subimpact.net

Year: 2023

  • Bank of America Strategists Suggest Bitcoin Rally Has Room to Run

    Bitcoin’s impressive 2023 rally may have some legs left, according to strategists at Bank of America Corp, who believe that cryptocurrency exchange flows and personal digital wallets suggest further gains. The week ending April 4 saw a net $368 million of Bitcoin transferred to personal wallets, marking the second-largest net outflow of Bitcoin from crypto exchanges this year, the strategists wrote in a note.

    According to the strategists, when investors transfer tokens from exchange wallets to their personal wallets, it indicates that they intend to hold onto the assets, which may lead to a potential decrease in sell pressure. This suggests that investors believe in the long-term potential of Bitcoin, which has seen year-to-date growth surpassing some major asset alternatives.
    While Bitcoin’s growth has been remarkable this year, it’s worth noting that the cryptocurrency experienced a difficult 2022. However, Bitcoin’s resilience to regulatory pressure could be another reason why it’s bouncing back. With regulators scrutinizing the industry, it seems that investors may be holding onto their digital assets, hoping that regulators will eventually become more favorable towards cryptocurrencies.
    Bank of America strategists’ note highlights how Bitcoin’s resilience and continued growth in 2023 may be a result of investors’ confidence in the long-term potential of the digital asset. Additionally, the note suggests that regulatory pressure may have been a significant factor in the wider holding of Bitcoin among investors.

  • The Universal Monetary Unit (UMU): The Next Step in Interoperable CBDCs

    As the world becomes increasingly digital, central banks around the globe have been exploring the potential of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). While CBDCs offer many benefits, for them to truly gain ground and become a widely used form of currency, they need to be interoperable across borders. This is where the Universal Monetary Unit (UMU) comes in.

    Recently unveiled by the Digital Currency Monetary Authority, the UMU is an international version of a CBDC. According to the announcement, the UMU is designed to “act legally as a money commodity” and “can transact in any legal tender settlement currency, and functions like a CBDC to enforce banking regulations and to protect the financial integrity of the international banking system.”

    One of the unique features of the UMU is its interoperability. It can exist alongside and interact with far-flung payment systems, facilitating trade and commercial payments in the global age. Additionally, banks can attach SWIFT codes and bank accounts to a UMU digital currency wallet and transact “SWIFT-like cross-border payments over digital currency rails.”

    This interoperability is crucial for the success of CBDCs, as it allows them to coexist with other currencies and payment systems. The UMU provides a reliable and familiar method for cross-border payments, potentially addressing issues such as high transaction fees, long processing times, and currency conversion costs.

    The UMU is still in the early stages of development, and it remains to be seen how it will be adopted and implemented by banks and financial institutions. However, its potential for facilitating global trade and commerce, as well as its interoperability, make it a promising development in the world of CBDCs.

    The Universal Monetary Unit (UMU) represents the next step in creating interoperable CBDCs. Its ability to transact in any legal tender settlement currency and function like a CBDC to enforce banking regulations and protect the financial integrity of the international banking system is a significant development in the world of digital currencies. The UMU’s SWIFT-like functionality is also a major advantage, potentially addressing issues related to cross-border payments. It will be interesting to see how the UMU develops and if it inspires other countries to adopt similar initiatives in the future.

  • A Brief Overview of the Iconic Brand and a Recent Incident Involving a Royal Family's Vehicle

    Mack Trucks, Inc. is an American truck manufacturing company founded in 1900 by brothers John and Augustus Mack. Since then, the company has built a reputation for producing heavy-duty trucks and is known for its iconic bulldog hood ornament. Today, Mack Trucks is a subsidiary of Volvo Group, a multinational manufacturing company based in Sweden.

    Mack trucks are known for their durability, reliability, and toughness. The company’s trucks are often used for construction, waste management, and transportation of heavy goods. The Mack Granite model, for example, is a popular choice for dump truck operators, while the Mack Pinnacle model is often used for long-haul transportation.

    Despite their ruggedness and durability, Mack trucks are not invincible. A recent incident involving a Mack truck belonging to the Johor royal family highlights this fact. The incident occurred on the North-South Expressway in Malaysia when one of the truck’s tires burst, causing it to crash into two other vehicles. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.

    The incident serves as a reminder that even the toughest trucks are not immune to accidents. It also highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for all vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks.

    It is worth noting that the Mack truck involved in the incident was no ordinary vehicle. The truck, believed to belong to the Johor royal family, was custom-built in Queensland, Australia, in 2015. It is said to be the most expensive Mack truck in the world, and in 2016, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar drove the truck during the 2016 Kembara Mahkota Johor event.

