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Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Who is behind the wheel of commercial vehicles? — YS Chan
JUNE 25 — All commercial vehicles in Malaysia are registered in the names of companies or organisations, and they could be sole proprietorship ('syarikat'), private limited ('sendirian berhad'), limited ('berhad'), partnerships ('dan rakan-rakan') or co-operatives. These businesses ought to employ or engage drivers who are licensed to operate commercial vehicles. In addition to the competent driving licence (CDL) for the class of vehicles, they must also possess a valid goods driving licence (GDL) or a public service vehicle (PSV) licence. Light goods vehicles with a laden weight of no more than 7,500kg are classified under 'de-centrolled' and they do not require a commercial vehicle permit. The aim is to facilitate smaller businesses to own and operate their own light trucks or vans to transport their own goods. These de-controlled vehicles could either be driven by the owners or drivers engaged by them, similar to individually-owned taxis (with meters) and hired cars (without meters). As for taxis owned by companies or co-operatives, these businesses have no control over their taxi drivers. Anyone making a down-payment to a taxi company or co-operative may take delivery of a taxi, and is free to do whatever he or she wants, as long as the monthly installments for the rental-purchase are settled on time. Like a bank loan, there is no employer-employee relationship. It was reported that some express and tour bus drivers claimed they receive basic salaries as low as RM700, with some saying they are not paid base salaries at all. In response, the Human Resource Ministry said it will tighten enforcement against parties violating the laws on wages. It reiterated that all companies must pay their employees a minimum of RM1,700 regardless of salary structure, according to the Minimum Wages Order 2024. Offenders may be fined up to RM10,000 for each employee, and up to RM20,000 or jailed five years for subsequent offence. The ministry also said it would carry out a review of 28 labour-related laws through a task force headed by deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Shaharin Umar to ensure that there are no exploitable legal loopholes. However, addressing the elephant in the room is not as straightforward as many people might think. Granted, all full-time employees must be paid at least the minimum salary as dictated by the law and also contribute to both EPF and Socso. But many drivers engaged to drive lorries and buses are not full-time employees. Companies may retain them as part-time workers to circumvent the law, or drivers may choose to work part-time as casual workers, and others may prefer to work freelance for several companies. The government ought to make a ruling that all part-time workers that have worked at least 21 days in a calendar month over a three-month period must be offered full-time employment with minimum monthly salary across all industries, and not limited to commercial vehicle drivers. Whether they are full-time, part-time, casual workers or freelancers, vehicle owners must ensure they are fully licensed for the class of vehicles they are driving, such as the CDL plus GDL or PSV, and they are well rested before embarking on long trips especially overnight runs. Alas, operating commercial vehicle businesses started to turn messy with the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1970 and the Road Transport Licensing Board (RTLB) tasked to ensure that almost all vehicle permits are to be granted to bumiputera-owned companies. This was continued after RTLB was renamed Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) in 1987 and the Tourism Ministry took over the issuance of Bas Persiaran permits later until it was taken over in 2011 by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) in peninsular Malaysia. As a result, many commercial vehicles are operated not by the actual owners who lease from those granted permits and also register the vehicles in the name of the lessors. These include individuals who lease Bas Persiaran permits from companies and drive their own tour buses. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Using AI in Customer Service? Don't Make These 4 Mistakes
AI is revolutionizing customer service in 2025, offering speed, personalization and efficiency. But to avoid frustrating users, businesses must ensure the following things. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. AI is omnipresent in 2025 in all areas of the business sphere, including customer service. And for good reason. Used right, AI can provide invaluable insights into your customers' behaviors and preferences, boost the efficiency of your customer service team and increase overall satisfaction. Between dynamic personalization, streamlined purchase processes and predictive customer support, many small businesses are leveraging AI to level the playing field and provide enterprise-grade customer service. However, despite AI's massive potential, there are several potential pitfalls when using AI in customer service. At worst, AI can scare off customers or generate frustration, rather than helping to streamline processes. Here are the four most common mistakes — and how to avoid them. Related: How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI Without Breaking the Bank 1. Frustrating generic chatbots To start with, chatbots can be a great asset to your team members and customers alike. They can speedily handle routine queries, free up your