What Is So Sensitive About This Karpal Singh Tribute That Johor Had To Remove It?

The Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Has Removed A Portrait Of The Late Karpal Singh, Citing "Sensitive Nature" As The Reason

What was thought to have been a case of a stolen portrait of the late ‘Tiger of Jelutong’ Karpal Singh was proven untrue when Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) admitted it was removed due to its ‘sensitive’ nature.

        malaysiakini.com

The Tribute To The Tiger Of Jelutong Was Among 33 Art Pieces On Display At The Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk Cultural Event In Johor Bahru

The Tribute To The Tiger Of Jelutong Was Among 33 Art Pieces On Display At The Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk Cultural Event In Johor Bahru.
Image via mkini.net

The portrait of the late Bukit Gelugor MP, who passed away in an accident on April 17, was among the 33 art pieces on display at the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk cultural event in Johor baru when it suddenly went missing.

        malaysiakini.com

It Was Initially Thought To Have Been Stolen By DAP Party Supporters When It First Disappeared Without Warning

DAP Senai state assemblyperson Wong Shu Qi said they first thought that the painting was ‘taken away’ by some party supporters but later found out the culprit was none other than MBJB.

        malaysiakini.com

MBJB Later Admitted To Arbitrarily Removing The Painting

The Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Has Removed A Portrait Of The Late Karpal Singh, Citing "Sensitive Nature" As The Reason.
Image via imgur.com

At a Johor Baru press conference yesterday called by DAP representatives, MBJB was taken to task for its arbitrary removal of the portrait, reported the Oriental Daily News today.

        malaysiakini.com

DAP Is Demanding That MBJB Return The Painting To The Exhibition, Adding That Their Actions Amounted To Theft And A Violation Of Freedom Of Expression

She urged MBJB to return painting to the exhibition adding that the council’s action amounted to theaft besides being a violation of the spirit of freedom of expression as enshrined in the federal constitution.

        malaysiakini.com

"Would Showing The Portrait Of A Dead Person Amount To Inciting Public Disorder? Or Is Umno Fearful Of A Dead Person?"

"Would showing the portrait of a dead person amount to inciting public disorder? Or is Umno fearful of a dead person?" she said at the press conference, in questioning MBJB true intention in confiscating the late veteran opposition’s picture.

        malaysiakini.com

DAP Johor Jaya state rep Liow Cai Tung said the council should be more open-minded and liberal towards such art works.

        malaysiakini.com

“On What Law Was MBJB Authorised To Take Away The Painting? How Sensitive Can A Portrait Be?”

DAP Pengkalan Rinting assemblyperson Cheo Yee How (right) said MBJB had acted similarly in the past to ‘sabotage’ art works such as when it erased Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic’s drawings in public spaces in JB. “On what law was MBJB authorised to take away the painting? How sensitive can a portrait be?”

        malaysiakini.com

DAP Stulang assemblyperson, meanwhile, Andrew Chen Kah Eng wanted MBJB to pay more attention to its task of building a better city and not dabble in political issues.

        malaysiakini.com

MBJB Was Quoted Saying That The Public Had Complained About The Painting As Karpal Singh Was Not A Johor-Based Politician And Exhibiting His Portrait Could Trigger Sensitive Political Issues

Image via coffeeticks.my

Oriental Daily News quoted MBJB as saying Karpal’s portrait was removed because of ‘public complaints’. Council enforcement unit director Mohd Khairul Anuar Esa said the painting was removed from the exhibition site and was now being kept in a council store room.

        malaysiakini.com

He alleged that members of the public had complained that Karpal Singh was not a Johor-based politician and his portrait’s display could trigger sensitive political issues if it continued to be exhibited in the state.

        malaysiakini.com

Former Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh Passed Away On 17 April 2014 In A Car Accident

                Malaysians And Politicians Mourn Karpal Singh's Death And Praise His Life's Legacy

The sudden passing of veteran lawyer and former DAP chairman Karpal Singh has shocked and saddened Malaysians across ...

Read the full story


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Artikel ini ditaja oleh unifi.

Kami yakin ramai yang rasa persiapan ramadan dan raya tahun ini agak berbeza

Image via Giphy

Tapi jangan biarkan ia menghalang anda untuk menikmati keberkatan Ramadan dan kemeriahan Syawal kali ni. Anda masih lagi boleh menyambut Ramadan dan Lebaran dengan meriah. :)

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Image via unifi

Dengan unifi Ramadan Raya, anda boleh dapatkan pelbagai barangan untuk persiapan raya. Antaranya pakaian, aksesori, kuih raya, kelengkapan rumah dan macam-macam lagilah.Tak salah ye untuk zahirkan rasa excited nak sambut raya. Mana tidaknya, rayakan hari kemenangan kita lepas berjaya menahan hawa nafsu selama sebulan.

Tercari-cari menu kegemaran bazar Ramadan PKPB ini?
unifi ada senarai e-bazaar untuk anda!

Image via unifi

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Image via unifi

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Sesi virtual bersama artis.
Boleh buat projek DIY & cuba resipi bersama-sama!

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Sesi virtual Ramadan Raya ini boleh menguatkan lagi ikatan sesama umat dan boleh menaikkan semangat sepanjang tempoh PKPB. Ini kerana unifi ingin membantu anda untuk merasakan Ramadan dan Syawal kali ini tetap sama macam Ramadan dan Syawal yang terdahulu. Dengan sesi virtual bersama artis anda boleh cuba pelbagai resipi dan projek DIY yang menarik bersama mereka.

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Jual barangan lokal?
Jadi, peniaga SME bolehlah join platform ini?

Image via Instagram

Ya, boleh!unifi mengalakkan para lokal vendor untuk join unifi Ramadan Raya bagi memeriah dan memberi lebih banyak pilihan kepada pembeli. Hanya register di link ni!Platform ini sememangnya untuk membantu pengguna dan juga penjual untuk membeli belah dengan lebih mudah ketika PKPB.

Tak cukup data nak usha unifi Ramadan Raya?
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Image via unifi

Walapun perintah berkurung kini dilonggarkan, tapi kebanyakkan masa rakyat Malaysia disarankan untuk duduk di rumah dan hanya keluar bila perlu. Tak kurang juga yang terpisah dari keluarga dan duduk bersendirian. Jadinya, internet dah jadi peneman paling akrab ketika PKPB ini.

Risau internet tak cukup? Alamak!

Image via Gfycat

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Pihak unifi mengucapkan salam Aidilfiti buat semua umat Islam di seluruh negara. :)
Ramadan tetap Ramadan, Raya tetap Raya!

Artikel di atas dipetik daripada portal OHBULAN! dan diterbitkan semula oleh SAYS Seismik.


Video Shows A Myvi Speeding Behind 2 Cars Before Crashing In Subang Jaya

A video showing three cars speeding and swerving in Subang Jaya, which ended in an accident, has gone viral on social media

According to China Press, the incident occurred at around 8pm on 2 March in Subang Jaya.The video of the incident was captured on a dashboard camera.

The vehicles were seen attempting to overtake a car on the fast lane at high speed

A Proton Iswara and a red Perodua Myvi were seen overtaking the car in the video, which has garnered over 1,600 shares on Facebook at the time of writing.

The Proton Iswara.
Image via Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

The red Perodua Myvi.
Image via Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

A white Myvi, which was tailing the red one, attempted to overtake the car as well before it crashed

China Press reported that the white Myvi had crashed into two cars following its overtake attempt.

The white Myvi.
Image via Info Roadblock JPJ/Polis

Moment of the crash.
Image via Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

The police have yet to issue a statement over the incident

At the time of writing, no casualties were reported from the crash.

The video of the accident can be viewed here:


Malaysia's First NFT-Themed Ice Cream Parlour Just Opened In Sunway Pyramid

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A collaborative space that immerses you into all things NFT, Crème De La Crème celebrates artistic desserts only imaginable in your dreams

Changing the game of dessert and digital art, Crème De La Crème (CDLC) has opened Malaysia's first NFT-themed ice cream parlour in Sunway Pyramid.

Image via Crème De La Crème (Provided to SAYS)

Known as an abbreviation for 'non-fungible tokens', NFTs are a form of financial security that is linked to digital assets, such as videos and images. Minted as collectable items, avatars in games, and even as certificates to prove ownership of property, NFTs are recognisable items in a burgeoning virtual world that is garnering rapid traction. Entering CDLC, transport yourself into a world of these popular blue-chipped NFTs (which are essentially NFTs that are stable and well-established) that belong to the parlour, including those both timeless and trendy. Some of the most exclusive ice cream flavours are named after, and inspired by some of the most popular NFTs to date.

Image via Crème De La Crème (Provided to SAYS)

Using 100% all-natural fresh premium ingredients sourced worldwide, all of the items at CDLC have no preservatives, colourings, or artificial flavouring

We were lucky enough to try some of these flavours, and see for ourselves the true extent of the textures that live behind their unique names.One of the first ice creams we tried was CryptoPunk. Inspired by the alien-skin blue-chipped NFT, CryptoBunk #5822, this NFT sold for a record-breaking USD23.7 million dollars (approximately RM104.8 million ringgit). This creamily rich ice cream is handcrafted from Australian cream cheese ice cream, swirled with Butterfly Pea Flower ice cream, and decadently decked with burnt cheesecake chunks.

Image via CryptoPunks / SAYS

Bored Ape, on the other hand, is made from French milk chocolate ice cream, swirled with caramelised bananas and freshly baked chocolate crumble. Luscious to the scoop, this item had a demure palette that was anything but boring.Using only natural ingredients, Doodles was a pastel gob made from lychee sorbet, peach sorbet, Madagascar vanilla ice cream, and Butterfly Pea Flower that was light and refreshing to the taste buds.

Image via SAYS

With a wide selection of ice cream, there were a decently dedicated section of sorbets for those who are lactose intolerant.Among those we tried was the Matcha Sugarcane, which consisted of Kyoto matcha and locally sourced sugar cane sorbet. Another refreshing item on the menu, the strong sensation of sugar cane somehow managed to make the sorbet juicy and delectable. But our favourite sorbet had to go to the, appropriately titled, Mi Amor. The raspberry, lychee, and French rose sorbet, was glistening in presence and heavenly in taste.

Image via SAYS

But we couldn't leave without trying one of their best-selling handcrafted Petite Gâteau

Classically known as 'little cakes' in French, CDLC wasted no time in presenting to us an elevated and sophisticated version of this traditional dessert. Made by the establishment themselves, we were presented one of their petite gâteau named Moonbirds. Made using a coffee spice crumble exterior encapsulating mascarpone ice cream, the interior consisted of a layer of Kyoto matcha and coffee ice cream within the ensemble. There's even a handcrafted owl that sits on the cake that resembles a log.Packing a punch in the caffeine department, the mini cake was truly exquisite in presentation and texture. Soft and delicate, the multifaceted flavours of ice cream amalgamated to create a burst of flavour within our mouths. If not as a great tea-time snack, we'd gladly have a slice at every hour of the day.

Image via SAYS

Here's a sneak peek as to what it looked like once we cut into the confection:

But it doesn't end there! Other creatively designed petite gâteau also include a Beauty and The Beast inspired rose, minions from Despicable Me, and a whole nasi lemak ice cream!

