Latest from Barnama
Barnama
19 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
ALEMANIA INVIERTE USD 50 MILLONES EN LA FORMACIÓN DE PERSONAL EN ENERGÍAS RENOVABLES EN VIETNAM
BREAKING NEWS Malaysia hopes ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations can be concluded soonest possible for mutual benefit - PM Anwar |
Barnama
a day ago
- Health
- Barnama
Bolder Measures Needed To Curb HIV Transmission Among IPT Students
D ata shared by the Malaysian AIDS Council in April revealed a worrying reality: 44 percent of those infected with HIV in the country are youths aged between 20 and 29. According to reports quoting the council's honorary secretary Dr Zaiton Yahya, most new infections involve school leavers and students from institutions of higher learning (IPT). Two days ago, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni disclosed that 222 cases of IPT students infected with HIV were reported last year. This figure is part of the total 1,091 HIV cases involving IPT students reported between 2021 and 2024. These alarming statistics should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to urgently investigate why a growing number of educated young people are being infected with HIV. Are the current measures – leftover from the time when HIV infections were mainly due to drug needle sharing – still relevant? AN OUTDATED APPROACH According to Dr Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, a lecturer at the Department of Social Science and Development, Faculty of Human Ecology at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the current strategies are no longer relevant to today's youth. He said current HIV awareness programmes still rely on conventional methods such as public lectures, leaflet distribution and exhibitions, which are less engaging to students. 'The failure to tailor approaches to the communication style of younger generations has led to poor participation in these programmes. Moreover, most programmes tend to attract those at lower risk of HIV infection, that is, those who are not sexually active or not exposed to risky behaviours,' he told Bernama. The expert explained that such methods alienate the actual target group, namely students who fall into high-risk categories, such as those who are sexually active, use dating apps or engage in same-sex relationships as they would feel afraid or embarrassed to participate in such programmes. 'They are worried about being judged or recognised by friends or lecturers, so they choose to avoid any HIV-related programmes. As a result, the group most in need of information and support ends up not taking part in the programmes concerned,' he added. Citing findings from a study he carried out recently, Mohammad Mujaheed also said many students were unaware of HIV-related programmes in their universities, showing that HIV prevention messages are not effectively reaching the intended audience. 'A large number of male and female students said they had never received direct information from the university and only learned about HIV through social media or stories shared by friends and acquaintances,' he said, adding the study showed students were more drawn to interactive content such as short videos, social media posts or experiential activities. The study, titled 'The Rise of HIV Cases in Higher Education Institutions: Exploring Risk Behaviours, Effectiveness of Prevention Programmes and Strategies for the Health and Well-Being of Young Generations', was conducted in January and involved 500 respondents from institutions of higher learning in the Klang Valley, Selangor and Putrajaya. LIFESTYLE Discussing the causes of HIV infection, Dr Mohammad Mujaheed pointed to liberal lifestyles, social pressure and the normalisation of premarital sex, including same-sex relations, without protection as major contributing factors. According to findings from his study, some respondents admitted to becoming sexually active after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exam, driven by curiosity and a lack of formal education on sexual health. He said some also used social applications such as Grindr, Hornet and Tinder to find partners, which could have led to casual sexual encounters without adequate protection. 'Some engaged in oral or anal sex at a young age and only became aware of HIV risks after being diagnosed. They were also more exposed to pornography and unfiltered sexual content, especially on social media,' he said. Shockingly, some students admitted to intentionally transmitting HIV to others as an act of revenge or what is referred to as 'revenge transmission'. In such cases, he said, the students knowingly withheld their HIV-positive status from their partners and continued engaging in unprotected casual sex. 'They admitted to intentionally spreading the virus, saying they didn't want to bear the burden alone. They were consumed by anger, betrayal and disappointment and felt others should 'feel the same pain',' he said, stressing that this issue demands serious attention from the authorities. He said the study found most infections resulted from casual sex, with many students engaging in unprotected sex with different partners. 