Low levels of this hormone are not an inevitable part of ageing for men, but part of a syndrome that should be treated.
WHEN it comes to menopause, many people assume that only women will experience it.
But over the last few decades, there has been increasing recognition of a so-called “male menopause” or andropause, which generally refers to male androgen deficiency or testosterone deficiency syndrome.
Testosterone deficiency syndrome, also known as late onset hypogonadism, is a
condition in which men do not produce enough testosterone, which is a major male hormone or androgen.
This
results in psychological, emotional and sexual dysfunction, and may affect multiple organ systems, resulting in serious health consequences
for the man.
In the past, it was thought that patients with testosterone deficiency syndrome were generally older
men, but in fact, it can occur in men of different age groups, including young and middle-aged men.
Not limited by age
Testosterone plays a key role in male libido, muscle mass, and mental and physical strength.
Many middle-aged men might have various symptoms of testosterone deficiency, but they may not be aware of the cause or choose to blame it on other reasons, such as ageing.
Indeed, from another point of view, the term “andropause” is not the most accurate
term for patients with testosterone deficiency, as decreased testosterone levels are not an inevitable consequence of ageing.
But it is worth noting that testosterone levels do generally decline with age, as older men tend to have lower blood testosterone levels.
Testosterone deficiency mostly occurs between the ages of 45 to 60, but according to the data, the proportion of older people will be higher.
For men aged 45 and over, nearly 40% are affected by testosterone deficiency syndrome.
As for men over 80 years old, up to half will have this syndrome.
You might ask, why are younger men affected by testosterone deficiency syndrome as well?
The younger trend of testosterone deficiency syndrome is usually related to diseases; the unhealthy lifestyle of young people, including poor diet, smoking, alcoholism and lack of exercise; and/or drug use, such as the abuse of painkillers.
Diseases that can affect testosterone levels include obesity, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high lipid (fat) levels, mental illness and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:
> Decreased libido or sexual drive
> Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection
> Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
> Increased body fat and muscle loss
> Loss of bone density
> Depression
> Irritability
> Anxiety
> Restlessness
> Poor work performance
> Impaired memory
> Inability to concentrate
> Fatigue
> Lack of stamina and physical strength
> Insomnia or sleepiness
> Loss of appetite
> Constipation
> Skin atrophy, and
> Lower back pain.
As for physical signs, there will be a decrease in muscle mass throughout
the body; an increase in subcutaneous fat, resulting in the patient appearing fatter, especially around the abdomen; hair that begins to
turn white and become sparse; teeth and body hair that start to fall off; and the shrinking of testicles; as well as signs of breast
enlargement in some patients.
In addition to physical and emotional changes, testosterone deficiency can lead to
the onset or exacerbation of various diseases.
When a man has low testosterone levels, there is a greater risk of heart
disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, anaemia and dementia.
Diagnosis and treatment
In many cases, the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency in a patient must
first be based on clinical manifestations and symptoms.
Then it is necessary to check whether the testosterone level is low.
If the patient’s symptoms only improve during treatment, it confirms that the patient has developed testosterone deficiency syndrome and needs testosterone replacement treatment.
The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to improve the patient’s symptoms and normalise his testosterone levels.
As of now, there are two medically-proven testosterone treatments available in Malaysia.
One involves a gel preparation, while the other is injected.
The gel preparation is applied on the skin of the upper arms, shoulders, inner thighs or abdomen.
The testosterone is then absorbed through the skin into the body.
The patient should not bathe or shower within an hour of using the gel formulation to ensure that the testosterone is fully absorbed by the body. It should be used daily so that the patient’s testosterone levels are stable, similar to the physiological blood levels produced by the testes.
The use of gel preparations should usually be the first choice for patients.
Meanwhile, the other type is given by intramuscular injections every few weeks or months.
Depending on the frequency of injections, symptoms may fluctuate between each dose.
The gel formulation has fewer side effects and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, certain testosterone injections may cause side effects such as pulmonary microembolisms – these have not been approved by the US FDA so far.
Benefits and cautions
Testosterone
replacement therapy serves to help improve body composition by building muscle and reducing fat mass, including total body and visceral fat.
It can also help improve insulin sensitivity, thereby addressing metabolic syndrome and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
In addition, it can improve the patient’s sexual function; mood, including symptoms of depression; and energy and quality of life.
In terms of disease, testosterone supplementation can improve anaemia, and reduce death from all causes, including heart disease.
Testosterone supplementation is not suitable for patients with prostate cancer,
sleep apnoea or polycythaemia (where haematocrit or haemoglobin is increased in the blood).
Therefore, patients must have their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels checked prior to beginning testosterone replacement therapy.
According to some early research, the use of testosterone supplements appeared to promote prostate cancer; however, there is no evidence of this in the latest research.
Nevertheless, patients are advised to have their PSA levels checked regularly after they start taking testosterone.
During the course of treatment, the doctor will also regularly check the patient’s haemoglobin and haematocrit levels.
These blood tests will help to see whether the patient’s blood has thickened,
as haemoglobin and blood cells are more prone to abnormal rises in level with certain types of injectable testosterone.
In general, changes due to the treatment will occur within three to six months after treatment has commenced.
Patients need to be aware that testosterone supplementation therapy is a lifelong treatment, and testosterone supplementation can lead to a
decrease in the amount of testosterone naturally produced by the body.
Don’t ignore symptoms
It is important to reiterate that testosterone deficiency is not an inevitable phenomenon of ageing.
In
short, when a man, especially an elderly man, experiences testosterone deficiency symptoms, different health problems may occur as a result.
Therefore, its existence must not be ignored.
It is recommended to seek professional advice from a doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
Get the right treatment to improve your health and quality of life.
The Star Malaysia By Dr TAY HUI SIAN
Dr Tay Hui Sian is a consultant geriatrician. For more information, email
starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical
advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content
appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or
indirectly from reliance on such information.
