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- ☕️ Rakan KKM: "Premium economy" healthcare services at public hospital to launch year-end
☕️ Rakan KKM: "Premium economy" healthcare services at public hospital to launch year-end
What's next for Roblox in Malaysia? Subsidy rationalisation new chapter: Govt. eyes sugar, rice, cooking oil next. Cybercriminals new target - offline cargo containers.
Finance Finlit & The Coffee Break
November 04, 2025
1. MARKET SUMMARY 📈
2. NUMBERS AT A GLANCE 🔢
1,183 cases. That’s how many cases of domestic violence involving male victims have been recorded up to July this year, according to Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Noraini Ahmad. The government is addressing this by actively implementing a strategic initiative aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan’s focus on strengthening family institutions. This initiative, called the Gentlemen of the Nation Programme, will be implemented by the National Population and Family Development Board, which is also responsible for developing the Gentlemen Education Module. The programme looks to empower men in their roles as husbands, fathers, and responsible members of society.
According to PM Anwar Ibrahim, nearly RM20 bil was allocated by the government for various assistance programmes targeting the low-income group this year, which helped to reduce the country’s hardcore poor rate to 0.09%. But what constitutes hardcore poverty? According to the Department of Statistics, a household is considered to be in hardcore poverty if its gross monthly household income is below the Food Poverty Line Income. This indicates that the household does not earn enough to meet basic calorie requirements. As of 2024, the Food Poverty Line Income limit was RM1,236, with any households earning below that deemed hardcore poor.
Here’s a side hustle that looks interesting. A woman in San Francisco charges USD30,000 (RM125,924.97) to name babies. She started at USD100, but she was going to dinner with venture capitalists and a friend told her to charge more, so she did. The business is called a Name Consultancy, and promises bespoke naming services that combine creativity, branding expertise, and cultural insights to craft meaningful names that reflect a child’s unique identity and legacy. Interested? Check out her site here.
There is a woman in San Francisco who charges $30k to name your baby.
She started at $100, but she was going to dinner with VCs and a friend told her to charge more and nobody blinked.
The Bay Area might be the best place in the world for this kind of business.
— Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi)
1:47 PM • Sep 28, 2025
3. IN MALAYSIA 🇲🇾
Malaysia and Roblox
AI, humans to monitor the game: Roblox, one of the world’s biggest online gaming platforms, is stepping up its safety game with the help of AI and human monitoring. The move comes after growing concerns about how safe kids really are on the platform. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh shared that Roblox has agreed to work closely with the Malaysian government, especially when it comes to data sharing and following local rules. In a Facebook post, she said she raised her concerns directly with Roblox representatives, reminding them that kids deserve a digital world that’s both fun and safe.
To ban? Previously, the government was considering whether to ban popular online gaming platforms Roblox and UMI due to rising concerns about child safety and exposure to inappropriate content. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said Malaysia is observing Australia’s upcoming regulations on Roblox before making any decision. The move comes after a shocking case in Johor, where a six-year-old boy was seriously injured by his nine-year-old brother following an argument over the game. Authorities believe the fight started when the younger sibling accidentally caused his brother to lose points. The incident has reignited debate over gaming safety for children.
Anger is the issue: However, not everyone is on board with the ban. Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan has urged the government not to ban Roblox, calling it a disproportionate move. He said the focus should be on better online regulations, not blanket bans. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil agreed, noting the incident was more about anger management than the game itself. He reminded parents to monitor their children’s online activities, stressing that devices should not replace parental supervision. He also assured that while the government will act against misinformation online, it remains committed to protecting freedom of speech and avoiding a “police state.”
Making Caning Great Again - meet the Rotan 17 Pro Max:
Rakan KKM set for year-end launch
The Health Ministry is now planning to launch its Rakan KKM programme by the end of this year, starting with Cyberjaya Hospital, after missing its earlier mid-year and third-quarter targets. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly said he hopes the first patient will be treated under the initiative before 2025 ends. First announced during Budget 2025 by PM Anwar, Rakan KKM is meant to offer “premium economy” healthcare services at selected public hospitals. In simple terms, patients who want extra comfort can pay out-of-pocket for added benefits like personalised care, choosing their specialists, and better ward privacy. The programme also aims to give healthcare workers a chance to earn more while bringing in extra funds to improve public hospitals.
After a few delays, the first phase will kick off with orthopaedic and internal medicine services at Cyberjaya Hospital. Still, not everyone is a fan of the idea. Some critics worry that Rakan KKM could lead to a two-tier system, where people who can afford to pay get faster treatment while others have to wait. Others are concerned that it might lead to some form of privatisation in public healthcare. Dr Dzulkefly has brushed off these claims, explaining that Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd is fully owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc) and will only involve government-linked investment companies (GLICs) in the future. He added that the programme will follow the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 2006 to ensure it stays fair and transparent. Dr Dzulkefly said Rakan KKM is about finding a balance that benefits everyone: patients, healthcare workers, and the public system as a whole.