'Factors such as trust in their partners, lack of knowledge or emotional and peer pressure led them to ignore protective measures,' he said. He also noted that same-sex relationships among male students (MSM – men who have sex with men) were identified as one of the risky behaviours. NEED SHIFT IN APPROACH Recommending that prevention efforts be improved by adopting more targeted, youth-friendly and stigma-free strategies to reach those most at risk, Mohammad Mujaheed said authorities must move away from generic, moralistic and untargeted prevention messages. 'There is now an urgent need for bolder and more realistic approaches to address HIV transmission among IPT students, similar to how harm reduction strategies were successfully used in the past to curb the spread of HIV among injecting drug users. 'In the past, sharing of needles was the main contributor to new HIV cases in Malaysia. However, with interventions such as clean needle distribution, targeted health education for drug users, and collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and health agencies, HIV infections through needle-sharing dropped significantly,' he said. While the approach was initially considered a 'sensitive' matter, its success in reducing infection rates proved that realistic and non-punitive interventions are more effective in the context of prevention. Therefore, he said, similar methods should be considered in tackling sexual transmission of HIV among IPT students. His suggestions include the implementation of comprehensive, non-judgmental sexual education; providing access to condoms and counselling; and conducting voluntary, confidential HIV testing on campus. 'Just as needle distribution helped reduce injection-related HIV infections, condom distribution and inclusive sex education have the potential to reduce infections caused by unsafe sex,' he said. These bold strategies, he stressed, should not be seen as promoting risky behaviour but rather as pragmatic, data-based steps grounded in real-world experience to save lives and build a culture of responsible sexual health among youth. He added that the success in reducing HIV transmission among injecting drug users should serve as a model for reforming HIV prevention strategies in universities. CHALLENGES Acknowledging that it is not easy for a young person to accept the reality of living with HIV for life, counsellor Dr Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah said stigma and discrimination remain key barriers to implementing intervention programmes on campus. 'As long as people lack accurate information and understanding about HIV and AIDS, stigma and discrimination will persist. On top of that, lack of funding and institutional and administrative support within higher learning institutions also contribute to the problem. 'Cultural and religious sensitivities also limit open discussion around sex, condoms, HIV and AIDS. Very few people are willing to talk about these topics openly,' the senior lecturer in Guidance and Counselling at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, told Bernama. He also observed that sexual education at universities is still inadequate as there is no dedicated subject on the topic in the higher education curriculum. 'Most students are only exposed to sexual education through seminars, workshops, community activities or indirectly,' he said. As a counsellor, he believes that guidance and counselling approaches can help universities address the issue of HIV among students. Campus health clinics can also offer voluntary and confidential advice and counselling services on HIV, in collaboration with NGOs that play a role in HIV/AIDS prevention in Malaysia. 'Emphasise confidentiality so more students will come forward for testing. From the data collected, we can develop action plans to control the spread of HIV among IPT students,' he added, noting that peer counselling programmes also have the potential to help address this concern.
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
FRIM To Supply Trees For Saudi Arabia Green Initiative
GENERAL FRIM Director-General Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan (second, right) witnesses the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between FRIM Incorporated Chief Executive Officer Faizal Ramli (third, right) and DMELL Global Chief Executive Officer Nadzdiannie Nazri (third, left) at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) campus in Kepong today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED FRIM Director-General Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan (second, right) witnesses the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between FRIM Incorporated Chief Executive Officer Faizal Ramli (third, right) and DMELL Global Chief Executive Officer Nadzdiannie Nazri (third, left) at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) campus in Kepong today. FRIM Incorporated (FRIM Inc) signed a landmark MoU with DMELL Global and Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia to supply eight million trees annually in support of Saudi Arabiaâs ambitious reforestation initiative. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- FRIM Incorporated (FRIM Inc) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DMELL Global to supply trees in support of Saudi Arabia's green initiative. At the same ceremony DMELL Global signed the MoU with Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia to supply an agreed quantity of trees to Saudi. The MoU signing ceremony, followed a courtesy call and visit by the delegation from DMELL Global and Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) campus in Kepong today, marking a significant steps in advancing global environmental restoration and sustainable forestry efforts. The partnership aims to supplying high-quality forest tree planting materials to bolster large-scale reforestation efforts in Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, FRIM Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of FRIM will supply up to eight million trees annually, backed by decades of scientific research, tropical forest expertise, and innovation developed by FRIM. Speaking at the event, FRIM Director General Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to impactful joint efforts in forest restoration, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable green development. 'We will begin by supplying pre-planting materials to DMELL Global, who will then coordinate the distribution to Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia, as part of their ongoing reforestation initiatives. 'This is more than just tree supply, we see this as the foundation for a broader partnership, including technical consultancy, knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint environmental planning,' he said. Also present was FRIM Inc Board Member Noor Azmi Mohd Said who highlighted that the collaboration affirms FRIM's role as a global leader in forest science and establishes FRIM Inc as a key strategic partner in environmentally responsible, large-scale reforestation.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
MoneyHero Launches Annual Awards Honouring Singapore's Best Personal Finance Products
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- MoneyHero Limited (MoneyHero) has launched the 'SingSaver Best-Of Awards', an annual programme recognising Singapore's top personal finance products. In a statement, MoneyHero said the inaugural awards will honour 45 outstanding products across categories such as credit cards, digital banks, investments and insurance. All shortlisted products will undergo rigorous evaluation by the MoneyHero Group team and a panel of prominent local personal finance influencers. MoneyHero Chief Executive Officer, Rohith Murthy said the awards reflect the group's commitment to empowering consumers. 'The inaugural SingSaver Best-Of Awards reflect our decade-long legacy of helping Singaporeans make informed financial choices. 'Our rigorous assessment process, supported by trusted voices from the personal finance community, ensures that these awards represent excellence and reliability in the market,' he said. The judging process will take into account various factors, including annual fees, interest rates, sign-up incentives, bonus offers, rewards earn rates, user experience, coverage scope and policy flexibility. The awards aim to simplify financial decision-making by recognising products that offer exceptional value, enabling Singaporeans to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape with greater confidence. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on July 17 in Singapore, which is expected to gather key industry players, financial institutions, influencers and media.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Behind The Mask: Narcissism In Social Circles
B eneath a charming smile and confident demeanour, some individuals hide a toxic trait that silently disrupts social harmony. Often appearing charismatic, intelligent, and admirable, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can deeply impact the mental and emotional well-being of those around them—turning supportive relationships into sources of stress and manipulation. Many people may not realise that such traits are signs of narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)—a condition in which individuals present a flawless image to the public while hiding deep psychological issues that can seriously affect those around them. Experts warn that the presence of a narcissist in any relationship can transform what should be a loving, supportive environment into one marked by emotional strain and psychological distress. GRANDIOSITY Registered counsellor Faizah Mohamed Othman said that in psychology, narcissism refers to a personality pattern centred on a sense of grandiosity or self-admiration in thoughts and behaviours. As a personality disorder, she said narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. 'According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association), individuals diagnosed with NPD tend to have a grandiose sense of self, an obsession with success, power, intelligence, beauty, and romance. Counsellor Faizah Mohamed Othman 'They also believe they are special and deserve special treatment, exhibit excessive admiration, exploit others for personal gain, are envious, and display arrogant and haughty behaviour,' she told Bernama. Faizah added that those with NPD often appear stylish and charismatic, are eloquent to the point of influencing others, have multiple personas, hold grudges, are aggressive, lie, and frequently portray themselves as victims. She said narcissists can easily charm new acquaintances, but only those who have known them for a long time will uncover their true nature. However, not all individuals displaying these traits can be diagnosed with NPD—only a psychiatrist can make that determination, she stressed. HIDING BEHIND A MASK Faizah said narcissistic individuals are highly protective of their image and often deflect their weaknesses onto those closest to them, thus presenting themselves as flawless. She noted that many victims of narcissists suffer mental and emotional pressure due to the narcissist's tendency to create conflict, manipulate, control, and threaten others. This leads to victims feeling exploited, guilty, or as if they deserve punishment. 