This article is written by a Malaysian. Very well documented history. Should be read by our youngsters, who are, by and large, worshippers of Western culture so as to get a better understanding of China, and the evils of the West.
一篇值得那些崇拜西方文化的年青人對中國多一層的瞭解與 認識。
The article is in both English & Chinese
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kAvfx1mAqiJM48-sxxlmYA
作者 │ Aningo定居海外，独立评论员。
原文为英文，经过我本人的翻译，为大家呈现，马来西亚人如何看待中国的一篇文章。以下为中英对照版。
By a Malaysian:来自马来西亚人：
I'm from Malaysia. China has traded with Malaysia for 2000 years. In those years, they had been the world's biggest powers many times. Never once they sent troops to take our land. Admiral Zhenghe came to Malacca five times, in gigantic fleets, and a flagship eight times the size of Christopher Columbus' flagship, Santa Maria. He could have seized Malacca easily, but he did not. In 1511, the Portuguese came. In 1642, the Dutch came. In the 18th century the British came. We were colonised by each, one after another.
我来自马来西亚。中国与马来西亚的贸易已有2000年。在那些年里，它们曾多次成为世界上最大的强国。但他们从未派兵侵占我们的土地。海军上将郑和，曾五次乘坐巨型舰队来到马六甲，并且是哥伦布“圣玛丽亚”舰队的八倍大。他本来可以轻松地占领马六甲，但他没有。1511年，葡萄牙人来了。1642年，荷兰人来了。18世纪，英国人来了。然后我们接二连三地被他们殖民。
When China wanted spices from India, they traded with the Indians. When they wanted gems, they traded with the Persian. They didn't take lands. The only time China expanded beyond their current borders was in Yuan Dynasty, when Genghis and his descendants Ogedei Khan, Guyuk Khan & Kublai Khan conquered China, Mid Asia and Eastern Europe. But Yuan Dynasty, although being based in China, was a part of the Mongolian Empire.
当中国想要印度的香料时，他们与印度人进行贸易。当他们想要宝石时，他们与波斯人进行贸易。他们从不侵占土地。中国唯一一次扩张国界是在元朝，成吉思汗及其后代奥格代汗（Ogedei Khan）古尤克汗（Guyuk Khan）和忽必烈（Kublai Khan）征服了中国、中亚和东欧。但是，元朝虽属中国,却是蒙古帝国的一部分。
Then came the Century of Humiliation. Britain smuggled opium into China to dope the population, a strategy to turn the trade deficit around, after the British could not find enough silver to pay the Qing Dynasty in their tea and porcelain trades. After the opium warehouses were burned down and ports were closed by the Chinese in ordered to curb opium, the British started the Opium War I, which China lost. Hong Kong was forced to be surrendered to the British in a peace talk (Nanjing Treaty). The British owned 90% of the opium market in China, during that time, Queen Victoria was the world's biggest drug baron. The remaining 10% was owned by American merchants from Boston. Many of Boston's institutions were built with profit from opium.
接着是屈辱的世纪。在英国人没有足够的白银来支付清朝的茶叶和瓷器贸易之后，英国把鸦片走私到中国来贩卖毒品,这是一种扭转贸易逆差的策略。在虎门销烟、中国关闭港口以遏制鸦片之后，英国发动了第一次鸦片战争，中国输了。香港被迫在谈判中向英国投降（《南京条约》）。那个时期，英国的维多利亚女王是全世界最大的毒品大亨，英国人拥有中国90％的鸦片市场，其余的10％由波士顿的美国商人拥有。波士顿的许多机构都是靠着发鸦片财而建立的。
After 12 years of Nanjing Treaty, the West started getting really really greedy. The British wanted the Qing government:
1. To open the borders of China to allow goods coming in and out freely, and tax free.
2. Make opium legal in China.
《南京条约》签订12年后，西方开始变得非常非常贪婪。英国人要求清政府：1.开放中国边境，允许货物自由进出，免除关税。2.使鸦片在中国合法化。
Insane requests, Qing government said no. The British and French, with supports from the US and Russia from behind, started Opium War II with China, which again, China lost. The Anglo-French military raided the Summer Palace, and threatened to burn down the Imperial Palace, the Qing government was forced to pay with ports, free business zones, 300,000 kilograms of silver and Kowloon was taken. Since then, China's resources flew out freely through these business zones and ports. In the subsequent amendment to the treaties, Chinese people were sold overseas to serve as labor.
面对疯狂的要求，清政府说不。英法两国在美俄的支持下，对中国发动了第二次鸦片战争，而中国又输了。英法军队突袭了颐和园，并威胁要烧毁皇宫，清政府被迫用港口、自由贸易区、30万公斤的白银进行了支付。香港九龙也被抢走。从那时起，中国的资源便通过这些贸易区和港口自由进出。在随后的条约修正案中，中国人被卖到海外当劳工。
In 1900, China suffered attacks by the 8-National Alliance(Japan, Russia, Britain, France, USA, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary). Innocent Chinese civilians in Peking (Beijing now) were murdered, buildings were destroyed & women were raped. The Imperial Palace was raided, and treasures ended up in museums like the British Museum in London and the Louvre in Paris.
In late 1930s China was occupied by the Japanese in WWII. Millions of Chinese died during the occupancy. 300,000 Chinese died in Nanjing Massacre alone.
1900年，中国遭到八国联军的进攻（日本，俄罗斯，英国，法国，美国，德国，意大利，奥地利，匈牙利）。北平（现北京）的无辜中国平民被谋杀，建筑物被毁，妇女被强奸。皇宫遭到袭击，宝藏最终落入了伦敦大英博物馆和巴黎卢浮宫的口袋。20世纪30年代末，中国在第二次世界大战中被日本占领。数百万人在这期间丧命。仅南京大屠杀，就有30万中国人被杀害。
Mao brought China together again from the shambles. There were peace and unity for some time.
