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Monday, April 28, 2025

Malaysia and China: More resilient together; surge in Chinese students

 

In accord: Xi and Anwar after witnessing a fruitful Exchange of Agreement session between the two countries at Seri Perdana on April 16. — AP

WHEN Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Malaysia recently for a state visit after more than a decade, it must have been a nostalgic moment for the leader, as much has changed for him, Malaysia, and China in the past 12 years.

Nostalgia often invokes positive emotions, offering a sense of continuity, meaning, and connection. I believe Xi felt this with Malaysia during his recent visit, and it was evident in his opening remarks at a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This marks my return to Malaysia after 12 years, during which the nation has achieved remarkable progress in its development. Your Madani Government is steadily becoming a promising reality, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations,” Xi said.

Reflecting on the rich tapestry of historical ties between the two nations, Xi recalled the legendary voyages of Admiral Zheng He to Melaka in the 15th century, and the establishment of modern diplomatic relations over five decades ago in defiance of Cold War tensions at the time.

“Today, our two countries are working in unity to jointly build a community with a shared future. China-Malaysia relations are entering a new golden era,” he said, highlighting the deepening friendship between the two countries.

Building networks

Xi’s visit was relatively subdued this time, reflecting the current complexities China is facing, particularly in light of US tariffs and sanctions.

However, the underlying theme of resilience and strategic diplomacy was apparent.

Invited by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, Xi’s presence from April 15 to 17 highlighted China’s determination to maintain and strengthen international relationships despite mounting external pressures.

The US measures aim to limit China’s technological advancements and limit its influence in key economic sectors. In response, China has chosen to demonstrate its resilience by strengthening ties with strategic partners like Malaysia. The timing of the visit, just days after the US announced new tariffs, seems very much a calculated move to showcase China’s ability to navigate these economic challenges.

By reinforcing partnerships in South-East Asia, China is diversifying its economic alliances and sending a message of defiance in the face of American attempts to isolate it on the global stage.

Xi’s visit highlighted China’s strategy of building robust trade networks outside Western influence, reducing vulnerability to unilateral economic pressures.

China’s resilience is also evident in its pursuit of long-term goals. Despite immediate economic challenges, China continues to invest heavily in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to create a vast network of trade routes and partnerships across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

For China, these efforts are not just about economic survival but also about asserting sovereignty and strategic autonomy, resisting external attempts to dictate its policies.

‘Fierce independence’

Back home, Malaysia is also demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight by embracing this opportunity to solidify ties with China.

Anwar, long an advocate of Malaysia’s non-aligned policy, reiterated the country’s commitment to maintaining a balanced approach in international relations.

In his official visit to Australia to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year, Anwar emphasised Malaysia’s “fierce independence” and the country’s intention to choose its own friends, countering any China-phobic sentiment.

This stance reiterates Malaysia’s policy of not taking sides in global power struggles – a wise move for a nation that relies heavily on trade with both China and the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who celebrated the day of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in Beijing with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other leaders last year, also noted in recent commentary that “Malaysia believes the world cannot be built on harmful competition”.

“Instead, we must forge cooperation based on mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual unity.

“That is Malaysia’s principle – negotiating, not retaliating; opening doors, not building walls that isolate and diminish global cooperation,” he said, highlighting Malaysia’s firm stance in rejecting retaliation and emphasising mutual trust and respect in international relations.

Initiatives adopted

Xi’s visit resulted in significant outcomes, including the signing of 31 memoranda of understanding covering a wide range of sectors, from infrastructure to digital transformation. One of the highlights included expanding the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, set to drive high- impact investments and bolster Malaysia’s position in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era.

Part of the initiatives include developing the Malaysia-China Halal Food Industrial Park on 60ha of land in Perak, leveraging Malaysia’s prestigious international halal certification system and China’s food processing experience and supply chain management. With this, Malaysia’s halal industry will certainly shine further globally.

Also, the establishment of educational institutions like Xiamen University Malaysia and the planned expansion of Universiti Malaya in Shandong, China, are testaments to the deepening educational and cultural ties between the two nations.

These initiatives, along with cooperation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, mark a step forward in human capital development, crucial for Malaysia’s future economic competitiveness.

