Latest news with #RM43
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Killjoys' joy cut short by surprise fees despite pricey MCR tickets
IT was literally a killjoy moment for Malaysia's 'Killjoys' fans as they face extra fees on top of pricey tickets for My Chemical Romance (MCR)'s highly anticipated concert next April at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Fans took to social media to share receipts showing hefty extra fees added on top of the ticket cost — including booking charges, ticketing fees with Sales and Service Tax (SST), and a 'Ticket Protect' fee. Tagging the ticketing platform, one user, Wennishe, questioned: 'What are these charges? Since when is booking so expensive? And what is Ticket Protect?' Echoing the frustration, another user said the booking charges came up to RM43 per seat for her zone — calling it 'ridiculous.' While many were confused by the newly introduced Ticket Protect fee, some netizens stepped in to explain. Ticket Protect is a form of optional insurance that covers unexpected issues such as emergencies or show rescheduling, offering peace of mind to concert-goers. Simplifying it, Falahuddin Ahmed described it as 'like insurance for concertgoers in case of any emergency during the concert.' Still, the frustration was palpable. After spending hours in a long online queue, fans felt disheartened to be met with a long list of charges. 'The booking charges are so expensive. I was queueing for so long, and the system was a mess — it even crashed my laptop,' one user lamented.
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's trade remains strong and stable - DOSM
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (July 4): Sabah's economy remains stable and continues to experience positive growth momentum, according to a recent statement by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Quoting DOSM's 4 July 2025 release titled 'Sabah's trade remained resilient, exceeding RM100 billion for three consecutive years despite challenges in the economic landscape,' Phoong said the report confirms that Sabah's total trade for 2024 was valued at RM107.8 billion, representing a 2.7% growth compared to 2023. 'This reassures us that Sabah's trade performance remains robust, directly contradicting earlier claims of a steep decline,' he said. Phoong explained that he had previously sought clarification from DOSM regarding an unusually high figure in 2023, when Sabah's total trade was reportedly RM158 billion, followed by a significant drop to RM43 billion in 2024 based on international trade data. He said the DOSM clarification provides a more accurate understanding: 'If you look at the trend from 2019 to 2022, Sabah's trade consistently ranged between RM36 billion and RM58 billion. Then in 2023, it suddenly jumped to RM158 billion, raising questions.' Phoong welcomed DOSM's explanation, which clarified that Sabah's total trade — including transactions with Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak — reached RM107.78 billion in 2024, compared to RM105 billion in 2023. These figures represent all physical transactions passing through Sabah's entry and exit points. Meanwhile, international trade (based on country of origin and destination) stood at RM43 billion in 2024, aligning with DOSM's earlier figures released on 16 June. 'As for the confusion surrounding the 2023 figures, I appreciate DOSM's clarification that international trade for that year was actually RM41.4 billion, with exports at RM31 billion — not RM158 billion as previously cited.' He added that this confirms Sabah's trade has grown year-on-year, both in total and international terms, and that claims of a sharp decline in 2024 are inaccurate. 'Nevertheless, I regret the confusion caused by inconsistent data previously announced,' Phoong said. He also highlighted that DOSM reported a 9.3% increase in Sabah's manufactured goods exports, reaching RM12.0 billion — a highly encouraging indicator for the state's industrial sector. Additional trade statistics shared by Phoong include: Exports in 2024: RM61.3 billion Imports in 2024: RM46.4 billion (up 10.2%) Trade surplus: RM14.9 billion (a 27.9% decrease from the previous year)
Malaysian Reserve
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
MBSB targets RM50b financing balance by 2026
by NURUL NAJMIN ABU BAKAR MBSB Bank Bhd is aiming to reach RM50 billion in total financing balance by 2026, underpinned by steady demand and portfolio realignment. MBSB Group CEO Rafe Haneef said the target aligns with the group's newly announced strategic plan, supported by ongoing restructuring of its loan book and introduction of new products. 'As at December 2024, our net loan book stood at around RM43 billion, after adjustments and write-offs from the RM43.7 billion recorded last year,' he said at the MBSB 55th AGM media conference. Rafe said the group remains optimistic about hitting its 2026 target, driven by enhanced offerings in both the commercial and consumer segments. He added MBSB has made notable progress in its three-year FLIGHT26 transformation plan, with 30 of 38 key programmes and 24 of 27 post-merger initiatives with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) successfully rolled out. 'The progress reflects strong operational integration, system upgrades and improved service efficiency,' he said. He added that FY2024 marked the first full year of MIDF's integration, contributing to a 31% revenue growth, led by a 27% rise in funded income and a 318% surge in non-funded income, excluding one-off gains from the 2023 acquisition. For FY2024, MBSB reported RM43 billion in total financing, while its current and savings account (CASA) ratio rose to 11.1%, crossing the double-digit threshold for the first time. Its cost-to-income ratio improved to 54.9%, with return on equity recorded at 4.2%. The bank also advanced its digital agenda with the upgraded MJourney platform and rollout of new solutions such as unit trust investment via iFAST, Vehicle Financing-i, WorksForMe salary solution, digital gold PrimeGold-i, and MShield takaful protection. In the commercial and SME segments, new offerings include the Retailer Dashboard, BAYO Pay platform, RM1 billion aerospace financing, and M-Property real estate financing. As part of its sustainability drive, MBSB has mobilised RM4.73 billion in green and transition financing, achieving 47% of its 2026 goal. It also recorded a 12% reduction in carbon emissions and contributed over 6,000 volunteer hours to community initiatives.
