June Moh

25 posts

Tesla makes official debut in Malaysia with launch of first mid-sized SUV Model Y

Tesla has officially launched its Model Y mid-sized SUV in Malaysia, with three variants available. Potential buyers can inspect the models at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur until October 31. The first deliveries to customers will start in early 2024. Tesla will establish its headquarters in Cyberjaya, Sepang, and plans to set up experience centers, service centers, and supercharging stations in the country.

Swiss watchmaker Swatch sues Malaysia for seizure of Pride watches

Swatch Malaysia’s bid for a judicial review against the government’s seizure of 172 watches, including the Pride Collection series, will be heard by Malaysia’s apex court on 23 August. Swatch claims the seizure is illegal as the watches are not defined as a form of “publication” under the Printing Presses and Publication Act. They seek damages and the return of the watches, alleging that the government’s actions were politically motivated. This comes ahead of crucial regional polls, with tensions rising over LGBT rights in the country.

RM2 for a plate of white rice and a thumb-sized fried chicken

A viral post showcased a disappointing school meal: RM2 for a thumb-sized fried chicken and white rice. Netizens debated the cost, with some suggesting parents should prepare meals at home for their children. Others focused on the poor quality and urged improvements in the school canteen.

Singapore avoided a technical recession in 2Q, yet it still not out of the wood

Singapore’s economy dodged a technical recession in 2Q’23 with a rebound of 0.3% q-o-q output, exceeding consensus expectations, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company. However, weak global demand and tight monetary policy could hinder achieving 2.2% y-o-y growth in H2’23.

Grab and Sea urge MAS to lift deposit cap to win the digital banking race

Grab and Sea are lobbying Singapore’s Monetary Authority to lift deposit caps for their digital banks, citing the need for sustained business models, increased cash flow, and investment in technology and cybersecurity. While the cap safeguards consumers, the banks view it as limiting their lending ability and hindering profitability.

Malaysian rubber tapper borrows RM120 to attend daughter’s straight-A celebration ceremony

Despite earning a scant salary as a rubber tapper, Jaliusih Madakol borrowed money to attend his daughter’s educational achievement ceremony. His daughter Arnie, the first from her school to achieve a perfect score in her STPM exams, aspires to lift her family out of poverty.

Public vigil for Coco Lee to take place in end of July, more memorial gatherings in Greater China

The family of the late Hong Kong pop diva Coco Lee has announced that a public vigil will take place at the end of the month to commemorate her life, spurring fans to buy tickets to Hongkong. The family also shared that public vigils will also be held in Greater China.

Hollywood grinds to a halt as actors unite with writers in strike

SAG-AFTRA members, representing 160,000 TV and movie actors, have joined screenwriters in a strike. Negotiations over a new contract collapsed, focusing on the contentious issues of streaming services and artificial intelligence. The strike, backed by leading actors, aims for higher wages, increased residual payments for streaming content, and protection against unauthorized use of actors’ likenesses by AI. This marks the first joint work stoppage by actors and writers in 63 years.

Fugitive financier Jho Low’s former associate arrested in Malaysia

Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, Jho Low’s ex-associate involved in the 1MDB scandal, has surrendered to Malaysian authorities, mirroring former Goldman Sachs partner Tim Leissner’s move. She is currently under arrest and set to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Malaysia’s cabinet assigns deportation responsibilities to airlines, overhauling management of ‘Not To Land’ travellers

Malaysia’s Cabinet decides to revert deportation responsibilities to airlines, impacting ‘Not To Land’ (NTL) passengers. This aligns with ICAO rules and effectively ends third-party company, Mono Circle Sdn Bhd’s contract, following an MACC investigation into corruption allegations.