Malaysia plans to ban children under 16 from signing up for social media accounts starting next year, using strict eKYC verification, hoping to address rising school violence. Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director for the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication, Monash University Malaysia, shares his take on this seemingly hurried put together legislation.



This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Malaysia plans to ban children under 16 from signing up for social media accounts starting next year, using strict eKYC verification, hoping to address rising school violence. Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director for the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication, Monash University Malaysia, shares his take on this seemingly hurried put together&nbsp;legislation.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better,&nbsp;fly&nbsp;Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Malaysia’s New Age-16 Social Media Rule

The Election Commission has unveiled its proposed boundary maps for Sarawak, following the State Assembly’s decision to expand from 82 to 99 constituencies. While officially aimed at improving voter representation, redelineation exercises often spark debates over gerrymandering, malapportionment, and political advantage.

Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist at Sunway University and co-founder of Project SAMA, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to share his analysis of how these new boundary proposals reshape power dynamics and what voters should scrutinise before the objection window closes.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Election Commission has unveiled its proposed boundary maps for Sarawak, following the State Assembly’s decision to expand from 82 to 99 constituencies. While officially aimed at improving voter representation, redelineation exercises often spark debates over gerrymandering, malapportionment, and political advantage.Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist at Sunway University and co-founder of Project SAMA, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to share his analysis of how these new boundary proposals reshape power dynamics and what voters should scrutinise before the objection window closes. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sarawak’s Redelineation: Who Benefits from 99 Seats?

On the eve of Merdeka, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out six immediate cost-of-living and business relief measures, with promises of further support to come. But with first-half fiscal deficit numbers widening to 4.2% and oil prices hovering near $95 a barrel, questions remain over how the government will balance targeted public aid with its broader fiscal consolidation targets. Dr. Mohamad Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore what these national day measures might signal for the upcoming tabling of Budget 2027 and our fiscal position ahead.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

On the eve of Merdeka, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out six immediate cost-of-living and business relief measures, with promises of further support to come. But with first-half fiscal deficit numbers widening to 4.2% and oil prices hovering near $95 a barrel, questions remain over how the government will balance targeted public aid with its broader fiscal consolidation targets. Dr. Mohamad Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore what these national day measures might signal for the upcoming tabling of Budget 2027 and our fiscal position ahead. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Merdeka Announcements: Signals for Budget 2027?

India’s economy expanded a stronger-than-expected 7.8% in the April-to-June quarter, reinforcing its position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite higher energy costs and global trade disruption. Yet growth has moderated from the previous quarter, while investor enthusiasm for Indian equities remains surprisingly weak. What is driving the economy’s resilience, where are the vulnerabilities emerging, and is India growing quickly enough to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

India’s economy expanded a stronger-than-expected 7.8% in the April-to-June quarter, reinforcing its position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite higher energy costs and global trade disruption. Yet growth has moderated from the previous quarter, while investor enthusiasm for Indian equities remains surprisingly weak. What is driving the economy’s resilience, where are the vulnerabilities emerging, and is India growing quickly enough to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s New Age-16 Social Media Rule

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