Morning Brief

There were some 72,000 scam cases reported from 2020 until May last year, resulting in losses exceeding RM5.2 billion; those were just what was reported. It is also sobering to note that very likely the personal data of Malaysians are also available on the dark web. CF Fong, CEO, LGMS Berhad who is also a cyber security consultant and a part of the government's Digital Advisory Committee offers some insights into the issues and reminders on what to do when getting a scam call.

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There were some 72,000 scam cases reported from 2020 until May last year, resulting in losses exceeding RM5.2 billion; those were just what was reported. It is also sobering to note that very likely the personal data of Malaysians are also available on the dark web. CF Fong, CEO, LGMS Berhad who is also a cyber security consultant and a part of the government's Digital Advisory Committee offers some insights into the issues and reminders on what to do when getting a scam call.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce had questioned how the directly negotiated sale of state-owned land in Byram, South Seberang Perai to a private company was done, alleging that the RM646 million price tag is significantly below market. However, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, defended the transaction on the basis that the involved land is still undeveloped. Sri Murniati Yusuf, Chief Operating Officer, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), analyses how this might raise concerns over transparency as it involve public assets.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beijing has made remarkable strides in the electric vehicle market, both in terms of adoption and manufacturing driven by government policy and generous tax breaks. We speak to Joanna Chen, analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence as to who are the winners for this industry and if they have plans for global domination.

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Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker of the US House of Representatives in a dramatic roll-call, after eight Republicans voted against their party leader and sided with 208 Democrats to seal his removal. What repercussions does this have on significant bills ahead like the Spending Bill. John Zogby, Founder of John Zogby Strategies tells us whilst we discuss possible successors.

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The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is mulling a proposal that only those who have special IDs can buy the subsidised cooking oil packets. At the same time, the government is embarking on establishing a household socioeconomic database, known as the Central Database Hub or PADU to improve the monitoring and efficiency of government aid distribution. Where does the proposal for special IDs fit in with the PADU system and is this the best way to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable households? We discuss reforms to targeted subsidy programmes with Dr. Nur Ain Shahrier of Sunway University.

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Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker of the US House of Representatives in a dramatic roll-call, after eight Republicans voted against their party leader and sided with 208 Democrats to seal his removal. What repercussions does this have on significant bills ahead like the Spending Bill. John Zogby, Founder of John Zogby Strategies tells us whilst we discuss possible successors.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is mulling a proposal that only those who have special IDs can buy the subsidised cooking oil packets. At the same time, the government is embarking on establishing a household socioeconomic database, known as the Central Database Hub or PADU to improve the monitoring and efficiency of government aid distribution. Where does the proposal for special IDs fit in with the PADU system and is this the best way to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable households? We discuss reforms to targeted subsidy programmes with Dr. Nur Ain Shahrier of Sunway University.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although EV sales in Malaysia are expected to quadruple this year, according to BMI-Fitch Solutions, this only accounts for 1.8% penetration in the auto sector. How can the government incentivise the adoption of EVs to achieve the lofty target of 80% penetration by 2050? We discuss policy recommendations with Datuk Shahrol Halmi, President, Malaysian Electric Vehicle Owners' Club (MyEVOC).

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s transnational money laundering case has dominated headlines and parliamentary sitting agendas as it has put a spotlight on the city’s state stringent anti-crime image. Cliff Lim, Director of Risk & Compliance, Dow Jones shares with us the complexity of identifying illicit transactions, and how legal frameworks should be improved.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.