Then came Deng Xiao Ping and his famous “black-cat and white-cat” story. His preference in pragmatism than ideologies has transformed China. This thinking allowed China to evolve all the time to adapt to the actual needs in the country, instead of rigidly bounded to ideologies.
The current Socialism+Meritocracy+Market Economy model fits the Chinese like gloves, and it propels the uprise of China. Singapore has a similar model, and has been arguably more successful than Hong Kong, because Hong Kong being gateway to China, was riding on the economic boom in China, while Singapore had no one to gain from.
毛泽东把中国从废墟中团结起来，中国迎来了和平、统一。接着就是邓小平和他著名的“黑猫和白猫”的故事。比起意识形态,他对实用主义的偏爱已经改变了中国。这种思想使中国可以一直发展，以适应国家的实际需要,而不是拘泥于意识形态。当前的社会主义+精英主义+市场经济模型，完美地贴合了中国人，并推动着中国的崛起。而新加坡也有类似的模式，可以说比香港更成功。因为香港是通往中国的门户，受惠于中国的经济繁荣而发展，而新加坡则完全自主发展。
In just 30 years, the CCP have moved 800 millions of people out from poverty. The rate of growth is unprecedented in human history. They have built the biggest mobile network, by far the biggest high speed rail network in the world, and they have become a behemoth in infrastructure. They made a fishing village called Shenzhen into the world's second largest technological centre after the Silicon Valley. They are growing into a technological power house. It has the most elaborate e-commerce and cashless payment system in the world. They have launched exploration to Mars. The Chinese are living a good life and China has become one of the safest countries in the world. The level of patriotism in the country has reached an unprecedented height.
短短30年，中国共产党已经让8亿人摆脱了贫困。发展的速度在人类历史上前所未有。他们已经建立了最大的移动网络，全世界最大的高铁网络，并且成为了基建狂魔。他们把一个叫做深圳的渔村，打造成仅次于硅谷的世界第二大科技中心。他们正在成长为技术强国。它拥有世界上最完善的电子商务和无现金支付系统。他们已经向火星发起探险活动。爱国主义也达到了前所未有的高度。
For all of the achievements, the West has nothing good to say about it. China suffers from intense anti-China propagandas from the West. Western Media used the keyword “Communist” to instil fear and hatred towards China. Everything China does is negatively reported.
They claimed China used slave labor in making iPhones. The truth was, Apple was the most profitable company in the world, it took most of the profit, leave some to Foxconn (a Taiwanese company) and little to the labor.
尽管取得了所有成就，但西方对此从来都是闭口不谈。中国正遭受西方强烈的反华宣传。西方媒体使用关键词“共产主义”来煽动对中国的恐惧和仇恨。中国所做的一切都被负面报道。他们声称中国用“奴隶劳动”来制造iPhone。而事实上，苹果公司是世界上最赚钱的公司，它赚走了大部分利润，只留一部分给富士康（一家台湾公司），而极少留给中国的劳工。
They claimed China was inhuman with one-child policy. At the same time, they accused China of polluting the earth with its huge population. The fact is the Chinese consume just 30% of energy per capita compared to the US.
They claimed China underwent ethnic cleansing in Xinjiang. The fact is China has a policy which priorities ethnic minorities. For a long time, the ethnic minorities were allowed to have two children and the majority Han only allowed one. The minorities are allowed a lower score for university intakes. There are 39,000 mosque in China, and 2100 in the US. China has about 3 times more mosque per muslim than the US.
他们声称中国实行独生子女政策是不人道的。可是同时，他们却又指责中国人口众多，污染地球。事实是，与美国相比，中国人均能耗仅为30％。他们声称中国在新疆进行了种族清洗。事实上，中国有优先考虑少数民族的政策。长期以来，少数民族被允许生育两个孩子，而大多数汉族只允许生育一个。少数民族的大学录取分数很低。
中国有39000座清真寺,美国只有2100座。中国穆斯林的人均清真寺数量大约是美国的3倍。
When terrorist attacks happened in Xinjiang, China had two choices:1. Re-educate the Uighur extremists before they turned terrorists.2. Let them be, after they launch attacks and killed innocent people, bomb their homes.China chose 1 to solve problem from the root and not to do killing. How the US solve terrorism? Fire missiles from battleships, drop bombs from the sky.
当新疆发生恐怖袭击时，中国有两个选择：1.在极端分子成为恐怖分子之前，对他们进行再教育。2.让极端分子在发动恐怖袭击和杀害无辜民众之后，轰炸他们。中国选择1，从根源上解决问题，而不是杀生。美国如何解决恐怖主义问题? 从战舰上发射导弹，从空中投下炸弹。
During the pandemic, when China took extreme measures to lockdown the people, they were accused of being inhuman.When China recovered swiftly because of the extreme measures, they were accused of lying about the actual numbers.When China's cases became so low that they could provide medical support to other countries, they were accused of politically motivated.
Western Media always have reasons to bash China.
在新冠疫情期间, 当中国采取封锁的措施时，他们被指责为不人道。而当中国因为采取积极措施而迅速恢复时，他们又被指责谎报实际数字。当中国的病例变得如此之低，以至于他们可以向其他国家提供医疗支持时，他们被指责具有政治动机。西方媒体总能找到借口抨击中国。
Just like any country, there are irresponsible individuals from China which do bad and dirty things, but the China government overall has done very well. But I hear this comment over and over by people from the West: I like Chinese people, but the CCP is evil. What they really want is the Chinese to change the government, because the current one is too good.