Image via Crème De La Crème (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Crème De La Crème (Facebook)

Beyond admiring the blue-chipped NFTs at the parlour, patrons can share their personal pieces with CDLC to be exhibited on their LED-display screens

Image via Crème De La Crème (Provided to SAYS)

Speaking to the founder of CDLC, Lio Lim, she embellished on how the parlour intends to organise and host events surrounding topics relating to NFT. This includes bringing in various NFT thought leaders, and fan communities, to become active players in sharing the knowledge and understanding ideas relating to the budding theories of crypto space. "It is conceptualised with the NFT- enthusiasts in mind where they can chill, hold meet-ups, and share their love for NFTs with like-minded members of the community."She believes that their latest branch in Sunway Pyramid will be the kickstarter for the dawn of a community just catching up to Malaysian society, "We are proud to lead the way in the ice cream industry to promote and integrate digital assets against an F&B backdrop."

Easter Petite Gâteau collection.
Image via Crème De La Crème (Provided to SAYS)

Here's where you can find Crème De La Crème:

Image via Crème De La Crème (Provided to SAYS)

Address:G1.85, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, 3,Jalan PJS11/15, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya.Operating hours:10am-10pm (Daily).Other outlets are open in Uptown Damansara, Taipan USJ, Setia City Mall, and George Town in Penang. Visit their social media pages for more information.Instagram | Facebook | Beepit

A Malaysian man purchased the first-ever tweet in the form of a NFT:

                This M'sia-Based CEO Spent RM11.9 Million To Own The 1st Tweet In The World

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) are a type of digital asset stored and sold on the blockchain.

Read the full story

This Singaporean influencer launched a NFT collection this past January to marvellous success:

                SG-Based Influencer Allegedly Rakes In RM23M From NFTs That Are Rooted With 'SIMP' Values

Singapore-based influencer Irene Zhao has since denied making the colossal sum and said the money belongs to the comm...

Read the full story


Saudi Arabia's English Daily Showers Praise On "Extraordinary Statesman" PM Najib

Arab News, an English daily newspaper owned by SMRG whose Chairman, Turki bin Salman Al Saud, is a member of the House of Saud, the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia, has showered high praise on PM Najib Razak, who was in Saudi Arabia to "reaffirm the excellent state of bilateral relations" between both the countries

The piece, published on 3 March, begins by describing how Malaysian prime ministers, from late Tun Abdul Razak to Dr Mahathir or even Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, have "captured the imagination of the Muslim world with their vision and commitment to creating a prosperous, just and equitable society".Claiming how the previous prime ministers of Malaysia were all admired inside as well as outside the country, the piece then equates Najib Razak to them and places him on the similar pedestal, saying how Najib is no different from his predecessors in his aim to build Malaysia from the bottom up into the modern state it is today.

Najib with Arab News during his interview.
Image via Arab News

Using words such as "the affable, wise, popular and politically astute", Arab News then credits Najib with setting in motion "a series of measures that has seen his country fight off recession and successfully overcome the slowdown in the global economy"

"Today, under his leadership, Malaysian state-run companies are operating international airports, including the one in Istanbul, Turkey. They are also among the three top bidders for Jeddah’s airport project."

        arabnews.com

The piece lauds Najib's "decision to become part of the Saudi-led 34-nation military alliance and his unflinching stand against foreign (read Iranian) interference in the domestic affairs of other countries are seen as his distinguishing characteristics" more than "his business acumen and vision, adding that "those traits differentiate him from ordinary leaders and turn him into an extraordinary statesman."


Teacher Shares How Proud He Is Of His Standard 1 Student Helping Special Needs Classmate

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

A teacher has shared a heartwarming story of his Standard One students helping their classmate with special needs navigate daily life at school in Kapit, Sarawak

The teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Kapit, Sylvester Ronny Pulene, shared on Facebook that he is always proud of seeing the students at the primary school help out their classmate named 'J'."This is the meaning of friendship," he started in a Facebook post on Wednesday, 17 August.

Image via Sylvester Ronny Pulene (Facebook)

The teacher said he was heading to class after break time when he saw the three students hanging around the toilet and watched as a student helped J take off his belt

"This student, J, is indeed special. He was my former student in kindergarten and still doesn't know how to take care of himself. Even in Standard One, he still uses diapers. His speech is also not very clear and a bit slow," explained the teacher.So, he was very happy to see that J's friends were helping him."Maybe he wasn't wearing diapers today... But what makes me proud is that he has many friends in the class who care enough about him."

Image via Sylvester Ronny Pulene (Facebook)

Sylvester elaborated that J's friends also often help him line up for food at the canteen so that he doesn't have to

The teacher said that the student is a recipient of the Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) at school."J is also very friendly even though he is different from the other students. In short, his classmates still look after him even though they are all only seven years old," he said.Sharing photos of the touching moment, Sylvester said he also watched as the students helped fasten J's belt and tuck his shirt back in after using the toilet, then they all held hands and walked back to class.

In less than 24 hours, the Facebook post received well over 15,000 likes and 1,200 comments by netizens who were touched by the friendship

"I'm so touched and proud to read about these kind children who are so willing to help their friend with special needs," said a Facebook user.

Image via Facebook

Another said, "This behaviour must have started at home. Maybe [the friend] is good at taking care of his younger siblings and helping his family so he felt responsible to help his classmate. Well done."

Image via Facebook

"May God bless these children. Such kind boys! May their friendship last forever," wished another.

Image via Facebook

You can read Sylvester's full post here.


A 'Third Party' Is Suspected To Have Crashed The Plane In Latest MH370 Report

One of the world's biggest aviation mystery continues as the latest official report on the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) MH370 plane was released on Monday, 30 July

Image via News.com.au

Investigations revealed that MH370 was most likely deliberately "steered off its course" by someone aboard the plane

Head of Malaysia's MH370 investigation team, Datuk Kok Soo Chon, said in a press conference on 30 July, that the aircraft had "turned back" under "manual control", but investigators were unable to determine why. The Boeing 777 was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board when it suddenly disappeared on 8 March 2014. A majority of the passengers were from China, along with 38 Malaysians, seven Indonesians, six Australians and several others from other countries, including France and the United States.

Kok Soo Chon, head of the MH370 investigation team in Malaysia.
Image via Utusan Malaysia

It was confirmed that the flight had diverted off the course from its planned route and was flown towards the Indian Ocean instead

Investigators were unable to figure out why the aircraft was switched from autopilot mode to manual and redirected. However, according to satellite data collected, they believe that the plane flew for six hours towards the Indian Ocean before plummeting into the sea. The reports also revealed that someone in the cockpit contacted the Malaysian air traffic control just before 1.20am, saying "All right, goodnight," but had not checked-in with controllers in Ho Chi Minh City when the plane flew into Vietnam's airspace, according to New York Post.On top of it all, no emergency calls were made as all of the aircraft's radar systems and plane's communications were offline.

Image via Mirror

In addition, no serious alarm bells were raised until 6.30am

The report stated that Malaysian and Vietnamese air traffic controllers should have raised red flags hours before that, while the radio controller in Kuala Lumpur should have also monitored the plane's movements.

The latest findings, that were compiled by a 19-member international team, revealed that technical issues were also unlikely, although not impossible

Image via NST

The 449-page report states that, "maintenance history and events prior to the last flight do not show any issues that could have contributed and resulted in the deviation and subsequent changes in the flight path."Without the ability to examine the aircraft's wreckage or recorded flight data information, the team is unable to confirm if there were any possible system failures that forced the plane diversion. According to Australia news.com, Kok said investigators "couldn't find any flaws with the aircraft"."There was no record of any malfunction or defect of the aircraft. None that could have contributed to the disappearance," he said.According to Free Malaysia Today, analysis from the Australian government suggests that the plane had run out of fuel and crashed into the ocean.

Evidence shows that the pilot was not to be blamed, "however, the team does not exclude the possibility of intervention by a third party," the report states

Captain Zaharie Shah
Image via CNN

"We have examined the pilot, the flight officer. We are quite satisfied with their background, with their training, with their mental health, mental state. We are not of the opinion that it could have been an event committed by the pilot," Kok told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, according to Australia's The Age newspaper.He added that they were not ruling out any possibility.It was previously reported by The Sunday Times in 2014 that the pilot Captain Zaharie Shah was a prime suspect for the missing flight. All of the other passengers were clear of any suspicious motives, however, it was said that the pilot's "home flight simulator was programmed with a flight path into the depths of the Southern Ocean before landing the plane on an island with a small runway." Allegations were also made back then claiming that the pilot was suicidal but, investigators denied this theory, reported The Washington Post.

Sarah Nor, the mother of Norliakmar Hamid, a passenger on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.
Image via EPA

Despite years of investigations into one of the biggest flight mysteries, little information has surfaced as to what really happened to the plane

A large search was covered across 120 square kilometers of Indian Ocean, as 25 pieces of plane debris were discovered washed up on islands off the east coast of Africa. No bodies have been found so far.Families of the passengers on board the flight have had little closure since MH370 went missing and can only hope that the government will continue the search.In an updated report by New Straits Times, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the search will continue if there are any new clues.

Grace Subathirai Nathan, (centre) daughter of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 passenger Anne Daisy spoke to press members at the Ministry of Transport headquarters in Putrajaya on 30 July.
Image via AFP


MH370: What If We Could Upload Black Box Data To The 'Cloud'?

The mysterious disappearance of MH370 has spurred calls to upload Black Box data to the 'cloud', but experts say implementing changes may be complex and costly

A MAS plane
Image via dailystar-uk.co.uk

The disappearance of a Malaysian plane has prompted calls for in-flight streaming of black box data over remote areas, but industry executives say implementing changes may be complex and costly.

        businessinsider.com

Mark Rosenker, former chairman of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, said this incident and the 2009 loss of an Air France flight in the Atlantic should spur reforms in what he described an outdated accident investigation process.

        reuters.com

National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB) Chairman Mark Rosenker
Image via cbsistatic.com

In brief: The 2009 loss of Air France Flight 447 in the Atlantic:

Air France Flight 447 (abbreviated AF447) was a scheduled international flight from Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. On 1 June 2009, the Airbus A330-203 airliner serving the flight crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the deaths of all 216 passengers and 12 aircrew.

        wikipedia.org

F-GZCP, the aircraft lost in the accident, photographed at Charles de Gaulle Airport in 2007
Image via Wikipedia

The accident was the deadliest in the history of Air France. It was also the Airbus A330's second and deadliest fatal accident, and its first in commercial passenger service. While Brazilian Navy authorities were able to remove the first major wreckage and two bodies from the sea within five days of the accident, initial investigation was hampered because the aircraft's black boxes were not recovered from the ocean floor until May 2011, nearly two years later.

        wikipedia.org

According to Rosenker, a retired US Air Force General:

'Finding a way to transmit limited information from flight data and cockpit voice recorders to a virtual "cloud" database would help authorities launch accident investigations sooner and locate a plane if it got into trouble while out of reach of ground-based radars.'

        malaysiakini.com

"This is the second accident in five years where we've had to wait to get the black boxes back," Rosenker said. "We need to bring the concept of operations for accident investigations and the technology of what is available up to the 21st century."

        themalaymailonline.com

While Mary Kirby, editor of the aviation industry website Runway Girl Network, said:

'Airlines could use the growing number of broadband connections that allow passengers to access the Internet and download movies to provide real-time GPS data for just such emergencies.'