agents' capacities, respond to customers even outside regular business hours and reduce wait times. However, to be effective, chatbots need to be well-trained and personalized. Unfortunately, many companies — in a rush to stay ahead in the AI race — deployed chatbots that ask too many questions, give generic answers and fail to solve queries. In one hilarious example, NYC's MyCity chatbot kept giving wrong answers even six months post-deployment and after $600,000 in investments, misinforming users about legal requirements for business owners and even basic facts such as the minimum wage. Overall, 80% of people reported that interactions with chatbots have increased their frustration rather than leading to quicker solutions to the issues they were facing. To avoid this, it's crucial that chatbots are trained well on company-internal data. Ideally, they should be able to leverage customer-specific data across a number of different channels in order to provide personalized, efficient support to every person who reaches out. 2. Unaccessible siloed data On that note, another common pitfall to avoid when implementing AI in customer service is data siloing. One of AI's greatest strengths is its capacity to process huge amounts of data and unearth patterns and trends, condensed into actionable insights. These insights can then be leveraged for personalization and targeted strategy adjustments. However, that's only possible if AI actually has access to all the necessary data elements — and that is a challenge many small businesses are currently facing. In fact, a recent study by Nextiva, a market leader in customer experience software solutions, found that among company leadership, data siloing was identified as one of the most common barriers to AI implementation. In the study, 39% of respondents agreed that they "struggled with accessibility, aggregation, integration and structure of real-time and historical data." To avoid this limitation, it's essential to audit data storage and integration as soon as you start planning your AI implementation strategy. Making sure from the start that the systems you are considering integrate well — or that bridge solutions are at least available — will avoid unnecessary siloing and frustration down the line. Related: AI Can Give You New Insights About Your Customers for Cheap. Here's How to Make It Work for You. 3. Going overboard on hyper-personalization and automation On the other end of the spectrum are businesses that go overboard in their enthusiasm for AI, to a degree that can appear off-putting to many customers. This includes hyper-personalization and automation processes. While personalization is a key advantage of AI and can boost the efficiency of customer service agents and the satisfaction of the people they interact with, you don't want to appear omniscient either. Having the impression that a company knows everything about them before they even talk to you is seen as acutely creepy by many customers. Salesbots, in particular, often trigger the uncanny valley effect, or scare off potential customers by leveraging information they don't feel they ought to have access to. To steer clear of this particular pitfall, it's essential to carefully calibrate the level of personalisation you implement and weigh its potential benefits in boosting conversions against customers' perception of intrusiveness. 4. Forgetting human escalation options Finally, a widespread mistake small businesses make in leveraging AI for customer service is to neglect human escalation options, especially in customer support. No matter what your AI can do, it's always necessary to offer customers the option to talk to a human agent instead. There is nothing more frustrating for a customer facing an urgent problem than being stuck in an ineffective conversation loop with a chatbot or a virtual phone agent when an actual person would clearly help them reach a solution far more efficiently. Outside business hours, when AI is the only one holding down the fort, it's often enough to offer customers the option to leave a message and assure them you will contact them as soon as possible. Other than that, though, you need to give people the option of a human lifeline to help put out an urgent fire. Related: Does AI Deserve All the Hype? Here's How You Can Actually Use AI in Your Business Conclusion In 2025, AI is an incredible asset that small businesses can leverage to elevate their customer service. It is, however, not a panacea. To effectively harness the potential of AI and avoid common pitfalls, it's necessary to carefully plan and train the systems you're deploying, exercise discretion with respect to personalization and implement a human failsafe option. By sticking to these tenets, though, you'll be able to make the most of the opportunities AI has to offer for small businesses in customer service and increase your overall customer satisfaction.
Bloomberg
19-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
South Korea Plans $22 Billion Extra Budget as Tariffs Hit Growth
South Korea unveiled an extra budget worth billions of dollars, in a bid to support an economy struggling with sluggish consumption and mounting trade headwinds from Donald Trump's tariffs. The 30.5 trillion won ($22.2 billion) proposal includes 15.2 trillion won for economic stimulus and 5 trillion won for supporting livelihoods like small businesses, the finance ministry said in a statement. Another 10.3 trillion won is set aside to cover revenue shortfall for this year's existing budget, as taxation income fell due to weaker corporate performance and consumer spending.
