Latest news with #protection
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
What counts as whistleblowing in Malaysia? MACC explains who qualifies for legal protection
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Individuals who report information about misconduct directly to enforcement agencies and meet the prescribed criteria and conditions will be granted protection as informants or whistleblowers. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Senior Director (Legal and Prosecution Division) Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said this is an important aspect the public needs to understand, apart from not being able to disclose the information to the public. He said that although the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 protects informants against improper retaliation, such protection is only applicable if reports are made through legal procedures to enforcement agencies such as the MACC, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or relevant government agencies. 'There's a misconception that anyone with information about misconduct can automatically seek protection as a whistleblower. In reality, it's not that simple. 'A common misunderstanding is the belief that informants can publicly disclose information, for example, to the media or on social media, before officially applying for protection. This is incorrect,' he told Bernama. He said that in order to qualify for whistleblower protection, a report must also be made in good faith and not be driven by personal motives such as revenge or defamation. Additionally, the whistleblower must not be involved in the offence being reported, he added. Citing Section 11(1) of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, he said, protection can be revoked if the whistleblower is found to have participated in the misconduct they exposed. 'This provision is crucial to maintaining the integrity of whistleblowers and to prevent the misuse of protected status as a shield against offences they have committed,' he said. Wan Shaharuddin said that while the law provides legal protection, whistleblowers still face various challenges, including being labelled as 'complainants' or 'traitors', fears of retaliation and discrimination, and a general lack of public understanding about the legal process for applying for protection. In efforts to encourage more individuals, especially civil servants, to report corruption cases, he said, the government has introduced cash incentives and official recognition for those who report corruption to the MACC since 2011. He shared that as of last year, 514 civil servants had received rewards totalling over RM1 million, with the highest individual reward amounting to RM100,000. In addition, Wan Shaharuddin said that to further enhance whistleblower protection, the government had tabled the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on March 6. 'The amendment aims to strengthen protection for whistleblowers who report misconduct, particularly in cases of corruption within both the public and private sectors. It is expected to provide more comprehensive protection to whistleblowers, including protection from harmful actions and immunity from civil or criminal action. 'This amendment is hoped to encourage more individuals to come forward to report misconduct without fear,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Nothing shocking about he who reports ending up being charged for an offence — Hafiz Hassan
JUNE 20 — Section 11(1)(a) of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) says that an enforcement agency (EA) 'shall revoke' a whistleblower protection if EA is of the opinion, based on its investigation or in the course of its investigation that the whistleblower himself has participated in the improper conduct disclosed in his report to the EA. The word 'shall' means must; there is no discretion. Some reformists have called for, among others, that 'shall' be substituted with 'may' to allow for discretion in the EA to allow whistleblower protection in genuine cases where a whistleblower is remorseful and has repented his participation in the improper conduct. Be that as it may, the EA 'shall give a written notice to that effect to the whistleblower' — Section 11(2). Aggrieved by the decision of the EA, the whistleblower may refer the decision to the court for determination — Section 11(3). The court may make an order for the preservation of the whistleblower protection and may also make such consequential orders necessary to give effect to the order for relief — Section 11(4). Section 11(1)(a) of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) says that an enforcement agency (EA) 'shall revoke' a whistleblower protection if EA is of the opinion, based on its investigation or in the course of its investigation that the whistleblower himself has participated in the improper conduct disclosed in his report to the EA. — Pexels pic There is no carte blanche protection, yet there is redress for the decision to revoke protection. Accordingly, there is nothing shocking if a whistleblower who has co-operated with authorities is later informed he would be charged in court on June 30. In any case, as I had written in December 2022, he who makes a report can be investigated, and charged if the investigation reveals an offence committed by him. Such a course of action is not prohibited by Section 107(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) which deals with information relating to the commission of an offence. It does not in any way prescribe the persons to be charged following the investigation. Following investigation, the person who makes a report can himself be charged if the investigation reveals an offence committed by him. Nothing shocking about he who reports ending up being charged for an offence. *This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
