Latest news with #UniversitiTeknologiMalaysia
Malaysiakini
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Analysts: Teoh's case may dent Harapan's image, but not overall support
An academic believed that while Teoh Beck Hock's case may dent Pakatan Harapan's image to a certain extent, it would not affect the overall support enjoyed by the coalition among its supporters. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Mazlan Ali said Beng Hock's case has a sentimental connection to the Chinese community, given how DAP and Harapan used it as political mileage when criticising the previous BN administration. 'This issue holds significant sentimental value to the...
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
PM announcement signals policy shift towards more inclusive approach for M40, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement of several key initiatives by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, as a gesture of appreciation to the people, reflects a policy shift by the Madani government towards a more inclusive approach for the middle-income group (M40). Senior Political Science Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA Mujibu Abd Muis said the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, the postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways and the targeted RON95 subsidy could be seen as part of the government's broader efforts to extend social safety nets for groups that had long viewed themselves as marginalised. "The attention given to the B40 was necessary due to pressing needs, but the reality is that the M40 group is also grappling with the post-pandemic economic burden, particularly the rising cost of living, inflation and loan commitments,' he told Bernama. Mujibu said while the RM100 cash aid and lower RON95 fuel price might not have completely changed the M40 group's perception, it was a clear indication that the government was not turning a blind eye to their plight. "In a climate where inflation, the prices of goods and the lack of affordable housing remain key concerns, any form of assistance, even if it is a one-off, can help boost confidence in the government's fiscal policies. "The M40 requires more than just cash aid; tax relief, education subsidies for their children, affordable housing and efficient public transport are also crucial,' he said, suggesting that aid be based on actual needs rather than gross income alone. Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) opined that the Prime Minister's announcement signalled the government's move to give more attention to the middle-income earners who were often seen as self-reliant but were equally affected by the rising cost of living. "The M40 may not qualify for the same assistance as the B40, but they still have to deal with many expenses just to survive,' he said. Mazlan said the comprehensive initiative announced reflected the government's concern in addressing the grievances of the M40 group and could help change their negative perception of government policies. In addition, he said the initiative could stimulate the domestic economy by boosting household spending, thereby supporting local sectors, including tourism. Meanwhile, 38-year-old trader Mohd Syafiq Hazman said the move provided some relief for middle-income families, who he felt were often not given due attention by the government. "It may not be much, but RM100 can go a long way for a family of four or five in easing kitchen or fuel expenses. It shows the government is aware of our struggles,' he said.- Bernama
Sinar Daily
15-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
PM's announcement expected to make people smile
'I'm not a magician. Just wait, because it's a surprise." Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar hinted that the upcoming announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be a surprise expected to bring joy to the people, particularly civil servants. KUALA LUMPUR – Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has hinted that the upcoming announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be a surprise likely to bring joy to the people, especially civil servants. 'It's a surprise, but it will make the people happy. 'If it's for civil servants, then it will certainly bring joy to them, InsyaAllah,' he said briefly. He made the remark when asked to comment on a poster shared by the Prime Minister on his official Facebook page yesterday, which hinted at an 'extraordinary appreciation for Malaysians.' While the post did not detail the nature of the upcoming announcement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared a poster that said "COMING" on his Facebook which quickly caught the attention of social media users. The same poster was also shared on the official page of the Public Service Department. However, Shamsul declined to elaborate on the announcement and urged the public to be patient. 'I'm not a magician. Just wait, because it's a surprise. 'It's tightly sealed and cannot be opened,' he quipped after officiating the third Azman Hashim International Business School Action Research Conference (AHIBS-ACT) 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Also present were Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dr Intan Zaurah Mat Darus and AHIBS-ACT Chairperson Associate Professor Dr Haliyana Khalid. Shamsul added that he would leave it to the government to decide on the most appropriate time to make the official announcement. Earlier, the Prime Minister posted on Facebook that an 'important announcement' would be made soon, which was seen as a form of 'gift' to the people. So far, no official details have been disclosed, but many speculated that the announcement will be a surprise ahead of the upcoming parliamentary sitting. It is understood that the Prime Minister also held a closed-door meeting with Pakatan Harapan leaders yesterday to discuss current issues. The discussion session included preparations for the upcoming parliamentary sitting, following an engagement session with Barisan Nasional MPs last Friday. More Like This
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Concern over rise of porn addiction among youth
