Malaysia’s poverty policies often rely on ethnic-based approaches—but experts say this fails to address deep regional divides. We spoke to developmental economist Dr Kenneth Simler, formerly with the World Bank, about why poverty remains concentrated in states like Sabah and what a fairer strategy might look like.

Other stories we covered:

• Vape tax could rise tenfold: The Ministry of Health has proposed raising the vape liquid tax from 40 sen to RM4 per millilitre to curb usage. We reached out to Dr Wency Bui, Senior Lecturer at the School of Business & Economics at Universiti Putra Malaysia, to ask if higher prices can effectively deter vaping or risk driving it underground.

• Transport experts want meaningful initiatives: Ahead of Budget 2026, transport experts are calling for modest but high-impact solutions, like shaded walkways and safe crossings, over mega infrastructure projects. We asked Masria Mustafa, Associate Professor at the School of Civil Engineering at Universiti Teknologi MARA whether smaller, people-focused investments can create lasting change.

• Leasehold reminder for PJ homeowners: With many Petaling Jaya homes nearing the end of their 99-year leases, residents are being reminded to act early to secure renewals that can take up to two years. We reached out to Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran and chairman of the Section 16/3 Petaling Jaya Residents Association, VKK Raja Teagarajan, on why this issue matters now and what steps leaseholders should take.

• Penang to gazette 10 dishes as National Heritage: Ten beloved Penang dishes, including nasi kandar and roti benggali, will soon be gazetted as National Heritage. Officials say it’s a step to preserve local food culture. We discuss.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Sneha Harikannan, Lim Sue Ann, Alia Zefri, Sitara Darini, Sudais Ferhard

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Susan Tam

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Categories:  food,  culture,  History/Heritage,  property,  financial wellness,  alternatives,  Cars/Motoring,  wellness,  Law/Activism

Tags:  national heritage,  penang,  petaling jaya,  homeowners,  transport,  mega-infrastructure projects,  vape tax,  poverty,  sabah,  Budget2026,