Students from the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage welcoming the Chinese President. — BernamaStudents from the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage welcoming the Chinese President. — Bernama

Balancing ties

As Malaysia continues in the role of Asean Chair this year, it’s crucial to strengthen the Asean Plus Three (APT) framework to make the region more resilient against external threats, like recent global tariffs and sanctions.

APT refers to the cooperative framework between the 10 Asean member countries and China, Japan and South Korea. It started in December 1997 and has evolved into a key mechanism for promoting East Asian cooperation, with Asean serving as the driving force.

Improving APT cooperation can boost economic ties, strengthen financial markets, and drive technological progress across the region. By building on initiatives like the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation – a key financial cooperation initiative within the APT – and working together on digital and climate issues, the APT can provide a strong safety net and support sustainable growth.

For Malaysia, leading this effort brings great advantages. Increased trade and investment within the APT can boost Malaysia’s economy and technological growth, creating jobs and supporting development.

As the Asean Chair, Malaysia has a unique chance to influence the regional agenda, increasing its influence while promoting cultural and personal connections. By leading this initiative, Malaysia can strengthen its economic and political position, helping the region thrive despite global challenges.

As Malaysia continues to balance its ties with both China and the US, it proves the strength of diplomacy and the pursuit of shared prosperity in a world often divided by competition and conflict. Xi’s visit not only strengthened the existing partnership but also paved the way for future collaborations that will benefit Malaysia and China, and the wider region.- Sunday Star  By ALLISON LAI


Malaysia sees surge in Chinese students


Photo: ART CHEN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The number of students from China applying to study in Malaysian universities grew by 25% last year, driven by a shift in global student mobility. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) said international students, including from China, are shifting away from the world’s ‘Big Four’ study destinations: the UK, US, Australia and Canada.

“More students are exploring dynamic and diverse destinations across Asia. Malaysia is one of the top destinations,” it told The Star.

EMGS, which is under the purview of the Higher Education Ministry, said its data shows that students from China continued to top the list of study applications to Malaysia, at 33,216 in 2024, compared to 26,627 applications in 2023.

Other top applications came from Bangladesh (6,917), Indonesia (5,556), India (2,591) and Pakistan (2,417).

From January to March this, application by students from China continued to grow by 2%, rising to 5,876 from 5,780 in the same period last year.

 

EMGS said Malaysia’s multilingual environment, political stability, safety, as well as rich cultural experiences, are motivating factors for China students to pursue their studies in the country.

 

“Malaysia's geographical proximity to China also makes it easier and more affordable for students to travel back home during holidays and maintain close ties with their families.”

China Daily recently reported that more Chinese families are reconsidering higher education plans in the US due to worsening bilateral relations and growing concerns over safety abroad.

 

Parents, the report said, are considering countries that have a good relationship with China as political stability ensures the safety of their children abroad.

The report also indicated that data from the 2024 Open Doors Report on Inter¬national Educational Exchange showed that China was surpassed by India as the largest source of international students in the United States for the 2023-2024 academic year.

There were 277,398 students from the Chinese mainland enrolled in US higher education institutions during that period, a figure that has been dropping annually since peaking at 372,532 in the 2019-2020 academic year.

EMGS said Malaysia, under the Education Blueprint 2015-2025, is targeting 250,000 international students by 2025 with 39% contributed by China.

“The consistent rise in international student applications, along with a student-friendly visa system, reflects Malaysia’s commitment to transforming into a global classroom and strengthening its global influence and soft power,” said EMGS.

It added that Malaysia offers internationally recognized degrees, often in partnership with prestigious universities from the UK, Australia, and the US, allowing students to earn a reputable degree at a fraction of the cost.

“The qualification from Malaysia is also widely-recognised and highly regarded in China so students are able to find jobs easily after graduation.”

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Resilient China-Malaysia ties withstand test of time, overcome challenges







Saturday, April 26, 2025

UN sounds alarm on scam expansion


Scam clampdown: A file photo showing a general view of Shwe Kokko city, a casino, entertainment and tourism complex, from Thailand’s side of the border. — Reuters

Cyber crime syndicates that run multi-billion-dollar scam operations across South-East Asia are still expanding despite recent law enforcement crackdowns, building links from Ireland to Mexico and reaching a potentially irreversible global spillover, the United Nations warned. 