PETALING JAYA: Once hidden behind closed doors, pornography addiction is quietly taking hold among Malaysian youth, fuelling anxiety, depression and warped ideas of intimacy, experts warn. 'It's no different from gambling or gaming addiction – it's compulsive, harmful and hard to stop,' said Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik, psychology professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. 'Young people are turning to porn as an emotional escape, even when it starts damaging their studies, relationships and mental health.' She added that while curiosity about sex is natural, addiction is marked by loss of control, preoccupation and continuing despite clear harm. Although the American Psychological Association has yet to formally recognise porn addiction, the World Health Organisation's ICD-11 includes 'compulsive sexual behaviour disorder' under which many clinicians place problematic porn use. Siti Aisyah warned that Malaysian youth are especially vulnerable, often battling guilt, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, sexual dysfunction and difficulty forming real-life connections. 'In our society, sexual taboos add another layer of shame and silence, making it harder to seek help.' She said repeated exposure can also rewire the brain's reward system. 'Neuroplasticity studies show chronic porn use alters dopamine pathways, leading to desensitisation and the need for ever more extreme content. This can distort expectations of intimacy and encourage objectifying partners.' Siti Aisyah urged parents and educators to watch for the '3 Cs'– loss of control, compulsion and consequences. 'Some might want to stop but can't, some use porn to cope with stress or boredom, or keep watching even when it clearly harms their wellbeing.' Other warning signs include spending excessive time online, neglecting responsibilities and escalating to more graphic material. She noted that limited sex education, strict cultural norms and a lack of open family conversations often leave the internet – and pornography – as the first source of sexual information for young people. Combined with digital convenience and everyday stress, porn can quickly become an unhealthy coping mechanism. Rather than shame or moralising, families should respond with empathy, said Siti Aisyah. 'Start with curiosity, not accusation. Show concern instead of condemnation. Remind them that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Learning how addiction works and setting respectful boundaries can help reduce secrecy and stigma.' Siti Aisyah said although therapy through trained psychologists and counsellors is available, Malaysia still lacks national treatment guidelines or a structured framework to address porn addiction. 'We need stronger policy focus to develop these frameworks. Punishment alone isn't the answer. Prevention is far more effective,' she said, adding that schools and public campaigns need to go beyond abstinence-only messages.' She also called for age-appropriate sex education covering consent, media literacy and healthy relationships, alongside honest conversations at home. Programmes such as Pekerti are a start, she said, but should be updated with modern psychological approaches that resonate with today's youth. (Pekerti is a programme focused on providing education and skills training to promote healthy lifestyles, particularly related to reproductive health and responsible decision-making. It also aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to avoid risky sexual behaviours and make informed choices) 'As pornography becomes easier to access, ignoring the problem risks leaving the next generation to pay the price,' added Siti Aisyah.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Porn addiction rising among youth, experts warn of harm
PETALING JAYA: Once hidden behind closed doors, pornography addiction is quietly taking hold among Malaysian youth, fuelling anxiety, depression and warped ideas of intimacy, experts warn. 'It's no different from gambling or gaming addiction – it's compulsive, harmful and hard to stop,' said Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik, psychology professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. 'Young people are turning to porn as an emotional escape, even when it starts damaging their studies, relationships and mental health.' She added that while curiosity about sex is natural, addiction is marked by loss of control, preoccupation and continuing despite clear harm. Although the American Psychological Association has yet to formally recognise porn addiction, the World Health Organisation's ICD-11 includes 'compulsive sexual behaviour disorder' under which many clinicians place problematic porn use. Siti Aisyah warned that Malaysian youth are especially vulnerable, often battling guilt, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, sexual dysfunction and difficulty forming real-life connections. 'In our society, sexual taboos add another layer of shame and silence, making it harder to seek help.' She said repeated exposure can also rewire the brain's reward system. 'Neuroplasticity studies show chronic porn use alters dopamine pathways, leading to desensitisation and the need for ever more extreme content. This can distort expectations of intimacy and encourage objectifying partners.' Siti Aisyah urged parents and educators to watch for the '3 Cs'– loss of control, compulsion and consequences. 'Some might want to stop but can't, some use porn to cope with stress or boredom, or keep watching even when it clearly harms their wellbeing.' Other warning signs include spending excessive time online, neglecting responsibilities and escalating to more graphic material. She noted that limited sex education, strict cultural norms and a lack of open family conversations often leave the internet – and pornography – as the first source of sexual information for young people. Combined with digital convenience and everyday stress, porn can quickly become an unhealthy coping mechanism. Rather than shame or moralising, families should respond with empathy, said Siti Aisyah. 'Start with curiosity, not accusation. Show concern instead of condemnation. Remind them that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Learning how addiction works and setting respectful boundaries can help reduce secrecy and stigma.' Siti Aisyah said although therapy through trained psychologists and counsellors is available, Malaysia still lacks national treatment guidelines or a structured framework to address porn addiction. 'We need stronger policy focus to develop these frameworks. Punishment alone isn't the answer. Prevention is far more effective,' she said, adding that schools and public campaigns need to go beyond abstinence-only messages.' She also called for age-appropriate sex education covering consent, media literacy and healthy relationships, alongside honest conversations at home. Programmes such as Pekerti are a start, she said, but should be updated with modern psychological approaches that resonate with today's youth. (Pekerti is a programme focused on providing education and skills training to promote healthy lifestyles, particularly related to reproductive health and responsible decision-making. It also aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to avoid risky sexual behaviours and make informed choices) 'As pornography becomes easier to access, ignoring the problem risks leaving the next generation to pay the price,' added Siti Aisyah.
