Malaysia’s population has risen to around 34.4 million in the first quarter of this year.

According to the Statistics Department, around 18 million of the population is male, while just over 16 million is female.

The data also shows there are fewer young people up to the age of 14, while the working age population, comprising those between 15 and 64, increased slightly.

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The Higher Education Ministry is planning a major overhaul of the country’s polytechnic system.

This is to improve quality and offer more in-demand courses, to help meet the country’s future employment needs.

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An announcement is expected soon about the government’s enforcement measures to tackle the issue of drug-laced vape.

This, amid cases of vape liquid being spiked with synthetic drugs, in what is being described as a rising public health and enforcement threat. 

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In other developments…

The government is providing up to 5 billion ringgit in additional microfinancing this year, to help more small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.

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And, Pasir Mas, Machang and Kuala Krai in Kelantan are currently under the Met Department’s Level One heat advisory.