10 Life Insurance Myths That Could Be Costing You
Life insurance can be a powerful tool in your financial planning arsenal, but you may be missing out due to a lack of real understanding of what it is and who it's for. A number of common misconceptions about life insurance, especially around cost and eligibility, may make it seem out of reach for you when it really isn't. Read Next: Check Out: Here are 10 important facts about life insurance that you should be aware of to decide if it's a smart fit for your financial future. A common myth about life insurance is that it's too expensive for most people. 'Many people, especially younger individuals, overestimate the cost of life insurance and needlessly leave their families unprotected,' said Jack Elder, director of advanced markets at CBS Brokerage, an independent insurance brokerage firm. 'The truth is, a healthy 30-year-old can often secure a $250,000 20-year term life policy for around $13 a month.' Some employers offer life insurance as part of their benefits package, but this typically does not provide the amount of protection your beneficiaries would realistically need. Believing your employer-provided insurance is enough is a common mistake. 'These group policies typically offer a benefit equal to one or two times your annual salary, which is rarely enough to cover long-term obligations like a mortgage, outstanding debts, and future child care or college expenses,' Elder said. Explore More: A common misconception is that Medicare covers long-term care — but it doesn't. 'Approximately 70% of individuals over age 65 will require some form of long-term care services in their lifetime,' Elder said. 'Critical services like full-time skilled nursing care, memory care facilities or modifications to your home for accessibility are not covered by Medicare. A life insurance policy with a long-term care rider can be invaluable for situations like these.' Another common myth is that life insurance isn't necessary if you have savings — but that's not the full picture. 'While savings help, unexpected expenses like medical bills can deplete them,' Elder said. 'Life insurance ensures your family isn't financially burdened.' Life insurance isn't only about death benefits. 'One of the biggest misunderstandings about life insurance is that its only purpose is a death benefit,' Elder said. 'Modern permanent life insurance policies can be powerful tools for the living, allowing you to build cash value that grows tax-deferred.' Another myth is that applying for life insurance is complicated and time-consuming. 'Today's technology has streamlined the application process to reduce redundancies and remove obstacles,' said Michelle Buswell, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Legal & General America. 'Questions are built to be reflexive; the multi-hour process of years ago has been shortened to just 15 to 20 minutes for most individuals.' Many assume that if you have a preexisting medical condition, like diabetes or a heart condition, you'll be denied life insurance. 'Modern medicine and treatments have helped underwriting rules adjust with the times to provide easier access to policies for those who have certain medical conditions,' Buswell said. 'If an applicant is actively managing their conditions and/or has no comorbidities, companies take that into consideration when calculating the health classifications and premiums.' Another common myth is that life insurance is only for older people. However, it's a tool that can be useful for people of all ages. 'Age milestones don't spur [the need for] life insurance — life milestones do, i.e. getting married, having a baby or buying a home,' Buswell said. 'Purchasing a policy at a younger age or after a life event can help avoid increased premiums. 'The earlier an individual purchases a policy, the less expensive the premium will be over time,' she continued. 'More importantly, they are likely to have fewer health concerns in their 20s, which will always lower the cost of premiums. Purchasing early will serve you best.' Some people see term life insurance as a waste of money because it doesn't last forever. 'Many people dismiss term life insurance as a waste, considering it a product that offers coverage for a limited time and does not pay out if the policyholder survives the term,' said Chris Jean-Charles, a financial planner at Northwestern Mutual. 'However, this perspective misses what term life insurance provides — affordable protection tailored to short-term needs.' Jean-Charles emphasized that the working years are actually when the need for insurance is highest, since this is when you most need to protect your income. 'A term policy can ensure their family has the required financial backing in the event of an untimely death,' he said. 'The lower cost of premiums with term life insurance often makes it a feasible choice for individuals on tight budgets.' There are a number of myths surrounding who should and should not have a life insurance policy, one of them being that only the breadwinner needs life insurance. 'This is one of the most overlooked financial planning mistakes,' said Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP, CDFA, founder and financial planner at Mindful Financial Partners. 'Just because one spouse doesn't bring in a paycheck doesn't mean their contribution doesn't have monetary value. In fact, replacing the non-working spouse's role often requires hiring multiple people: child care, transportation, housekeeping, meal prep and sometimes elder care too. 'If that spouse were to pass away, the surviving partner may face both emotional devastation and the immediate financial strain of replacing those services, often while still working full-time,' she continued. 'Life insurance for the non-earning spouse can help cover those unexpected costs and allow the surviving parent to take time off to care for children, grieve or simply adjust.' Another common belief is that life insurance is not necessary for people without children. However, if you take care of parents, siblings or a spouse, you could benefit from having a life insurance policy. 'While these loved ones may not be considered 'dependents' in the traditional sense, they often rely on that individual's income now or will in the future,' said Uziel Gomez, CFP, financial planner at Primeros Financial. 'If something were to happen, the financial impact would be very real.' More From GOBankingRates 4 Things You Should Do When Your Salary Hits $100K If a Financial Advisor Doesn't Ask These 5 Questions in Your Consult, Keep Shopping 5 Steps to Take if You Want To Create Generational Wealth Robert Kiyosaki: 5 Money Habits of People Who Retire Early This article originally appeared on 10 Life Insurance Myths That Could Be Costing You
