This Photographer Told Us How He Quit His Executive Job To Pursue His Hobby Full-Time

Do you have fun at work every day?

Lee Jeans is encouraging Malaysians to rediscover their workplace through a series of interviews with local entrepreneurs whose workplace is also their playground.In conjunction of their Fall/Winter Collection 2017 launch, we speak to a local wedding photographer to find out about how he merges work and play at his job:

Meet Joe Zakaria, a photographer who specialises in "documentary wedding photography"

Image via The Joe / Instagram

Joe is the founder of We Are The Joe Zakaria, a production company known for producing documentary-style wedding photographs.

  A post shared by WTJZ (@wtjz) on Oct 8, 2014 at 9:07pm PDT

"Documentary wedding photography or wedding photojournalism is about capturing the flow of a wedding starting from preparation until the end," Joe explained.Rather than concentrating on getting pretty backgrounds and the right framing, this type of photography focuses on capturing the emotions that are present during those priceless moments. To Joe, these are the things that make a picture beautiful. "Like the moment the parents let go of their daughter, the moment shared between the groom and the father of the bride during the nikah ceremony, the first dance, etc."

  A post shared by WTJZ (@wtjz) on Jan 3, 2013 at 7:20pm PST

It was a young photographers community page on MySpace that first got him interested in photography

Image via The Joe / Instagram

Joe was working as a Project Executive back in 2006 when he stumbled upon a MySpace community page of young photographers. "I started wondering how did they produce such beautiful photos. I've been trying to get the same quality with my compact point and shoot camera but failed. That is when I knew about DSLR camera," Joe recalled.

He even quit his job to be a junior photographer at a wedding photography company just to learn the basics of using a DSLR

Image via The Joe / Instagram

"Back then, it was really hard to find a photography class. And you can't just Google it. It's not like nowadays." But Joe was so passionate about photography, he decided to give up his well-paying job to become a junior photographer at a wedding photography company. It didn't matter that it was a junior position, or that the pay wasn't as great - he just wanted to learn. It was a huge decision, and not an easy one to make. The toughest part for Joe was how to convince his parents about it. "For them, wedding photography is not a secure job. And for them, it seems like I have wasted years finishing my studies but ended up doing something that have nothing to do with it."

Despite the initial struggles, Joe never regretted it as it gave him the chance to explore new places and most importantly, taught him the "art of seeing"

Image via The Joe / Instagram

When asked about the most important thing he learned during his days as a newbie photographer, Joe said it was the "art of seeing". Also called "photographer's eye", this art refers to a photographer's sense of awareness towards their surroundings and their ability to focus on a particular subject.It's true that good camera lenses can help you capture top quality pictures, but nothing beats having a good eye. That is why every photographer's work is different from the other's as the photos they capture reflect the unique way they see the world.

Image via The Joe / Instagram

"Through this job, I also got the chance to travel around and go to places that I never thought of going if I'm not a photographer. I love my job!" he added. Besides having local assignments, he also had the chance to travel to Brunei, Indonesia, and even the United Arab Emirates for work. His workplace is like his playground as it allows him to be productive and have fun at the same time. It also helped give him creative ideas, such as experimenting with different shots and help him adapt in challenging environments.

Image via The Joe / Instagram

Seeing all that he's achieved as a photographer, Joe's parents slowly began to understand his work and are now really proud of him. He told us, "They are happy with what I'm doing right now. As long you are sincere and committed in what you are doing, with God's will and your parents blessing, you will gain what you are looking for."

The best part was that it was this job that led him to his wife

Image via The Joe / Instagram

To Joe, meeting his wife is the highlight of his career ever since he pursued photography full-time in 2006. "I was the photographer for the Merdeka celebration in Stadium Negara and she was the choreographer for the human flag. That was nine years ago. Now, we've been married for four years and I'm still a wedding photographer and videographer."

We asked Joe what it takes to be a successful photographer. Here's his advice:

  A post shared by WTJZ (@wtjz) on Nov 27, 2017 at 1:27am PST

1. Love your work"You need to love your work. Once you love your work and you're confident with it, then other people will recognise it too."2. Try new things"Don't be scared to try new things. It might not be wedding photography; it might be fashion, portrait, or landscape. Try all if you can and you will find what you love."3. Experience"Don't just Google for the answer because a person's experience might teach you a lot of things."

And most importantly, enjoy the experience of photography

Image via The Joe / Instagram

"All you need to do to get a good photo is to point, aim, and shoot. Always remember that it's not the camera but the person behind the camera who has what it takes to produce a good photo," said Joe.

Joe's personal take on style is just like his views on work - to always try new things

Image via Lee Jeans

While he prefers slim fit jeans, Joe is open to trying new styles when it comes to fashion. He said, "As long as it fits me nicely, I'll definitely get it. For me, it doesn't matter what kind of jeans you are wearing, the most important thing is that it has to be you carrying the jeans, not the other way around."

Image via Lee Jeans

Lee Jeans just launched their new 101+ line and an improved Urban Riders collection

Image via Lee Jeans

Work is not always boring - it can be fun as well. These days, most of us have the freedom to merge work with our hobbies. Following this trend, Lee Jeans introduced the Rediscover Worklife campaign for the launch of the new 101+ line and the improved Urban Riders collection.The 101+ line is the re-imagination of Lee Jeans' Classic 101 Blue Label. The classic jeans now has a more modern take, with doughnut buttons, original leather tear-off label, copper rivets, as well as the new 101+ embroidery. To allow for freedom of movement, the Urban Riders collection has also gone through some re-innovation and now features an exciting new 3D fit. Its signature casual design has been improved to incorporate a hint of professionalism.

Image via Lee Jeans

Rediscover your worklife with Lee Jeans here

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PSA: You Can't Delete Your Threads Account Without Deleting Your Instagram Profile Too

Threads, a new text-based conversation app akin to Twitter has been surging in popularity and downloads since its release yesterday.
But there's a caveat.

The text-based conversation app has accumulated over 30 million signups within a day of release, Mark Zuckerberg claims.However, despite the positive reception the app has received so far, many users were baffled by a particular decision from the developers.According to their Supplemental Privacy Policy, your Threads profile is directly linked to your Instagram account, so if you want to delete it, you can only do so by erasing your Instagram account.

Image via Twitter

Image via Twitter

Image via Twitter

As it stands, users are not too keen over the fact that their Thread accounts are locked to their Instagram profiles. However, there is a solution to this, kinda.

Adam Mosseri, the Head of Instagram, has since addressed users' concerns

Image via News18

Mosseri clarified that you can shut down your Threads account without affecting your Instagram account by deactivating it. Deactivating your account means putting it on private mode, hiding your profile and its contents. Furthermore, he stated that the app is currently designed this way because it is powered by Instagram, but they are actively looking for a solution so users can delete their Threads accounts separately.

Here's how you can deactivate your Threads account, just in case you're wondering:

Image via Instagram Help Center

Have you been using Threads since it launched? What do you think of it? Let us know!


Ini Cara Hasilkan Mee Hailam Dengan Mudah & Cepat. Wajib Cuba!

Hari-hari masak, sampai dah taktau nak masak apa...
Apa kata kita cuba Mee Hailam? Yang selalu sediakan lunch atau dinner last minute tu, boleh la cuba resepi ini, sebab senang dan cepat. Expressss!

Image via Pinterest

Cuba bayangkan Mee Hailam panas-panas, berkuah pedas manis. Umph, nikmatnya! Senang pun senang... Tunggu apa lagi? Jom sediakan bahan dan ikuti resepi yang dikongsikan oleh pemilik akaun Facebook, Cik Puan Yaya.

Bahan yang diperlukan:

1 biji bawang besar (dikisar)10 biji cili kering (dikisar)5 ulas bawang putih (dikisar)1 bungkus mee kuning (dicuci bersih)2 sudu cili sos 2 sudu cili sos tiram Kicap manis2 sudu kicap meeKiub ayam1 sudu lada hitam Sayur sawiDaging (direbus lembut)Air rebusan dagingFish cake

Cara penyediaan:

1. Cuci mee kuning sehingga bersih. 2. Kisarkan bahan kisar seperti bawang putih, bawang besar dan cili kering sehingga lumat. 3. Rebuskan daging sehingga lembut. Jangan dibuang air rebusan. 4. Panaskan minyak. Tumiskan bahan yang telah dikisar sehingga naik bau.

Image via Cik Puan Yaya (Facebook)

			5. Masukkan daging yang telah direbus.

Image via Cik Puan Yaya (Facebook)

			6. Kemudian, masukkan fish cake.

Image via Cik Puan Yaya (Facebook)

			7. Letakkan kicap mee, kicap manis, sos cili, kiub ayam dan perasa.

Image via Cik Puan Yaya (Facebook)

			8. Masukkan lada hitam yang ditumbuk hancur.

Image via Cik Puan Yaya (Facebook)

			9. Akhir sekali, masukkan mee dan sayur sawi. Gaul rata, siap!

Sedia untuk dihidang... Selamat menjamu selera!

Image via Cik Puan Yaya (Facebook)

Untuk dapatkan banyak lagi artikel seperti ini, LIKE Facebook Seismik Makan serta FOLLOW kami di Instagram sekarang!

Image via Seismik Makan

Inginkan resepi yang sedap dan senang?

                10 Koleksi Resepi Lauk Ayam Yang Mudah Untuk Lunch & Dinner. Tak Perlu Pening Kepala Dah!

Tak dinafikan, senang dan sedap.

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                10 Resepi Sambal Basic & Sedap Yang Semua Malaysians Wajib Tahu Sebelum Umur 30 Tahun

Lauk paling perfect dan tiada tandingannya.

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Jom check out gajet dapur yang senangkan kerja-kerja  memasak:

                15 Alat Dapur Dari Daiso Yang Boleh Jimatkan Masa Masak & Kemas. So Cheap & Berguna!

Pelik tapi menarik!

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                15 Gajet ‘Must Buy’ Dari MR.DIY Yang Berbaloi Untuk Senangkan Kerja Di Dapur

Always low prices, always in our hearts. :)

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"Berlagak Gengster" - Pemuda Gagal Potong Queue Semasa Di Jalan Raya Cetus Bualan Netizen

Follow kami di Telegram, jadi antara yang terawal untuk dapatkan berita dan artikel-artikel menarik di SAYS Seismik.