Sinar Daily
23-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Green sukuk and Malaysia's climate leadership: An Islamic finance response to decarbonisation
Unlike conventional green bonds, green sukuk are underpinned by tangible assets, providing a unique layer of risk mitigation and investor confidence. By MUHAMMAD IRWAN ARIFFIN 23 Jun 2025 12:25pm Illustrative image by Sinar Daily MALAYSIA has made headlines with its recent announcement of RM43 billion in investment to upgrade the national power grid and facilitate offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives. These efforts, aligned with Malaysia's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, mark a pivotal shift in energy and climate policy. Yet, such ambitions come with substantial financial demands. In navigating this challenge, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to champion a homegrown solution rooted in Islamic economics: the issuance of green sukuk. Green sukuk are Shariah-compliant bonds earmarked to finance environmentally sustainable projects. They combine ethical investing with Islamic principles, ensuring that proceeds are used exclusively for climate-positive and socially beneficial purposes. Unlike conventional green bonds, green sukuk are underpinned by tangible assets, providing a unique layer of risk mitigation and investor confidence. Malaysia has already been a pioneer in this domain. In 2017, it became the first country to issue a sovereign green sukuk to fund renewable energy projects. Since then, the sukuk market has grown steadily, but it remains underutilised in major public infrastructure and climate finance strategies. The RM43 billion decarbonisation initiative presents an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate this instrument. Illustrative image by Sinar Daily The benefits are twofold. First, issuing green sukuk diversifies funding sources and attracts both domestic and international investors seeking ESG-aligned and Shariah-compliant returns. Malaysia can tap into the growing appetite for ethical finance across the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia. Second, green sukuk provide a tangible demonstration of Islamic finance's role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and sustainable cities (SDG 11). Furthermore, the alignment between maqasid al-shariah (objectives of Islamic law) and environmental stewardship is evident. Islam promotes the protection of life, wealth and the environment. In this light, decarbonisation becomes not only an economic imperative but a moral and religious one. To move forward, policymakers should create incentives for green sukuk issuers, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen verification frameworks to avoid greenwashing. Public-private partnerships, particularly with Islamic banks and waqf institutions, could further amplify the positive impact of green sukuk. In a world searching for climate solutions that are both ethical and inclusive, Malaysia has an opportunity to lead. Green sukuk could well be its powerful tool because it is financially sound, spiritually aligned and globally relevant. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Irwan Ariffin is attached to the Department of Economics, Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Sinar Daily. More Like This
The Star
19-06-2025
- The Star
Customs uncovers illicit ciggy stash in abandoned Cheras house
SEPANG: An abandoned house in Cheras was found to have been used as a store for illicit cigarette stash during an inspection by the Customs Department. KL International Airport Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad, at a press conference at the department headquarters here on Thursday (June 19), said that the find was made on May 22 in Cheras. 'The building didn't even have doors on it. Inspections led to the discovery of 1,878,800 cigarettes of various brands, and 377kg of tobacco that we believed had yet to be taxed. 'The value of the cigarettes was placed at RM187,880, with duties and taxes worth RM1.26mil. The tobacco was estimated to be valued at RM75,400, with taxes valued at RM43,618.90,' he said. He added that the building was still under investigation including tracing down its owner Another case highlighted saw around 1.44mill of ganja buds seized and a local male suspect arrested. The suspect was caught on April 17 after he found that he had been blacklisted when attempting to leave the country for a holiday. 'The suspect and his baggage were then handed over to the Customs department for security checks. 'Scans on his bag showed that he had been carrying around 14.653kg of ganja buds. He had also attempted to run away but was stopped by Customs officers,' he said, adding that the man has since been charged in court.