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
10 Life Insurance Myths That Could Be Costing You
Life insurance can be a powerful tool in your financial planning arsenal, but you may be missing out due to a lack of real understanding of what it is and who it's for. A number of common misconceptions about life insurance, especially around cost and eligibility, may make it seem out of reach for you when it really isn't. Read Next: Check Out: Here are 10 important facts about life insurance that you should be aware of to decide if it's a smart fit for your financial future. A common myth about life insurance is that it's too expensive for most people. 'Many people, especially younger individuals, overestimate the cost of life insurance and needlessly leave their families unprotected,' said Jack Elder, director of advanced markets at CBS Brokerage, an independent insurance brokerage firm. 'The truth is, a healthy 30-year-old can often secure a $250,000 20-year term life policy for around $13 a month.' Some employers offer life insurance as part of their benefits package, but this typically does not provide the amount of protection your beneficiaries would realistically need. Believing your employer-provided insurance is enough is a common mistake. 'These group policies typically offer a benefit equal to one or two times your annual salary, which is rarely enough to cover long-term obligations like a mortgage, outstanding debts, and future child care or college expenses,' Elder said. Explore More: A common misconception is that Medicare covers long-term care — but it doesn't. 'Approximately 70% of individuals over age 65 will require some form of long-term care services in their lifetime,' Elder said. 'Critical services like full-time skilled nursing care, memory care facilities or modifications to your home for accessibility are not covered by Medicare. A life insurance policy with a long-term care rider can be invaluable for situations like these.' Another common myth is that life insurance isn't necessary if you have savings — but that's not the full picture. 'While savings help, unexpected expenses like medical bills can deplete them,' Elder said. 'Life insurance ensures your family isn't financially burdened.' Life insurance isn't only about death benefits. 'One of the biggest misunderstandings about life insurance is that its only purpose is a death benefit,' Elder said. 'Modern permanent life insurance policies can be powerful tools for the living, allowing you to build cash value that grows tax-deferred.' Another myth is that applying for life insurance is complicated and time-consuming. 'Today's technology has streamlined the application process to reduce redundancies and remove obstacles,' said Michelle Buswell, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Legal & General America. 'Questions are built to be reflexive; the multi-hour process of years ago has been shortened to just 15 to 20 minutes for most individuals.' Many assume that if you have a preexisting medical condition, like diabetes or a heart condition, you'll be denied life insurance. 'Modern medicine and treatments have helped underwriting rules adjust with the times to provide easier access to policies for those who have certain medical conditions,' Buswell said. 'If an applicant is actively managing their conditions and/or has no comorbidities, companies take that into consideration when calculating the health classifications and premiums.' Another common myth is that life insurance is only for older people. However, it's a tool that can be useful for people of all ages. 'Age milestones don't spur [the need for] life insurance — life milestones do, i.e. getting married, having a baby or buying a home,' Buswell said. 'Purchasing a policy at a younger age or after a life event can help avoid increased premiums. 'The earlier an individual purchases a policy, the less expensive the premium will be over time,' she continued. 'More importantly, they are likely to have fewer health concerns in their 20s, which will always lower the cost of premiums. Purchasing early will serve you best.' Some people see term life insurance as a waste of money because it doesn't last forever. 'Many people dismiss term life insurance as a waste, considering it a product that offers coverage for a limited time and does not pay out if the policyholder survives the term,' said Chris Jean-Charles, a financial planner at Northwestern Mutual. 'However, this perspective misses what term life insurance provides — affordable protection tailored to short-term needs.' Jean-Charles emphasized that the working years are actually when the need for insurance is highest, since this is when you most need to protect your income. 'A term policy can ensure their family has the required financial backing in the event of an untimely death,' he said. 'The lower cost of premiums with term life insurance often makes it a feasible choice for individuals on tight budgets.' There are a number of myths surrounding who should and should not have a life insurance policy, one of them being that only the breadwinner needs life insurance. 