Setiap pengguna jalan raya perlu mematuhi peraturan jalan raya yang telah ditetapkan

Hal ini bagi mengelak sebarang kemalangan sekali gus menjaga keselamatan setiap pengguna jalan raya. Oleh sebab itu, kita perlu sentiasa mematuhi peraturan jalan raya seperti tidak melanggar lampu isyarat dan sebagainya. Namun, tular baru-baru ini di Twitter apabila seorang lelaki memandu dengan selamba di sekitar Setia Alam telah mencuri tumpuan. Lihat video penuh itu di bawah:

Dah la potong que dekat trafic light, lepas tu block kereta sesuka hati ajak bergaduh.Lokasi : Setia Alam pic.twitter.com/391mP0RQKh— VICENZO LORENZO MEOOOW (@vicenzolorenzo) January 24, 2022

Kejar kereta depan selepas gagal potong 'queue' di lampu isyarat

Menerusi video berkenaan, kelihatan sebuah kereta Proton Perdana yang berwarna hitam cuba untuk memotong queue di lampu isyarat.Sedang asyik dia memandu, kereta itu terpaksa berhenti kerana gagal memasuki lane yang sepatutnya. Rakaman itu sempat dirakam dashcam kereta yang berada di depannya. Pemandu kereta Perdana itu dilihat berang dan cuba mengejar kereta dihadapannya. Dia dilihat sengaja berhentikan kereta sebaik saja dapat memotong kereta depannya itu. Pemandu itu dilihat turun daripada kereta lalu tunjuk marah dan tidak berpuas hati.

Image via @vicenzolorenzo (Twitter)

"Kadang-kadang orang macam ni stres hidup atau guna jalan raya untuk tunjuk hebat sebab real life tak semenggah. Kesian" - Netizen

Susulan tularnya video itu yang kini meraih sehingga 109K views, 1K retweets, 1K likes di Twitter, rata-rata netizen memberikan pelbagai reaksi. Malah, ramai yang menunjukkan tidak puas hati juga kepada pemandu itu. Berikut di bawah merupakan antara komen menarik daripada netizen di TikTok:

Hambik ko RM8150 saman.. nak g mana? pic.twitter.com/rjRUTon0yy— nb (@MetalPolymath) January 24, 2022

BULLSHIT!!! Hows the driver got the audacity to confront dengan orng padahal dia buat salah?! Acah gangster, berani nak confront, then baru cakap ada dashcam dah kabut lari? Whats the point tho???? cringe and buat malu jee.... ........ ........— aj_pshone (@everlastlbs) January 25, 2022

BULLSHIT!!! Hows the driver got the audacity to confront dengan orng padahal dia buat salah?! Acah gangster, berani nak confront, then baru cakap ada dashcam dah kabut lari? Whats the point tho???? cringe and buat malu jee.... ........ ........— aj_pshone (@everlastlbs) January 25, 2022

ada tak dash cam belakang blh keluar monitor sblah driver ? macam reverse cam tapi dia sentiasa on kat monitor dia sendiru, tak ganggu monitor sedia ada sblah driver— toor8293 (@toor8293) January 25, 2022

ada tak dash cam belakang blh keluar monitor sblah driver ? macam reverse cam tapi dia sentiasa on kat monitor dia sendiru, tak ganggu monitor sedia ada sblah driver— toor8293 (@toor8293) January 25, 2022

Teringin nak tengok part dia lari tu shshshs macam hamster kena jentik je gaya wkwkwkw GAAGAHAHAHAHAH—  (@aaraaeiou) January 26, 2022

dah tua tua pun bodo— FREE PALESTINE اريف ازهم (@AryffStyle) January 25, 2022

Salah sendiri, lepas tu nak marah. Otak takde— Linda-sshii (@SharifahLynn) January 26, 2022

Tahu pula takut bila pemandu itu ajak pergi balai tunjuk dashcam! :')

Like Facebook, follow Twitter dan Instagram SAYS Seismik serta temui segala cerita ‘mesti kongsi’ sekarang!

Image via SAYS Seismik


BREAKING: Rosmah Mansor Has Been Arrested By MACC

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today, 3 October

Image via Najjua Zulkefli/The Malaysian Insight

According to The Star, she was arrested at 3.20pm after giving her statement to MACC over investigations into SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) subsidiary.The former first lady will reportedly be charged for money laundering tomorrow, 4 October.

This was Rosmah's third round of questioning with the anti-graft officials

Image via AP

She was questioned by MACC investigators over the probe for the first time on 5 June.On 26 September, Rosmah was questioned by investigators over her alleged role in the 1MDB scandal for 13 hours, The Star reported.

Earlier today, her husband Najib left the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) after three hours of questioning

Image via REUTERS

His interrogation took place from 10am until 1pm, Free Malaysia Today reported.The former premier currently faces a total of 32 charges for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering-related offences linked to 1MDB and SRC International.

On 20 September, Najib was slapped with 25 new charges relating to the RM2.6 billion sent to his bank accounts prior to GE13:

                Here Are The 25 New Charges Najib Will Be Slapped With Today

The former premier now has a total of 32 charges against him.

Read the full story


There's A Hidden Danger Behind Prawns That Look Way Too Perfect

A horrifying video that has been circulating online revealed that tiger prawns are being injected with "jelly", to deceive consumers into thinking that the seafood is heavier and fresher

Image via YouTube

The video footage features tiger prawns in a Vietnam factory being injected in the head, tail and middle with a substance by the workers. It is believed that the tiger prawns are being injected with carboxymethyl cellulose, or CMC.

What is CMC? It is the same substance used in other food products and commonly found in non-food products such as cosmetic products, creams, lotions and even detergents.

Image via YouTube

CMC is most often used as a thickening agent and acts as a lubricant, water binder (increase shelf life of food) and food additive amongst others. CMC injected into the prawns and shrimps can be dissolved in water and is not considered to be dangerous, although the injection would actually kill the shrimp. There are other materials with comparable properties on the market, but CMC is frequently used for its favourable price/performance ratio.

This is an unscrupulous method to make the shrimps appear plumper and become heavier, all to earn a greater profit when they're sold, especially in the export market.

Image via Getty Images

It was reported that these shrimps are usually injected with CMC gel in some time between when the shrimp are caught and when they're sold.

This industry's unethical practice of tricking customers has been an issue that has been going on for more than a decade

Image via YouTube

Back in 2005, China's Tianjin Administration for Trade & Commerce launched a crackdown on gelatin-injected shrimp after some of the first well-publicised cases appeared that year. The discovery that countries like Vietnam (one of the world's largest producers for prawns with more than 600,000 tonnes of prawns a year, second only to China) are using chemicals to "fatten" shrimps is rather alarming.According to a professor at Shanghai Ocean University, there should be a cause for concern. Wu Wenhui told The Epoch Times that customers should be cautious about industrial gel ending up in shrimp since it's more economical than the edible version that is being used at the moment. "Industrial gel is used for furniture, print, and contains many heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which harms the liver and blood, and is even carcinogenic," he was quoted as saying.

What about prawns and shrimps from Malaysia?
There was a huge fiasco when the US issued an import alert on prawns and shrimps from Malaysia (excluding Sabah and Sarawak) in April, which suggests that the seafood leads to health and safety problems.

Photo for illustration purposes only.
Image via AFP

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that they found "clear scientific evidence" that aquaculture-grown shrimp and prawns from Malaysia contain traces of chloramphenicol and nitrofurans. They are antibiotics that help prevent disease in prawns and shrimps but harmful if consumed by humans.  The import alert further cited a study by the FDA that ran from 1 October 2014 till 30 September 2015, which revealed that 32% of the shrimps and prawns exported from Peninsular Malaysia contained antibiotic residues.The irony lies with the fact that these antibiotics are banned in both Malaysia and the US, since they potentially have carcinogenic, toxic or allergenic effects.Malaysia exported 8,311 tonnes of shrimps to the US last year, and we are one of the top 10 exporters of prawns and shrimps to America.

However, this is not exactly something new. Malaysia has an established history for acting as a conduit when the US FDA imposed an import alert on China’s shrimps in June 2007.

Photo for illustration purposes only.
Image via Teh Eng Koon/Getty Images

The US Government Accountability (GAO) office had highlighted in 2009 that China’s shrimps, which were tainted with unapproved drugs, were being illegally transshipped to the US through Malaysia to evade both duty payment and food safety controls. Following that, in March 2008, the FDA issued a new import alert requiring one Malaysian manufacturer to prove the absence of unapproved drugs prior to entering future shipments of shrimp into the US commerce."While other foreign shrimp suppliers will go to great lengths to be removed from an Import Alert, Malaysian companies tend to simply remain on these lists," non-profit group Southern Shrimp Alliance wrote in 2015, calling the FDA to be more stringent with shrimps shipped from our country.

So, is it safe for us to eat the prawns and shrimps that are produced in Malaysia?

Image via MiaSuraya

While the US issued an import alert for our prawns and shrimps, the Singaporean authorities have cleared the seafood imported from Malaysia of containing traces of banned antibiotics nitrofurans and chloramphenicol. "We have not detected veterinary drug residues such as nitrofurans and amphenicols in prawns and shrimps from Malaysia," it said in a statement following the incident.  Responding to the matter in April, Malaysian Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek reportedly said that prawns and shrimps imported from Malaysia did not involve approval or monitoring from any authority, including his ministry, the Ministry of Health (MOH) or Ministry of International Trade and Industry.  However, he said the necessary actions have been taken including setting up a special committee to control the export of prawns to the US and tightening conditions at processing plants, which must be approved by MOH.

So, why do people still want to use substances like antibiotics in aquaculture anyway?

Photo for illustration purposes only.
Image via IB Times

Back in May, S.M. Mohamed Idris, president of Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) called for businesses to stop using banned antibiotics in prawn farming."The fact is the two antibiotics, chloramphenicol and nitrofurans, are banned for use in Malaysia since 1985. Yet they continue to pop up in our farmed fisheries and farmed meat products," he wrote in an open letter on Malay Mail Online.Singapore's Straits Times cited an aquaculture expert who said that there are other methods that could keep the shrimp and prawns healthy. However, since these businesses are in it to get profit through enhanced production, they are reluctant to use these treatments as they are more time-consuming and less effective than using the said antibiotics.This is what we called as economically motivated adulteration (EMA), which is the practice of using substandard food products or ingredients for the purpose of economic gain.