'Grandiosity is their mask and defence mechanism to cover up their insecurities. They are deeply afraid of being exposed and having their true nature revealed. 'Close family members or colleagues are usually the ones who bear the brunt of this behaviour. Narcissists often create problems in their relationships—whether with friends, family, or partners,' she explained. Faizah said when victims begin to feel guilt or low self-esteem, narcissists feel powerful and able to control the situation, even dictating how the victim should act. Narcissism refers to a personality pattern centred on a sense of grandiosity or self-admiration in thoughts and behaviours.--(pix shutterstock) As a result, victims experience devaluation, depression, loss of identity, anxiety, emotional neglect, and isolation. 'I often encounter marital cases where a husband or wife complains about their partner's narcissistic behaviour. Usually, only the victim seeks counselling. In relationships, narcissists tend to be dishonest, neglect their responsibilities, cheat, or disappear for days, weeks, or even months without a valid reason. 'Some narcissists spend lavishly to show off, but are stingy at home. They may also be irrationally jealous, controlling, and accuse their partners of unfounded things,' she added. What's more heartbreaking, she said, is that narcissistic partners can be punitive, aggressive, and verbally abusive—sometimes deliberately hurting their partners. Faizah said narcissists also isolate their partners from family and friends and use them only for personal gain. 'There are even cases where narcissists involve a third party in the relationship to create desperation, jealousy, and fear of abandonment (triangulation). They subject their victims to cycles of abuse—first demeaning and isolating them, then using 'love bombing' tactics to woo them back with declarations of love and affection. 'In the workplace, narcissists may come off as helpful but actually manipulate situations for personal benefit without their colleagues realising. They give orders, criticise, and shame coworkers to achieve career goals and may spend or give extravagantly to expand their social circle or gain influence,' she said. A POSITIVE SIDE Nevertheless, Faizah said that narcissistic traits can be beneficial in certain contexts. Dr Nurazah Ismail, Medical Lecturer, USIM Individuals with such traits may make effective leaders due to their confidence and pursuit of perfection, which can drive both themselves and their teams toward exceptional achievements. 'We can see the benefits when narcissistic individuals are in managerial positions. Their image-consciousness and performance-driven nature can elevate the organisation's status. 'They also maintain high professional standards, consistently striving to be appreciated and admired in the workplace,' she said. UNAWARE THEY ARE NARCISSISTIC Meanwhile, Dr Nurazah Ismail, a medical lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), said various factors contribute to the development of NPD or its traits. 'Studies show that genetics play a role. Neuroimaging (which visualises brain structure and function) reveals differences in the prefrontal cortex (front part of the brain) of individuals with NPD. This area is crucial in regulating emotions and empathy. 'Some people also develop narcissistic traits due to life experiences—such as being victims of bullying. They construct a self-image of greatness to mask their hidden shame and low self-esteem,' she said. Dr Nurazah explained that, generally, individuals are unaware that they are narcissistic and often believe their behaviour is normal. This is because many are raised in environments that reinforce such traits, resulting in low levels of self-awareness. She noted that narcissists often refuse to accept blame and instead project it onto others as a self-defence mechanism. Victims of narcissists suffer mental and emotional pressure. -- (pix- adobe stock) 'For instance, in divorce cases, Malaysia recorded 57,835 divorces in 2023—a significant number. Although common factors such as incompatibility, poor communication, infidelity, and interference from in-laws are often cited, we seldom examine whether narcissistic traits in one partner could be the root cause of these issues. 'Could narcissism be the underlying reason for relationship breakdowns that lead to marital disharmony?' she questioned. HOPE FOR RECOVERY Dr Nurazah said one of the main challenges in treating NPD is the individual's unwillingness to acknowledge their flaws, making voluntary treatment difficult. Usually, NPD sufferers are only referred to specialists when they face unavoidable social stress that disrupts their daily lives. 'If they are open to receiving help, the primary treatment is psychotherapy. The focus is on building empathy, enhancing self-awareness, and learning emotional regulation strategies. 'Although NPD is a long-term personality disorder, positive change is still possible with consistent commitment and support. Those with NPD or narcissistic traits can learn to improve their behaviour, build healthier relationships, and ultimately reduce the negative impact on those around them,' she said. — BERNAMA
