Malaysia Edition: Sun’s not shining on solar panel makers | Cops battle the bulge

By The Straits Times | Created at 2025-01-22 05:12:30 | Updated at 2025-01-22 07:57:37 2 hours ago
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Jan 22, 2025, 12:30 PM

Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.


Mr Donald Trump was inaugurated as US President on Monday, with the region watching for his pronouncements on trade measures, particularly more tariffs on China’s exports to the country.

While Malaysia and other South-east Asian countries have benefited in recent years from companies relocating operations to the region to bypass US tariffs, this state of affairs may not last. 

Already, Chinese-owned solar panel makers located in Malaysia are shutting shop or scaling back, reports Zunaira Saieed, amid growing scrutiny and clampdowns by the previous US administration on their ‘China Plus One’ strategy.

Turning to health matters, Malaysians are facing a marked increase in healthcare costs, even at government hospitals, reports Hazlin Hassan. Meanwhile, the police force is embarking on yet another battle of the bulge, setting a maximum Body Mass Index target for cops seeking promotions. 

We will be taking a break next week for Chinese New Year; see you in February. 

Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.


Chinese solar panel makers close plants, scale back production in Malaysia as US tariffs bite

Smaller Chinese firms in the supply chain are also impacted.

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Fee hikes at top public hospital raise concerns as healthcare costs go up

The move came amid high living costs and soaring health insurance premiums. 

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Asean must strengthen integration to guard against geopolitical risks: S’pore Foreign Minister

The Asean foreign ministers’ retreat took place in Langkawi.

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After Joe Biden’s four years in office, South-east Asia emerges as a key winner

Strategic diversification by South-east Asian nations may be Mr Biden’s legacy here.

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Police force ties promotions to BMI as it tackles officers’ bulging waistlines

Officers will now have to keep their BMI at 28 or less if they hope to climb the ranks.

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Jumbo roadblock: Family has harrowing encounter with wild elephants on highway

A group of seven elephants surrounded the family’s car.

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