The transnational criminal networks are infiltrating and scaling up in other parts of the world, particularly in the Pacific region, Africa, South America and South Asia, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said in a report published on Monday.

They use trafficked workers from dozens of countries and are largely based in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

The growth has been enabled by the rise of new, illicit online marketplaces, with such cryptocurrency-integrated platforms being used to launder money and connect illegal actors around the world, the agency said.

It noted that there are now “hundreds of large-scale scam operations conservatively generating tens of billions of dollars” in annual profits.

“The dispersal of these sophisticated criminal networks within areas of weakest governance has attracted new players, fuelled corruption, and enabled the industry to continue to scale,” the report said.

The spillover effect has seen criminal groups now “free to pick, choose, and move jurisdictions, operations, and value as needed, with the resulting situation rapidly outpacing the capacity of governments to contain it”.

Even as South-East Asian governments have stepped up crackdowns in recent months on scam compounds along shared land borders, the industrial-scale operations have simply adapted by moving to more remote locations within or beyond the region, or pivoting to online platforms. 

Another adaptation that has been noted across the region is the shift from land-based Internet connection to Starlink,” the report stated, referring to Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider.

That’s sometimes the result of operators moving to locations without online access or due to governments shutting down illegal cross-border connections, it added.

The UN agency estimated that countries in East and South-East Asia lost up to US$37bil to cyber fraud in 2023.

It said US authorities reported billions of dollars of losses the same year from crypto-related scams and “pig butchering” schemes, in which fraudsters gain the confidence of victims.

Crime syndicates in South-East Asia are also actively enhancing collaboration with other major criminal networks around the world, including South American drug cartels, the Italian mafia, and the Irish mob, according to the UN.

It cited the example of a network with Chinese links that helped Mexican drug cartels launder money and then resell those foreign currencies to overseas buyers within underground banking markets.

To scale the operations, the criminals also need hundreds of thousands of trafficked victims and complicit individuals to work in the scam compounds.

People from as many as 56 origin countries have been identified as victims in the UN report, with the majority constituting Asian and African nations.  — Bloomberg

... REPORTS. Femicides in 2023 · Submit to the 'My Voice matters in the Fight against Organized Crime' Zine · UNODC World Drug Report 2024. publications. Multimedia.
Missing: said ‎| Show results with: said


 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Water cut: Penangites urged to store up to two-and-half days supply as Penang braces for water supply interruption


GEORGE TOWN: Consumers in Penang affected by the scheduled water supply disruption starting this Friday are advised to store enough water for 24, 48, or 60 hours of use.

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said 40 percent or 136,683 of the 341,708 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Timur Laut District are expected to face a 24-hour supply disruption.

"The disruption is expected to last 48 hours for 163,502 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Selatan, except for Kampung Sungai Baong, Kampung Wellesley, Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Sungai Duri, and the Seberang Perai Prison Quarters Complex.

"A total of 41,523 users in all areas of the Barat Daya District, except for southern Balik Pulau neighbourhoods, Gertak Sanggul, Kampung Terang, Pulau Betong, and Sungai Ara, are expected to experience a 60-hour disruption until 10 pm on Sunday," he said.

PBAPP will deploy 80 water tankers and place 182 static tanks at strategic locations statewide as part of its relief plan during the disruption, he added.

Earlier, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said 341,708 consumer accounts in five districts in Penang will be affected by the scheduled water supply disruption from April 25 to 28.

This is due to the implementation of 23 projects costing RM25mil in total, aimed at improving supply services for around 465,000 consumers in areas served by the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.

Meanwhile, Pathmanathan said structural works for all these projects are scheduled to be completed by 4 pm on Saturday, with restoration to start after final testing and commissioning, and once the treatment plant resumes operations.

"Water supply will be restored in phases, as delivery times from the Sungai Dua treatment plant will differ by location.