'This is one of the most overlooked financial planning mistakes,' said Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP, CDFA, founder and financial planner at Mindful Financial Partners. 'Just because one spouse doesn't bring in a paycheck doesn't mean their contribution doesn't have monetary value. In fact, replacing the non-working spouse's role often requires hiring multiple people: child care, transportation, housekeeping, meal prep and sometimes elder care too. 'If that spouse were to pass away, the surviving partner may face both emotional devastation and the immediate financial strain of replacing those services, often while still working full-time,' she continued. 'Life insurance for the non-earning spouse can help cover those unexpected costs and allow the surviving parent to take time off to care for children, grieve or simply adjust.' Another common belief is that life insurance is not necessary for people without children. However, if you take care of parents, siblings or a spouse, you could benefit from having a life insurance policy. 'While these loved ones may not be considered 'dependents' in the traditional sense, they often rely on that individual's income now or will in the future,' said Uziel Gomez, CFP, financial planner at Primeros Financial. 'If something were to happen, the financial impact would be very real.' More From GOBankingRates 4 Things You Should Do When Your Salary Hits $100K If a Financial Advisor Doesn't Ask These 5 Questions in Your Consult, Keep Shopping 5 Steps to Take if You Want To Create Generational Wealth Robert Kiyosaki: 5 Money Habits of People Who Retire Early This article originally appeared on 10 Life Insurance Myths That Could Be Costing You Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
7 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The 6 Best Mattress Pads That Help Renew Your Aging Bed
Making your mattress feel more plush, and in turn enhancing your sleep, is often as simple as adding a piece of bedding, like a mattress pad. The best mattress pads provide subtle cushioning while extending the longevity of your mattress by protecting it from spills, stains and the wear and tear of daily use. Our best overall pick, the Saatva Signature Mattress Pad, has a quilted waterproof cover that offers both protection and softness to your current mattress setup. While mattress pads are primarily for protection, many feature design elements to address various sleep needs, including temperature regulation, comfort and allergens. Depending on your specific expectations and preferences, we found six editor-approved mattress pads that can help protect your investment and improve your quality of sleep. Material: Percale cotton (top and bottom layers), polyester and spandex blend (side panels) | Pocket depth: 17 inches | Trial: 45 nights | Warranty: 1-year limited Pros: Cons: This Saatva Mattress Pad features a quilted cover made from a crisp and breathable percale cotton weave, and adds four inches of cushioning to your mattress that several customers note has improved the overall comfort of their mattress. Its waterproof protection comes via a layer of non-rubbery polyurethane, which is sandwiched between two layers of cotton to provide a barrier against spills, humidity and more. The knit elastic side panels can fit mattresses up to 17 inches high, and are outfitted with thick silicone elastic bands to keep the pad in place throughout the night. Like many of Saatva's other bedding, the mattress pad is Oeko-Tex Standard-100, which shows it's free of harmful chemicals and substances for a cleaner night's rest. Material: Polyester | Pocket depth: 21 inches | Trial: 30-day return policy | Warranty: None Pros: Cons: Bedsure's affordable mattress pad has a unique honeycomb design that works to keep the polyester microfiber filling evenly distributed for better support and body pressure relief. The top and bottom zones of the pad feature a wavy design for further comfort, and the cover has a brushed, soft-to-the-touch feel. At 21 inches, it has the deepest pockets of all our picks and can easily accommodate thick mattresses and mattress toppers. While the pad is unable to prevent larger spills from soaking through, its three layers serve as protection against stains and dirt, and it can be tossed in the wash when needed. Although Bedsure labels the mattress pad as breathable, several customers found they slept hot, likely due to the polyester retaining body heat. Material: Tencel lyocell and Mica nylon blend | Pocket depth: 18 inches | Trial: 7-day trial and 30-day return policy | Warranty: None Pros: Cons: Hot sleepers might be wary of adding another layer of bedding, but Sijo's mattress pad is a temperature-regulating model that's meant to absorb and distribute excess body heat. The shell of the pad is made from a Mica nylon and Tencel blend for a temperature regulating, silky feel that also has moisture-wicking properties. Beneath the shell is a cotton lining infused with the brand's Clima phase-changing microcapsules that adapt to the body's temperature to not only keep you cool when you're hot, but warm when you're cold. In addition to the waterproof layer's spill resistant capabilities, it's a quiet layer that doesn't disturb you as you move throughout the night. Those looking for an extra 'clean' mattress pad can also appreciate the Oeko-Tex certification and hypoallergenic materials. Material: Polyester, nylon and spandex | Pocket depth: 15 inches | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10-year limited Pros: Cons: Sleepers who are prone to frequent bed-related mishaps because of pets, children or a bedtime induldgence gone wrong need a mattress pad that provides ample coverage and protection. While most mattress pads only protect the top of the mattress, Sleep