It's rather frightening to know that we are only talking about prawns and shrimps at a time when EMA, or food fraud, has become a real concern in recent years

Photo for illustration purposes only.
Image via Firdaus/Malay Mail Online

A recent finding by seafood watchdog group Oceana revealed that 20% out of 25,000 seafood samples tested across the globe were mislabelled. Not only are consumers being cheated into paying for something they're not actually getting, but they could possibly consume food that carried health risks. It's unfortunate that unscrupulous businesses have continued to be financially motivated and have successfully deceived consumers.  In fact, food fraud has been so rampant that there is a team of dedicated researchers fighting food fraud at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. They call themselves 'The Food Detectives'. Surely, it's quite comforting to know that there are people out there who are fighting these fraudsters.

Is there anything that we can do to avoid these deceptions?

Image via Choo Choy May/Malay Mail Online

Michael Ellis, head of Interpol's Trafficking in Illicit Goods unit once said, "Fake and dangerous food and drink threaten the health and safety of people around the world who are often unsuspectingly buying these potentially very dangerous goods."There's no surefire way to avoid adulterated food but here are some ways consumers can protect themselves from food fraud, as recommended by the US' Food Protection and Defense Institute:  1. Buy from reputable brands and resources 2. Read the labels on the food products that you buy3. Be sceptical of prices that are too good to be true - they probably are  4. When possible, buy products from short, visible supply chains5. Buy food in minimally processed form or as close to their natural form, if possible

Speaking of which, do you know what are some of the rights you have as a consumer in Malaysia?

                Basic Consumer Rights You Didn’t Know You Had In Malaysia

Consumerism 101.

Read the full story

Also, watch what you eat because you may be consuming dangerous dye:

                Your Favourite Reddish Tandoori Chicken May Have Dangerous Food Dye

The substance used to prepare these food is produced from petroleum products.

Read the full story


Take An Embroidery Workshop With Your BFF At This Place In Subang

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It's never too late to pick up a new hobby or skill. It can be really fun (maybe even fulfilling) to try something new every now and then.

There's an embroidery workshop in Subang Jaya that lets you try your hand at creative stitching. If you've never sewn or you just want to enhance your skills, this could be a great way to get started or to just do something fun with your friends.

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Benangbynini is run by Nini Faizal, a 25-year-old embroidery artist who started these workshops in November 2020

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Having previously studied law, Nini wanted to explore her creative side and passion for embroidery, which has since led her down a different path."Art has been a great outlet for the stress that came along with my daily life. After I graduated, I started applying for jobs I wasn't passionate about, for salaries far lesser than what I wanted. I couldn't land any permanent job due to the MCO," she shared with SAYS.With support from her family and friends, she decided to become a full-time embroidery artist.

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

During her workshop, you will be provided with all the necessary tools, including an embroidery hoop, needles, and threads

Each design is set every month, however, you can customise it by adding your name or changing up the thread colours.

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Image via @benangbynini (Instagram)

  @benangbynini Fun activity on a weekend with handmade embroidery  #fyp #embroidery #handmade #embroiderymalaysia   original sound - Althea Descutido - Althea Descutido

For those who prefer to do it in the comfort of their homes, Nini runs virtual workshops as well

A DIY kit with all the necessary tools will be delivered to your doorstep.This includes:1. Embroidery kit with complete materials (custom pattern)2. Recording of the workshop (and Zoom link a day before the workshop)3. PDF guidebook (how to separate threads, back hoops, etc)

Image via Benangbynini

  @benangbynini Virtual embroidery workshop is open for registration! Sign up link in bio   More Than A Woman - SG's Paradise Edit - Bee Gees & SG Lewis

Benangbynini also sells DIY embroidery kits on their website with prices that start from RM65.

At the moment, her physical workshop slot for September is fully booked, but you can sign up virtually, or for her next workshop in October

Image via Benangbynini (Provided to SAYS)

Her virtual workshop costs RM118 (West Malaysia) and RM126 (East Malaysia).Here are more details on her upcoming workshop:Date: 24 September 2022 (Saturday)Time: 10am - 1pm (Three hours)Venue: Zoom (Zoom link will be sent a day before the workshop at 8PM)Register here. Stay updated on their social media pages for future workshops.Website | TikTok | Instagram

Here are more activities where you can get creative with your friends:

                This Workshop In KL Lets You Handmake Rings With Your Bestie Or Date

Skip the flowers and create memories instead.

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                Make Your Own Bespoke Rugs At This Trendy Tufting Workshop In Puchong, Uptown, Or Hartamas

Bring a date (or your mom), and make personalised rugs that truly represent your style!

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                5 Batik Painting Workshops In KL That You Can Try With Your Bestie

Paint on canvases, tote bags, and more!

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                This Malaysian Couple Holds Woodworking Workshops For You To Hammer Your Stress Away

ADIAIDA also custom-makes beautiful furniture pieces.

Read the full story

                7 Places To Take Pottery Classes In KL And PJ

Melt your stress away by kneading or spinning clay.

Read the full story

                This 'Hidden' Art Studio In Subang Lets You Create Splatter Art In The Dark

Okay I like it, Picasso.

Read the full story

                This Tufting Place In Subang Offers Workshops That Make The Perfect Date Idea

Other couples buy furniture together, you can build one together. <3

Read the full story


How To Choose The Right Air Purifier To Combat The Haze

Haze season is upon us yet again, so much so that many Malaysians have come to expect this yearly occurrence

A before-and-after photo showing how much the haze has changed our view from the SAYS office.
Image via SAYS

With the threat of hazy days ahead, many Malaysians are not just arming themselves with masks but also running to the market for air purifiers to beat the haze

What's an air purifier? And what does it do?

Image via WalMart

An air purifier is an appliance that reduces the concentration of airborne contaminants in a designated area according to the specifications of the particular product. Purifiers help to clean indoor air, which is helpful to people who suffer from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivity, and other respiratory-related symptoms.

Most air purifiers in the market boost individual specifications, it's important to know how to differentiate them

Image via Sylvane

Pre-Filters: These filters are a great benefit because they help extend the time between filter cleanings or changes as well as maintain the air purifier's functionality and efficiency. Pre-filters do this by trapping large particles before they reach the main filters of the air purifier.HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air): The filter can consist of any material as long as it meets this standard - penetration of less than 0.03% of particles 0.3 micrometres in size or larger. The filter must also allow a specific amount of air to flow through, which varies by the size of the filter.Carbon Filter: In room air purifiers, the activated carbon is often combined with other minerals, like zeolite. Zeolite can absorb ions and molecules and thus act as a filter for odor control, toxin removal, and as a chemical sieve.

The size of the air purifier is important in determining its effectiveness

Image via cowaybest

It's important to pick an air purifier that's right and suitable for the location you want to clean. Smaller rooms, for example, work best in bedrooms and toilets, while larger air purifiers are meant for living rooms or offices.Two purifiers of smaller size can also be used together to achieve the same effect as that of a larger air purifier.

Also, it's good to note that air purifiers should be placed in areas where air can travel freely

Image via airpurifier4smoke

It's important that you choose a location that is not behind furniture or directly below shelves. Since most air purifiers have an intake near the front of the machine, you want it to be able to see the whole room and have access to the many airborne particles that have run rampant.This also goes for the top of the air purifier. By placing it under a shelf, the only thing that’s going to get that fresh air is the underside of your bookshelf. The rule of thumb is to keep a few feet of clearance at the top, front, and sides for optimal efficiency.

Air purifiers are most effective when all doors and windows are shut

This allows for the air purifier to clean the air in the room without interference from hallways or other rooms. Since air will flow wherever there is an opening, the air purifier will try to pull in air from outside if doors are not fully closed. This may seem counterintuitive because often open doors and windows to let fresh air in.However, since small particles, such as dust and pollen are difficult to see, let's imagine that it’s snowing outside. Your air purifier is hard at work clearing your room of snow, but with the windows open, more snow continues to enter the room, thus creating a snow carpet that will not disappear.


You Can Get 2 Years' Jail If You Attend Social Gatherings Amidst Restricted Movement Order

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed that anyone found outside their home and at a social gathering during the restricted movement order can be jailed up to two years

In a Telegram message, the MOH announced that anyone who attends wedding ceremonies in the coming two weeks will breach the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Police Act 1967."Many have asked if the public can attend wedding ceremonies, funerals, and so on," the MOH said."The answer is NOT allowed. Because it is a social gathering."

Image via Ministry of Health/Telegram

The ministry said the restriction is in accordance with Section 11(4) and Section 24(a) of Act 342

Since the whole of Malaysia has been declared as an infected area amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, the Act states that if the authorities require usage of force to make anyone comply with treatment, isolation, or other measures, they will face a penalty up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.If the offence is repeated, the defendant will be jailed up to five years, slapped with a fine, or both.

Image via Be Free Blog

The MOH urged the public to share the message with others so that no one will be found at the wrong side of the law

You can read the full statement here:

Image via Ministry of Health/Telegram

On Monday, 16 March, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that there will be a nationwide restricted movement order starting from 18 March to 31 March:

                [BREAKING] PM Announces Restricted Movement Order Beginning 18 March

This is not a military lockdown, but a nationwide health precaution, he stressed.

Read the full story


#Budget2023: Tax Cuts For M40 Group

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

The government is proposing to introduce a 2% income tax reduction for Malaysians making between RM35,000 and RM100,000 a year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

In other words, Malaysians whose monthly incomes are between RM2,916 and RM8,333 will get to enjoy the income tax cuts.Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, made the announcement while re-tabling Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat today, 24 February."People in the M40 group are restless. T20 are rich, hence they don't need help. The government gives its focus on the B40 group. What about the fate of the M40 group?" Anwar asked."I would like to thank them for being patient all this while even though they also face the rising cost of living. With that said, the government has agreed to increase their spendable income by reducing their income tax."

Image via Parlimen Malaysia (YouTube)

Meanwhile, people who make more than RM100,000 a year will have to pay 0.5% to 2% more in income tax

"However, fewer than 150,000 taxpayers will have to deal with higher taxes," said the Prime Minister.With these implementations, the government expects to collect RM900 million less in personal income tax.

Stay tuned for our overview story of #Budget2023!

