Friday, 6 February 2026

Author: Sarah Hafizah Chandra

BUDI95: More than just filling tanks

WHEN the government introduced the BUDI95 initiative, Malaysians wasted no time in making their way to the nearest petrol stations. It is not every day that fuel prices are set at RM1.99 per litre, especially in an era where every penny saved matters. The sight of longer queues at the

Diapers, deliveries, and a new definition of priority

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, savings smaller, and a home happier.” – Anonymous WHEN you become a parent, the world around you shifts in ways you never quite anticipate. Suddenly, your priorities take on a new shape – what once seemed important now feels like

Tiny pests, big motherhood worries

“Ants are the dominant insects of the world, and they’ve had a great impact on habitats almost all over the land surface of the world for more than 50 million years.” – American biologist and naturalist, E. O. Wilson IF there is one thing that appears to unite households –

From car park to care: The overlooked healthcare challenge

“When Solomon said there was a time and a place for everything he had not encountered the problem of parking his automobile,” Bob Edwards WHEN we talk about healthcare, most minds go straight to doctors, nurses, or the quality of treatment provided within the four walls of a hospital. Rarely

From traffic jams to smoother journeys

‘Investing in public transportation helps create jobs, reduces traffic congestion, and improves air quality.’ – Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City IT had been some time since I last ventured beyond short trips in the neighbourhood. Between working from home, settling into the rhythm of motherhood and simply

It takes a village, even a small one

‘Postpartum is a quest back to yourself. Alone in your body again. You will never be the same, you are stronger than you were.’ – Amethyst Joy WHEN it comes to traditions, we often strive to follow and uphold them as they remain integral parts of our lives. One such

Trial, error and the baby algorithm

“Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do.” – American commentator, Matt Walsh BECOMING a first-time parent is like stepping into a world where every day feels like both a test and a lesson. No matter

Malaysia can learn from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand on reducing smoking prevalence

SMOKING remains a significant public health and economic challenge in Malaysia, with tobacco-related illnesses contributing to countless preventable deaths each year and placing immense pressure on the country’s healthcare system. The global tobacco epidemic has forced governments to adopt varying approaches to reduce smoking prevalence, ranging from traditional cessation campaigns

Vape regulation: Balancing safety and innovation

AS Malaysia continues to grapple with rising vape usage, particularly among youths, experts caution against prohibitionist approaches that may worsen the very issues they seek to solve. Instead, the call is growing louder for evidence-based regulation and stronger enforcement – not blanket bans. Public health expert, Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat

More than just milk

ONE of the many new responsibilities that come with motherhood is ensuring your newborn is well-nourished – whether through breastfeeding or formula feeding. For many new mothers, this decision is deeply personal and sometimes even emotional. Some are guided by medical advice, others by their circumstances, and many by their