        dnaindia.com

Image via runwaygirlnetwork.com

"Airlines realize that this is the cost of doing business," she said. "It is inexplicable to be bringing these big fat connectivity pipes to aircraft and yet to be in a situation in 2014 where you can lose a plane."

        reuters.com

Meanwhile, speaking on the technical possibility to stream flight recorder data to a virtual "cloud", the aviation experts warned about broadband constraints and the high cost of equipping older airliners with new electronic equipment

The Aviation experts and industry executives say new satellite-based air traffic management systems being implemented in the United States, Asia and Europe in coming years will make it easier to track airplanes and monitor aircraft systems in flight, but note it will take a decade or more before the systems are commonplace worldwide.

        malaysiakini.com

Streaming the huge amounts of data now collected by flight data recorders may also pose technical challenges, while transmission of cockpit voice recordings could raise privacy concerns, said analyst Richard Aboulafia with the Teal Group.

        emirates247.com

Rosenker, the former NTSB chief, said investigators could agree on a much smaller subset of key data to transmit, which would save bandwidth and cost. The data could even be sent at intervals instead of continuously streamed, he said.

        ndtv.com

Most airplanes already have systems known as Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) that periodically report, either via VHF radio or satellite, on the performance of the aircraft and its engines, which could provide another possibility for getting data to investigators.

        businessinsider.com.au

Airlines intensively operate their 'AOC' communications over ACARS
Image via eurocontrol.fr

According to one industry executive, who was not authorized to speak publicly since the search for MH370 continues:

While he fully expected reforms after this incident, he said airlines were more likely to increase the amount of data they were receiving from the existing ACARS system rather than opting to stream flight data.

        emirates247.com

"It would just be too costly. There are 93,000 flights a day, and we've had two incidents like this in four or five years," said the executive

        themalaysianinsider.com

An artwork conveying well-wishes for the passengers and crew of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is seen at a viewing gallery in Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.
Image via themalaysianinsider.com

Bob Benzon, a former Air Force pilot and NTSB investigator, said it could potentially cost billions of dollars to allow every plane in the world to stream flight data, but mounting frustration over the failure to find any trace of Flight MH370 could well galvanize the aviation community into some action.

        reuters.com

He said other potentially cheaper proposals included outfitting planes with floating locator or data recorder beacons that would automatically deploy if an airplane crashed. "There's a tombstone mentality at times. You actually have to have a very tragic event to get things done," Benzon said. "I predict that this is one of those events unfortunately."

        dnaindia.com

It should be noted that some US military airplanes, including the Air Force's massive C-5 cargo planes, already have floating data recorders. This is because they often fly over large spans of ocean.

While the NTSB has recommended mandatory video recordings in the cockpit of commercial airliners, it has never recommended live-streaming or regular transmission of flight data.

        emirates247.com

C5 landing at Dover Air Force Base
Image via wikimedia.org

Discussion about mandating regular transmissions from airliner black boxes increased after Air France Flight AF447 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in 2009, its location and Black Boxes remaining a mystery until 22 months later.
This time, investigators are beginning to think the plane may never be found, given the dearth of clues thus far.

        themalaymailonline.com

So, while the call for moving Black Box to "cloud" hits up, there are some who thinks it's "premature for us to speculate about potential changes to safety and security procedures"

Oliver McGee, a professor of mechanical engineering at Howard University and former senior U.S. Transportation Department official, said advances in technology made this an ideal time to change current procedures.

        businessinsider.com.au

"It's time to move the black box to 'the cloud' at least for essential limited flight recorder data for long flights over (areas) like the Indian Ocean, or other remote areas across large land masses like across the Brazilian Amazon," he said.

        emirates247.com

Victoria Day, spokeswoman for Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, said it was "premature for us to speculate about potential changes to safety and security procedures."

        ndtv.com

Officials at Delta Air Lines, United and American Airlines also declined comment on the Malaysia Airlines case, and any consequences for the industry.

        themalaysianinsider.com

In the past, airlines have argued that such accidents are too rare to justify the added expense of streaming flight recorder data, but Rosenker said the cost needed to be weighed against the cost of the current search

"Look at what's happening now. We've lost a 777 and over 200 people. Navies and airplanes from around the world are searching for this plane. That's not cheap either," said Rosenker.

        themalaymailonline.com

A woman writes on a banner of well wishes for the passengers of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Image via ibtimes.com

READ: How the Black Box works and why it's in need of new technology

                How The Black Box Works And Why It's In Need Of New Technology

The disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has reignited debate over new technology to replace the tradi...

Read the full story


Tun M Reveals The Real Reason Why Pakatan Harapan Took So Long To Announce Its GE14 Win

In a recent interview with regional magazine Mekong Review, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad spilled tea on the real reason why Malaysians had to wait for so long before a new government was announced

"We knew we had won by 8.30pm (on 9 May), but we didn't get the official announcement until about 2am," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by Mekong Review.

Image via Free Malaysia Today

"During that short period of time, there was a lot of maneuvering, which was not visible to the people," Mahathir added. The Prime Minister added that the coalition had learnt more about what really happened on the night of 9 May later on.

According to Mahathir, there was an attempt to persuade newly-elected Malay-Muslim Members of Parliament (MP) in Pakatan Harapan to switch sides on the night of GE14

"If they could be persuaded to cross over to the side of UMNO and PAS, these people would have the majority to form the government," Mahathir said, according to Mekong Review. The Prime Minister claimed that it was what caused the delay in Pakatan Harapan's election victory announcement.

Image via Malay Mail

Mahathir also alleged that the Pakatan Harapan government was feared to not respect Islam's position as much as the Barisan Nasional administration did

"There was an idea that if the Muslims all came together, they could drag other Muslims (from our coalition), have the majority and form a Malay-Muslim government, but they were advised against that," the Prime Minister claimed. Nonetheless, Mahathir refused to name the people behind the act.

The Prime Minister had previously accused the EC of delaying announcements of official results

"It is late now. We should know by now who is winning and losing. There's an attempt to delay the results by not signing (official forms)," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today on 9 May. He added that the EC is tasked with the duty to sign off on official declaration of the results in each constituency.

Nevertheless, Mahathir was sworn in again as Malaysia's Prime Minister on the night of 10 May 2018, more than 12 hours after his ceremony was cancelled last minute without any reason

Mahathir's swearing-in ceremony on 10 May.
Image via TV2/Astro Awani

On top of the delay of the swearing-in ceremony, Malaysia had to hold its breath for almost a day as the Election Commission (EC) only announced Pakatan Harapan's GE14 victory at 4.55am on 10 May.

You can read Mahathir's interview with Mekong Review in full here.


A Man Actually Called And Texted His Ex 21,807 Times Because He Wanted Her To Thank Him

A 33-year-old man, who has not been named, was so obsessed with extracting a "thank you" from his ex for upgrades he made to their apartment before their 2011 break-up that he harassed her in calls and texts – 21,807 of them, over the course of 10 months

Image via washingtonpost.com

The unnamed defendant, a 33-year-old man from Rhone in southern France, began to harass the victim, a 32-year-old teacher, after she broke off the relationship in 2011, according to the Guardian which reported the story on Friday.

        mashable.com

The man, who has been hospitalized for depression in the past, said he could not accept the break up. He was apparently demanding the victim thank him for doing chores around their apartment.

        theguardian.com

“She tried to block her line, but he phoned her parents instead and her workplace,” Manuella Spee, the victim’s lawyer, told AFP.

        washingtonpost.com

In the 90 minutes it took for the woman to file charges, she received over 100 phone calls, her lawyer said, according to RFI

When the ex-girlfriend, a 32- year-old teacher, filed charges, "police noted over 100 incoming calls during the 90 minutes it took to file charges", said Spee.

        rfi.fr

"It was stupid," the man admitted in a Lyon court on Thursday

“At the time my logic was that until she returns the money, she pays back for work I carried in our apartment or at least says thank you, I would not stop the calls.”

        washingtonpost.com

He was fined 1,000 euros (USD1,296) and sentenced to 10 months in jail, though six months of that sentence was suspended

The unnamed defendant, who had made the calls to demand the woman thank him for fixing up their flat, was given a 10-month sentence – six months of which was suspended – and a €1,000 (£793) fine. He will also have to undergo psychiatric treatment and is barred from all contact with the woman he harassed, lawyers in the case told AFP.

        theguardian.com

When the man and his ex-girlfriend — a 32-year-old teacher — met with a mediator and she finally gave him the "thank you" he was looking for, the messages and calls stopped

Image via kinja-img.com

The man, who has acknowledged that he struggled with depression in the past, is not allowed to continue contacting her and will have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The teacher, on the other hand, has “enjoyed a fantastic summer time, with no phone calls,” her lawyer said, adding that the woman “hopes it will last.”

        washingtonpost.com


Terbeliak Mata Kami Melihat 'Virginity' Kepulauan Mersing. Lawa Gila Setanding Maldives!

Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Bandar kecil ini merupakan hab pengangkutan kepada belasan kepulauan milik wilayah jajahan Johor. Kepulauan ini juga adalah kawasan kegemaran warga Singapura kerana umum pun sudah maklum yang Singapura mana ada tempat bercuti ala-ala syurga dunia dan hanya Mersing pilihan tedekat yang mereka ada. Dengan kadar tukaran mata wang 1 SGD bersamaan 3 Ringgit Malaysia, jentik sahaja mana-mana rakyat Singapura yang complain jarak 200 kilometer ke Mersing itu kononnya jauh.Baru-baru ini, saya dikejutkan dengan khabar berita yang there are more to Mersing than just Tioman. 27 tahun hidup baru saya dapat tahu yang sebenarnya di sebalik belasan pulau yang anda boleh lihat di Google Maps, abang-abang boatman dan Jabatan Laut Johor berjaya sorok puluhan lagi gugusan pulau dari pengetahuan umum. Pulau-pulau rahsia ini bukan sahaja memiliki rupabentuk yang unik dan menarik malahan mereka juga diselaputi dengan air laut yang jernih bak mineral spritzer, tapi masin dan dipenuhi ikan-ikan jinak berwarna-warni yang berenang keriangan tanpa perlu risau dengan kos sara hidup yang kian meningkat. Dapat saja tahu berita tentang kewujudan pulau-pulau rahsia tersebut, diracun pula dengan gambar-gambar 5 bintang dari travel group di Facebook, jemari saya terus lincah mencari informasi tentang kepulauan Mersing di internet. Tidak banyak info yang boleh dicari di ruangan awam, yang saya jumpa, berita tentang Pulau Harimau dan kawasan pulau sekitar yang sudah pun ditutup oleh kerana terdapat beberapa duri dalam daging, kerak dalam nasi, dan banyak lagi simpulan bahasa dan kata kesan yang boleh diberikan kepada beberapa individu yang membuat graffiti di Rumah Api Pulau Harimau. Tunjuk bakat tak kena tempat! Misi pencarian info diteruskan dengan melipatgandakan usaha saya ke peringkat seterusnya. Saya private message semua kenalan saya di Johor, Facebook pages yang ada kaitan dengan kepulauan Mersing, dan saya juga pastikan blog-blog yang pernah menulis tentang kepulauan di area johor tidak akan terlepas daripada disoal siasat.Ada tour group yang menawarkan pakej all-in untuk kembara kepulauan Mersing ini tetapi selepas beberapa hari membuat ulangkaji, kami mengambil keputusan untuk merancang sahaja kesuluruhan pengembaraan ini sendiri, atas faktor-faktor seperti, fleksibiliti, harga, dan juga privasi. Dan selepas segala itinerari dan pelan dirangka, masa untuk bentangkan kertas kerja dan cari peserta!