和任何国家一样，中国也有不负责任的人在做坏事，但中国政府的整体表现很好。我却一再听到西方人的评论：我喜欢中国人民，但政府是邪恶的。他们真正想要看到的是中国人推翻政府，因为目前的中国政府太好了。
Fortunately China is not a multi-party democratic country, otherwise the opposition party in China will be supported by notorious NGOs (Non-Government Organization) of the USA, like the NED (National Endowment for Democracy), to topple the ruling party. The US and the British couldn't crack Mainland China, so they work on Hong Kong. Of all the ex-British colonial countries, only the Hong Kongers were offered BNOs by the British. Because the UK would like the Hong Kongers to think they are British citizens, not Chinese. A divide-and-conquer strategy, which they often used in Color Revolutions around the world.
幸运的是，中国不是一个多党制国家，否则中国的反对党将得到美国臭名昭著的非政府组织的支持，例如NED（民主基金会），来推翻政府。美国和英国无法攻破中国大陆，因此他们在香港进行反华活动。在所有的前英国殖民地国家中，只有香港人被英国人提供BNO（英国海外国民身份）。因为英国希望香港人以为他们是英国公民，而不是中国公民。这种分而治之的策略，他们经常在全世界的颜色革命中使用。
They resort to low dirty tricks like detaining Huawei's CFO & banning Huawei. They raised a silly trade war which benefits no one. Trade deficit always exist between a developing and a developed country. USA is like a luxury car seller who ask a farmer: why am I always buying your vegetables and you haven't bought any of my cars?
他们采取低级下流的伎俩，例如扣留华为的CFO孟晚舟和禁止华为。他们发动了一场愚蠢的贸易战，无人受益。发展中国家和发达国家之间总是存在贸易逆差。美国就像一个卖豪车的卖家，去问一个农民：为什么我总是买你的蔬菜，而你却没买我的车？
When the Chinese were making socks for the world 30 years ago, the world let it be. But when Chinese started to make high technology products, like Huawei and DJI, it caused red-alert. Because when Western and Japanese products are equal to Chinese in technologies, they could never match the Chinese in prices. First world countries want China to continue in making socks. Instead of stepping up themselves, they want to pull China down.
30年前，当中国人为全世界做袜子的时候，全世界都听之任之。但当中国人开始制造像华为、大疆这样的高科技产品时，却引起轩然大波。因为当西方产品和日本产品在技术方面与中国不相上下时，价格方面却永远无法与中国人相提并论。
第一世界国家希望中国人继续做袜子。他们不想提高自己，而是想扯中国后腿。
The recent movement by the US against China has a very important background. When Libya, Iran, and China decided to ditch the US dollar in oil trades, Gaddafi's was killed by the US, Iran was being sanctioned by the US, and now it's China's turn. The US has been printing money out of nothing. The only reason why the US Dollar is still widely accepted, is because it's the only currency which oil is allowed to be traded with. The US has an agreement with Saudi that oil must be traded in US dollar ONLY. Without the petrol-dollar status, the US dollars will sink, and America will fall. Therefore anyone trying to disobey this order will be eliminated. China will soon use a gold-backed crypto-currency, the alarms in the White House go off like mad.
美国最近针对中国的运动具有非常重要的背景。当利比亚、伊朗和中国决定放弃美元进行石油贸易时，卡扎菲被美国杀死，伊朗被美国制裁,现在轮到中国了。美国一直在无中生有地印美钞。美元之所以仍然被广泛接受，是因为它是唯一允许与石油进行交易的货币。
美国与沙特达成一项协议，规定石油只能以美元进行交易。没有美元-石油的地位，美元就会贬值，美国国力就会下降。因此，任何企图违抗这个命令的人都会被消灭。但是中国很快将使用一种由黄金做后盾的数字货币，于是白宫的警报声像发疯了一样响起。
China's achievement has been by hard work. Not by looting the world.
I have deep sympathy for China for all the suffering, but now I feel happy for them.
China is not rising, they are going back to where they belong.Good luck China.
中国的成就一直靠着艰苦奋斗。而不是靠掠夺世界。我对中国曾遭受的所有苦难深表同情，但现在我为他们感到高兴。
中国并不是崛起，而是正在复兴，回到属于他们自己的地位。祝中国好运。
PETALING JAYA: Amid rising cases of online financial scams, Bank Negara has ordered a key service provider to raise its cybersecurity standards.
The central bank instructed ipay88 (M) Sdn Bhd to strengthen its cyber security controls and information technology (IT) infrastructure after an independent forensic investigation.
This comes just 11 days after Bank Negara told banks to up their security standards and cease using SMS one-time passwords (OTPS) in the authentication process for online banking.
ipay 88 is a provider of payment gateway services to banks and merchants in the country. It offers comprehensive online payment options such as credit or debit cards, bank transfers and other alternative online payments.
The company uses a redirect approach for its payment process, in which it redirects its customers from the merchant’s web to its web page for them to make payment.
Upon completion of the payment, customers will then be returned to the merchant’s web.
Unfortunately, on Aug 11, ipay88 issued a statement and expressed regret that there was a cybersecurity incident where card data may have been potentially compromised.
Upon discovery of the issue, ipay88 immediately initiated an investigation and brought in cybersecurity experts to contain the issue.
The containment process was successfully completed and no further suspicious activity has been detected since July 20, according to ipay88.
Bank Negara’s order this week is to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and to safeguard against future threats.
The central bank stated it will continue to closely monitor ipay88’s implementation of
these measures and where appropriate, undertake further supervisory or enforcement action.
It also directed banks and card issuers to maintain heightened vigilance over card activities that may be at risk.
Following the engagement of an independent team of cybersecurity experts to carry out a full forensic audit of its systems and payment environment, ipay88 stated the cybersecurity incident was the product of a sophisticated intrusion by an unidentified party or parties.
The intrusion specifically targeted card data from online transactions.
“There was no impact on transactions made through the Android terminals, e-wallet QR payments, online banking, BNPL, vending machines, point of sale or POS and batch card payment,” ipay88 said in a follow-up statement with regard to the earlier mentioned cybersecurity breach.
The group acknowledged that it has to bear the burden and responsibility to protect card information.
