and enriched society.” – Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scottish economist and philosopher. Every year, as Ramadan approaches, my non-Muslim and Muslim friends ask me, “Where are we going