1. Ringkasan pelan dan pencarian peserta

Trip kali ini memang sengaja kami letak tarikh minggu terakhir sebelum puasa. Acah-acah macam trip lepas geram sebab bulan puasa kami putuskan untuk berhibernasi daripada melakukan aktiviti outdoor selama sebulan dan beri lebih fokus kepada aktiviti kerohanian. Konon.Selepas mengambil kira kapasiti bot, penginapan, dan pengangkutan dari Kuala Lumpur, kami hadkan bilangan peserta kepada 14 orang. Bertolak Jumaat malam dan pulang Ahad petang, tempoh masa trip juga kami hadkan kepada 2 hari 2 malam kerana mahu simpan cuti tahunan untuk cuti Aidilfitri nanti. Berjalan berjalan juga, tapi jangan sampai sanggup habiskan cuti ke sana ke mari tapi bila mahu ambil cuti untuk bersama family, rasa berat hati. Ingat, travel responsibly!Mulanya memang agak sukar untuk kami kumpulkan 14 orang atas faktor perancangan yang terlalu last minute tapi berkat kesungguhan, kami berjaya merekrut sebilangan ahli baru untuk menjayakan ekspedisi kali ini. Mersing #kasijadi let's go!

Seperti yang dijangka, gambar penyu ini berjaya menarik perhatian beberapa orang lagi peserta!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

2.  Kuala Lumpur ke Mersing

Dengan tiga kereta kami bertolak dari Kuala Lumpur selewat jam 11 malam. Sengaja kami lewatkan masa bertolak untuk elak traffic jam melampau Jumaat petang yang selalunya membawa ke malam. Menggunakan PLUS, perjalanan kami tersangatlah lancar dengan trafik minimal, sehinggalah tiba di kawasan Pedas-Linggi, kami diuji dengan hujan ribut. Walaupun hujan turun dengan lebatnya sehingga jarak penglihatan hanya dalam 10 meter, kawan saya yang duduk di seat belakang sempat lagi tidur berdengkur tanpa risau akan bahaya yang mungkin boleh berlaku.Kami tiba 30 minit lewat dari yang dijangka, jam 5.30 pagi. Walaubagaimanapun, oleh kerana masih terlalu awal, kami ambil keputusan untuk berehat dan segarkan diri dahulu di Masjid Jamek Mersing.

Kami ambil masa lebih kurang 6 jam 30 minit untuk tiba di Mersing, ini termasuk berhenti dua kali di hentian rehat untuk ke tandas.
Image via Google Maps

Kira-kira jam 7 pagi di Masjd Jamek Mersing.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

3. Jeti Mersing

Lebih kurang jam 8 pagi, kami bergerak ke Terminal Jeti Mersing. Tanpa diduga, ramai pula yang sama fikiran macam kami, cuba menggunakan minggu terakhir sebelum Ramadan ini untuk berjalan. Sekilas pandang, ada lah dalam 3 kumpulan besar yang sedang berjalan beramai-ramai dengan 'beach vacation starter pack'  - topi di kepala, shades di mata, bersinglet hispter dan beseluar tiga suku. Tak susah pun untuk membezakan rakyat tempatan dengan pelancong yang mahu ke pulau.Akibat daripada lambakan pelancong ini juga, kami mengalami kesulitan untuk mencari tempat letak kereta. Ada lebih kurang 45 minit jugalah kami tunggu sebelum abang long kawasan berjaya mencari tempat parking untuk kami, itu pun selepas beberapa panggilan telefon dibuat. Instead of tempat parking terbuka hanya lebih kurang 100 meter berjalan kaki dari terminal jeti, kami diarahkan untuk parking lebih kurang 800 meter, di halaman rumah orang. Mujur abang long kawasan buat servis penghantaran dari rumah orang tadi ke pintu hadapan jeti. Kalau tidak, menapaklah jawabnya.

Image via TSG #KasiJadi

4. Restoran Sutera Emas, Bro Rastam dan menunggu giliran untuk berlayar ke lautan

Sampai di jeti, perut minta diisi nasi lemak. Melihat makanan yang nampak seperti baru dimasak di Restoran Sutera Emas, kami terus memesan makanan tanpa berfikir panjang walaupun niat di hati mahu makan berpada-pada, takut kalau-kalau perut meragam masa snorkelling nanti. Tak pasal-pasal ikan dan coral jadi mangsa. Kami hanya ada lebih kurang 30 minit sahaja lagi.Di restoran ini juga kami berjumpa dengan Bro Rastam, agen kami di Mersing. Boleh kata beliaulah yang membantu menguruskan 50% daripada itinerari perjalanan kami. Sangat berpengalaman dalam selok-belok di kepulauan Mersing, kami meletakkan kepercayaan penuh 100% kepada Bro Rastam untuk menguruskan perjalanan kami. Jujur, kami sendiri tak tahu dan tak berapa kisah sebenarnya dengan lokasi dan pulau yang akan kami kunjungi, sebab pada kami semua pulau di kawasan ini ada keunikan tersendiri. Tema kali ini - serahkan kepada yang pakar dan surprise us, please.

Ringkasan perjalanan jelajah pulau kami hari tersebut. Harga yang ditawarkan juga sangatlah berbaloi dengan jarak perjalanan kami.
Image via Google Maps

Selesai makan, kami bergerak terus ke balai perlepasan. Tiket taman laut sudah awal-awal lagi dibelikan oleh Bro Rastam sewaktu kami makan. Asalnya bot kami memang sudah berlabuh di jeti tetapi oleh kerana kami sedikit terlambat, kerana jadual kami sedikit lari, kerana tadi kami mengalami kesukaran mencari tempat parking kereta, bot tadi terpaksa keluar semula terlebih dahulu dari pelabuhan untuk memberi peluang kepada bot lain berlabuh dan mengambil penumpang yang lebih menepati masa.

Masing-masing masih lagi optimis walaupun terpaksa menunggu di bawah panas terik.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Kira-kira 30 minit menunggu, tiba giliran kami untuk masuk ke bot. Tanpa berlengah, masing-masing bergegas terus ke tempat yang diarahkan, takut bot disuruh keluar semula lagi.

5. Impresi pertama, perjalanan panjang seakan tak terasa

Bot yang kami naiki sangat selesa. Ini kerana peraturan ketat Jabatan Laut Johor yang mengehadkan hanya 12 penumpang pada suatu masa untuk satu bot. Destinasi kami yang pertama, ke Pulau Maldives, mengambil masa lebih kurang 45 minit. Untuk ke Pulau Maldives, kami perlu melepasi Pulau Tinggi terlebih dahulu. Dari jauh, sudah terlihat keunikan Pulau Tinggi yang pada saya, memang sangat tinggi.

Sebuah binaan ala-ala istana milik Sultan Johor yang masih dalam pembinaan. Katanya tempat ini bakal dijadikan tempat sultan menternak ikan.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Melepasi Pulau Tinggi, tersergam indah istana atas air Sultan Johor yang masih lagi dalam proses pembinaan. Disebabkan kagum dengan man-made marvel Istana Sultan Johor dan kecantikan semula jadi Pulau Tinggi, perjalanan kami yang 45 minit tadi seakan tak terasa. Sebenarnya, biasalah tu, trip baru mula, semangat dan excitement tu memang lain macam sikit.

Bahagian depan bot, besar dan selesa, rekabentuk bot kecil ini juga membolehkan anda main tukar-tukar tempat duduk dengan kawan semasa perjalanan.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Muka masing-masing masih lagi teruja.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

6. Pulau Maldives

Pulau Maldives mini. Kecil, tapi ingat, don't judge an island by its size.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Dari jauh sudah kelihatan Pulau Maldives yang saya kira sangat kecil. Tak tahu layak dipanggil pulau atau tidak sebenarnya. Tapi kenapa Pulau Maldives? Kami tertanya-tanya. Jejak sahaja tapak kaki di pulau ini baru kami faham kenapa pulau ini mendapat jolokan Pulau Maldives di kalangan rakyat tempatan. Terdapat sand bank di pulau ini yang boleh menjadikan gambar anda tampak cinematic seakan-akan berada di Maldives. Ohhhh!

Sand bank di Pulau Maldives, lokasi paling sesuai untuk mandatory jumpshot photo. Gambar wedding kalau buat kat sini mesti wow!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Mulanya kami fikir yang boatman bawa kami ke sini hanya untuk bergambar di sand bank tadi. Snorkelling di kawasan pantai Pulau Maldives, kami hanya disajikan pemandangan pasir sahaja. Tapi rahsianya tersembunyi kira-kira 20 meter dari persisiran pantai, berenang sedikit dan anda akan terkejut dengan apa yang anda lihat di bawah permukaan air. Pelbagai jenis kelompok coral berwarna warni yang meliputi kawasan seluas separuh padang bola saya kira. Atau mungkin lebih besar!

Geng-geng yang malas berenang jauh sikit memang akan tengok pasir jelah jawabnya.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Terkejut apabila memikirkan yang Pulau Maldives ini tidaklah jauh sangat pun daripada daratan, tapi keindahan bawah lautnya, setanding pulau-pulau ternama lain seperti Pulau Perhentian. Dan jika anda adalah seorang peminat coral pasti anda akan tersenyum lebar sampai air termasuk melalui mask semasa snorkelling di kawasan ini.

Lambakan corals yang terdapat di kawasan Pulau Maldives, tapi kenalah rajin berenang sikit. Masa kami pergi ni boleh kata corals tengah hidup.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Lautan coral tajam-tajam.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Kami habiskan kira-kira sejam di pulau ini sebelum bertolak ke pulau berikutnya. Sempat juga kami ambil group photo walaupun boatman dah panggil-panggil. Kejap ya bang, lagi 25 shots je lagi ni.

Kepuasan tak terkata. Tapi ni baru satu pulau je.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

7. Pulau Rahsia 1

Perjalanan ke Pulau Rahsia 1 hanya mengambil masa lebih kurang 15 minit. Tak sempat hilang penat dah sampai ke destinasi seterusnya. Jangan tanya kenapa namanya Pulau Rahsia, ini jawapan yang boatman bagi bila kami tanya nama pulau. Pulau tak berpenghuni dengan bentuk geografi muka bumi yang berbatu-batu ini jauh lebih besar daripada Pulau Maldives tadi dan kami diberitahu yang kami akan diturunkan di satu lokasi rahsia. Dah lah pulau pun rahsia, lokasi tempat snorkelling pun rahsia. Menguji minda betul boatman ni.Tapi sebelum tu, boatman sempat membawa kami mengelilingi pulau tersebut terlebih dahulu dan saya kira kalau betul-betul mahu melawat semua kawasan cantik pulau ini, sehari pun tak cukup.

Gugusan Pulau Rahsia 1, berbatu-batu dan hanya diselaputi dengan pepohon renek.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Selesai melawat sekitar pulau, tiba masa untuk kami melawat dengan lebih mendalam lagi di satu kawasan lubuk rahsia dia bahagian tepi pulau ini. Tiada pantai di sini, hanya lubuk berbatu dengan gua kecil sahaja, memang port snorkelling yang unik, dan kedatangan kami juga dialu-alukan dengan sekawan burung camar.