“We respectfully apologise to the Malaysian public, our business partners, and merchants for this incident,” it said.
KUALA LUMPUR: Forming the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) is timely with the worrying increase in scam cases, says Universiti Teknologi Mara School of Media and Information Warfare Studies’ security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin.
“We hope the setting up of such a central agency and budget accorded to CyberSecurity Malaysia will lead to more awareness and more participation from the public in curbing scams and cybercrimes,” he said.The government announced in Budget 2023 the formation of the NSRC that will be operational this month.
The centre involves cooperation between the police, Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).
It will act based on reports received to block accounts as well as take action against criminals.
Banking institutions will also tighten security measures for Internet banking by stopping the use of SMS one time-passwords (OTPs) for high-risk transactions.
CyberSecurity Malaysia is also allocated RM73mil, which will, among others, improve monitoring, tracking and reporting of cyberthreats including developing cyberforensic system capability.
“We believe the funds allocated to CyberSecurity will be used to develop a manual on how people can lodge reports on the numbers of suspected scammers while increasing financial literacy among the public.“We hope such efforts will lead to people becoming more wary and vigilant against tactics used by scammers, which are ever changing,” Noor Nirwandy said.
Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Thief (Marah) founder Dave Averan said the initiative to set up the NSRC was timely and welcomed, given the rampant and increasing occurrence of various financial scams on a daily basis worldwide.
“It is good that CyberSecurity Malaysia, the police, Bank Negara and MCMC are co-opted, as this collaboration provides synergy and a faster resolution to such cases.
“As in all things Malaysian, this good initiative will boil down to the actual implementation and effective carrying out of their responsibilities. Marah will definitely be keeping an eye on this,” he said.
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced on Friday (Oct 7) that RM372.3 billion will be set aside for Budget 2023 versus last year’s RM332.1 billion allocated in the previous budget.
In tabling Budget 2023, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government has allocated RM15.bil for the Higher Education Ministry and RM6.7bil for various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) activities.
Budget 2023: Income tax cut by 2% for RM50,000-RM100,000 taxable range
The personal taxation rate will be reduced by 2% on taxable income ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000 for domiciled individuals.
In tabling Budget 2023 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 7), Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said for the taxable income range RM50,001 to RM70,000, the rate will be reduced from 13% to 11%.
[LIVE] Tabling of 2023 Budget in Parliament
[LIVE] Special programme on 2023 Budget with former finance minister II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.
PETALING JAYA: Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has tabled Budget 2023, announcing an allocation of RM372.3 billion.
This represents a RM40.2 billion increase compared to the RM332.1 billion allocated for 2022.
Around RM272.3 billion has been allocated for operational expenditure and RM95 billion for development.
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Here are the highlights of Budget 2023:
Education
RM55.6 billion allocated for education, the biggest in the budget for a ministry.
RM825 million in early school aid for students, with students receiving RM150 regardless of their parents’ incomes.
RM777 million for supplementary food programme (RMT), benefiting 800,000 students and 7,300 canteen operators.
RM2.3 billion to ensure students have a conducive and safe learning environment.
RM1.1 billion to repair and maintain all schools, including vernacular and religious schools.
RM430 million to construct five new schools in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Cyberjaya and Selangor.
RM20 million to improve facilities in special needs schools.
RM188 million to set up 10 Kemas daycare centres.
Development
RM1.5 billion for sustainable development.
RM562 million to implement the Sabo dam project.
RM510 million to improve road infrastructure to Pengerang.
Pan Borneo Highway to be completed by 2024.
RM11.4 billion for maintenance and repair of existing government buildings.
RM5.2 billion for maintenance of state roads.
RM150 million for the development of border towns near Thailand and Kalimantan.
RM3.7 billion for small and medium projects across the nation.
RM500 million on G1-G4 infrastructure projects.
Social Welfare
In total, Putrajaya will spend RM10 billion in welfare and Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM) aid.
RM2.5 billion in welfare aid benefiting 450,000 households.
RM2,500 in BKM aid for households earning less than RM2,500 monthly.
Up to RM1,250 BKM aid for singles and RM3,000 for single parents.
One-off RM500 incentive for female BKM recipients who give birth in 2023.
RM7.8 billion for BKM which will benefit 8.7 million people.
RM1 billion in welfare aid for the elderly.
RM1.2 billion to support disabled people to be financially independent.
RM10 million in e-hailing vouchers for the disabled.
RM8 million for social support centres.
RM734 million for MySalam programme. This will benefit 1.5 million people from the B40 group.
Voluntary Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions raised from RM60,000 to RM100,000 a year.
RM21 million in grants for operators of welfare homes.
Limits for Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and ASB2 savings to increase to RM300,000.
Government to provide incentives to establish more daycare centres for the disabled.
RM120 million for Kasih Suri Keluarga Malaysia programme, benefiting 200,000 housewives.
Security
RM431 million to procure new assets for the police.
RM42 million to upgrade police quarters.
RM118 million for the maintenance of armed forces homes.
RM28 million to upgrade prison staff quarters.
RM73 million to enhance cybersecurity.
The government will set up a national scam response centre.
Health
Total of RM36.1 billion allocated for the health ministry.
RM11 million for subsidies for mammograms and cervical cancer screening.
RM20 million to promote Malaysia as a medical tourism destination.
RM4.9 billion for public healthcare.
RM420 million to repair dilapidated hospitals and clinics.
RM1.8 billion to purchase new equipment for hospitals and clinics.
The government to set up a mental health centre of excellence.
RM10 million to purchase 3D printing machines for dental health services.
Allocations to treat rare diseases increased to RM25 million.
RM80 million for Socso health screening programme.
RM15 million for Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat programme to encourage healthier lifestyles.
RM80 million for the PEKA B40 programme.
Import duty and sales tax exemptions for nicotine replacement therapy products.
Economy
RM235 million to support the development of female entrepreneurs.
RM50 million for young trader scheme under Bank Simpanan Nasional.
