Author: Medecci Lineil

Determining poverty levels by location more accurate

KUCHING: Economists are urging the state government to study and identify poverty levels based on location to ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing the issue. Pro Vice Chancellor of I-CATS University College and economist Shazali Abu Mansor emphasised the need for specific data on impoverished areas and

Boutique airline: Challenges ahead, warn experts

KUCHING: Aviation experts have warned that Sarawak’s yet-to-be named boutique airline will face significant challenges on entering the market. Mooted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg the boutique airline is seen as Sarawak’s answer to mitigate exorbitant airfares of existing carriers especially during peak travel periods and, also

OPR hike painful but necessary to save consumers

KUCHING: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has raised the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to address inflation concerns, contradicting claims that higher OPR would increase the cost of living. Centre for Market Education (CME) economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito explained that inflation occurs when the quantity of money in circulation grows faster than

EPF hike threatens unskilled workers

KUCHING: The proposed increase in employers’ Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution from 13 per cent to 20 per cent could make it harder for the labour market to recover. Centre for Market Education (CME) economist Carmelo Ferlito said that the move adds to the already difficult task of finding jobs

Foreigners drawn to flexible S’wak-MM2H

KUCHING: The Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme, launched in January 2007, has seen a significant surge in interest. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the number of approved applications reached 411 in 2022, a substantial increase from the 224 approved in 2019. However,

How economists change the game

“The ultimate aim of economics is, as of every science, to clarify the relationships between elements which have been thought in isolation.” Lionel Robbins, economist, 1898 -1984 Let me tell you a story that might just get you laughing. Two guys walk into a bar… Okay, I know it sounds

Privatised ports need free zones

KUCHING: The Sarawak government’s plan to privatise its ports can be further optimised by establishing free port zones. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah economist Firdausi Suffian explained that the state’s remarkable trade performance, which increased by 51 per cent year-on-year to RM166.15 billion in 2022 from RM109.89 billion in 2021,

New boutique airline raises doubts

KUCHING: Sarawak’s new boutique airline plans to focus on long-term benefits to the state has led to concerns about its profitability. According to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) economist Jerome Kueh, setting up an airline poses various challenges including regulatory compliance, financial stability and market accessibility. However he acknowledged the government’s

Retirement age brings new realities to light

KUCHING: Economists generally agree the retirement age may eventually be extended to 65 but cautioned it will have to be carefully considered. Advocating for an extension of the retirement age is not a new concept. For civil servants, the retirement age was raised from 55 to 56 in 2001, then

Suicidal behaviour is crisis, not criminal act

MIRI: Decriminalising suicide attempts could lead to a greater number of people seeking help, particularly through crisis services such as hotlines and support groups. According to psychiatrist, Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam, the government is considering several amendments to the current Penal Code (Act 574) and Mental Health Act (Act 615)