Geeky Gadgets
17-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Microsoft Makes Advanced Excel Features Free for All Users
Have you ever hesitated to explore a powerful tool because of a paywall? For years, some of Excel's most advanced features were locked behind a subscription, leaving countless users wondering what they were missing. But now, Microsoft has made a bold move that's turning heads: a previously paid Excel feature is now completely free for all users. This isn't just about saving money—it's a fantastic option for students, small businesses, and anyone who relies on Excel for data management. By removing this financial barrier, Microsoft is reshaping how we think about accessibility and productivity in the digital age. So, what does this mean for you? Whether you're a seasoned data analyst or someone just learning the ropes, this update opens the door to advanced Excel functionality without the cost. Imagine automating tedious tasks, reducing human error, and streamlining your workflow—all with tools that were once reserved for premium users. In this deep dive, Excel Campus explore how this shift impacts users across the board and why it's a strategic win for Microsoft. But more importantly, we'll uncover how you can harness this newfound accessibility to work smarter, not harder. The possibilities might just surprise you. Excel Features Now Free Details of the Update A feature that was once restricted to premium subscribers has been made universally accessible at no cost. While Microsoft has not explicitly outlined its motivations, this move aligns with its ongoing mission to provide widespread access to access to essential tools within the Office suite. By eliminating the paywall, Microsoft is empowering users to explore advanced Excel functionality without budgetary concerns. This change is particularly impactful for individuals and organizations that rely on Excel for data management and analysis. It reflects Microsoft's broader strategy to ensure that its tools remain relevant and accessible in an increasingly competitive market. Why This Change is Important The decision to make this feature free has far-reaching implications for various user groups. It is especially beneficial for: Students who depend on Excel for academic projects and research. Small businesses that operate with limited financial resources. Non-profit organizations aiming to optimize operations without additional costs. This update also caters to users with diverse levels of technical expertise. The feature simplifies complex tasks, making it easier for beginners to navigate while still offering advanced functionality for experienced users. By addressing the needs of a wide audience, Microsoft is reinforcing Excel's position as a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. Microsoft Just Made Excel's Best Tool Free Watch this video on YouTube. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Excel functions. Enhanced Usability and Productivity The newly free feature integrates seamlessly with Excel's existing tools, requiring no additional setup or extensive learning. Whether you're analyzing data, creating reports, or automating repetitive tasks, this functionality is designed to: Streamline workflows, saving valuable time. Reduce errors through automation and advanced formulas. Boost productivity for users at all skill levels. For instance, tasks that previously required manual effort can now be automated, allowing users to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work. This improvement ensures that Excel remains a practical and efficient tool for managing data, regardless of the user's expertise. Strategic Implications for Microsoft This update is more than just a feature enhancement—it's a strategic move that underscores Microsoft's broader goals. By offering more free features, the company is positioning itself as a leader in accessibility and user-centric design. Additionally, this decision strengthens Microsoft's competitive edge. Users of alternative spreadsheet tools may now find Excel's enhanced value proposition difficult to overlook. By lowering barriers to entry, Microsoft is making a compelling case for why Excel should remain the preferred choice for data management and analysis. How to Take Advantage of This Update If you're an Excel user, this update presents an excellent opportunity to explore new capabilities without incurring additional costs. Here's how you can make the most of it: Ensure your Excel application is updated to the latest version to access the feature. Experiment with the functionality to understand its potential benefits for your workflows. Incorporate the feature into your regular tasks to enhance efficiency and accuracy. By using this newly available tool, you can optimize your processes and achieve better results, whether you're managing personal finances, running a business, or conducting data analysis. Looking Ahead Microsoft's decision to make this feature free highlights its dedication to innovation and inclusivity. As the company continues to refine its software, users can anticipate further updates aimed at improving functionality and accessibility. This change exemplifies how technology can break down barriers to productivity, allowing users to achieve more with fewer limitations. Whether you're a casual user or a data professional, this update reinforces Excel's role as a cornerstone of modern data management. By prioritizing usability and accessibility, Microsoft is making sure that its tools remain indispensable in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Media Credit: Excel Campus – Jon Filed Under: Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Wall Street Journal
29-05-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The Economic Arguments That Launched the Suits Against Trump Tariffs
President Trump claims tariffs will make the U.S. rich. A coalition of states and small businesses dealt a blow to his trade war by arguing the opposite. On Wednesday, the U.S. Court of International Trade sided with 12 states and a handful of small-business owners in ruling that Trump didn't have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs. These states, which all have Democratic attorneys general, included a basic argument to justify the suit: The levies will lift prices for things they buy.