2% reduction in income tax of micro SME operators.
One-off RM1 billion grant to all registered MSMEs and taxi drivers. To benefit one million recipients.
RM45 billion Semarak Niaga funds for entrepreneurs.
RM10 billion in funds from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to automate and digitise SMEs.
RM200 million to boost income and productivity of smallholders.
GLCs and GLICs to invest up to RM50 billion in 2023.
Government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to invest RM50 billion in 2023, including RM45 billion in direct domestic investments.
The government will provide incentives for multinational companies to establish operations in Malaysia.
RM100 million to support development of local technology companies.
RM10 million in matching grants allocated to help SMEs.
RM800 million to provide RM100 e-wallet credit for 8 million people in the M40.
Petronas will contribute RM2 billion to the National Trust Fund (KWAN).
RM1.4 billion to boost connectivity in the five main economic corridors.
Civil service
RM100 subsidy for civil servants for insurance coverage.
RM1.5 billion for RM100 increment for all civil servants between Grade 11 to Grade 56.
RM1.3 billion for one-off RM700 special aid for 1.3 million civil servants under Grade 56.
RM350 one-off aid for one million retired civil servants.
Aidilfitri aid for civil servants increased to RM600.
Special leave for over 500,000 teachers.
Higher education
RM15.1 billion allocated for the higher education ministry.
RM3.8 billion for scholarships and education loans.
RM6.6 billion for Bumiputera education loans.
RM6.7 billion for TVET training and education.
RM180 million to fund TVET training, benefitting 13,000 trainees.
Up to 20% discounts for PTPTN repayments from Nov 1 to April 30, 2023.
Environment
RM15 billion for flood mitigation initiatives.
RM2 billion to build retention ponds.
RM500 million to widen rivers in Kelantan.
RM3 billion for Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS).
RM150 million from Khazanah Nasional Berhad to support development of green projects.
RM165 million for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to set up solar rooftops and EV charging stations.
Carbon tax to be introduced.
100 million trees to be planted by 2025.
The government will step up forest restoration projects.
RM100 million for ecological fiscal transfer (EFT).
RM36 million to support conservation of elephants and other endangered species.
RM216 million to clean rivers nationwide.
Job creation and community support
The MyStep programme will provide 50,000 jobs including 15,000 in the public sector and 35,000 in government-linked companies (GLCs).
RM750 million to upskill 800,000 workers.
RM100 million for Mitra to develop entrepreneurs.
Socso to provide incentives for employers to hire the disabled, Orang Asli, ex-convicts and women returning to work. The incentive worth up to RM750 a month will be given for three months per employee.
Socso will provide incentives for employers to hire jobless youths.
RM50 million to boost Bumiputera commercial property ownership.
RM20 million to set up new urban transformation centres (UTC).
RM11 million on mobile bank initiatives.
RM63 million for development of human capital.
RM50 million to support development of female contractors.
RM100 million for Khazanah’s Yayasan Hasanah to conduct various community initiatives.
Sabah and Sarawak
Total RM11.7 billion allocated for Sabah and Sarawak.
RM1.2 billion to improve the infrastructure in dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak.
RM209 million to subsidise air travel to rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
RM1.5 billion to improve transport infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak.
RM100 million to improve the water supply system in Sarawak.
RM250 million for expansion of the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP).
Taxes
Personal income tax reduced by 2% for those earning between RM50,001 to RM100,000.
This will benefit over one million people in the M40.
Income tax exemptions of up to RM3,000 for Tadika and daycare fees.
Tax incentives to attract investors.
Government reiterates implementation of Tax Identification Number to widen tax base.
Tax incentives for local pharmaceutical companies will be extended.
Tax incentives and RM50 million to support development of aerospace components.
The government will provide special incentives for investors in the chemical and petrol chemical industry.
Import duties and sales tax exemptions for the purchase of film equipment.
Tax incentives for NGOs involved in sports at the grassroots level.
Tax incentives for green initiatives extended to Dec 31, 2025.
100% income tax exemption for manufacturers of EV charging parts.
Additional tax deductions for employers who hire former residents of juvenile institutions.
Government to introduce qualified domestic minimum top-up tax.
Tourism
RM200 million to promote tourism recovery.
RM90 million in grants to promote tourism activities.
New chartered flights to and from East Asia and the Middle East.
RM10 million to promote eco-tourism.
RM25 million in incentives to promote domestic tourism.
RM500 million in tourism financing from BNM.
RM10 million for the ThinkCity initiative in Kuala Lumpur.
Arts and Culture
RM50 million to support the local film industry.
RM102 million to support local artists.
RM5 million to strengthen national language programmes.
RM10 million to support preservation of local languages and cultures.
Commodities
RM200 million to subsidise the logistic cost for the distribution of essential goods.
The government will hold Keluarga Malaysia sales offering essential items at more affordable prices.
The government will continue measures to combat the illicit cigarette trade.
RM20 million in matching grants to support development of local products.
RM10 million to support the made in Malaysia campaign.
RM92 million for development of the halal industry.
Approved permit fees for import of EVs extended to Dec 31 next year.
RM256 million in monsoon aid for rubber smallholders.
Agriculture
RM1.8 billion in subsidies for farmers and fishermen.
RM228 million in aid for padi farmers. This will benefit 240,000 people.
The government will introduce an agriculture protection scheme.
RM1 billion to fund agrofood programmes.
RM56 million to support sustainable farming.
RM315 million for rubber planting programmes.
RM40 million to encourage smallholders to diversify their crops.
RM70 million to support the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification programme.
The government will support automation initiatives in the plantation sector.
Defence
RM17.4 billion for the defence ministry, including RM4 billion for the purchase of new military assets.
RM485 million for the maintenance of all MMEA ships and boats.
RM330 million for EV infrastructure.
Transport
RM180 million to improve bus services in Melaka, Kedah, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Continuation of My50 RapidKL monthly pass to benefit 180,000 users.