Number's Totel Protection pad offers extended side protection against stains and spills. For those sensitive to allergies, the waterproof fabric is also hypoallergenic antimicrobial, which means it hinders the growth of bacteria to keep your mattress from housing allergens and odor at bay. The mattress pad has a thinner profile than other options on our list and isn't as cushiony, but its textured surface is soft and cool. Material: Cotton sateen shell with European white down | Pocket depth: 18 inches | Trial: 60 days | Warranty: 3 years Pros: Cons: The Parachute Down Mattress Pad almost makes sleeping on a cloud a reality thanks to its fluffy and airy 550-fill power. The comfortable filling consists of 75% down and 25% down and feather fibers, which lends the pad its plushness. To keep the fill from migrating, the 100% cotton sateen cover is double stitched in a box pattern. And with a pocket depth of 18 inches, the pad can fit on most mattresses, including ones with mattress toppers and other bedding. Putting the pad on the mattress should be relatively easy, as it features a continuous elastic hem that surrounds around the mattress like a fitted sheet. Unlike mattress pads made from synthetic materials which can make noise underneath your movements, several customers noted a lack of sound thanks to the cotton shell. Material: 100% cotton top | Pocket depth: 18 inches | Trial: 30-day return policy | Warranty: 5-year limited Pros: Cons: Whether you run cold, live in a frigid climate or deal with aches and pains, a heated mattress pad can provide much needed warmth to help lull you to sleep. This heated pad from Sunbeam features 12 heat settings and includes dual controls, so if you're sharing a bed with a partner you can both adjust your respective sides to your desired temperatures. The hourglass-quilted cover is made from Oeko-Tex certified cotton with a water-resistant backing for protection against liquids. To give you peace of mind while you sleep, the pad has a built-in auto-shut off function, and the wired technology that heats the pad is shielded for further safety. Cleaning the pad is as easy as throwing it in the wash, although be sure to disconnect the cord beforehand. The Forbes Vetted sleep team consists of writers and editors with years of experience testing, researching and writing about the best sleep and mattress products. In the pursuit of helping our readers achieve the best sleep, we've covered everything from mattress toppers to cooling pillows. When selecting the best mattress pads, we looked at highly rated products from reputable brands that the Vetted sleep team has thoroughly researched or tested. Before buying a mattress pad, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure it works best for you and your mattress. Here's what to keep in mind. Most mattress pads are made from a blend of materials, with the cover/shell being constructed from different material(s) than the inside or fill of the pad. How breathable, durable and/or comfortable a mattress pad largely depends on the cover's materials. When shopping for mattress pads, you can see the most common materials used for the covers are cotton and polyester. 'Cotton is an excellent material due to its softness and durability, and it doesn't trap heat like synthetic materials,' says Kristie Rhodes, manager of woven product development at Cotton Incorporated. The fill material is what lends the mattress pad its fluffiness, or lack thereof. If you want a noticeably cushioned mattress pad, look for models like Parachute's Down Mattress Pad, which packs 550-fill power for a cloud-like feel and look. While all mattress pads offer protection to a certain extent, some offer more than others. Mattress pads like the Sleep Number Total Protection reflects water all the way to the sides of the mattress, preventing liquid from intruding. Other pads like Bedsure's Quilted Mattress Pad are not water-resistant and are best suited to protect against dirt, dust mites and minor stains, and help maintain the overall cleanliness of the mattress. If you live in a household with pets and children who are frequently on the bed, you might want to consider a mattress pad with a higher level of protection. Before purchasing a mattress pad, it's important to know whether or not it fits on your mattress. The pocket depth of a mattress pad indicates how tall of a mattress and accessories it can accommodate. When looking at pocket depth, you can also consider additional bedding that might add more height to the mattress, like a mattress topper. What Is The Highest-Rated Mattress Pad? Of the mattress pads included in our list, the highest-rated mattress pad is the Saatva Signature Mattress Pad. The mattress pad has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Saatva's site, with customers saying the pad fits nicely and adds additional comfort to their mattress. What Is The Best Material For A Mattress Pad? The best material for mattress pads depends on your sleep preferences, although experts agree that cotton is one of the best. 'Cotton is an ideal material for a mattress pad due to its comfort, breathability, and durability. As a natural fiber that allows air to circulate, cotton helps to regulate temperature and keep you cool throughout the night, thus supporting better sleep,' says Rhodes. What Is The Difference Between A Mattress Topper And A Mattress Pad? Mattress pads and mattress toppers bear some similarities, although there are major key differences. Mattress toppers are thicker than mattress pads and are designed to alter the feel of your mattress, whether it's adding more firmness, softness or coolness. Because they're thicker, they tend to be made from memory foam or latex. While some mattress pads can add comfort to a mattress, the primary function of a mattress pad is to protect the mattress from spills, stains and the wear that comes with daily use.