    While the recent incident involving the Johor royal family’s Mack truck may have garnered media attention, it should not overshadow the legacy of Mack Trucks as a pioneering American brand in the heavy-duty trucking industry. The company’s commitment to producing high-quality trucks has made it a trusted name in the transportation industry for over a century.

    The recent incident involving a Mack truck belonging to the Johor royal family serves as a reminder of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks. While Mack trucks are known for their toughness and durability, accidents can still happen, and it is crucial to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

  • The Joyful Tradition of Iftar in Malaysia: A Celebration of Food and Community

    As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world prepare for the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr. But before the festivities begin, Muslims in Malaysia gather every evening to break their fast with a special meal called iftar.

    Iftar is a time for family, friends, and the community to come together and share a meal after a long day of fasting. In Malaysia, the most common foods served during iftar are a combination of savory and sweet dishes that are both filling and delicious.

    One of the most popular dishes is bubur lambuk, a rice porridge that is traditionally cooked and distributed to the community during Ramadan. Bubur lambuk is a hearty dish that is made with a variety of spices, vegetables, and meat, and is often served with fried onions and chili sauce.

    Another favorite dish during iftar is nasi tomato, a fragrant rice dish that is cooked with tomatoes, spices, and meat or seafood. Nasi tomato is often served with a side of acar, a tangy and refreshing pickled vegetable dish that helps to balance out the flavors of the main dish.

    Other common dishes served during iftar include mee goreng, a spicy fried noodle dish, and ayam masak merah, a sweet and savory chicken dish that is cooked with tomato sauce and spices. For dessert, Malaysians often enjoy a variety of kuih, bite-sized cakes and pastries that come in a variety of flavors and colors.

    In Malaysia, iftar is not only a time to break one’s fast, but also an opportunity to come together as a community and share in the blessings of Ramadan. Many mosques and community centers throughout the Klang Valley offer free iftar meals for those in need, and people of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome to join in the festivities.

    As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, Malaysians prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a time of joy and thanksgiving. But the spirit of community and togetherness that is celebrated during iftar will continue to live on long after Ramadan has ended. 

  • Visa+ Launches New P2P Payment Service Across Different Platforms

    Visa has announced the launch of a new service, called Visa+, that will allow users to send and receive P2P payments across different platforms. Initially, the service will link Venmo and PayPal, and then expand to include other Visa partners. This move is set to overcome a major obstacle in P2P payments, where users have to be part of a specific network to transfer funds.

    What sets Visa+ apart is that users do not need to have a Visa card to use the service. The heart of Visa+ is a new payment credential called Visa+ Payname, which is a personalized payment address that can only receive payments. Users can create a Visa+ Payname through a participating app, and share it with a sender on a different app. When a payment is made, the sender’s app “calls” the Visa+ service, requests an underlying token, and then “pushes” the payment through to the recipient’s wallet, which is credited in real-time.

    Visa has implemented a multi-layered system of controls to ensure security and prevent fraud. The system includes protocols for stepped-up recipient verification, and senders can remove this verification for subsequent transactions with the same recipient. In the US, transaction limits for the service are currently capped at $2,500.

    This new service is a game-changer for P2P payments, as it allows for greater flexibility and convenience for users. With Visa+ Payname, users can easily transfer funds across different platforms without the need for a specific P2P network or a Visa card. This development has the potential to disrupt the P2P payments industry and lead to the creation of more innovative payment solutions.

    In conclusion, Visa+ is a significant step forward for the P2P payments industry. The service allows users to send and receive payments across different platforms without the need for a specific network or a Visa card. The multi-layered system of controls ensures the security of transactions, and the $2,500 transaction limit provides an added layer of protection. This development has the potential to change the way we transfer funds and paves the way for more innovative payment solutions.

  • Discovering Tarawih in the Klang Valley: A Guide to Famous Mosques and Surau

    Tarawih is a special nightly prayer performed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an essential part of Ramadan, as it offers a chance for Muslims to get closer to Allah by reciting the Quran and performing prayers. Tarawih is usually performed in congregation in mosques and suraus (smaller prayer halls) all around Malaysia, including the Klang Valley.

    The Tarawih prayer consists of eight units, or rakats, of prayer, with each rakat being a series of recitations, bowing, and prostrations. The recitations of the Quran during Tarawih are typically completed over the course of the month, with the entire Quran being recited by the end of Ramadan.

    One of the most famous mosques in the Klang Valley for Tarawih prayers is the Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz, which is located in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. This mosque is known for its beautiful architecture and large prayer hall, which can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers.