Shorts
Case closed: Utusan accepts Nga’s sorry
Utusan Malaysia has accepted Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s apology after his comments about one of its reporters. The paper’s editor said it’s all settled and time to move on, adding that hopefully everyone can learn from it. Nga also met with the media and said the government fully supports press freedom. Watch the incident here (starts from 40th second).
More subsidy cuts on sugar, rice, oil
Malaysia’s planning to tweak subsidies for sugar, rice, and cooking oil — slowly but surely, says Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. The goal? Make sure only those who really need it get the help. Right now, the focus is on fuel subsidies, which got a revamp in September, and later the plan is to sort out how all the other subsidies are handed out.Namewee: I’m no junkie
Malaysian rapper Namewee has denied taking drugs or having anything to do with the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in a hotel bathtub. He said he’s been unfairly linked to the case and that the truth will come out once police reports are released. KL police confirmed that Namewee has been charged with drug use and possession, and he was also tested positive for a cocktail of drugs, including amphetamines, metamphetamine, ketamine and THC.
4. AROUND THE WORLD 🌎
Trump says other countries can’t have Nvidia’s top AI chips
US President Donald Trump has decreed that AI giant Nvidia’s most advanced chips will be reserved for US companies and kept out of other countries, including China. In making his comments to that effect, he was referring to Nvidia’s top-tier Blackwell chips. These remarks suggest that tighter restrictions on cutting-edge American chips are upcoming. Just last Friday, Nvidia said it would supply over 260,000 Blackwell chips to South Korea and some of the country’s biggest businesses. Trump’s remarks also throw into question whether or not Trump would allow shipments of a scaled-down version of the Blackwell chips to China. He suggested he might allow this back in August.
Crime
Mexicans call for justice after death of anti-crime mayor
Mexicans in the western state of Michoacan have called for justice after Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, 40, was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event in the city. The attacker, who shot Manzo seven times, was killed at the scene. Manzo was an outspoken critic of organised crime, often calling on the federal government to do more to fight organised crime. Multiple politicians, including other mayors, and journalists have been killed in recent months and years for speaking out against organised crime in the area. The government, led by the Morena party of President Claudia Sheinbaum, has promised justice for Manzo. Mexico’s security minister shared that Manzo had been under protection since December 2024, but the aggressors took advantage of the vulnerability of a public event.
New research shows hackers now targeting trucking, freight firms
Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint Inc said it has high confidence that the hackers targeting trucking and freight companies to steal and sell cargo shipments are working with organised crime groups. The attackers usually look to infect the computer networks of trucking carriers and freight brokers with tools that provide remote access, with the ultimate goal of hijacking the cargo. The stolen cargo is likely sold online or shipped overseas afterwards. This is a growing campaign that creates massive disruptions to supply chains. The criminals are not picky about what they steal either, with the stolen goods ranging from energy drinks to electronics. Cargo theft losses could reach as much as USD35 bil (RM146.9 bil) in annual losses.
British man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder for knife attack on train
Anthony Williams, 32, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over a knife attack on a London-bound train. The mass attack saw 11 injured, including a crewmember who is in a critical but stable condition. In total, Williams faces 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and two counts of possession of a bladed article. The 11th charge of attempted murder took place at a station in east London earlier that same day. Officers have concluded that the incident was not terrorism-related.
Business
ExxonMobil could be forced to exit Europe by EU sustainability law
The US energy giant could be forced out of Europe due to a sustainability law that could cost the firm 5% of their global revenue. ExxonMobil is the latest company to urge European lawmakers to revise the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Tla requires companies doing business in the EU to identify and address human rights and environmental risks across their supply chains. The directive demands that large companies implement climate transition plans that align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which is technically unfeasible, especially since it affects operations outside of Europe. While lawmakers are listening, no substantial changes have happened.
Pakistan inks USD5 bil deal with China for submarines
Pakistan will be taking delivery of eight Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarines by 2028. The deal, worth an estimated USD5 bil (RM21 bil), should see the first vessel enter service in 2026. The first four will be built in China, while the latter will be assembled in Pakistan to improve the country’s technical capabilities. The submarines will project power towards the Middle East, with Pakistan becoming better able to patrol the North Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Pakistan is China’s largest arms customer, buying over 60% of China’s weapons exports between 2020 to 2024.
Shorts
6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes northern Afghanistan, at least 20 dead
The earthquake struck near the city of Mazar-e Sharif, killing at least 20, injuring hundreds more, and damaging the city’s historic Blue Mosque. Authorities expect the death toll to rise, even as rescue teams arrive at remote villages in the worst-hit provinces. The Blue Mosque, one of the holiest sites in the country and believed to be the burial site of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad, remains standing. However, social media footage showed broken masonry and tiles in the courtyard of the mosque, showing it had not escaped unscathed.15 missing after floods in Indonesia’s Papua
At least 15 people, mostly children, are missing and likely dead after floods and landslides hit Indonesia’s Papua region after heavy rain. The children, aged between eight and 17 years old, were on their way home and attempted to cross a river when the floods happened. They initially took refuge on some big rocks, but the current was too strong and swept them away. Some rocks even fell and buried them. The difficult terrain has hampered search efforts, due to the location being an eight-hour trek from the nearest town.
5. FOR YOUR EYES 📺
We travel the world today