Image via SAYS


This Quaint, Hidden Coffee Shop Is Located In A Back Alley Of A PJ Neighbourhood

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

Located in a little nook in a back alley in Section 17 is a cosy coffee shop that serves local dishes and drinks in a chill environment

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Kopi Pintu Belakang, as its name suggests, has an entrance that's a back door of a terrace house in Section 17, Petaling Jaya. While the front half of the shop serves as an arts workshop space, the unused back patio and kitchen area has been turned into a small coffee shop that gives off a quaint kampung charm.

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Serving buffalo sandwiches, nasi lemak, coffee, and chocolate beverages, Kopi Pintu Belakang is a lovely hidden gem for those who appreciate simplicity

Decorated with potted plants and old school furniture, this rustic space, which opened earlier this year, offers a quiet escape that's a far cry from the extravagance of modern cafés we often see today.

The coffee shop was established as a space where the art community could gather, connect, and share with each other. And what other perfect way to do that than through mengopi (coffee time).

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Image via @im5473gorgon (Instagram)

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

With the exception of Sunday and its rest days, the coffee shop is open from evening onwards. So, if you're lucky, you might be able to catch a beautiful sunset over a meal or drink.However, take note that the space is small and only able to cater to a maximum of 10 customers at a time.

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Here's where Kopi Pintu Belakang is located:

Image via @kopi_pintu_belakang (Instagram)

Address293, Jalan 17/6, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, SelangorOpening hours4pm – 10pm (Wednesday to Saturday); 10am – 4pm (Sunday)Closed on Monday and Tuesday.As the owners have full-time jobs as well, the space may be closed on some days. So it's advised to check their Instagram before heading there.Check out their Instagram here.


"How Sorry I Am For Being An Absent Daughter" - Woman's Note To Her Dad With Down Syndrome

On Sunday night, 23-year-old Richie Anne Castillo took to her Facebook to mark a "very special and very miraculous moment" of her father Richard Castillo's life, who has Down syndrome

"Dear, Dad ...You turn 50 today and I am so blessed that you continue to live such a long and beautiful life. Doctors are still amazed by it!"I know you won't be able to read this because I don't know if you have Facebook, but I want the whole world to know how proud I am that you are my dad. I want the whole world to know how beautiful you are inside and out," Richie wrote on her post.

Image via Richie Anne Castillo/Facebook

Posted on 2 June, the young Filipino woman's post has garnered over 215k reactions and has more than 67k shares at the time of writing this SAYS story on 6 June.

"...you deserve more than the coward daughter that I am."

Richie admits to being a "coward" after she came to understand her dad's condition."Dad, it took me so many years before I gathered enough courage to face everyone because not all may know the whole truth because it is quite confusing."Back in grade school, I would be picked on and bullied because they said you were different. As a kid I didn't see you as different, I saw you as my dad.

			I didn't understand why they were making fun of me and calling me abnormal. I understood this later on and it made me a coward.

"But you deserve more than the coward daughter that I am. You deserve love, understanding, patience and acceptance as an individual with Down Syndrome should. Here I am composing a birthday greeting to you because I’ve never done such a thing. You deserve so much more," she wrote in her post.

Image via Richie Anne Castillo/Facebook

She went on to highlight how her dad is "the bravest human being" she knows, how his "trust in the Lord" allowed him to put a smile on his face and how she "cannot imagine putting myself" in his shoes

"You are the strongest because, after all those surgeries, procedures and nights at the hospital, you managed to say 'I'm not afraid because I trust in the Lord'."You always put a smile on your face after a long day at the dialysis centre, or after a hypoglycemic episode. You are the bravest because you have been through so much and you have never been afraid. I cannot imagine putting myself in your shoes."I have seen you at your worst when you would break down and say that you are tired. Hearing those words 'Kapoy na. (I’m tired)' or 'Sakit kaayo. (It really hurts)' made me cry for days and I couldn’t bear going back to the hospital anymore."I have seen you cry because your knee would hurt because of the fluid. I can’t feel your pain but how I wish I could take your place so you wouldn’t have to feel any pain anymore. You lost your teeth, but that never bothered you or kept you from eating the food that you love," Richie, who is an only child, wrote.

The 23-year-old then apologised to her dad, saying "no amount of words can sum up to how sorry I am for being an absent daughter"

			I'm sorry for not bringing you to the beach more often...

"...I don't bring you your favourite dim sum food or I don’t visit you more often than I should. If there is one thing I regret, it is hiding you from my life because I'm still the same little kid who was afraid of getting bullied," Richie confessed in her post.She said that while she regrets hiding him from his life, she loves him "more than you could ever know, Dad, and I am inspired by you always."

She thanks her dad for making her strong and brave, saying "I think I'm big enough now to defend myself from the bullies"

"Thanks for always calling me your one and only baby girl because I always will be."I am strong and brave because of you and I love you so much, dad. I think I’m big enough now to defend myself from the bullies. Lots of love, your daughter."

Image via Richie Anne Castillo/Facebook

You can read Richie's full post about her dad here:


Lupa Nak Beri Ayam Ternakan Makan, Jemaah Haji Ini Minta Turun Pesawat

Follow kami di Telegram, Instagram dan TikTok SAYS Seismik, jadi antara yang terawal untuk dapatkan berita serta artikel-artikel menarik.

Setiap orang pasti ada yang mempunyai haiwan ternakan sendiri di kampung bukan?

Haiwan-haiwan ini perlu dijaga dengan sebaiknya tambahan lagi, perlu lah diberi makan secukupnya. Kalau di kampung haiwan ternakan seperti ayam dan itik sangat popular.Jika mahu pergi berjalan jauh, sudah pasti kita akan meminta seseorang untuk menjaganya atau paling kurang memberikan makan.Situasi itu sama seperti video yang tular di media sosial ini apabila seorang pak cik meminta agar diturun dari pesawat kerana lupa memberi ayam ternakannya makan telah mencuri perhatian ramai.Lihat video itu di bawah:

Minta izin dari pramugari untuk turun dari pesawat

Menerusi video tersebut, kelihatan seorang jemaah haji tular di media sosial selepas dia meminta kebenaran untuk turun daripada pesawat yang berada di ruang udara.Difahamkan, ia kerana warga emas berkenaan tiba-tiba teringat haiwan peliharaannya di rumah tidak diberikan makan lalu meminta kebenaran pramugari untuk turun daripada pesawat.Kejadian itu berlaku ketika pesawat yang dinaiki Juhani hendak mendarat di Madinah. Perbualan itu ternyata membuatkan seluruh jemaah tertawa dengannya.

Image via Yuyud Aspiyudin (Facebook)

Dalam pada itu, video yang berasal daripada Indonesia tersebut ternyata telah membuatkan ramai terhibur dengan gelagat pak cik berkenaan

Malah, rata-ratanya turut mendoakan kesejahteraan pak cik tersebut agar dipermudahkan segala urusan di tanah suci.Ada juga yang mengusik memberitahu ayam-ayamnya pasti insyaallah baik-baik saja dan pasti ada makanannya.

Kesian dia, risau betul dengan ayam-ayam ternakan tu :)

Like Facebook, follow Twitter dan Instagram SAYS Seismik serta temui segala cerita 'mesti kongsi' sekarang!

Image via SAYS Seismik


MAIS Says Muslim Couples Who Get Married Abroad Must Register With JAIS Or Face Trouble

Malaysian Muslim couples who get married abroad without registering with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) will not be recognised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS)

According to MAIS chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, couples will not be recognised despite the marriage being legal in Islam, reported Bernama.He stressed that failure to register a marriage will lead to a variety of problems for the couples in the future."For example, when it comes to dealing with their children who are getting married, it will be difficult if the parents' marriage is not registered and recognised in Selangor," said Aziz.It also would cause problems when it comes to division of inheritance.

MAIS chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.
Image via Malay Mail

In addition, Aziz said Selangor will not acknowledge any wedding package offered in other countries, including Thailand and Indonesia

Aziz, instead, encouraged local couples to get married in Malaysia, where no problems will arise."We hold a marriage course that no other country offers where they can ask questions about the rukun nikah (the conditions set out under Islamic law for the marriage solemnisation)," he said."JAIS has enough registrars and marriage counsellors in every district statewide, so there is no prohibition for any Muslim couple to get married with existing procedures.""However, there are still couples who want to get married abroad. We never recognise these marriages, including the party that offers such packages."


"But I Was Here First" – M'sian Woman Uses Baby Stroller To Book Parking Spot For Husband

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

A video of a Malaysian woman who used her baby stroller to reserve a parking spot in a shopping mall has gone viral

The 28-second video was shared in a community Facebook group by a female driver who made the recording. In the clip, she is seen confronting the lady reserving the parking spot, who can be seen standing in the middle of the space with the stroller."But I was here first," the lady retorts.This led the person filming the video to question the lady, "I want to ask you, is this (the pram) a car?"However, the lady insists that the parking lot is hers as she gestures and says, "Yeah, (I) am making a round (to claim the empty spot)."

Image via KL娱乐站 (Facebook)

The driver argues that it is her parking spot because the lady's car has not arrived

"The car needs to arrive first," the woman driver emphasises. When the dispute was still not settled, the driver says, "Okay. Let's talk about morals." The lady is taken aback by the response.In another shorter clip, the lady's husband can be seen finally arriving at the parking spot and seemingly waiting inside the car.

Image via KL娱乐站 (Facebook)

When asked what happened at the end, the driver said that the family did not budge

"I want to ask, did you (give them the parking spot) in the end?" a netizen asked.The driver replied, "I did. They really did not want to move."

Image via Facebook

Meanwhile, there were netizens who questioned why the two parties spent their time arguing when there was an empty parking space in the next row, next to a yellow Perodua Myvi

A Facebook user pointed out, "Obviously, there is an empty parking lot at the back."

Image via Facebook

A netizen said that there was no need to argue and create a commotion. Instead, the driver could have taken a picture of the lady and her car number plate and left to find another parking spot.If the driver was still not satisfied, she could report the issue to the police.

Image via Facebook

Others criticised the husband for asking his wife and child to reserve the parking spot, as well as sitting in the car and watching the whole commotion

Someone suggested that he should have dropped his wife and child at the shopping mall entrance.

Image via Facebook

One netizen said, "I suggest you park at the jockey. You don't need to take your baby to the parking lot to find a spot. This kind of husband who asks his wife and child to fight for a parking lot is not a good person."