Belum sempat bot habis parking sis ni dah sibuk nak bergambar. Air dia memang jernih macam air mineral spritzer.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Air di sini memang sangat jernih. Saya kira ini disebabkan dasar laut di kawasan persisiran pulau tersebut berbatu, bukannya berpasir. Air yang tenang kerana kawasan tersebut terlindung daripada tiupan angin juga menjadi antara faktor utama air di kawasan tersebut sangat jernih, senang-senang sahaja anda boleh melihat jelas 7-8 meter ke dasar laut.

Lawa gila tempat ni. Nuff said.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Tempat cetek di kawasan ini sangatlah terhad, itu pun cetek disebabkan himpunan batu yang tersusun di bawah permukaan air, kalau tidak, mimpilah nak berdiri sambil berehat semasa snorkelling. Batu-batu besar ini lah yang kami jadikan tempat berpijak, cuma perlu berhati-hati dengan objek tajam ataupun mini corals yang tumbuh di sekitar batu. Kalau terluka, dengan penangan air garam, boleh berair juga mata tu. Dasar laut di kawasan ini tak landai, perubahan kawasan cetek ke kawasan dalam sangat mendadak, dari kedalaman 1-2 meter boleh mencuram terus ke 3-4 meter, jadi hati-hati bila melangkah.

Batu di dasar kawasan ini memang cantik, diselaputi sedikit dengan coral yang baru nak tumbuh.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Di bawah permukaan laut, corals dan hidupan laut tidaklah sebanyak seperti di Aquaria, tapi pada saya tarikan tempat ini adalah lebih kepada struktur geografi bawah lautnya yang sangat unik dan lain dari yang lain. Dengan air yang jernih, batu berlumut yang kelihatan berwarna-warni ditambah pula dengan sedikit coral yang baru nak tumbuh, pemandangan yang ada di depan mata kami memang sangat memukau. Saya tak sangka snorkelling tengok batu pun boleh buat kami teruja sampai macam ni. Itu, anda tak boleh dapat di Aquaria!

Air sejernih ini, kalau bukan sebab berlatarbelakangkan biru warna laut, saya dah ingat abang ni sedang terbang dah.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Di kawasan yang sedikit dalam, batu mula ditumbuhi corals yang lebih besar. Tak sabar nak tunggu coral yang bakal menghuni kawasan ini lagi 500-600 tahun.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Kami habiskan masa kira-kira dalam 45 minit di sini sebelum ke lokasi seterusnya.

8. Makan tengah hari di Pulau Rahsia 2

Pulau Rahsia 2. Nampak kecil tapi picture can be deceiving. Ini hanya bahagian hadapan pulau, pulau ini sebenarnya memanjang ke belakang.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Pulau Rahsia 2 terletak berhadapan dengan Pulau Rahsia 1 tadi. Ada lah dalam 5 minit perjalanan dengan bot. Kalau ada yang rajin nak berenang pun boleh, sampai je. Pulau Rahsia 2 ini pula saya boleh ibaratkan macam gabungan antara Pulau Maldives dan Pulau Rahsia 1, ada batuan menarik, ada gua, dan ada pantai.Bot berlabuh di kawasan pantai, dan kami diberikan masa 1 jam lebih sikit untuk makan, meneroka kawasan, meneroka gua, dan bergambar. Selepas kami semua turun, bot terus pergi tak tahu ke mana. Katanya lepas sejam nanti dia akan datang balik dan pick-up kami semula. Tinggallah kami tersadai di pulau asing ini dengan hanya dibekalkan set makan tengah hari. Ini kalau kami kena game dan bot tak datang balik, boleh jadi macam Tom Hanks dalam cerita 'Castaway' ni.Menu yang disajikan tengah hari tu biasa-biasa je saya rasa. Tapi biasalah, lepas kepenatan mandi-manda, nasi goreng kosong dengan telur mata pun rasa macam KFC. Ditambah pula makan tengah hari berlandaskan pasir putih, dengan pemandangan air kebiruan macam warna anak mata mat salleh, terus lupa makanan kami tu sebenarnya hanya ala kadar.

Menu tengah hari. Hashtag alakadar.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Selesai makan, tiba masa untuk kami meneroka pulau. Tak ada lah teroka mana pun sebenarnya, walaupun saiz pulau ini saya kira hanya separuh Pulau Rahsia 1 tadi, tapi masih dikira agak besar, kalau masa yang diperuntukkan 3 jam, mungkin boleh kami melawat seluruh pelusuk pulau ini. Kawasan pantai mungkin ada coral, tapi disebabkan kawasan yang terbuka, angin kuat, dan laut yang agak berombak, jadi tak berapa sesuai untuk snorkelling. Jadi kami banyak habiskan masa di dalam gua yang berada betul-betul bersebelahan dengan pantai tempat kami makan tadi.

Gua yang terletak kira-kira 30 saat perjalanan dari tempat kami makan tadi.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Di sini, kami habiskan masa untuk sesi photoshoot, sharing moment, dan ada juga yang ambil kesempatan untuk tidur. Yelah, bukan hari-hari anda dapat peluang tidur dalam gua kan. Satu hari nanti, mungkin yang tidur tu boleh cerita kat anak cucu yang atok ni adventure orangnya, suatu ketika dulu, atok pernah tidur dalam gua. Sempat juga kawan saya buat lawak tak kelakar, katanya ni kalau bot tak datang ambil kita balik, kita akan renovate gua ni jadi base camp kita. Serius tak kelakar.

Budak baru belajar tangkap gambar silhouette. Hashtag barunakup.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

'Kami buddies takkan terpisah.'
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Lebih kurang sejam, bot datang semula untuk mengambil kami. Syukur. Kawan saya sikit lagi dah nak pergi cari kayu, buat rakit katanya. Just in case.

Selepas nampak kelibat bot, barulah tiga gadis ini boleh tersenyum lebar. Kalau tak, memang monyok je sepanjang masa.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

9. 'The Magnificent Gerbang Rahsia'

Abang gerak dulu, apa-apa roger. Jumpa kat sebelah sana okay!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Gerbang Rahsia ini terletak di pulau yang sama, di kawasan belakang tempat kami makan tengah hari tadi. Gerbang besar yang membentuk satu laluan kecil kira-kira 50 meter panjang ini memang saya kira satu keajaiban alam, tak terfikir dek akal manusia macam mana gerbang sebegini boleh terbentuk secara semulajadi. Betul, google sahaja keyword  "Sea Arch", bersepah gambar yang keluar di serata dunia tapi saya tak rasa boleh jumpa bentuk muka bumi macam ni di lain-lain kawasan di Malaysia. Mohon kongsi jika anda ada terjumpa, saya nak pergi!

Kawasan sekitar gerbang laut yang agak dalam ini membentuk terusan dengan pemandangan dinding kiri kanan yang sangat magnificent! Freediving through an amazingly beautiful trench, checked!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Kawasan Gerbang Rahsia ini memang agak dalam, turun sahaja dari bot, anda tak akan nampak pun bahagian dasar laut. Nampak biru gelap sahaja, sangat menakutkan bagi mereka yang bukan perenang tegar dan tak berapa biasa dengan laut. Kami diarahkan untuk berenang menerusi gerbang tersebut dan bot akan pick-up kami di sebelah hujung gerbang. Siapa yang tak berani, kena tinggal. Siapa tak mahu keluar bot, kena campak juga keluar.

Teruja selepas berjaya melepasi 'The Magnificent Gerbang Rahsia' dengan cemerlang!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Kami perlu bergilir-gilir untuk berenang kerana laluannya agak sempit, hanya 2-3 orang sahaja boleh masuk pada satu masa. Mujur di sepanjang laluan tersebut, terdapat batu-batuan yang membuatkan laluan tersebut seakan cetek, bolehlah berdiri kalau cemas. Anda boleh lihat pengalaman kami melalui gerbang ini di dalam video yang saya kongsikan di penghujung artikel ini. Pengalaman berenang menerusi gerbang rahsia ini mesti anda kena cuba at least sekali seumur hidup saya kira!

Ingatkan keluar gerbang dah boleh jumpa tempat cetek. Rupanya lagi dalam!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

10. Bertolak pulang 45 minit ke kawasan Pulau Besar, snorkelling lagi!

Sebenarnya kami dijadualkan untuk melawat sekitar Pulau Tetek (jangan tanya kenapa nama dia macam tu sebab info nama pulau ni semua kami dapat dari boatman) yang katanya menyajikan pemandangan dasar laut yg lebih menakjubkan dan air yang lebih jernih. Tapi sayang, angin agak kuat dan kami terpaksa membatalkan ekspedisi dan terus bergerak pulang ke kawasan Pulau Besar.Masing-masing kepenatan, perjalanan balik bot sunyi sepi. Boleh kira dengan jari siapa yang masih bertahan menikmati keindahan pemandangan laut, yang lain semua tertidur. Kami sampai di kawasan Pulau Besar kira-kira jam 4 petang. Dari jauh saya sudah nampak kawasan tempat perkhemahan kami, tapi yang peliknya, bot tak ada tanda-tanda macam nak berhenti pun. Makin laju lagi ada lah.Bertanya kepada abang bot, saya difahamkan yang kami akan dibawa ke snorkelling spot lagi satu berhampiran Pulau Besar. Kesian dekat kawan-kawan yang sedang lena tidur dibuai mimpi, bila kami kejutkan mereka bangun, mereka ingatkan dah sampai Pulau Besar, dah boleh gantung hammock dan sambung tidur, rupa-rupanya kena snorkelling lagi! Ha ha.

Corals yang boleh ditemui di snorkelling point Pulau Besar.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Corals di sini pun tak menghampakan. Besar-besar dan sangat lawa. Hidupan laut juga adalah yang paling banyak jika dibandingkan dengan kawasan-kawasan yang kami pergi tadi. Memang tak menyesal habiskan kudrat yang ada untuk snorkelling kali terakhir hari itu.

Air yang tak berapa jernih tidak sedikit pun menghalang kami untuk bergambar.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Tapi kami agak terkilan kerana pagi hari tu hujan ribut melanda kawasan Pulau Besar, jadi air di kawasan ini tidak jernih seperti selalu. Arus juga agak deras, kesian mereka yang berenang menggunakan life jacket. Langsung tak bergerak!Habis snorkelling kira kira 30 minit, kami bergerak ke jeti Pulau Besar. Akhirnya!

11. Jeti kayu Pulau Besar

Jeti kayu tak berbumbung, jadi gambar lebih lawa dan natural.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Di Pulau Besar, terdapat dua jeti. Satu jeti batu yang digunakan pelancong untuk ke resort-resort ternama seperti D'Coconut Resort dan Aseania Resort. Pelancong bajet rendah seperti kami diturunkan di jeti yang lebih marhaen iaitu jeti kayu. Lagi kami suka, sebab gambar di jeti kayu pasti jauh lebih cinematic daripada gambar di jeti batu. Keluar sahaja jeti, yang jaraknya ada dalam 100 meter ke tengah laut, kami terus sampai ke destinasi kami, Chalet Kak Murni. Kawasan yang ordinary, tapi cukup selesa untuk kami.