    Another famous mosque for Tarawih prayers is the National Mosque of Malaysia, also known as Masjid Negara. This mosque is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and can hold up to 15,000 worshippers. It is a beautiful modern mosque that is a symbol of the country’s Muslim faith.

    In addition to these larger mosques, there are also numerous smaller suraus located throughout the Klang Valley that offer Tarawih prayers. Some of the most popular suraus for Tarawih include Surau Al-Falah in Wangsa Maju, Surau Al-Mawaddah in Damansara Damai, and Surau Al-Raudah in Bandar Parkland.

    During Ramadan, Muslims flock to mosques and suraus throughout the Klang Valley to perform Tarawih prayers in congregation. The sense of community and togetherness is palpable, with families and friends often joining together to break their fast and perform their prayers.

    In addition to the religious aspect of Tarawih, it is also a time of reflection and introspection for Muslims. It is a time to strengthen one’s faith, to seek forgiveness for past sins, and to show gratitude for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them.

    In conclusion, Tarawih is an essential part of Ramadan for Muslims in Malaysia and around the world. It is a time to come together in prayer, to recite the Quran, and to strengthen one’s faith. The Klang Valley is home to numerous beautiful mosques and suraus where Tarawih prayers can be performed, and the sense of community and togetherness during this special time of year is truly inspiring. 

  • Driving Economic Growth: Interesting Facts about the Automotive Industry in Malaysia

    Malaysia is a country known for its diverse culture, stunning beaches, and thriving economy. However, one of the most exciting aspects of Malaysia’s economy is the automotive industry. Over the years, this sector has grown to become a significant contributor to the country’s economic development, providing employment opportunities to thousands of people.

    In this blog article, we’ll take a closer look at some interesting facts about the automotive industry in Malaysia.

    The automotive industry in Malaysia is the third-largest contributor to the manufacturing sector.

    The Malaysian automotive industry has grown to become one of the most critical sectors of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to the manufacturing sector. In fact, it is the third-largest contributor to the manufacturing sector, after electrical and electronics and petroleum products. This shows the importance of the automotive industry to the Malaysian economy.

    Local companies dominate the automotive industry in Malaysia.

    The automotive industry in Malaysia is dominated by local companies such as Proton and Perodua. These companies have grown to become major players in the Southeast Asian market, producing high-quality vehicles that are both reliable and affordable. Proton, in particular, is a symbol of national pride, having been established in 1983 with the government’s encouragement to develop a national car brand.

    Malaysia is a hub for the production of energy-efficient vehicles.

    In recent years, Malaysia has emerged as a hub for the production of energy-efficient vehicles. Several multinational companies have invested in the development of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country, driven by the government’s push towards sustainable transport solutions and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

    One of the most significant investments in this sector is the development of a new energy-efficient vehicle project. This project aims to promote the development of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country, creating new job opportunities and driving the growth of the automotive industry.

    The government plays a crucial role in the growth of the automotive industry in Malaysia.

    The Malaysian government plays a significant role in the growth of the automotive industry in the country. One of the most significant ways the government has contributed to the industry’s growth is by providing incentives and tax breaks to companies that invest in the sector. This has encouraged both local and foreign companies to invest in the industry, driving its growth and development.

    Another way the government has contributed to the industry’s growth is by encouraging research and development activities. This has led to the development of new technologies and products, making the Malaysian automotive industry more competitive on the global stage.

    In conclusion, the automotive industry in Malaysia is a dynamic and growing sector that plays a significant role in the country’s economic development. The industry is dominated by local companies, and the government plays a crucial role in its growth and development. With its focus on sustainable transport solutions, the Malaysian automotive industry is poised to become a significant player in the global market.

  • Speed Traps in Malaysia: What You Need to Know

     

    Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations on Malaysian roads, and it’s not surprising that speed traps are deployed frequently by authorities to deter drivers from breaking the speed limit. Speed traps are typically set up in areas where there is a high incidence of speeding or accidents, such as highways and urban areas. In this article, we’ll explore the speed traps around Malaysia and what you need to know to avoid getting caught.

    First, let’s discuss the different types of speed traps commonly used in Malaysia. The most common type is the radar gun, which uses radio waves to measure a vehicle’s speed. These devices can be handheld or mounted on a tripod, and are usually operated by police officers hiding in strategic locations, such as behind bushes or buildings.

    Another type of speed trap is the speed camera, which uses a series of sensors to capture images of vehicles that exceed the speed limit. These cameras are typically mounted on poles and are placed in high-traffic areas, such as busy intersections or accident-prone areas. The cameras capture images of the vehicle’s license plate and record the speed at which it was traveling.