Image via Facebook

"Useless man. He is sitting in the car with the air conditioner on, not brave enough to get out, and let his wife physically occupy the parking space. This kind of man really is trash," another added.

Image via Facebook

The video of the commotion can be found here.

People who 'chup' parking spots can be slapped with a fine or face imprisonment:

                PSA: People Who 'Chup' Parking Spots With Objects Will Face Up To RM2,000 Fine & Jail Time

This goes out to people who "chup" parking spots with chairs, flower pots, and traffic cones.

Read the full story


[VIDEO] Pemuda Ini Kongsi Cara 'Lelaki Vs Perempuan' Bila Drive Kereta. Betul Ke Bohong?

Follow kami di Telegram, jadi antara yang terawal untuk dapatkan berita dan artikel-artikel menarik di SAYS Seismik.

Suami kalau bawa kereta isteri boleh tidur, tapi kalau si isteri bawa kereta pula suami sanggup tahan mata tak tidur

Bagi pasangan yang sudah berkahwin pasti dapat relate dengan situasi seperti ini, tapi sebenarnya ianya bukan hanya terjadi kepada suami isteri sahaja, malah kepada yang belum berkahwin juga.Begitupun, masing-masing mempunyai ragam yang tersendiri ketika memandu kenderaan tidak kiralah sama ada lelaki mahupun perempuan.Tapi lain pula kisahnya kepada seorang pemuda ini yang berkongsikan situasi di mana gelagat lelaki dan perempuan apabila ingin memulakan sesuatu perjalanan dengan menaiki sebuah kereta di video TikToknya.Tonton video penuh perkongsian berkenaan di laman sosial TikTok miliknya:

  @amirlala_ betul ke boong ?  ##fyp ##viral ##foryou ##tiktokvinemalaysia  original sound  -

Menerusi video tersebut, pemuda itu dilihat telah melakonkan semula ragam 'lelaki versus perempuan' ketika ingin memulakan pemanduan

Image via @amirlala_ (TikTok)

Apa yang cuba disampaikan oleh pemuda itu adalah dengan melakonkan semula gelagat yang dibuat oleh golongan lelaki di mana kebanyakan mereka akan terus memulakan pemanduan sebaik sahaja memasuki kenderaan.Sementara itu, bagi wanita pula, pemuda itu menggambarkan rata-rata mereka akan membetulkan car seat, menanggalkan kasut, reverse banyak kali dan pelbagai lagi yang selalu mereka buat apabila menaiki kenderaan.Susulan daripada video itu, pelbagai reaksi dan komen yang diterima oleh pemuda itu. Malah, rata-rata netizen pula sepertinya dapat relate dengan situasi yang ditunjukkan oleh pemuda berkenaan.

"Biasalah perempuan, kena faham hang ni pun lelaki..." - Netizen

Ketika artikel ini ditulis, video perkongsian oleh pemuda itu sudah pun meraih lebih 894K views, 79K likes dan 3K comments di TikTok.Berikut di bawah antara komen menarik yang ditinggalkan oleh netizen mengenai video itu:

Image via @amirlala_ (TikTok)

Image via @amirlala_ (TikTok)

Image via @amirlala_ (TikTok)

Alamak, betul ke bohong orang perempuan drive kereta macam ni? :)

LIKE Facebook dan follow Twitter SAYS SEISMIK dan temui segala cerita mesti kongsi sekarang!

Image via SAYS Seismik


[PHOTOS] This Wearable "Kopi Bungkus" Bag Is Just Pure Genius

What's cooler than a branded tote bag? A "kopi bungkus" bag!

Singaporean design studio, Wheniwasfour has designed a perfect life-sized bag that's shaped in the form of a gigantic plastic bag of your favourite Kopitiam kopi.

Image via wheniwasfour

Image via wheniwasfour

Image via wheniwasfour

Titled 'Kopi Dabao Bag', each piece comes with pink and green straps, which can be used interchangeably. There's also a straw.

Imagine carrying both the bag while sipping an actual kopi bungkus. You'll definitely see a few onlookers scratching their heads. :P

Image via wheniwasfour

Image via wheniwasfour

It would cost you SGD19.90 for a single bag

The bags are made using transparent PVC and brown PVC and come in the dimension of 32cm width x 42cm height x 110cm length, including the handle.According to Singaporean news site, Mothership, you can purchase the bag online through the Wheniwasfour website.They also have a brick-and-mortar store located at 261 Waterloo St, Singapore 180261.Wheniwasfour remains closed on Mondays. Here are their opening hours:Tues – Fri, 12pm – 7.30pmSat, 12.30pm – 6.30pmSun, 12.30pm – 5.30pm

Image via wheniwasfour

Image via wheniwasfour

Are you ordering one?

Image via Wheniwasfour_sg

We're still waiting for an 'ikat tepi' version...


[VIDEO] When Your Wife Wants Satay But All The Stalls Tepi Jalan Are Closed. How Lah!

Do you love satay as much as Said? He's a simple man who is obsessed with the Malaysian favourite

Image via SAYS

V/O: "How much does Said love satay you ask? As much as he loves his wife, who coincidentally, loves satay too." And she wants them for dinner tonight. Huh?? How to find satay at this hour?? Watch the video below to see Said struggling to get satay for his wife:

×

Said quickly heads to his favourite satay stall, only to find out they're not open until later :(

Image via SAYS

So many satay stalls not yet open before 7pm, how lah liddat? But never mind, Said refuses to give up and continues looking for satay.

FINALLY, he finds another stall selling satay, and it's open, YAY! But aiyoooo the waiting time is soooo long.

Image via SAYS

Wait for two hours?! Ain't nobody got time for that.

Just as Said has given up all hope, his wife tells him that there IS one more place that sells satay, yaaaaaassss!

Image via SAYS

V/O: "And there she was, the love of his life. Turns out, she wanted to surprise Said with satay too. Said has never felt so much joy."

In the end, Said and the love of his life get to satisfy their satay cravings. What a happy ending. <3

Image via SAYS

Cannot find satay? Don't worry! A&W has added two new yummy satay dishes to their menu that will make you go "Kuuuuaaaah!"

Introducing A&W's new Satay Series! Consisting of a Burger and a Coney, this range will satisfy your satay cravings at any time of the day!

Image via A&W

Enjoy the succulent chicken or beef patty dipped in sweet peanut sauce with onions and cucumbers, sandwiched between two sesame seed buns. Or go for Coney, where the sausage is drenched with peanut sauce, and topped with onions and cucumber in a hot dog bun. Oof so good! And don't forget to enjoy the new chunky, nutty goodness with a glass of your favourite RB and some curly fries on the side! The Satay Chicken/Beef Burger is available at RM12.90 ala carte or RM17.90 for the combo, while the Satay Chicken/Beef Coney is RM10.90 ala carte or RM16.90 for the combo.

Whatchu waiting for? Get your satay cravings fixed at the nearest A&W store now!

Check out other #makan stories on SAYS:

                16 Kopitiams, Restaurants & Cafes In Taman Paramount And Sea Park

When you don't know what to eat.

Read the full story

                21 Snacks And Ingredients To Get From IKEA

Not just meatballs.

Read the full story

                18 Places To Get All Your Baking Goods In Klang Valley

Pictures you can smell.

Read the full story

Got some cool brand news to share?

Image via SAYS

Check out all of our Spotlight stories to date here.


You Can Now Fly To Hong Kong With Malaysia Airlines For Fares As Low As RM629

This Spotlight is sponsored by Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Airlines has announced flights to Hong Kong for as low as RM629!
Here are a few recommendations of amazing adventures that await you:

1. Take a self-guided walk through Old Town Central to experience Hong Kong's rich history, culture, art, and entertainment

Old Town Central is one of Hong Kong's oldest and most unique sites. It's a hipster haven with loads of Insta-worthy spots. There are four themed walking routes to choose from, according to your preference: Heritage: Time TravelerArt: Crazy for ArtDining: Tasting Hong KongShopping: Treasure HuntTake a stroll at your own pace to and check out 100 years of Hong Kong history, the charms of East and West, past and present, tradition and innovation.

Image via Gold Coast Bulletin

Make sure you head to the vibrant Central district to visit the colonial monuments, temples, art galleries, street art displays, antique stores, modern boutiques, trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and local delicacies.

Image via Lonely Planet

Go on a foodie tour of Central! From century-old traditional dim sum, to local traditional dai pai dong, to street food and delicious souvenirs, from fusion cuisines to international fine wine, there’s something for everyone.

Image via Austin Bush Photography/Food Gem/Tasteologie

Eat fresh dim sum at the century-old, traditional Canton tea house in Lin Heung Tea House. Experience authentic dai pai dong (open air food stalls) at Sing Heung Yuen. Tapau the famous egg tarts from Tai Cheong Bakery.Locations: Lin Heung Tea House - 160 Wellington Street, CentralSing Heung Yuen - 2 Mee Lun Street, CentralTai Cheong Bakery - 35 Lynhurst Terrace, CentralHow to get there:From Central MTR Station, take Exit C. Turn left and walk straight a couple of lanes until Queen Victoria Street. Turn left and walk to the start of the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator. The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator travels down from 6am to 10am, and goes up from 10.30am until midnight.

2. Watch 40 iconic buildings get lit up at night in the spectacular Symphony of Lights show

Image via Discover Hong Kong

A must-see event at Hong Kong is the Symphony of Lights show, which dazzles Victoria Harbour at night. The dynamic light show is synchronised to music and was awarded as the world's 'Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show' by Guinness World Records in 2005.Thebrand new light show with music performed by the Hong Kong PhilharmonicOrchestra was unveiled 1 December 2017!Here are the deets:Date: 1 December 2017 onwardsTime: 8pm nightly

  A post shared by Franco (@markfranco_) on Dec 13, 2017 at 6:05am PST

Pro tip: The best spot to catch the show is at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the waterfront outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.How to get there:To get to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, take Exit J or L6 from MTR East Tsim Sha. Follow the signs and walk for around five minutes.To get to Golden Bauhinia Square, take Exit A5 from MTR Wan Chai Station. Take the skybridge to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and head for the Golden Bauhinia Square. The walk takes around 15 minutes.

Image via Mum On The Move

For an even more spectacular experience, watch the show on board a traditional junk boat. The Duk Ling is one of the few remaining junks in Hong Kong that is still operational. Board the boat cruise at Central Pier 9 and enjoy the amazing Hong Kong skyline!