Kami tinggal di kawasan Nirwana Beach Resort. Tapi tak wujud pun Nirwana Beach Resort ni. Sama ada baru nak buat atau sudah terkubur, yang itu saya tak pasti.
Image via Google Maps

12. Chalet Kak Murni dan badan melekit

Seperti yang dirancang, perempuan semua kami sumbat masuk chalet, dan lelaki akan berkhemah di persisiran pantai, berselimutkan bintang, bertilamkan pasir, sebab bak kata Waghih, 'napo lobihkan pompan sobab laki boleh hidup kalau campak dalam hutan'. Ini pula campak tepi laut, lagilah tak ada hal. Bagi hammock lover, ada juga port untuk anda gantung hammock, bolehlah buat dalam dua tingkat. Kalau level keyakinan pada tahap tinggi, nak buat tiga tingkat pun boleh.

Setup kami. Untuk hammock lover, kena jauh sikit dari tempat bergosip. Konon nak cari ketenangan. Ni betul-betul depan Chalet Kak Murni.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Habis sesi pacak khemah dan gantung hammock, masing-masing pun dah sibuk nak mandi. Mana tak nya, dari pagi bergelumang dengan air laut sampai petang. Walaupun penat, tapi nak tidur pun tak selesa. Untuk menjadikan cerita ini lebih mencabar, rancangan asal ialah untuk kami kaum lelaki menumpang di chalet perempuan untuk mandi. Tapi bayangkanlah kalau ada 14 orang, dan seorang mandi dekat 20 minit , tak ke kawan yang ke-14 tadi nak kena tunggu 4 jam baru sampai giliran dia. Dengan badan yang melekit bergaram tu, boleh jadi ikan masin dah kot.

13. Menapak ke port mandi terbaik!

Memikirkan situasi yang 'ini tak boleh jadi ni', kami kaum lelaki nekad mencari alternatif sumber air bersih lain. Ada yang pergi negotiate dengan Kak Murni untuk tumpang mandi di bilik mandi pekerja. Ada juga yang dah merancang untuk curi-curi mandi di resort-resort mahal sekitar Pulau Besar.

Aseania Resort
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

D'Coconut Resort.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Resort mahal di sekitar Pulau Besar. Kami hanya mampu melihat.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Nasib selalunya menyebelahi mereka yang berusaha dan pandai mencari peluang. Dalam perjalanan nak ke kawasan resort mahal tadi kami terjumpa sebuah masjid kecil. Saya tahu yang di Pulau Besar ada masjid kecil, cuma tak tahu lokasinya di mana. Tak sangka pula ianya terletak betul-betul di laluan perjalanan kami ke kawasan resort mahal.

Masjid Pulau Besar Mersing, satu-satunya masjid di pulau ni.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Tapi pada masa ini, ada beberapa orang jemaah tabligh sedang berehat di kawasan masjid. Alamak, segan pula nak mandi percuma di kawasan masjid ni. Air bersih dah lah susah nak dapat di kawasan pulau, apa pula mereka ni fikir nanti. Tapi desperate times call for desperate measure orang kata, badan memang dah melekit sangat ni. Kawan saya beranikan diri pergi tanya jemaah tabligh tadi okay ke kalau kami tumpang mandi. Sangat friendly dan sporting, jemaah tabligh tadi menunjukkan kawasan mandi mereka. Pelik juga bila mereka offer nak tunjuk kawasan mandi. Bukan bilik air ada kat sebelah masjid ni je ke?"Ha, kami pun mandi kat sini je. Tapi jimat-jimat air ya, dan jangan bagi kotor air telaga ni."

Tadaa! Ada telaga sebijik dekat dengan masjid. Serius! Ini tempat mandi kami. Percutian ke resort mana lagi yang memberi anda peluang untuk mandi telaga? Hanya di Pulau Besar, Mersing.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Ada sebuah perigi lama! Dengan unlimited air katanya. Excited benar kami masa ni. Maklumlah bukan senang nak cari peluang mandi air perigi. Memang rata-rata antara kami semua first timer mandi air perigi. Kalau ada yang pernah pun, masa kecil-kecil dulu. Seronok dia memang tak terkata, dengan badan melekit-lekit tu, disimbah pula dengan air segar dari dalam telaga, terus fresh. Dan paling best, untuk menjimatkan masa, memang kami mandi berjemaah lah di sini. Terima kasih jemaah tabligh. :D

14. Malam seribu bintang, angin sepoi-sepoi bahasa, dan campfire sambil sesi luahan perasaan

Semua dan mandi! Badan dah tak melekit, baru boleh makan dengan tenang. Yang warna putih kat tepi tu adalah chalet kami. Simple tapi lengkap dengan keperluan asas. (Eg:tandas)
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Selalunya bila kami berjalan, memang kami lebih gemar masak sendiri, boleh jimat kos. Tapi untuk trip kali ini kami pilih untuk ambil terus pakej makan dengan Kak Murni untuk makan malam dan sarapan pagi esoknya.

Syok habis dapat makan beramai-ramai sambil ditiup bayu laut macam ni.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Perut dah kenyang, bolehlah buat sharing moment. Mana yang tak berkenalan lagi, inilah masa yang sesuai untuk beramah mesra.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Ada juga yang ambil masa untuk mendeklamasikan puisi. Dengan atmosphere dan environment romantis seperti ini, tak hairan bila puisi random pun boleh rasa deep sangat. Sikit lagi saya nak menangis.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Waktu malam kami hanya habiskan dengan sharing moment dan bergosip di hadapan unggun api. Masa ni lah peluang untuk buat iiumconfession depan-depan ke, nak cerita masalah hidup ke, atau sekadar nak jadi pendengar yang setia pun boleh. Orang cakap kalau bercerita di depan unggun api ni, seseorang itu akan jadi lebih jujur, terbuka dan transparent bila bercerita. Betullah tu kot.

Ada juga yang memilih untuk sesi sharing moment 1-to-1 ditemani sinaran cahaya dari bot candat sotong.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

15. Pagi Ahad, gembira dalam sedih

Pagi Ahad, gembira sebab siapa yang tidur dalam khemah, buka sahaja mata, terus nampak lautan terbentang luas. Semangat nak bangun pagi tu lebih sikit. Selalu hari-hari bangun pagi nampak kipas je, atau mungkin spender bergantung di bilik.

Malam semalam memang sengaja tidur tak tutup zip khemah. Bangun-bangun macam ada lukisan depan pintu. Allahu indahnya :')
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Sedih sebab bot pulang ke tanah besar kami dijadualkan tiba lebih kurang jam 1 tengah hari. Kami hanya ada 5 jam untuk main terjun-terjun di jeti, snorkelling di kawasan pantai tempat kami camping yang corals dan hidupan lautnya boleh tahan menarik, berjalan melawat kawasan pulau, dan paling penting untuk bergambar berlatarbelakangkan keindahan Pulau Besar. Mana boleh pergi travel tapi tak upload gambar ke insta dan buat kawan-kawan yang tak dapat pergi jealous, kan?

Sarapan pagi diselangi perbincangan ilmiah tentang masa depan bangsa dan negara.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Sampai hujung jeti, semua orang dipaksa terjun dari atas jeti. Dalam gambar nampak macam rendah tapi sebenarnya dekat 4 meter juga tingginya ni.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Sekitar jam 11.30 pagi masa matahari terpacak. Air laut crystal clear sangat menyerlah masa ni. Terkesima kami dibuatnya. Rasa macam tak nak balik :'(
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Nemo yang riang dan comel. Hai Nemo!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Sempat juga berjalan ke kawasan resort mahal dan berangan melancong macam orang kaya. Ini hammock kepunyaan D'Coconut Resort. Mereka ni tumpang bergambar je.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Last kopek mandi di telaga sebelum pulang. Bila bergambar, semua pakai baju balik sebab kurang yakin dengan badan sendiri. Kecuali abang hensem kat hujung tu.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Dengan pengurusan masa yang baik, kami berjaya buat semua aktiviti di atas. Di tambah juga dengan mandi telaga buat kali terakhir, house keeping khemah, hammock, fly & ground, dan menunggu geng-geng perempuan bersiap dalam 2 jam sekejapnya.

Jumpshot memang wajib kena ada!
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Hand stand tak jadi.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Daripada hand stand, berlari, sampailah pandai terbang, kaum perempuan masih lagi tak sudah-sudah bersiap. #perempuansemuasama

16. Kesimpulan

Kami sedar yang travel 2 hari 2 malam memang tak lama, tapi kami tak sangka yang masa berlalu terlampau pantas sampai macam ni sekali. Jika diberi peluang rezeki dan kesihatan, saya tak akan teragak-agak untuk ke sini lagi!

Contoh muka sedih dalam gembira. Atau gembira dalam sedih.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Snorkelling dan island hopping di Kepulauan Mersing ini saya kira memang lain dari yang lain. Jika di sesetengah tempat, pergi 5 snorkelling point anda hanya berpeluang melihat corals dan hidupan laut sahaja, bonus kalau terjumpa penyu. Di sini, walaupun tiada penyu, tapi pakej snorkelling dia saya kira agak lengkap, ada pantai yang setanding Maldives, ada gua, ada snorkelling tengok coral dan hidupan laut, ada snorkelling tengok keindahan formasi batu di dasar laut, ada snorkelling merentasi gerbang laut rahsia yang menakjubkan, dan macam-macam lagi.

Sedang memikirkan nasib esok pagi, kerja yang bertimbun di meja office.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Gugusan Kepulauan Mersing yang kami pergi memang masih lagi virgin. Seperti di Pulau Rahsia, memang hanya ada kumpulan kami sahaja di kawasan tersebut. Nak nampak orang memang sangat susah, rasa macam pantai-pantai itu kami yang punya, berlari, menjerit, tak ada orang kisah. Paling best, barulah boleh tangkap gambar tanpa kena photobomb dengan orang tak dikenali! Kawasannya pun sangatlah terjaga dan sangat bersih. Saya berharap sangat yang suatu hari nanti, bila cicit saya datang melawat tempat ini, mereka boleh lihat pemandangan yang sama seperti apa yang saya lihat sekarang.Pendek cerita, Kepulauan Mersing memang unik dan sangat highly recommended untuk para pencinta laut tegar yang cuba mencari kelainan untuk trip pulau anda yang seterusnya.

TSG #KasiJadi. Last photo di pantai Pulau Besar sebelum bertolak pulang.
Image via TSG #KasiJadi

Mersing memang mercik hawau lah! Projek Mersing #kasijadi dah jadi. Syukur.

Ini pula versi TLDR dan point penting untuk mereka yang malas membaca

Image via TSG #KasiJadi

			1. Kos perbelanjaan keseluruhan adalah lebih kurang RM300 satu kepala. Kos ini termasuk- Kos perjalanan KL-Mersing-KL- Kos makanan 2 hari 2 malam- Kos snorkelling dan island hopping ke 5 lokasi termasuk life jacket, mask dan makan tengah hari- Kos penginapan di Chalet Kak Murni - Kos Taman Laut dibayar ke Jabatan Laut Johor2. Ini kali pertama kami semua ke Pulau Besar dan info tentang chalet ini pun kami dapat dari kenalan. Gambar pun owner hantar pakai Whatsapp sahaja. Tanpa informasi yang mendalam, kami ambil keputusan untuk ambil sahaja pakej makan dan chalet sekali gus. Kos chalet ini adalah RM100 per night, boleh sumbat 4-6 orang. Kos makan pula RM24 untuk sarapan pagi dan makan malam. Boleh contact Kak Murni di talian +60 12-741 3655 untuk info lebih lanjut.