RM16.5 billion for major transport infrastructure projects.
RM50.2 billion for the MRT3 project.
RM1 billion for the maritime and logistics industry.
Housing
Stamp duty discounts of up to 75% for houses worth between RM500,000 to RM1 million.
RM10 stamp duty for properties transferred between family members.
RM367 million to build people’s housing projects (PPRs), to benefit 12,400 new residents.
RM3 billion for housing credit guarantees.
RM40 electric bill subsidy to be extended.
Digital connectivity
Phase 2 of the Jendela project to involve RM8 billion in investments, including from industry players.
RM700 million allocated for Jendela to expand digital connectivity in 47 industrial areas and 3,700 schools.
Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to spend RM1.3 billion in infrastructure development to widen 5G internet coverage nationwide.
Youth and sports
RM305 million in loans for youths to start businesses.
The government will introduce a special internet package for youths at RM30 for three months.
RM400 million to continue the e-Pemula scheme, which will benefit two million youths aged 18 to 20.
The government will bear the costs of e-hailing, taxi, and motorcycle licences for youths.
RM145 million to improve sporting infrastructure nationwide.
RM154 million to develop the local sporting ecosystem.
RM20 million to develop a drag race circuit.
RM13 million to develop e-sports.
RM12 million to support disabled athletes.
Rural communities
RM305 million for the Orang Asli community.
RM2.6 billion for Felda, Felcra and Risda.
RM472 million to improve rural electricity infrastructure.
RM54 million to build 85 new bridges in rural areas.
Disaster management
Additional RM400 million in allocation for the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to prepare for year-end floods.
RM100 million allocated for the national disaster relief fund.
RM20 million in grants for community associations to assist in natural disasters.
Others
RM1.5 billion for Islamic development.
RM150 million for the maintenance and repairs for educational facilities under Jakim.
RM364 million for research and development for higher education as well as science, technology and innovation ministry.
RM30 million to improve I-Saraan programme that will benefit 100,000 people.
All self-employed people will be required to contribute to Socso from next year onwards.
The government will introduce e-invoice similar to initiatives in France and Brazil.
The government will table a consumer credit bill in the second quarter of 2023.
Budget 2023 will offer assistance to all segments of society. Here are some of the highlights:
The government will be adopting a holistic approach to improve economic recovery and the rakyat’s wellbeing postpandemic.
Defence/ Home Ministry
Rm17.4bil for Mindef
> Rm4bil for Malaysian armed Forces assets procurement and maintenance.
> rm47mil for two additional field hospitals in Kluang and Kota Kinabalu as early measure for national disasters.
> Rm118mil for rumah Keluarga angkatan tentera (rkat).
> 50% off for 21,000 armed Forces and police veterans card holders on
all Prasarana public transport services in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor,
Pahang and Penang.
Rm18.3bil for Home Ministry
> Rm431mil for procurement and maintenance of police assets.
> Rm42mil for police quarters upgrades and repairs.
> Rm18mil for Prisons department to acquire body scanners and upgrade facilities at five correctional centres.
> Rm485mil for Malaysian Maritime enforcement agency (Mmea) ships and vessels maintenance.
Health
> Rm36.1bil to be allocated to Health Ministry.
> Rm4.9bil to step up capacity of healthcare sector (includes procurement of medicines, reagents and vaccines, among others).
> Rm420mil to repair dilapidated hospitals, clinics and replacing medical equipment.
> Rm80mil for Pekab40 Health scheme.
> Rm734mil for mysalam.
> Rm1.8bil for the construction of new hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities.
> Rm34mil to set up mental health centres. Rm25mil to be
allocated for Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital tunku azizah which will
be reference centres for rare diseases.
MALAYSIA’S economy is expected to grow by 4% to 5% in 2023 after posting a growth rate of between 6.5% and 7% this year.
“Despite a softening world economic growth and trade activities, the
economy is projected to grow between 4% and 5% in 2023, supported by
steady domestic demand, a vibrant services sector, implementation of new
and ongoing high multiplier infrastructure projects and sustained
exports.
“The government will continue to monitor global developments as well as
implement appropriate policies and reform initiatives to strengthen the
economy and fiscal position to withstand potential external shocks,
improve people’s livelihoods and enhance business resilience,” said the
Economic Outlook for 2023.
The global economy is projected to grow by 2.9% in 2023, albeit
moderately due to slower-than-expected growth in both advanced economies
as well as emerging markets and developing economies.
For Malaysia, the services sector is forecast to grow by 5% in 2023,
benefitting from the sustained domestic demand in spite of moderate
global economic growth.
Growth will continue to be mainly driven by wholesale and retail trade;
real estate and business services; information and communication;
transportation and storage; and food and beverages and accommodation
subsectors.
The manufacturing sector is forecast to grow by 3.9%, supported by
expansion in all subsectors. Output in export-oriented industries is
anticipated to increase despite a softening global trade, with the
electrical and electronic segment continuing to drive the industries.
In addition, the output of the rubber-based products segment is
projected to rise, mainly attributed to the increase in production of
tyres and tubes following buoyant global demand for motor vehicles.
For 2023, the agriculture sector is forecast to increase by 2.3%,
attributed to an improvement in labour supply within the sector. The oil
palm subsector is expected to expand on account of higher output
following an increase in fresh fruit bunch production and a better oil
extraction rate.
The price of palm oil is forecast to average at RM4,300 per tonne in
2023 compared with RM5,000 per tonne in 2022 and higher than the last
10-year average of RM2,685 per tonne, as supply of global edible oils
and fats is anticipated to remain tight.
The mining sector is expected to expand by 1.1% on account of higher
natural gas output as the completion of new pipeline projects in
Sarawak, namely the Kasawari, Jerun and Timi, is anticipated to boost
production, especially during the second half of the year.
