This measure stems from a European Commission regulation dated June 16, 2023. It is part of the wider framework of the European Green Deal, which seeks to promote a more circular and sustainable economy.

As detailed by the EU, this energy label will display a host of key information, starting with the smartphone or tablet's energy efficiency rating, from A (best performance) to G (worst performance). On the same label, consumers will be able to find the estimated battery life (in hours and minutes) and the battery endurance, or its expected lifespan in number of charge cycles.

The label will also specify the device's durability, resistance to dust and water, and repairability index, ranging from A (highly repairable) to E (not very repairable). Finally, a QR code will give consumers access to an online database containing detailed information on the product and its battery composition.

The aim of this label is to inform consumers about the performance and durability of the device they wish to purchase. Ultimately, the idea is to reduce the environmental footprint of these devices by encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient, easy-to-repair models. The label will be required for all smartphones and tablets sold in the EU from June 20. – AFP Relaxnews 

Two economists believe the Trump tariffs will have a deep impact on the global economy but a third says other factors will have to come into play to push it to the brink.

TKS Yugendran from Bait Al-Amanah and Nazari Ismail of Universiti Malaya rate the risk of such an outcome at the global level as “very high” but Nazari’s colleague Goh Lim Thye believes it will come to pass only if tension builds up.

Yugendran said the tariffs will raise costs for the average American, leading to a drop in disposable income.

“This raises the possibility of a drop in consumer and business confidence. This will trigger a recession (in the US) that will eventually spread across the globe,” he told FMT Business.

“The US is just hurting itself with the tariffs,” he said, noting that financial institutions such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs shared the same sentiment.

The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Women and Single Mothers Association says this will support child development.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Women and Single Mothers Association president Sheilla Tukimin suggested that beneficiaries of the initiative be allowed to redeem items such as diapers, fish, chicken, and vegetables to meet their daily needs.

Sheilla said the proposal was aimed at supporting children’s growth, focusing on hygiene care, and encouraging healthy eating habits.

“It would be better if the government expanded the range of items that can be redeemed as each family has different needs,” she said.

“If possible, fresh produce should also be allowed as many families in the B40 and M40 groups cook at home. I urge the government to consider this.”

The SARA programme allows recipients to use their MyKads for the purchase of essential items at participating supermarkets and retail stores nationwide.

They cautioned that mercury is a common ingredient found in products flagged by the Health Ministry.

Dr Chin Shih Choon, past president of the Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, said skincare products containing mercury posed serious health risks due to its toxic effects on the body.

Such products could cause skin and kidney damage, neurological effects, respiratory issues, hormonal disruptions and environmental contamination, he said.

“Pregnant women using mercury-containing products risk passing the toxin to their unborn child, which lead to developmental issues, brain damage and birth defects. Breast-fed infants may also be exposed through contaminated milk,” he said.

Dr Chin said to be safe, one should always choose skincare products that comply with regulatory standards and avoid those containing mercury or its compounds such as mercuric chloride, calomel and mercurous chloride.

“If you suspect mercury exposure, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice. Con­sult a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor before using new skincare products, especially if they claim fast whitening or anti-ageing effects.

Pegawai Pendidikan Persatuan Pengguna Pulau Pinang (CAP) dan aktivis, NV Subbarow, berkata makanan ringan berkenaan wajar mempunyai logo kelulusan Kementerian Kesihatan (�㽶��Ƶ).

"Ini mengenai kesihatan kanak-kanak, sudah tiba masanya �㽶��Ƶ mengambil tindakan.

"Tindakan harus diambil terhadap peniaga yang menjual makanan ringan di luar kawasan sekolah.

"�㽶��Ƶ tidak boleh berdiam diri. Kanak-kanak ini tidak tahu apa-apa mengenai kualiti, kandungan, apa yang ada di dalam makanan dan sebagainya.

"Satu-satunya tarikan ialah warna dan gula atau kemanisan," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini, hari ini.