My husband and I spend a fair bit of time talking about stuff happening inside and outside of Malaysia. Invariably we settle on recurring topics. Most of which impact us. Some solvable with genuine will and concerted effort. Some leave us befuddled.

Interest rates interest us. Mainly to gauge if our deposits are earning decent returns. Or at least more than the rate of inflation. At home, interest rates have been somewhat even-keeled. With gradual increases of 25 basis points. The Monetary Policy Committee of Bank Negara Malaysia held the Overnight Policy Rate at 3% this month while interest rates in the UK and US are currently 5% and 5.25-5.5% respectively.

A higher interest rate is a doubled-edged sword. Good for banks, insurance companies as well as older folk who rely on fixed/term deposits to give them an added income. Not so good for loans and mortgages. Cost of borrowings go up. There’s less money to spend and/or grow businesses.

A higher interest rate is also a monetary tool to manage inflation – the unwelcome increase in prices of goods, services, and commodities. At home, headline and core inflation (excludes volatile food and fuel prices) were reported at 2.4% and 3.1% in June. Quite low, yes. However, anecdotally, the prices of goods in my basket of shopping have all risen. The weaker exchange rate has not helped. Other often cited reasons include raw material and labour shortage, persistent supply chain issues, higher cost of operations and the protracted Russian-Ukraine war.  Despite the less than conducive factors, companies/retailers continue to report profits. 

So how? My two cents. Yes, make a profit as there are overheads to cover and shareholders to answer to. But be fair. Not greedy. Pay your staff a livable salary. Use the same vigour to lower prices as when you increase prices. Show some heart. 

Global warming. Or is it global boiling? On Friday, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned, “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.” Climate change is urgent. Every day, somewhere, some country is suffering  some form of extreme weather pattern. Scorching temperatures, intense fires, devastating storms, flooding, droughts, melting polar ice, and decreasing biodiversity are all too familiar. Soaring 40% summer temperatures in Europe and the US, and catastrophic floods in India and South Korea are long overdue warning signs. Closer to home, torrential rains turn roads into rivers, cause widespread flooding, and result in death and losses. Pledges/promises are made by governments and corporations, while activists say not enough is being done and call out green washing.

So how? While waiting for proclaimed commitments to happen, my two cents. Bring along recyclable grocery/shopping bags, and don’t pay 20 cents for plastic ones. Supermarkets should stop providing rolls of plastic to pack fruits and vegetables. Companies/manufacturers should reduce the excessive paper, bubble wrap and cardboard used in packaging. Each purchase/delivery contains a mountain of materials that are simply thrown away. Yes, I should buy less.  Hotels/restaurant that do daily buffets, and people who like buffets, should minimise food wastage. For instance, well-placed gentle reminders for diners to eat what’s on the plate before going for seconds and thirds.

People. There are more than 8 billion people in the world now. A scary number. Yes, it’s about the numbers. But more importantly, it’s about responsibility and resources. Every child born needs food, clothes, shelter, education, health services and jobs. Who is immediately responsible, and what resources are available to care, nurture and provide for a child? As one of seven children, I asked my mum/parents, these questions. Their resources – money, guidance, time and attention – would have been more optimally used to care/manage a smaller family. Maybe 2-3 children. It could have possibly meant less stress and more leisure time for my very young parents. It could have possibly meant more opportunities and options for their children, sisters 1, 2 and 3. As the runt of the litter, I don’t feel like I’ve lost out but a smaller family makes more sense to me. 

So how? My two cents. Use a realistic/practical approach to life to teach financial literacy, budgeting and family planning at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Promote responsible parenthood with clever, regular messaging via social media. While, the government of the day should focus on using available resources to provide good schools, hospitals, homes, utilities, infrastructure and jobs for its people.

People. Hmm. Ruthless, greedy and self-serving. A few of these in leadership and powerful positions ruin the lives and livelihoods of the many. Plundering and killing is par for their course/agenda. It has and is happening in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Sadly, stopping these people is no easy feat. Sadly, they have a phalanx of supporters who are equally influential and heartless. Sadly, history keeps repeating itself.

So how? Befuddled, my husband and I, move on to more pleasant topics. Sigh.