3. Visit Mongkok for Insta-worthy backdrops and food, then shop at Sneakers Street

Mongkok is bustling with activity, day and night. But take a walk off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems of the city.Eat Hong Kong-style egg waffles served with a variety of flavours and fillings such as chocolate biscuits, orange filling, or spicy dried shrimps at Modos Cafe:

  A post shared by maddie0331 (@maddie0331) on Feb 19, 2017 at 4:50am PST

Check out Luen Wan Street and Flower Stairs for super cool backdrops to up your Instagram game:

  A post shared by Jessica Tse  (@jessicatse_hk) on Mar 1, 2016 at 8:59pm PST

Treat yourself to a Cherry Blossom Raindrop cake - a transluscent jelly dessert encasing a delicate cherry blossom at Pause Rewind n Fastforward:

  A post shared by Lily James (@lily_c_james) on Jul 9, 2017 at 4:47am PDT

Explore more gastronomic experiences at these local hotspots:Mum's Not Home - known for exotic culinary delights such as Butterfly Pea Tea and Butterfly Pea Lime cheesecakeMido Cafe - home of Hong Kong's must-try dishes like baked rice, red bean soup, and iced lotus seed drinksDay and Nite by Master Kama - an Italian and Japanese fusion restaurant with signature dishes that include lobster sandwiches and lobster risotto with cheese

Then shop til you drop at Sneakers Street, where you'll find over 50 sportswear shops along a 50-metre stretch, including limited edition sneakers too:

Image via AT Mag

In addition to these amazing adventures, be sure to tick these activities off your bucket list:

Image via Trip Advisor

Ride a Ding-Ding or tram to Causeway Bay to have an awesome day shopping. Make your way to Paterson Street, also known as the fashion hub.

Image via Fubiz

For one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, check out Luddite:

Image via 24 Bottles

There's just so much to see, eat, and do in Hong Kong. Now's the time to take the trip!

Malaysia Airlines wants to take you there to experience it first hand with their special promo:Booking Period: 18 December 2017 – 29 December 2017Travel Period: 1 January 2018 – 31 March 2018Fares:

Image via Malaysia Airlines

RM629 (all in) for Economy Class.

Image via Malaysia Airlines

RM1,519 (all in) for Business ClassGet the full details here!

Fly to Hong Kong in style and comfort with Malaysia Airlines. Find out more now!

Here are some travelling tips you might find helpful:

                20 Things You Didn't Know Were Considered Rude In Other Countries

Take note of these when you travel!

Read the full story

                If Your Passport Is Lost Or Stolen While You're Travelling Overseas, Follow These 3 Steps

It's better to be informed than sorry.

Read the full story

                SIM Card, Roaming Or Portable WiFi? We Compare Charges For 6 Popular Travel Destinations

... so you don't need to.

Read the full story

Got cool news to share?

Image via SAYS


A Maid Allegedly Ate Her Employer's Pet Kitten Alive

A maid ate her employer’s pet kitten alive, leaving the remains strewn in front of the house. She is alleged to be possessed.

Image for representational purposes only.
Image via netdna-cdn.com

It was reported that a maid in Sibu, Sarawak took to eating her employer’s pet kitten alive. The maid who was said to have been “possessed” then left the remains of the kitten scattered in front of the house.

        thestar.com.my

Upon the gruesome discovery, the house owner confronted the maid, who had apparently been acting weirdly for the past two weeks

According to the Star Online, the maid confessed to eating the kitten when asked and later went crazy, asking her employer to tie her up. “When I queried her, she told me she had eaten the kitten,” she said. Later, she went berserk, compelling us to tie her up,” said the female employer, as reported in a local daily.

        therakyatpost.com

The employer promised the maid, who is from a neighbouring country, that she would be allowed to return home the next day

That night, the maid spent the night tied up in the family car, outside the house compound. Her employer was quoted as saying that the maid appeared normal the next day and was then untied.

        thestar.com.my

While she appeared to be normal again the next day, the maid created a scene when the employer took her to buy chicken rice

“I took her to buy chicken rice at Ramin Way around 10.30am,” she said. “After I got the food, she refused to get into the car and created a scene.”

        theborneopost.com

“She ran amok. She then got into the car and threw things out. She also bit an ornamental tree,” she said.

        thestar.com.my

The police were summoned. Four came, including a policewoman. It took them an hour to get the maid into the police vehicle.

Uncontrollable: The maid being restrained before being taken to the Sibu Hospital.
Image via imgur.com

Later, according to the police, the maid behaved wildly inside the police vehicle, damaging a mirror. When a policeman tried to handcuff her, he got bitten on the arm. The maid also spat on the policemen.

        theborneopost.com

She was eventually sent to Sibu Hospital in a straight-jacket and with her face covered to prevent her from spitting at people

At the police station, it took several policemen and policewomen to get the maid into an ambulance for the Sibu Hospital. They covered her face with newspapers to prevent her from spitting on them. Meanwhile, according to the employer, the maid had been acting strangely since a week ago. “My mother had seen her eat non-halal dumplings. The maid would usually ask permission for food but not since a week ago,” she recalled.

        thestar.com.my

The employer said the episode had traumatised the family, and added that she had vivid flashbacks of the torn skin of the kitten in front of her house.

        therakyatpost.com


20-Year-Old M'sian Student In Critical Condition After Colliding With Bus In The UK

A 20-year-old Malaysian student is in critical condition after she collided with a bus while cycling in Manchester, England on Monday, 28 December

According to Manchester Evening News, emergency services attended the crash on Wilmslow Road in Rusholme at 4.25pm in the evening.Early enquiries by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) established that both the bus and the cyclist were travelling northbound along the road when they collided at a junction.

Google Street View of a part of Wilmslow Road.
Image via Google/Manchester Evening News

The student suffered critical injuries to her head and was immediately rushed to a hospital

New Straits Times reported that the student, Nur Izzah Mohd Shokri, is a first-year accounting and finance student at the University of Manchester.She was sent to Salford Royal Hospital for neurosurgery.Arrangements for her parents, who live in Karak, Pahang, to be flown over as soon as possible are being made by Education Malaysia UK student affairs attaché Firdaus Zakaria.

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Howard Bouchevereau/Unsplash

It is, however, still unclear how the collision occurred. No arrests have been made and investigations are still ongoing.

Police are calling for eyewitnesses around the area at the time or drivers who have dashcam footage to come forward and assist the investigation.GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit Police Constable Karl Horner said, "A woman was left with serious injuries following this awful incident and our thoughts are very much with her as she receives the treatment she needs in hospital.""Our enquiries are ongoing as we try to ascertain all the facts surrounding the incident and we want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time or witnessed the incident to come forward and speak with police," said Horner.


NASA Found Earth's Cousin Which May Be The First Habitable Planet Outside Solar System

After NASA's New Horizons spacecraft returned with images of Pluto last week, the US government agency has made yet another remarkable discovery

    Gorgeous Pluto! The dwarf planet has sent a love note back to Earth via our New Horizons spacecraft, which has traveled more than 9 years and 3+ billion miles. This is the last and most detailed image of Pluto sent to Earth before the moment of closest approach, which was at 7:49 a.m. EDT Tuesday - about 7,750 miles above the surface -- roughly the same distance from New York to Mumbai, India - making it the first-ever space mission to explore a world so far from Earth. This stunning image of the dwarf planet was captured from New Horizons at about 4 p.m. EDT on July 13, about 16 hours before the moment of closest approach. The spacecraft was 476,000 miles (766,000 kilometers) from the surface. Images from closest approach are expected to be released on Wednesday, July 15. Image Credit: NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI #nasa #pluto #plutoflyby #newhorizons#solarsystem #nasabeyond #science A photo posted by NASA (@nasa) on Jul 14, 2015 at 4:00am PDT

The image was posted on NASA's Instagram page last Wednesday, 14 July.

NASA announced on Twitter it had found a planet that shares similar characteristics to Earth, calling it Earth's older cousin

Earth’s bigger, older cousin! @NASAKepler discovers new distant planet that's near-Earth-size: http://t.co/kEdzbbFEqE pic.twitter.com/hoog1ZsdNs— NASA (@NASA) July 23, 2015

"Today, Earth is a little less lonely," Kepler researcher Jon Jenkins said.

        cnn.com

Dubbed "Kepler-425b", the planet shares a similar size to Earth and is in the zone of the star it orbits that would allow it to have water on its surface. However, NASA still can't confirm if it has both water and air.

Image via Kepler mission

Kepler-452b orbits a star similar to our sun, and at about the same distances as Earth orbits the sun, meaning it has a similar length year and exists in the “habitable zone” where liquid water can exist on a planet.

        theguardian.com

NASA can't say for sure whether the planet is rocky like ours or has water and air, it's the closest match yet found.

        cnn.com

Kepler-452b orbits around a parent star which belongs to the same class as the Sun, making it bigger and brighter. The planet takes 385 days to complete around a star, so its orbital period is 20 days more than the Earth's.

A comparison of the two solar systems.
Image via Quartz

The exact nature of the planet is not known specifically, but Nasa's modelling suggesters it is a rocky planet, about five times as massive as Earth, orbiting its star once every 385 days.

        wired.co.uk

The planet was discovered as part of Kepler mission, which aims to look for sustainable and habitable planets in the Milky Way. Kepler has found over 4,000 planets in a period of six years.

An artist's impression of the Kepler Telescope.
Image via discover

The $600 million Kepler mission launched in 2009 with a goal to survey a portion of the Milky Way for habitable planets.

        cnn.com

In addition to the 1,000 confirmed exoplanets, Kepler has found over 3,000 planet candidates that have yet to be verified.

        qz.com

Before the discovery of Kepler-425b, one called Kepler-186f was considered as having the most Earth-like attributes

Image via phl

The planet Kepler-186f held the “most similar” distinction (they get the common moniker, “Kepler,” because they were discovered with the Kepler space telescope). About 500 light-years from Earth, Kepler-186f is no more than 10 percent larger than Earth, and sails through its star’s habitable zone, making its surface potentially watery.

        nasa.gov

In 2017, NASA plans to launch a new satellite called TESS to replace Kepler. TESS will be able to provide more detailed and in-depth information of other planets in the solar system.

