Maybank is proud to play a pivotal role as the strategic banking partner as well as the sponsoring and settlement bank, in the second phase of the cross-border QR payment linkage between Malaysia and Cambodia, launched by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). This milestone initiative allows Maybank customers travelling to Cambodia to make instant KHQR retail payments via the MAE App, anytime, anywhere, at a low conversion fee.
In the spirit of Hari Raya, Bolt, a global leader in mobility services, brought together its driver partners for a meaningful Open House in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the festive season and honour the people behind the ride. The intimate gathering united Bolt’s driver community, team members, and invited media, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive ride-hailing ecosystem in Malaysia.
Article by Professor Dr. Baharudin Abdullah
Senior Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
In Malaysia, as in many other countries worldwide, there is a growing concern over a silent, yet widespread epidemic caused by the excessive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics. This issue is particularly evident in the treatment of sore throats, which are usually the result of viral infections and do not require antibiotics. The widespread overprescription of these medications has serious and extensive consequences, leading to a troubling increase in antibiotic-resistant superbugs that pose a significant threat to public health.
The misuse of antibiotics can lead to a rise in mortality rates and exerts a significant burden on the healthcare infrastructure and economy, draining resources and complicating treatment efforts across the board. It is more critical than ever to enhance public awareness and promote responsible prescription practices to protect public health and ensure the continued effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
The World Health Organization's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) has categorized Malaysia as a high-alert nation due to the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In comparison to other Asian countries, Malaysia is among the leading nations in terms of antibiotic overuse, akin to Thailand and China, where obtaining antibiotics without a prescription remains a prevalent issue.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia has consistently raised alarms about the escalating issue of AMR, yet the trend of overprescribing antibiotics remains prevalent due to several key factors:
In Malaysian hospitals, the challenge of AMR is becoming increasingly apparent, with a surge in drug-resistant strains like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) (Ministry of Health, 2017)). This predicament results in extended hospital stays, increased healthcare expenses, and a greater chance of treatment failures. Treating a resistant infection can be up to three times more expensive than a non-resistant one, placing a substantial financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system.
In addition to its effects on healthcare, AMR has major economic and environmental consequences. According to World Bank estimates, by 2050, AMR may cause the world economy to contract by as much as 3.8%, which might result in the poverty of 28 million people. The need for more costly second-line therapies and extended hospital stays will drive up prices for the already overburdened healthcare system. Furthermore, the environmental impact is too great to overlook because overprescribed antibiotics frequently end up in wastewater, contaminating soil and rivers and facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations outside of hospital settings.
While the statistics paint a grim picture, Malaysia is not without recourse. The country has already made significant strides in public health, from implementing national antibiotic stewardship programs to conducting public awareness campaigns. However, these efforts need to be scaled up and reinforced with a long-term, multi-sectoral approach. Strengthening enforcement of antibiotic sales, improving diagnostic capabilities in primary care settings, and fostering stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public are critical next steps. Malaysia has a strong track record of advancing healthcare, which puts it in a unique position to lead efforts domestically and throughout Southeast Asia in the regional fight against AMR. Since Malaysia has already made great progress in improving healthcare—from bolstering universal healthcare laws to spearheading programs for managing infectious diseases—it can support a regional AMR action plan that unites ASEAN countries in concerted efforts to stop antibiotic abuse. By advocating for stricter cross-border regulations on antibiotic sales, harmonising prescription guidelines, and championing large-scale public awareness campaigns, Malaysia can set the benchmark for responsible antibiotic stewardship in Southeast Asia.
At this critical juncture, Malaysia has the opportunity to become a regional powerhouse in the battle against AMR with strong leadership and swift action. Malaysia has the potential to set a regional model for sustainable antibiotic usage by driving regulatory reform, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and embracing new innovations in technology. As part of this effort, we are preparing for the official public and media launch of the Malaysian Sore Throat Consensus - an initiative supported by Reckitt - to further drive awareness and encourage responsible prescribing practices. This consensus, grounded in the latest clinical evidence and multi-disciplinary expert recommendations, is a crucial step in guiding healthcare professionals towards better decision-making when it comes to antibiotic use. Despite the pressing need, with the right policies and measures in place, Malaysia can safeguard public health and steer ASEAN toward a future in which antibiotics remain effective for future generations.
BMW Group Malaysia today began its celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the iconic BMW 3 Series. Over seven generations, the BMW 3 Series has not only shaped the global identity of the BMW brand, but has also become an integral part of Malaysia’s automotive history since the 1970s. In celebration of this legacy, BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre.
The impressive performance of Hisense's 100-inch TVs in the Malaysian market is by no means an isolated case.
According to data from research firm Omdia, Hisense-branded TVs recorded a total shipment of 29.14 million units in 2024, securing a 14% share of the global market—ranking second globally and first among Chinese brands. Hisense has maintained the second place globally in TV shipments for three consecutive years and is the only brand with seven consecutive years of growth. In the ultra-large TV segment (98 inches+ and 100 inches+), Hisense accounted for 30.3% and 58.8% of global shipments respectively, ranking No. 1 in the world.
Malaysians love a great travel deal, especially as travel fairs and flash promotions ramp up ahead of mid-year holidays, but new research by Wise has found Malaysians are overlooking a key part of their travel planning: how far their Ringgit goes when they land.
As Malaysia’s labour market continues its upward trajectory, the 2025 edition of the Malaysia Career & Training Fair (MCTF) returns with a clear mission: to connect Malaysians with high-skill, future-proof jobs that are increasingly defining the national economy. With the unemployment rate projected to decline to pre-pandemic levels of 3.21% by year-end, the country is seeing rapid job growth in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital services, and data analytics—making timely, targeted employment initiatives more critical than ever.
DHL Supply Chain, the global leader in contract logistics, has been appointed by Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, to manage the distribution of its consumer goods, mobility-related products and components, primarily within Malaysia, with occasional distribution to regional markets.
Many smaller businesses are beginning to realise the strategic value of Artificial Iintelligence (AI), even without deep technical expertise or large-scale investment.
Malaysia is set to host a grand celebration of the Songkran Festival, bringing the vibrant traditions of Thailand’s most cherished festival to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Malaysia and EQ Solutions, this vibraant celebration of Songkran will be held in Kuala Lumpur from April 10–20, 2025, at the Forecourt, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Songkran Festival offers both Malaysians and visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions and joyful festivities of Thailand’s beloved New Year celebration.