Image via TSG #KasiJadi

			3. Chalet dan tempat kami camping di Pulau Besar terletak agak jauh dari kawasan peradaban dan pembangunan. Namun, untuk ke kawasan tersebut ada jalan yang sangat proper untuk motor dan basikal lalu. Berjalan kaki dengan langkah sederhana, anda perlu masa dalam 10 minit untuk sampai ke kawasan tersebut. 4. Di kawasan resort-resort besar, ada kedai runcit dan ada restoran kecil yang menghidangkan makanan simple seperti burger. Jangan expect siakap tiga rasa pulak. Untuk menu yang lebih menarik, anda boleh sahaja walk-in dan makan di resort-resort besar. Cuma mahal sikit lah.

Image via TSG #KasiJadi

			5. Pulau Besar letaknya tak jauh dari tanah besar. Durasi masa di ambil untuk bot dengan satu enjin, hanya lebih kurang rokok dua batang (15-20 minit).6. Untuk pakej Kepulauan Mersing, anda boleh contact terus Bro Rastam di talian +6010-718 3041 atau boleh follow beliau di Facebook Kepulauan Mersing. Masa artikel ni ditulis, FB page ni dah dapat hampir 16,000 likes! 7. Disebabkan tempat island hopping dan snorkelling kami agak jauh, jadi untuk pakej snorkelling, termasuk sewa life jacket, mask dan makan tengah hari, lepastu hantar kami ke Pulau Besar petang tersebut, dan esoknya ambil pula kami keesokan harinya, kami bayar RM180 seorang.

Panjang sangat dah tulis ni. Memang teruja sangat sampai idea pun mencurah-curah keluar dari otak. So, enjoy the video boys and girls!

#TSG #ProjekMerecikMeresing 280516 from TSG #KasiJadi on Vimeo.

Follow kami di Instagram @tsgkasijadi untuk lebih banyak adventure dan gambar-gambar yang WOW!

TSG #KasiJadi adalah sekumpulan sahabat yang tak henti-henti berkeliaran. Mana kami mahu pergi, kami kasi jadi!

  A photo posted by TSG #KasiJadi (@tsgkasijadi) on Jul 24, 2016 at 12:24am PDT


Holiday Turns Tragic For More Than 20 Teachers & Their Families Camping At Batang Kali

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

More than 20 teachers from SJKC Mun Choong in Kuala Lumpur and their family members are among the dozens of victims of a landslide at an organic farm in Batang Kali this morning, 16 December

According to its parent-teacher association president U Chin Ong, the teachers had been camping at the hilltop since Wednesday for a three-day trip with their families, reported New Straits Times."There are about two to four teachers who are currently at this refuge centre at the Hulu Yam Bharu police station. Some are being treated at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) for minor injuries. I am also waiting for more information as there are still more being rescued and identified," he was quoted as saying.

Kuala Lumpur Hospital personnel assisting the injured at the site.
Image via Mohamad Shahril Badri Saali/New Straits Times

The campsite, where the teachers were staying, was initially not affected by the landslide,  which happened on the opposite side

Ong said the teachers and their family had been camped near the Father's Organic Farm."They should have returned to their homes this morning. The teachers involved are on vacation at the farm because they felt the area was safe and flat. There are two camps in the area," he added.Ong said that he bought some milk for the babies and children of the teachers."There was a female teacher with her baby, both crying while being treated. Luckily they were only slightly injured," he said, adding that aid was being provided by HKL to the survivours.

Meanwhile, one of the victims, while describing the horror, said that they were awakened by a loud bang that "sounded like an explosion"

"We were asleep when it happened. We felt the earth move and the soil came down. It was very dark [...] We never expected a landslide to occur considering it was not raining heavily a few days ago, just some drizzles. My family and I were trapped as soil covered our tent," the victim, Leong Jim Meng, said."We managed to escape to a car park area and heard a second landslide happening. I called the authorities and they came after 30 minutes, which I think was quite fast," New Straits Times quoted Leong as saying.

Some of the survivors of the landslide at Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali.
Image via Mohamad Shahril Badri Saali/New Straits Times


Whose Runaway Ostrich Is This On The Federal Highway?!

UPDATE

The runaway ostrich's name is Chickaboo. Here's how it escaped!

Cute image of ostrich's face for illustration purposes only
Image via bennyboy619

The ostrich was being transported when it jumped out of a truck in front of Universiti Malaya and sprinted towards the highway at about 3pm. It has been caught unharmed and brought safely back to a farm in Semenyih, Malaysiakini reported.Earlier reports on The Star and Malaysiakini named the ostrich 'Peekaboo', but had later been updated to 'Chickaboo'.

Yes, its name is Chickaboo!

The ostrich's owner who retrieved the bird said its name is 'Chickaboo'.Additionally, Malaysiakini reported that Chickaboo will not be anyone's dinner, as the farm to which it belongs does not breed the birds for meat.

Here's how it all started...

It could have been a scene out of a movie, except that it wasn't!
Earlier today, 16 June, Malaysians on the Federal Highway were treated to an amusing sight of an ostrich sprinting on the fast lane.

Image via Joshua Desmond/Jeff Sandhu

And if running in the fast lane wasn't enough for the giant bird, according to motorists, it even changed lanes to avoid traffic. :D
The crazy sighting was filmed by Jeff Sandhu at around 3pm, near the Universiti LRT station:

Posted by Jeff Sandhu on Thursday, June 16, 2016

Jeff, while commenting on the video, also joked that: "The bugger is surely Malaysian cause it kept changing lanes without giving signal.. tsk tsk tsk"

Indeed, it was the 'Road Runner' in real life! * beep, beep *

Image via Giphy

Wish you could've caught something like that on your routine drive back home? Install a dashboard camera and get a discount while you're at it!


Make Personal Progress With Your Cocktail Skills This CNY With These 9 Recipes

Johnnie Walker wants to encourage you to make personal progress this Chinese New Year, and you can do it in the form of enhancing classic whisky cocktails

Image via NOX

Whisky cocktails are some of the most popular ones around the world. Any decent bar serves an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, even if it's not on the menu. These are cocktails that have stood the test of time, and most of them have a fixed recipe. However, that doesn't mean you can't play around with its ingredients to enhance the cocktail's flavour.This Chinese New Year, Johnnie Walker wants to encourage you to take these classic cocktails to the next level with their signature whiskies and some festive flavours.

Here are some easy ways to upgrade these classic cocktails for Chinese New Year:

1. Rob Roy with maple syrup and bacon

Image via Vinepair

The Rob Roy is sometimes nicknamed the Scotch Manhattan as both cocktails contain the same ingredients, except that the Manhattan is made using rye whiskey while the Rob Roy is made using Scotch. Add some maple syrup and bacon for some Chinese New Year flavour. Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, for its rich honey sweetness.Full recipe here (use Scotch instead of rye for a Rob Roy).

Image via Johnnie Walker / Facebook

2. Mint Julep with mandarin oranges

Image via Beautiful Booze

This zesty take on the traditional Mint Julep is something we really want to try. All you need to do is add some mandarin orange juice to the classic cocktail mix, mix well, then pour it over crushed ice. Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, for its nutty and fruity taste.Full recipe here.

3. Whisky Highball with Lapsang Souchong tea and oranges

Image via Chow Hound

The Whisky Highball is another classic serve that you can experiment with to bring its taste to the next level. Pair it with the Chinese smoked tea, Lapsang Souchong, and some orange juice for a smoky and zesty taste. Recommended whisky: John Walker & Sons XR 21, for its long, smooth, and soothing finish. Full recipe here.

4. Whisky Dry with pineapple

Image via Hey Art Social

Ginger ale has always been a popular mixer to go with whisky. You can enhance the taste of this simple serve by adding some pineapple juice to it, reminiscent of the popular Chinese New Year snack - buttery pineapple tarts. Recommended whisky: John Walker & Sons XR 21, for some citrus zest and hint of smokiness. Full recipe here.

5. Whisky Sour with pineapples

Image via Baked By Rachel

This classic cocktail is made with ingredients you can easily find anywhere: sugar and lemon juice. Put a Chinese New Year twist to it by adding some pineapple juice to the cocktail. Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, for its fruity and honeyed tones.Full recipe here.

Image via Johnnie Walker / Facebook

6. Hot Toddy with oolong tea

Image via The Wall Street Journal

Not to be confused with the local toddy made from fermented palm tree sap, hot toddy is a classic hot alcoholic drink that's great for cold weathers. Instead of just mixing the traditional honey and Scotch together with hot water, substitute the latter with a hot pot of concentrated oolong tea of your choice.Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Gold Label, for its sweet and gentle smokiness.Full recipe here.

7. Whisky Mac with lychee

Image via iDiva

A Whisky Mac tastes great whether it's served hot or cold. After you've mixed Scotch and ginger wine together, add in some lychee liqueur for some Chinese New Year flavour. You can also garnish it with the fruit. Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Black Label, for a good balance of smokiness and fruitiness.Full recipe here.

Image via Johnnie Walker / Facebook

8. Old Fashioned with mandarin oranges

Image via Weary Chef

The Old Fashioned usually uses lemon or orange peel as garnish. Take it a step further by substituting that with mandarin orange slices, then add some of its syrup into the cocktail for a more festive twist. Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Black Label, for its zesty and spicy finish.Full recipe here.

9. Whisky and Coke with peanuts

Image via Hector Sanchez

It's quite common to use Coca Cola as a mixer to go with whisky. For Chinese New Year, try sticking some peanuts on the rim of your glass. It's unconventional, but it might work ;)Recommended whisky: Johnnie Walker Black Label, for a smooth and smoky finish.Full recipe here.

Bonus mention: The Dragon Dance by Johnnie Walker

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Johnnie Walker has also created a special cocktail for this festive season, aptly named the Dragon Dance. All you need are some mint leaves, sugar syrup, and your favourite Johnnie Walker whisky to make this. Recommended whiskies: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, John Walker & Sons XR 21, Johnnie Walker Black Label, or Johnnie Walker Gold Label.

Pair your favourite Johnnie Walker whisky with Chinese New Year flavours this year

Image via Johnnie Walker / Facebook

Try making one of these easy cocktails to enjoy and impress your relatives this Chinese New Year with your favourite Johnnie Walker whisky: the spicy Red Label, or the smooth and rich Blue Label. Making cocktails isn't tough, feel free to play around with the flavours you like and you might even be able to improve its taste. Make one as a gift to someone who walks with you this Chinese New Year.

Learn more about Johnnie Walker's whiskies here

Learn more about whiskies here:

                What "Full-Bodied" And 7 Other Drink Jargons Actually Mean

So you can "ber-atas" when you drink now.

Read the full story


5 Things We Did Differently This Year That Made #GVF Feel Like A Refreshing Getaway

Ah, Good Vibes! With all the hype surrounding the weekend, people taking leave days to travel outstation, and the colourful costumes involved, it is almost as if the annual Good Vibes Festival should soon be listed as one of Malaysia's major festive holidays.Excitement aside, preparations for "the big day" can sometimes feel a little daunting—what to wear, where to park, what if it rains, how long will the queue for food be?Fortunately, there is nothing careful planning and a come-what-may spirit cannot overcome. And it so happened, this year, courtesy of our friends at Strongbow, all the prep was taken care of!TLDR: we've been to Good Vibes thrice, and all the following things gave this year’s experience the "best vibes" yet.