An artist's impression of TESS satellite.
Image via MIT

The search for more Earth-like planets will be greatly boosted by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), set to launch in 2017. TESS will be able to survey a much larger portion of the sky than Kepler can.

        qz.com


Crispy Chicken Rendang Was Actually A Thing In Singapore

By now, we're pretty sure you have heard of the big stir surrounding some "crispy" comments made by two MasterChef UK judges on a chicken rendang dish

Image via Free Malaysia Today

Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace's controversial critique has stirred fury on social media and a viral debate in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia where the traditional dish is widely loved. Malaysian-born contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin was promptly eliminated from the popular contestant.

While the idea of serving crispy chicken rendang may seem ridiculous (or even blasphemous) to some, one fast food chain in Singapore proved that it can actually be done – long before #RendangGate became a reality

Image via KFC SG

KFC had indeed offered a Rendang Rice Bucket in Singapore for a limited time in 2017, consisting of rice with fried boneless chicken (also known as popcorn chicken) slathered with rendang sauce.

Although KFC SG had discontinued the dish, a Facebook post has since been revived, with netizens posting cheeky comments in reference to #RendangGate

Image via KFC SG

Image via KFC SG

Image via KFC SG

Everyone was cracking the same joke.

So, KFC SG had no choice but to provide an "explanation"

Image via KFC SG

YOLO, right?

We would totally try it though. Who knows, it could be good.

Image via Tenor

Please don't kecam us.


We Can’t Stop Laughing At The Memes Inspired By Najib’s "Fit And Steady" Workout Pic

Malaysians have officially crowned their first meme icon of 2019.
It all started when former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak posted a photo of himself working out on New Year's Day.

Weird flex, but ok.
Image via Najib Razak Facebook

Being one of the most meme-able faces in the country, Najib's weird flex quickly sparked a Photoshop battle for the ages. Prepare to LOL:

1. 'Bird Box' memes are all the rage right now, so we totally saw this coming... :p

Image via Hin Yee

2. You can't deny that Najib's, *ahem*, arms are strategically placed for kayuh-ing a boat. :p

Image via Lee Hangsen

3. One last boat meme then we move on, okay? This one got story one. :p

Image via Ideotics Facebook

4. "I'm Jibby Poppins, y'all!"

Image via Calvin Michael

5. Who needs The Hulk when you have Jib-buster?

Image via Ideotics Facebook

6. Maybe he'll fare better piloting a Gundam mobile suit

Image via CJ Goh Cheng Jun

7. May the Force be with Najib in this Pod Race

"Inilah perlumbaan pod!"
Image via Mohammad Shazreen Haini

8. Move aside, Dominic Toretto. Initial Jib will leave you trailing in the dust!

Image via Ideotics Facebook

9. Like the wall, Trump can only dream of keeping up with BFF Jibster's workout routine

Image via Ideotics Facebook

10. He may no longer be prime minister, but Najib is still defending us from malicious forces

Image via Ideotics Facebook

11. 100 push-ups. 100 sit-ups. 100 squats. 10KM run. EVERY. DAY.

Image via fbcdn.net

12. You're gonna wanna hold on to your wigs for the day Najib goes Super Saiyan

Image via Ideotics Facebook

13. "I don't always work out. But when I do, my skull catches on fire."

Image via MGAG

Nicholas Cage also kalah weh.

14. Najib takes on the mantle of the Red Ranger in this iconic '90s kids TV show

Image via Heimrih Lim

15. And last but not least - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em I suppose...

Image via Ideotics Facebook

Najib is not the only politician to have been turned into memes. Thanks to these creative politicians, we had plenty of Photoshop battle-worthy material to laugh at in 2018:

                Malaysians Have Declared That New Defence Minister Mat Sabu Is Now A Meme Icon

Mat Sabu and LGE's bromance > Twilight.

Read the full story

                Trust Malaysians To Turn This Serious Photo Of Azmin Ali Into A Hilarious Meme

It all started with an innocent phone call.

Read the full story


The Discontinued iPhone 6 Is Back And Yes, You Can Buy It In Malaysia

Shortly after cutting down the prices of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, local retailer Switch is bringing back the iPhone 6 - which was released in 2014 - to the market

Image via Tech Times

Available only in Gold, the "new" iPhone 6 will come in 32GB storage. It is priced at RM1,999.

Switch announced on Facebook yesterday that the 32GB iPhone 6 in Gold is available for purchase at its online and physical stores from today till 25 March.

To refresh your memory, the iPhone 6 has a  4.7-inch Retina HD display. It runs on an A8 chip with 1GB of RAM.

Image via The Daily Dot

It is also equipped with an 8MP main camera capable of HD recording, and a front-facing 1.2MP shooter.

Interested? Head over to Switch's official website here to get your hands on one. Stocks are limited, so you better be quick!

Image via Giphy

If the iPhone 6 is too outdated for you, check out other Apple devices that are currently on discount now:

                The iPhone 7 And 7 Plus Are Now RM500 Cheaper

If you've been wanting to purchase Apple's latest handset, now's the time.

Read the full story


Civics Class Is Making A Comeback In 2019 To Teach School Kids About Anti-Corruption

The Civics subject, which was removed from school syllabus in November 2014, will be making a comeback in mid-2019 with a new look

"We don't have specific subject on anti-corruption, so what we are going to do is to include it as one of the topics in the Civics subject, which we will introduce," Education Minister Maszlee Malik was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini yesterday, 13 November. Maszlee spoke to reporters after opening the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)-MOE Consensus Forum in Putrajaya yesterday.

Image via Bernama

Apart from anti-corruption, the subject will also be teaching other elements of civic-mindedness

The Education Minister revealed that students will also be taught human rights, road safety, and environmental awareness. "It is not going to be a must-pass subject, but it will be a compulsory subject to take," Maszlee added.Anti-corruption will also be introduced in preschools to instill good values.

Image via Mehraj Books

After its abolishment, Civics was taught through the syllabus of three other subjects

In 2014, then Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap announced that Civics would be taught through Islamic Studies, Moral Studies, and History beginning 2017 after its abolishment, according to mStar.


Putrajaya Denies Giving Zakir Naik Land And Slot On RTM To Restart His Banned TV Channel

On Tuesday, 7 May, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) issued a statement, denying a report from India claiming that the Malaysian government has rewarded Zakir Naik with a plot of land

The PMO also denied that the controversial preacher has been given a "slot on Malaysia's national broadcaster" to help restart his banned Peace TV channel.In the statement, the PMO said that the allegations made in a report by an India-based television channel, circulated through various social media outlets, were baseless."It has been brought to our attention that an Indian-based television channel circulated a report through various social media outlets claiming that the Malaysian government had rewarded Zakir with land and a 'slot on Malaysia’s national broadcaster'."We would like to clarify that these allegations are baseless," the PMO said.

While the PMO did not identify the Indian TV channel, FMT reported that "India's Republic TV had claimed that Malaysia decided to 'reward' Naik to operate his Peace TV operations"

However, a check by SAYS on India's Republic TV found no such report.Naik's Peace TV, founded in 2006, has been banned in India as well as in Bangladesh, following the deadly 2016 Islamist terrorist attack in Dhaka.

Image via Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail

Prior to this, the preacher was formally charged with money laundering by India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week

Indian prosecutors allege that Naik has acquired RM116 million worth of criminal assets. They have also accused him of spreading hate speech and inciting terrorism.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, at a rally held to protect the "sovereignty of Islam", PAS made calls to defend the controversial preacher:

                PAS Says Govt Must Protect Zakir Naik After India Charges Him With Money Laundering

The calls to defend the controversial preacher were made during a rally to protect the "sovereignty of Islam" followi...

Read the full story


Malaysians Reveal Their Best MCO Online Buys So You Can Kepoh And See What Others Love

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news. Some names have been changed for privacy purposes.

1. "These bedsheet holders are great for comfy sleep without any folds... and keeps your bed super neat"

Image via Shopee

"These holders stretch out bedsheets nicely and keeps them in place. Great for comfy sleep without any folds under your body and when you wake up, don't even have to make your bed 'cos it stays super neat." - Arisha, 24Price: RM1.90You can get them here.

2. "These balcony chairs and table have done wonders to calm my nerves and clear my headspace"

Image via Ihsan (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Ihsan (Provided to SAYS)

"Of all the things I got online during my MCO shopping spree, the best purchase was these balcony chairs and table – sturdy and good quality. Plus, they arrived in secure wrapping too. Being cooped up for a year and a half has been taking a toll on my mental health, I figured I needed to get out more for some sunshine on my skin and fresh air in my lungs.""Previously, I only used my balcony to hang my laundry, but since I bought the table, I converted it into a comfy, plant-filled lepaking area where I have my breakfast smoothie, get some afternoon sun, and breathe in the cooling night air. It has done wonders to calm my nerves and clear my headspace." - Ihsan, 26Price: RM160.90You can get it here.

3. "This monitor light bar brightens up my workspace when I need to concentrate, and helps me wind down when binging Netflix"

Image via Danial (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Danial (Provided to SAYS)

"Compared to other offerings, this one is pretty affordable. It really brightens up my workspace when I need to concentrate, and helps me wind down when binging Netflix. No more sore eyes. Plus, the wireless remote (puck) looks good on my desk and lets me control the light's temperature and brightness, just with a few taps and rotations." - Danial, 28Price: RM168You can get it here.

4. "MEZZALUNA... IT'S THE BEST THING EVER"

Image via Shopee

Image via Shopee

"MEZZALUNA... IF U LIKE GARLIC. IT'S THE BEST THING EVER. Mince stuff bagus but cutting garlic now is AMAZING." - May, 29Price: RM24.90You can get it here.

5. "Sunset lamps can turn you into a sex god"

Image via Chrisvicmall

Image via Brenda (Provided to SAYS)

"I like my sunset lamp 'cos I can change my background and do photoshoots at home. Sunset lamps can turn you into a sex god." - Brenda, 21Price: RM29.99You can get it here.

6. "This cup warmer that can be used as a candle warmer too!"

Image via Ellina (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Ellina (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Ellina (Provided to SAYS)

"Cup warmer! It's really convenient to have this as I always forget my drink, so I just put it on for about five minutes then my drink will be warm again. It can be used as a candle warmer too!" - Ellina, 24Price: RM19.77You can get it here.

7. "I found this trolley rack so useful, I got another one!"