    One important thing to note is that speed limits can vary depending on the location and type of road. In Malaysia, the maximum speed limit on highways is usually 110 km/h, while the speed limit in residential areas is typically 50 km/h. It’s important to be aware of the speed limit in the area you’re driving in and to adjust your speed accordingly.

    To avoid getting caught by speed traps, there are several things you can do. Firstly, always pay attention to the road signs indicating the speed limit. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings and look out for areas where speed traps are commonly deployed. These include areas near schools, construction sites, and accident-prone areas.

    Another effective way to avoid getting caught by speed traps is to use a radar detector or GPS navigation device that includes a speed camera alert feature. These devices can alert you when you’re approaching a speed trap, giving you ample time to slow down and avoid getting caught.

    In conclusion, speed traps are an important tool used by authorities to ensure road safety and deter speeding. As a driver, it’s important to be aware of the different types of speed traps and the speed limits in the areas you’re driving in. By paying attention to road signs, being aware of your surroundings, and using technology to your advantage, you can avoid getting caught by speed traps and stay safe on the roads. Remember, safe driving not only saves lives but also helps to prevent costly fines and legal issues.

  • Navigating the Traffic Jungle, A Guide to Getting Around Malaysia

     

    Malaysia is a beautiful country filled with diverse cultures, amazing food, and stunning landscapes. However, navigating the traffic can be a daunting experience for both locals and tourists alike. With its crowded streets and highways, Malaysia’s traffic can be overwhelming for anyone who isn’t used to it.

    Here are some tips to help you navigate the traffic jungle of Malaysia:

    1. Avoid rush hour

    If you can, try to avoid traveling during peak hours in the morning and evening. This is when traffic is at its heaviest, and you’re more likely to get stuck in a jam. If you must travel during these times, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

    2. Use public transportation

    Malaysia has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and light rail transit. Using public transportation can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur. Plus, it’s a great way to experience local culture and meet new people.

    3. Consider carpooling

    If you need to drive, consider carpooling with friends or colleagues to help reduce traffic congestion and save on fuel costs. Carpooling is also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

    4. Download traffic apps

    There are many traffic apps available for both Android and iOS devices that can help you plan your route and avoid traffic jams. Apps like Waze and Google Maps are popular choices and can provide real-time traffic updates to help you navigate the roads.

    5. Be patient

    Finally, it’s important to remember to be patient when driving in Malaysia. Traffic can be frustrating, but getting angry or impatient won’t help you get to your destination any faster. Instead, take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery.

    In conclusion, navigating the traffic in Malaysia can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and patience, you can get around safely and efficiently while enjoying all the beauty and culture that this amazing country has to offer.

  • Got Gas? The Future of Automotive Petroleum in Malaysia

     

    As the world is moving towards a greener and more sustainable future, the automotive industry is also undergoing significant changes. One of the most notable shifts in the industry is the move away from traditional fossil fuel-based vehicles to electric and hybrid alternatives. In Malaysia, where the automotive industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy, this shift has significant implications. In this article, we’ll explore the future trend of automotive petroleum in Malaysia.

    The government of Malaysia has set ambitious targets to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on the transportation sector. The National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020) outlines a plan to increase the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, with a goal of having them make up 30% of all new vehicle sales by 2030. The policy also includes measures to promote the development of the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry, including the establishment of a dedicated EV manufacturing hub in the country.

    As part of this shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles, Malaysia is also investing in the development of the necessary infrastructure to support these vehicles. This includes the installation of charging stations across the country, with a goal of having at least one charging station for every ten EVs on the road. The government is also offering incentives to both manufacturers and consumers to encourage the adoption of these vehicles, such as tax exemptions and rebates.

    However, it’s important to note that the transition away from traditional petroleum-based vehicles will not happen overnight. While the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is increasing, traditional fossil fuel-based vehicles still dominate the market. In fact, Malaysia is still heavily reliant on petroleum, with the oil and gas industry contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

    To address this, the government is also promoting the development of cleaner petroleum-based fuels, such as Euro 4M and Euro 5 diesel. These fuels have lower sulfur content, which reduces emissions and improves air quality. The government has also implemented a Fuel Subsidy Rationalization Program, which aims to reduce fuel subsidies and promote the adoption of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

    In conclusion, the future of automotive petroleum in Malaysia is undergoing significant changes, as the country shifts towards a more sustainable future. While the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is increasing, traditional petroleum-based vehicles will still play a significant role in the near future. To address this, the government is promoting the development of cleaner petroleum-based fuels, while also investing in the necessary infrastructure to support the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important for Malaysia to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing landscape, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the country’s automotive industry.