"In general, consumers located upstream and closer to Sungai Dua will receive water earlier than downstream consumers," he explained. - Bernama

Penang braces for water supply interruption


Workers dismantling the temporary platform for the construction of the RM8.7mil Sungai Perai River-Crossing Pipeline (SP–RCP) in Mak Mandin, Butterworth. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

DRINKS seller Mariah Mohd Darus considered disposing of her two large water containers after using them during the major water interruption in December 2023.

Luckily, she didn’t because from this Friday, most of Penang will face another water cut.

“The containers were taking up a lot of space, but fortunately I kept them.

ALSO READ:

Vijay (right) checking out the large buckets on sale at Yong’s shop in Kampung Benggali, Butterworth. He plans to store enough water to last for at least three days.Vijay (right) checking out the large buckets on sale at Yong’s shop in Kampung Benggali, Butterworth. He plans to store enough water to last for at least three days.

“They’ll come in handy again as each container can hold enough water to last a day,” she said when met at her stall in Ampang Jajar, at Butterworth, Penang.

Each container, with a capacity of over 100 litres, will help Mariah continue her cooking and washing activities at the stall without major disruption to her business.

    She recalled that during the previous water cut, the containers, which were filled in advance, helped her stay operational.

    “During the last interruption, I stored water in these bins for cooking and washing.

    Chow (second from right) checking the progress of work on the pipeline diverted across the Ampang Jajar bridge on the river surface of Sungai Perai in Butteworth. — Courtesy of Buletin MutiaraChow (second from right) checking the progress of work on the pipeline diverted across the Ampang Jajar bridge on the river surface of Sungai Perai in Butteworth. — Courtesy of Buletin Mutiara

    “When they ran low, I refilled them using water supplied through tankers, since the cut lasted several days,” she said.

    Businessman N. Vijay, was among residents spotted shopping for a large water container to prepare for the scheduled water supply interruption.

    “I am looking for something large enough to sustain the daily water needs of five people in my household.

    ALSO READ:

    “During the previous water cut, I did not store enough and water in my tank ran out. It was a struggle,” said Vijay from Taman Riang, Butterworth.

    I have learned from that experience. Now, I plan to store enough water to last at least three days, just in case the situation drags on.

    “Not having water previously disrupted our daily routine - from cooking to bathing. I want to avoid going through the same stress again,” he said.

    Back-up plans

    In Kampung Benggali, Butterworth, a plasticware seller identified only as Yong, has seen a steady stream of customers in recent days.

    He said most of them were looking for storage containers ahead of the scheduled water supply interruption.

    “During the last water cut, people were buying buckets in a panic.

    “Some came in at the last minute and grabbed whatever sizes were left.

    “I sold over 100 buckets of various sizes within just a few days,” he recalled.

    Yong believes that many of those customers are now better prepared and likely reusing the containers they had bought previously.

    “This time around, although the rush is not as intense, I still have customers coming in every day. People seem more prepared,” he said, adding that there was no panic-buying this time around.

    Yong said bucket prices were based on capacity, with a 45-litre container priced at RM21, and larger 215-litre drums going for as much as RM250.

    “People usually go for the mid-sized ones, big enough to store water for a family but small enough to carry or move around,” he said, adding that sales are expected to pick up as the date approaches.

    While many residents are

    busy filling up buckets and containers, others have opted to go on holiday.

    One of them is bank manager Loke Wei Lynn, who plans to travel to Hatyai, Thailand, with her husband and their five-year-old daughter.

    “The timing actually works out well since it falls on a weekend, so we thought, why not turn it into a short family getaway?”

    The family said they welcome the chance to unwind and spend time together.

    “It’s a good opportunity as Hatyai is nearby and easy to get to,” she added.

    Affected accounts

    Pathmanathan says this will be the only scheduled water disruption in Penang this year.Pathmanathan says this will be the only scheduled water disruption in Penang this year.A total of 341,708 consumer accounts across all five districts in Penang will be affected by the scheduled water supply interruption from 10pm on April 25 to 10am on April 28.

    Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will undertake 23 major waterwork projects at nine locations across the state during this period.

    The planned works include the final connection of the RM8.7mil Sungai Perai River-Crossing Pipeline (SP–RCP) in Mak Mandin, repair of a leaking 700mm pipeline and six pump house upgrading works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as well as the replacement of a faulty 1.2m valve at a pipeline in Jalan Pengkalan Tambang.