Brent crude oil price is expected to record a lower average of US$90 (RM412) per barrel.
The construction sector is forecast to expand by 4.7% in 2023 following a
better performance in all subsectors. The civil engineering subsector
is anticipated to rebound, buoyed by implementation of new projects such
as the Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 Circle Line and acceleration of
ongoing infrastructure projects which include the Rapid Transit System
(RTS) Link, East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and Light Rail Transit Line 3
(LRT3).
In addition, the approved investment projects in the manufacturing
sector are anticipated to come onstream and subsequently create greater
demand for industrial buildings.
The economy is expected to remain resilient, with domestic demand
continuing to drive growth amid a softening global environment. Private
sector expenditure is forecast to grow at 5.8% with the share to gross
domestic product (GDP) at 76.2%, while public sector expenditure is
projected to expand by 2% with the share to GDP at 17%. Hence, domestic
demand is envisaged to further expand by 5.1%.
Private consumption, which has been robust despite global
uncertainties, is anticipated to grow by 6.3%. The growth forecast will
be supported by continuous improvement in the labour market as well as
robust economic and social activities particularly the tourism-related
activities.
The special financial assistance in January 2023 to civil servants
and pensioners will support household disposable income and stimulate
private spending.
Private investment is projected to register a growth of 3.7%
attributed to an increase in capital spending in technology-intensive
manufacturing and services sectors, particularly Ict-related machinery
and equipment.
The continuation of large-scale transportrelated projects such as
ECRL, LRT3 and RTS Link will also provide impetus to public investment.
These initiatives are expected to help public investment increase by
2.1% in 2023. Public consumption is also projected to expand by 2% on
account of higher spending on emoluments, mainly due to special
additional annual salary increment for civil servants.
The share of CE (Employee Compensation) of GDP is projected to rise to 35.2% in 2023.
However, the share is still relatively lower than comparable peers
and advanced economies. Thus, in ensuring a more equitable sharing of
the growth benefit between employees and capital owners, there is a need
for a paradigm shift from the low-wage labour market structure towards a
more decent wage standard. Otherwise, insufficient wage increase from
the current level may deter the attainment of the long-term CE target of
40% of GDP in 2025 under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
In line with strong economic growth expectation supported by
continued efforts to prevent revenue leakages and strategies to
implement a wider tax base, income from indirect tax and non-tax revenue
on production and imports is projected to expand by 7.5%.
Meanwhile, with the expiration of the Covid19 Fund assistance,
subsidy expenditure is expected to decrease significantly by 50.2%.
Thus, income from taxes less subsidies on production and imports is expected to record a larger increase in 2023.
Gross exports are expected to moderate by 2.2% across all sectors,
supported by modest external demand due to lacklustre growth following
global uncertainties arising from prolonged geopolitical tensions,
supply chain disruptions and volatility in global commodity prices.
Gross imports are expected to increase marginally by 0.2% on
account of high demand for capital, intermediate and consumption goods
indicating sustained domestic demand and improvement in investment
activities.
Fiscal deficit at 5.5% to GDP
The Federal Government’s revenue collection in 2023 is projected to be
lower at Rm272.6bil or 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) due to lower,
anticipated non-tax revenue collection.
In the Fiscal Outlook 2023, it said the nontax revenue is expected at
Rm67bil, declining 23% from 2022 due to lower dividends from government
entities.
However, tax revenue remains the major contributor and is anticipated to
grow moderately by 3.7% to Rm205.6bil, in line with the projected
slower economic recovery.
In line with the targeted spending approach, total expenditure in 2023
is projected to be slightly lower at Rm372.3bil or 20.5% of GDP, mainly
due to the expiry of the Covid-19 Fund.
The allocation for operating expenditure is reduced to Rm272.3bil,
primarily due to lower allocation for subsidies following the expected
moderation in commodity prices and gradual move towards a targeted
subsidy approach.
Meanwhile, the development expenditure allocation is projected to
increase significantly to Rm95bil on account of higher allocation for
the 12th Malaysia Plan programmes and projects such as construction of
highways and railways, medical facilities as well as educational
institutions.
In addition, a sum of Us$3bil (Rm14bil) is provided for the redemption of 1Malaysia Development Bhd bond.
Moreover, a sum of Rm5bil is for outstanding payments of the Covid-19 fund commitments made in 2022.
Overall, the fiscal deficit is expected to reduce to 5.5% of GDP in line
with the government’s commitment towards consolidating the fiscal
position for a more sustainable public finance in the medium term.
Similarly, the primary deficit is estimated to reduce to 2.9% of GDP.
Guided by the medium-term fiscal framework (MTFF), the fiscal
consolidation will be accelerated once the inflationary pressure
dissipates and the economy fully recovers.
The MTFF 2023-2025 has been revised with underlying assumptions of
real GDP growth averaging 6%, crude oil prices at US$90 (RM417) per
barrel and stable crude oil production of 530,000 barrels per day.
These assumptions offer conservative estimates of revenue and prudent expenditure allocation during the MTFF period.
Total revenue in the medium-term is projected at Rm854.3bil or
14.7% of GDP, mainly contributed by non-petroleum revenue which is
estimated at Rm699.5bil or 12% of GDP.
Petroleum-related revenue is forecast at Rm154.8bil or 2.7% of GDP.
On the expenditure side, the total indicative ceiling for the
three years is estimated at RM1.1 trillion or 19.1% of GDP with OE
allocation projected at Rm842.8bil or 14.5% of GDP, and DE at Rm263.9bil
or 4.5% of GDP.
Overall, the fiscal deficit is expected to consolidate at a
gradual pace with the overall balance averaging at 4.4% of GDP for the
MTFF period.
Moving forward, the government is committed to improving the
credibility of the fiscal policy conduct and framework through holistic
reforms. The experience of other countries in reforming their fiscal
framework provides a valuable reference for the government in adopting
fiscal reform initiatives based on international best practices.