Image via Good Vibes Festival

1. We made “party, rest, repeat” our motto

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Let’s face it, screaming the words and bobbing along to your favourite songs, while navigating through massive crowds from sunset to midnight, can take a toll. Don’t get us wrong, as lit as the event was, there is only so much fun you can have in a state of complete exhaustion.Want a tip? Don’t skimp on accommodation costs; book a room in the vicinity and rest up for day two of partying.Thanks to the good folks at Strongbow, we stayed at Glamz; a novel space that marries glamour and camping to offer an experience called ‘glamping’. We’re talking spacious, air-conditioned dome tents, real beds, and attached bathrooms with water heaters.To enjoy all of that, plus scenic views of the starry night sky and sounds of nature as a lullaby at the end of a long day was surprisingly satisfying.

2. We avoided the parking headache

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

We don’t say this often, but in the case of the GVF weekend, taking public transportation actually trumps having your own car. The parking conundrum around the festival grounds in addition to the traffic that builds up around the time of the final act’s swan song is, for lack of a better word, sobering.Skip the bumper-to-bumper gridlock and take the free cable car ride to and from Sky Avenue where parking lots abound. Or do as Strongbow did, charter a private car to chauffeur tired festival-goers back to creature comforts.

3. We filled up on the good stuff

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

This year, thanks to Strongbow, our usual festival diet of greasy grub and beer was momentarily disrupted.In its place, chilled glasses of Strongbow Gold Apple on the rocks and a beautiful Sunday brunch was on the menu. Crisp, refreshing and sparkling with just the right amount of sweetness, the golden apple cider by Strongbow had us intrigued on the first sip and hooked by the second.While digging into the generous spread, we realised that the drink pairs seamlessly with both the sweet and savoury! It’s strong enough to stand up well between mouthfuls of hearty roast chicken, its bittersweet finish cuts through creamy oysters perfectly, and the fizzy, fruity notes go hand-in-hand with desserts.As for its #RefreshingbyNature tagline, we’d vouch for it—sips of Strongbow Gold Apple served over ice in between sets would beat fanning ourselves profusely while guzzling down water, anytime.

4. We took no shame in getting pampered :P

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

Some may say that a music festival experience is not complete until you have your own horror story of ending up knee-deep in mud while intoxicated on porta-potty fumes.Well, some stripes we’d rather not earn. Taking the scenic route of getting our hair braided, faces bejewelled, feet massaged (thanks again, Strongbow! #youdabest) and fully utilising the swanky restroom facilities at the Sky Avenue mall before the festival began were amongst the best decisions we made all weekend.Tip: For those who need a little help, many beauty counters offer complimentary makeup services, ideal for occasions as such!

5. We prepared for the worst

Image via Darian Goh/SAYS

What’s worse than mosquitoes, muddied shoes, drenched clothing and a soaked phone? Answer: the stress of not preparing for all those possibilities.To our relief, survival packs that could prevent all of the above were ready and waiting when we checked into our room/tent.12/10 would recommend taking a screenshot now for future reference!

There you have it, five tried-and-tested ways to make sure your next GVF weekend is more party and less pancit

And if you’re curious about the Strongbow Gold Apple, find out more here, or pick a few bottles up to try the next time you’re in need of a refreshing boost!


Cigarette Delivery Boy Stabs Two To Death On A Killing Spree In Kl

26-Year-Old Delivery Boy Who Went On A Killing Spree Charged With Two Murders

Muhammad Zamri Yusof, 26 is alleged to have stabbed the two men to death and injured two others on October 24.

        abnxcess.com

The delivery man who ran amok and fatally stabbed two men and injured two others here last month was charged with murder in a Magistrate's court.

        malaysiandigest.com

It was reported that a cigarette delivery man, went on a stabbing spree, taking down four victims, including fatally wounding two, in Taman Melati.

        malaysiandigest.com

26-Year-Old Delivery Boy Who Went On A Killing Spree Charged With Two Murders
Image via thestar.com.my

Cigarette Delivery Boy Behind Stabbing Spree Was High On Drugs

The delivery boy who ran amok and went on a stabbing spree at a crowded LRT station and a busy street — killing two and injuring two others — was high on drugs, police disclosed yesterday.

        yahoo.com

Sentul police chief ACP Zakaria Pagan said a urine test was conducted on the suspect the day he was taken into custody and the results were positive.  “We are waiting for a full medical report on the suspect from the hospital which includes a mental health evaluation.”

        themalaymailonline.com

Zakaria said the 26-year-old suspect from Johor had no criminal record. “We have recorded the statement of witnesses at the scene and also the two survivors, Law Siew Ling, 49, and pregnant Suriani Johari, 40, as part of our investigations.”

        malaysiandigest.com

Over 200 people — made up of the deceased’s family and friends — turned up to pay their last respects. Relatives were seen carrying banners stating “We seek justice for Lee, he died for no reason”. Lee and 25-year-old Kuan Chun Tai were killed in the Thursday morning incident.

        themalaymailonline.com

Delivery Boy Behind Gombak Stabbing Was High
Image via malaysiandigest.com

“I Am Only Performing My Duty,” Says The Cigarette Delivery Boy

The cigarette delivery man drove his Rambo knife into the shop assistant’s abdomen and told her: “I am only performing my duty.” A shocked Sulianti Johari, 31, said the suspect then calmly walked to his van, smiling and waving, before driving off from the Gombak LRT station. She knew the man well as he had delivered goods to the shop often.

        thestar.com.my

“We never had any arguments or disagreements. “He was usually friendly with me. I thought of him as a younger brother,” she said after undergoing surgery for the stab wound on the lower part of her abdomen here yesterday.

        thestar.com.my

While the father of murdered college student Kwan Chun Tai, 25 could barely contain his anger and sadness as he said prayers for his son at the Kwong Tong Funeral Parlour. “This is unacceptable! I cannot take it. Chun Tai never did anything wrong to anyone. Why did he have to kill him?” asked a bloodshot-eyed Kwan Chong Tuck, 59 here Friday.

        yahoo.com

Victim Kuan Khun Thai,25, a college student was killed in the stabbing spree attack.
Image via imgur.com

Also, a housemate of the suspect said in the past few days he had asked to be taught how to pray. “There was no change in his behaviour over the past few days except that he had asked me to teach him how to pray.

        yahoo.com

INFOGRAPHIC: Trail Of Madness And Bloodshot

Image via imgur.com

The Horrible Incident Started At About 11.20am When..

A 26-year-old suspect, who is a cigarette-van driver and believed to be mentally unstable, stabbed a 60-year-old owner of a food booth at the Gombak LRT station and her 40-year-old pregnant employee.

        thesundaily.my

The suspect then drove the van to Taman Melati LRT station before he rammed the vehicle into another van transporting mineral water bottles.

        nst.com.my

He then stabbed the other van's driver three times. The victim died on the spot. He was a salesman identified as Lee Kha Ghee who was driving a van with a female passenger.

        thesundaily.my

Image via googleusercontent.com

He then continued driving to Jalan Tumbuhan about 200m from the first incident scene, and rammed a Toyota Prius driven by a male youth.

        facebook.com

Image via imgur.com

The suspect then stabbed the car driver, also killing him at the scene," City police CID deputy chief Assistant Commissioner Khairi Ahrasa said.

        thesundaily.my

The Suspect Was Then Apprehended By Several Bystanders After They Intervened

It took several bystanders who intervened to subdue and apprehend the 26-year-old suspect after he had killed his last victim, a 25-year-old man identified as Kuan Chun Tai, believed to be a student of a nearby college.

        thesundaily.my

The suspect is being strapped onto a gurney and restrained after he ran amok, stabbing two people to death and injuring two others
Image via thesundaily.my

Video Of The Suspect Being Subdued By The Bystanders (Might take some time to load)

A Bystander Showing A Picture Of The Suspect

Image via thesundaily.my


Are You As Observant As @SyukriShairi? His City Sketches Are Pretty Darn Intricate!

Architects have a unique and interesting way of looking at the world. When they look at a building, they don't see shops and cafes, instead they see an art piece that's formed by concrete and beams.

Image via Syukri Shairi

This might not be true of all architects, but it certainly applies to Syukri Shairi, a Malaysian architect. With a habit of sketching on his trusty 6-year-old notebook, he has been sharing beautiful and complex sketches of different cities around the world through his Insta account @syukrishairi.

Image via Syukri Shairi

Syukri has sketched famous cities from around the world, including the beautiful floating city of Venice...

Image via Syukri Shairi

... and Brighton, the English city with its clock tower landmark

Image via Syukri Shairi

If only our travel itineraries looked this good!

Image via Syukri Shairi

Image via Syukri Shairi

Image via Syukri Shairi

Image via Syukri Shairi

His passion for sketching has given him the opportunity to collaborate with Chaiwalla & Co, a container cafe chain

Image via Syukri Shairi

Image via Syukri Shairi

Image via Syukri Shairi

Image via Syukri Shairi

We managed to get in touch with Syukri over the weekend. Here's what we learnt about the Instagramming architect:

SAYS: Why do cities inspire you so much?

Image via Syukri Shairi

Syukri:  I'm always moved by a city's diversity: it's ability to sustain so many lives, so many stories, so many realities. It's overwhelming and humbling at the same time. I suppose my drawing the cities and cityscapes is my attempt to create conversations with these stories, these realities.

What has been your favourite city to draw thus far?

Image via Syukri Shairi

I like to draw the former Straits Settlements, especially Penang and Singapore, for the history they embody perhaps, but also for the strong-will and optimism they carry.

How long does it take for you to sketch a full piece?

Image via Syukri Shairi

It depends on the size and scale definitely, but a two-page of my sketchbook should not exceed an hour.

Where do you sketch on?

Image via Syukri Shairi

I mostly draw in my pocket-sized sketchbook I'd bring around, everywhere—it's a habit I have been keeping for nearly six years now. Mobile, portable, immediate, intimate, straightforward.

If you could draw any city in the world, where would it be? And why?

Image via Syukri Shairi

Kabul, I suppose because I'm attracted to cities that have survived conflicts, war, animosities and are experiencing renewal afterewards—it's the inhabitants and therefore the city saying: you can bomb us, burn our homes down, but we shall exist and persist. At a smaller scale, it gives in you hope to survive the challenges in life.

Could you share with us 3 of your favourite sketches so far?

Image via Syukri Shairi

A sketch of Masjid Hajjah Fatimah, Singapore – simply because of I liked the atmosphere while producing the drawing, plus small yet valuable interactions I managed to make with passing locals from many of walks of life.

Image via Syukri Shairi

Sketches done in a group, drawn on site at the Golden Temple in Amristar, India during a trip my friends and I made last year.

Image via Syukri Shairi

Not particularly a sketch, but a drawing of Penang, with the spilled yellow ink. I wasn't happy about it at first, but a friend convinced me that it was OK. It taught me about celebrating mistakes and looking at them at a different way, and that a part of moving on is about accepting failures.

For more sketches, follow Syukri here

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