    The waterworks projects, aimed for completion within a span of 24 to 60 hours, will involve 800 PBAPP staff and 200 additional personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, volunteers and local service centres.

    During this period, PBAPP will mobilise 80 mobile water tankers and 182 static water tanks at key locations.

    There will be 39 tankers and 95 tanks on the mainland, and 41 tankers and 87 tanks on the island.

    Priority will be given to 12 hospitals and 20 dialysis centres across the state.

    Infrastructure upgrades

    PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the SP-RCP pipeline, with a 1.35m diameter, had the potential to channel 290% more treated water across the river than the two existing 600mm pipelines mounted on the bridge across Sungai Perai in Ampang Jajar.

    “The two existing 600mm pipelines spanning Sungai Perai are mounted on the bridge.

    “This bridge is built to safely bear the load of regular vehicular traffic and not the additional load of water pipelines.

    “The SP-RCP is mounted on its own supporting structure, about 3.31m above the high water level of Sungai Perai,” he said, adding that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had gone for a site inspection on Saturday.

    Pathmanathan said the works were part of a broader plan to upgrade water services for 465,000 consumers connected to the Sungai Dua WTP.

    “In 2024, PBAPP invested RM31mil to upgrade the maximum water treatment capacity of the Sungai Dua WTP to 1,342 million litres per day (MLD).

    “Now, PBAPP is investing an additional RM25mil into projects to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of supplying water from the Sungai Dua WTP.

    “The successful completion of these projects will allow PBAPP to pump more water at higher pressure to 66% of its customers in Penang.

    “These projects will also provide a more stable water supply and pressure, as well as facilitate faster water supply recovery from future scheduled and unscheduled water supply interruptions arising from mishaps in Penang,” he said.

    Pathmanathan said this would be the only planned water supply interruption by PBAPP in 2025.

    Scale of interruption

    According to PBAPP, the scale of water supply interruption will vary by location.

    A total of 43 areas in northeast district (DTL), two in southwest district (DBD), 54 in north Seberang Perai district (SPU) and 233 in central Seberang Perai district (SPT) will experience water supply interruption for 24 hours.

    Water supply for 27 areas in DBD and 221 areas in south Seberang Perai district (SPS) is expected to be restored within 48 hours.

    The remaining 16 areas in DBD and 13 areas in SPS will have their water supply restored fully within 60 hours.

    The duration of each area’s supply disruption will depend on its distance from the Sungai Dua WTP and its location within the water distribution network.

    Areas nearer to the plant will experience fewer days of water cut compared to those living in elevated or remote areas, particularly in SPS and DBD.

    Key industrial zones such as Bayan Lepas, Perai, Bukit Minyak, Batu Kawan and Penang International Airport are expected to have their water supply restored between 24 and 28 hours.

    PBAPP estimated that 40% (136,683 consumers) will have their supply restored within 24 hours, 88% (300,185 consumers) within 48 hours and all 341,708 consumers within 60 hours.

    For more information, see chart above, visit the PBAPP Facebook page or go to www.pba.com.my 

    Residents in Sri Bayu Apartment, Bayan Lepas, getting supply from a water tanker during a supply cut in January last year. — FilepicResidents in Sri Bayu Apartment, Bayan Lepas, getting supply from a water tanker during a supply cut in January last year. — Filepic

    Previous water woes

    On Dec 19, 2023, Penang was struck by an unscheduled water supply disruption, affecting about 200,000 consumers due to a burst underwater pipeline measuring 1.35m in diameter at the bottom of Sungai Perai.

    The leak sent water gushing on the surface of the river. Divers spent days fixing it.

    After three failed attempts to patch the leak until the end

    of January last year, it was decided that the pipe could not be repaired.

    A new 900mm pipe was constructed along the Ampang Jajar bridge to temporarily divert water across Sungai Perai.

    The mishap served as a catalyst for the SP-RCP project.

    From Jan 10 to 14 last year, about 590,000 consumers in Penang faced a water disruption due to urgent maintenance at the Sungai Dua WTP involving replacement of two leaking 1,200mm control valves.

    The shutdown also facilitated ancillary works at 22 other locations statewide.