2022 - the year of floods, optional face mask, no telur, chickens and lockdowns
A flash back of 2022
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Would we miss 2022? Perhaps we would as we can finally walked free without another lockdown, optional face mask, of course Pas took many by surprise by wishing Merry Chirstmas after previously stating that it was against Islam to wish.
Malaysians also stood hand-in-hand against Singapore's decision to stop Malaysian Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam who was hanged for drug trafficking in Singapore.
As we brace ourselves for another year of floods and possible world recession, below are the top news and events captured this year with some likely to repeat in 2023.
January 2022
#Banjirdarurat
The year started with anger within flood victims who went on social media platforms to expedite rescue efforts using #BanjirDarurat after delayed rescued efforts by the authorities. It took 55 lives with thousands of others evacuated. Instead of waiting for authorities, Malaysians donated generously and distributed food, cloths and other household essentials after thousands lost their homes to one of the worst floods in the country.
Thaipusam and Chinese New Year
Thaipusam and Chinese New Year celebrations were allowed after a two year hiatus but with SOPs. Despite the SOPs, most Malaysians were happy as they were allowed to visit homes and watch colourful kavadis after a quiet 2020 and 2021.
Asean countries reopen borders
It also saw Asean countries agreeing to reopening of borders which saw the aviation industry soaring to the skies. Umrah trips were also resumed.
February 2022
Mahathir recovers
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was admitted since January due to heart complications made full recovery and was able to carry out daily activities. The 97-year old was reported to be exercising and walking in Putrajaya.
Vacination for kids
By this month, Covid-19 vacination for children was at full swing with over half a million kids registered.
Tremors felt after Indonesian earthquake
Thousands of Malaysians were in shock experiencing sudden tremors due to be after-effects of an earthquake measuring 6.1 Richter scale that struck Indonesia's North Sumatra. The quake was felt in several areas in Klang Valley, namely Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and Port Klang, as well as Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Pahang.
March 2022
Security issues over MySejahtera
Amid concerns over securities issues, the health ministry denied allegations that it had sold the MySejahtera Contact Tracing application to a private company, adding that it has been under the ministry since it was first used.
It also said no payment was made to KPISOFT (M) Sdn. Bhd who had developed MySejahtera application from March 27, 2020 to March 31, 2021. This was after the then opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim questioned the takeover of the MySejahtera application by a private firm via direct negotiation, saying it raised concerns about personal data management. Anwar had said the deal could also lead to the abuse of personal information obtained through the app, which was developed to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
EPF withdrawals
More Malaysians were allowed to tap into EPF, withdrawal ceiling raised to RM10,000 to cope with Covid-19 lockdowns. However, the move was criticised as experts felt the government should stop encouraging Malaysians to dig into their retirement funds. April 2022 - Immigration depot breakout:
April 2022
Rohingyas detainees escape
The nation was left in shock after 528 Rohingya detainees escaped the Sungai Bakap Immigration Detention Depot with five deaths on the spot after being hit by vehicles while crossing the southbound North-South Expressway near Jawi early today. The incident raised questions over the ability to escape lockups, the conditions of the depots and the reasons for the detentions.
Nagaenthran hanged
Despite world condemnation over the decision, mentally disabled Malaysian Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam was hanged for drug trafficking in Singapore. In 2009, then 21-year old Nagaenthran was caught trying to smuggle heroin into Singapore from Malaysia. It was reported that his arrest was made after the police found a bundle of 42.7 grammes of heroin strapped to his thigh. He filed multiple appeals citing his intellectual disability but his bids were dismissed and his applications for clemency had also been denied. His supporters claimed that he had an IQ of 69, which was considered as a disability, and that he was coerced into committing the crime. Authorities, on the other hand, have justified his conviction, claiming that he "knew what he was doing" at the time of the crime.
May 2022
Chicken shortage
1. The nation was experiencing chicken shortage which saw the government probing claims of cartels controlling chicken prices, investigation to complete in June. The then prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said the government would reintroduce the fight against middlemen that he had introduced in 2014 and National Farmers Organisation would lead the cause.
Hari Raya declared a day earlier
The sudden announcement of Hari Raya Aidilfitri on May 2 had set Muslims in Malaysia abuzz with confusion and excitement. The sound of fireworks could suddenly be heard in various parts of the country right after the announcement was made by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad. Many were under the impression Hari Raya may fall on May 3, as some were planning their Balik Kampung trip on May 2. .
June 2022
Penny Wong visits Malaysia
Malaysian-born and Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong visited Malaysia to deepen ties and to build on the existing partnerships for the benefit of the countries and the region. She visited her counterparts Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, and Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali on her visit here.
Malaysia praised for speaking up against Myanmar's junta
United Nations’ Special Rapporteur praised Malaysia for standing up against Myanmar's junta for poor handling of its minorities but called on Putrajaya to do more to tackle fears faced by refugees sent to detention centres and to improve education facilities for their children. He encouraged other Asean countries to do the same.
July 2022
Shortage of foreign workers
More calls from employers to bring in foreign workers as more sectors open up after Covid lockdowns. The then economic affiars minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said 1.9 million were recorded last year and 2.1 million in 2020. He had said the country still needs foreign workers in various sectors such as construction, plantation, manufacturing and domestic. "We still need about 15% of the total labour force," he had said.
Malaysian residing in Singapore down with monkeypox
Singapore reports its first monkeypox case involving a Malaysian residing in Singapore. There were no monkeypox cases in Malaysia despite several suspected cases reported.
August 2022
Hike in cost of living
By August, Malaysians were feeling the pinch of inflation. According to a report released on Monday by Ipsos, a market search company, this was following concerns of inflationary pressure and the increase in the cost of living. According to a report released on Monday by Ipsos, a market search company, this was following concerns of inflationary pressure and the increase in the cost of living.
Ipsos public affairs associate director Lars Erik Lie said the expected increase in interest rates will also affect four out of 10 Malaysians.
"The most significant impact is in the form of low disposable income in the near future, causing a decline in their standard of living.
Independence Day
The nation witness thunderous applause for Covid-19 frontliner contingent during Malaysia's 65th Merdeka Day.
Temporary freeze on hiring foreign workers lifted
The temporary freeze on applications to hire foreign workers was lifted from Aug 19. The then Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan said although the temporary freeze had been decided upon earlier, the new decision was made after taking into consideration the request from the industries to lift the temporary freeze.
September 2022
Use of face masks indoors now optional
After two years of mandatory facemask, the government made it optional to wear facemask indoors.
Bank Negara's OPR
The central bank raised Overnight Policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.50 per cent to combat inflation. This saw another hike in housing and car installments as interest rates went up.
October 2022
Deportation of refugees: Don’t meddle in Malaysia’s affairs
The then Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had told the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as any human rights groups not to interfere in Malaysia’s affairs to deport Myanmar nationals back to their own country. He said the foreigners detained and sent back to their countries of origin meant they had violated Malaysian laws.
"Not just Myanmar or any particular country, but anyone from anywhere in the world who comes here and breaks our laws, we will send them back ... when it’s time to send them back, we will.
Parliament dissolved
The then prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved the Parliament to make way for the 15th general elections. The country gears up of elections after a two year of political instability.
November 2022
Election campaign begin amid fear of monsoon.
Evacuees in various states continues to rise with most placed at relief centres. The Nov 19 polls also saw almost two million cars to hit the road from Nov 17. Anwar was sowrn in as the 10th prime minister with promises to fight inflation and reduce cost of living.
December 2022
As Malaysians gear up for holiday season, Pas takes everyone by surprise by wishing Merry Christmas to all Malaysian Christians. Previously, the Islamic party had reminded Muslims that it was forbidden to extend Merry Christmas greetings.