Image via Tiffany (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Tiffany (Provided to SAYS)

"This storage trolley rack helped me organise my messy room, and I like that it has wheels because I can easily move it around the house. I found it so useful that I got another one for my living room!" - Tiffany, 22Price: RM39.99 - RM40.99You can get it here.

8. "This laptop stand prevented my nerd neck from worsening. I have lived without it but now I cannot live without it."

Image via Melissa (Provided to SAYS)

"Like most people, my neck hurts a lot from the long hours of sitting in front of the screen but this laptop stand prevented my nerd neck from worsening. I have lived without it but now I cannot live without it." - Melissa, 21Price: RM9.88 - RM19.88You can get it here.

9. "Starting the day with this cup from Nom Studio has made mornings so much more bearable"

Image via Nom Studio

Image via Nom Studio

"Love it 'cos it fits a cup of Nespresso latte perfectly. And it looks so pretty. <3 Starting the day with this cup from Nom Studio has made mornings so much more bearable." - Jeremy, 27Price: RM49You can get it here.

10. "We used this Korean BBQ set during a rainy day, and OMG, it just made everything taste yummier"

Image via Timothy/GIPHY

Image via Shopee

"I was eyeing this product for a while, since I reaallyyyyy missed having Korean BBQ at restaurants. I decided to buy it during a sale, and I gotta say, I love it to pieces. And what's cool about this set is that we can have both BBQ and steamboat.""We usually use the grill for our meat and vegetables while for the pot, we'll make a simple army stew or miso soup. One time, we used the set during a rainy day, and OMG, it just made everything taste yummier." - Timothy, 23Price: RM99.70You can get it here.

11. "A hammock stand so I can read outside on cooler days and wish I was at the beach again"

Image via May Vin (Provided to SAYS)

"I bought a hammock as a souvenir in Cambodia years ago and never had anywhere to hang it. It never occurred to me that I could buy a stand until MCO. Now I often read outside on cooler days and wish I was at the beach again." - May Vin, 27Price: RM135You can get it here.

12. "These stainless steel cups keep the stuff inside cold for hours, which is perfect for people who make coffee and then forget to drink it until hours later"

Image via Alyssa (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Alyssa (Provided to SAYS)

"I bought these stainless steel cups in May and I use them daily at this point. The keyword is 'wine cup' but I use it for everything from my iced coffee to eating ice cream. They legit keep the stuff inside cold for hours, which is perfect for people who make coffee and then forget to drink it until hours later. It's also double-walled so the cold doesn't seep through." - Alyssa, 26Price: RM16.90 - RM19.20You can get it here.

13. "These studio monitors make my underwhelming workroom way more tolerable"

Image via Jamie (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Jamie (Provided to SAYS)

"Best birthday present, now my underwhelming workroom is wayyyy more tolerable even though I haven't changed anything else in the room.""I can blast music if neighbours are being too loud, or I can play rain sounds and it sounds crystal clear, love itttt. Worth the money." - Jamie, 35Price: RM745You can get it here.

14. "We get invaded by cockroaches and lizards quite frequently. Due to FMCO and EMCO, we couldn't get professionals to set up netting, so we decided to go for this DIY version and the quality is surprisingly good."

Image via Ronn (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Ronn (Provided to SAYS)

"My girlfriend and I wanted to get a professional to net up our lanai properly because we get invaded by cockroaches and lizards quite frequently. We couldn't do it due to FMCO and EMCO (no visitors are allowed in condo) so we decided to go for a DIY one as a makeshift.""However, the quality is surprisingly super good. It's sturdy and not visible until you walk near it. We really love it and the net will be there permanently now. (And also saving a few hundred ringgit from paying professionals)." - Ronn, 36Price: RM8.02 - RM32.98You can get it here.

15. "This cable storage box has made my desk so much neater and organised"

Image via Shopee

Image via Shopee

"So functional. My desk is neater and more organised. I can charge my phone and leave it on top as well. Easier to clean and don't have to see messy wires." - Dee, 30Price: RM14.90You can get it here.

16. "Love this sofa because it's pretty comfortable and easy to vacuum underneath"

Image via @moredesigndotcom (Instagram)

"Shoutout to More Design for my sofa because it's so easy to just vacuum underneath it. And it's actually pretty comfortable for your back and bum bum." - Colin, 32Price: RM1,400You can get it here.

17. "This cordless vacuum is easy to use... and the price is reasonable too!"

Image via Nany (Provided to SAYS)

"One of the best items that I've bought online is this cordless vacuum cleaner. The vacuum is easy to use and has a portable design that makes it light and convenient for whipping around the house. Plus, it can run between 30 and 45 minutes when cleaning. The price is also reasonable!" - Nany, 26Price: RM287You can get it here.

18. "The best part about this spice rack is that it's adjustable! I definitely recommend those who love to be in the kitchen to buy this."

Image via Dania (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Dania (Provided to SAYS)

"This three-tier spice rack I bought from Shopee! It's really nice for me to organise my small canister jars that I put all my spices in and it looks aesthetic too. The best part is that it's adjustable! Love it to the max and I definitely recommend those who love to be in the kitchen to buy this hehe." - Dania, 27Price: RM48.63You can get it here.

19. "These resistance bands and jump ropes are a good alternative to doing weights and cardio... without risking getting COVID-19 at a gym/outside"

Image via Nicky (Provided to SAYS)

Image via @thesweat.co (Instagram)

"These resistance bands are a really good alternative to using weights, delivers the same painful results without being heavy or taking up space. There are different types of tensions, so they can be bought according to your level of fitness/requirement. And they can be used to target different body areas: abs, legs, or arms, etc (a whole workout in one!!!)""The jump ropes also come in very cute colours, which makes me happy. They're customisable to whatever colours or lengths you want. They're a good alternative to cardio workouts and don't require you to go out for a run and risk COVID-19 because you can just jump at home alone." - Nicky, 24Price: RM88 - RM169You can get them here.

20. "I've definitely preferred to cook more, thanks to this air fryer"

Image via Shopee

"I recently got an air fryer and it's been life-changing. Makes cooking at home so much easier, food comes out crispier and I can lie to myself that I'm living a healthier lifestyle haha. I've definitely preferred to cook more thanks to it compared to just ordering food all the time hehe." - Iylia, 29Price: RM338You can get it here.

21. "The best RM20 I've ever spent was on these Korean exfoliating towels"

Image via SAYS

"IDK what voodoo magic these Korean washcloths have but they are godsent. I use them once a week to exfoliate all the oil, sweat, and grime on my body. It's so satisfying to step out of the shower feeling SO clean and smooth... like a baby's bottom. Haha." - Tammy, 27Price: RM19.90You can get them here.

What are some items that you've bought recently that you absolutely love? Let us know!

For more home interior and gadgets, check out these lists:

                10 Local Online Stores Selling Pretty Houseplants To Satisfy Every MCO Plant Parent

Aesthetic green vibes.

Read the full story

                23 MUJI-Style Home Storage & Interior You Can Get Online For That Scandinavian Look

Clean and minimal.

Read the full story

                10 Aroma Diffusers Under RM100 To Help You Unwind

Make your room smell like a spa.

Read the full story

                9 Affordable Projectors You Can Get Online To Create Your Own Private Cinema At Home

Quarantine and chill.

Read the full story

                9 Robot Vacuum Cleaners To Get Online So You Can Relax On The Couch

Keep your home dust-free with just the press of a button.

Read the full story

                15 Aesthetic & Minimalistic Home Interior Stores To Check Out On Shopee

Make your home cosier this MCO.

Read the full story

                9 Highly Recommended Cordless Vacuum Cleaners You Can Get Online

It's spring cleaning time.

Read the full story

                9 Massage Tools You Can Get Online For Under RM200 That Even Asian Aunties Will Approve

Self-care is a form of therapy too.

Read the full story


Maszlee Thinks Racial Quota Is Needed Because The Job Market Is Unfair To Bumiputeras

Education Minister Maszlee Malik defended the 90:10  racial quota for the matriculation programme yesterday, 16 May

Maszlee at a forum in Universiti Sains Malaysia yesterday.
Image via China Press

Free Malaysia Today reported that Maszlee stressed that parties who are calling for the government to loosen the quota system should also address the discrimination Bumiputera graduates face in the job market. According to Malaysiakini, the Education Minister was responding to a student at a forum in Universiti Sains Malaysia yesterday, who asked about the possibility of opening up the matriculation quota for non-Bumiputeras.

Maszlee said Bumiputera graduates are being denied job opportunities for various reasons

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Free Malaysia Today

"We harp on (the quota system in) matriculation without considering that people are being denied jobs because they don't know Mandarin, for instance," the Minister was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini. Apart from that, he also argued that those wearing the hijab have been discriminated against in the job market, reported Free Malaysia Today. "If we can get rid of this (discrimination), have an equitable job field and equal business opportunities, then we can talk about being fair in all matters," Maszlee said.

The Minister then quipped that it will take more than a year to "fix everything" as the Pakatan Harapan government is still young

"Our government is just a year old. If we want to fix everything within that period, I don't think even the Avengers could do it," Maszlee said."The Avengers took eight years to kill Thanos," he quipped.

Image via Malaysiakini

He also stressed the importance of the matriculation programme to ensure that poor students, especially Bumiputeras, are given a chance to study. He added that many non-Malays are well-off and therefore could afford to send their children to private schools, reported Free Malaysia Today. "One day, once prosperity is shared by everybody, we will not need quotas in everything," Maszlee said.

Last month, a teacher from Kedah slammed the Education Ministry for deciding to maintain the racial quota in the matriculation programme:

                "How Is That Fair?" - Kedah Teacher Slams Racial Quota In Matriculation Programme

She stressed that it is unfair that non-Bumis only have 10% in matriculation centres funded by taxpayers' money.

Read the full story


Ipoh's Nasi Ganja Stall Owner Says A KL Datuk Had Placed The Order Picked Up By Helicopter

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On Friday morning, 23 July, a helicopter from Kuala Lumpur landed at Padang Ipoh to pick up 36 packets of nasi kandar meals.
The dish is famously called 'nasi ganja'.

While the helicopter had prior permission to land at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS), it landed some 6km away at Padang Ipoh

Perak police chief Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid told New Straits Times that the helicopter landed there between 9.55am and 10.15am to pick up the order containing 36 packs of 'nasi ganja'."The helicopter didn't get permission to land at Padang Ipoh," he was quoted as saying, adding that they have since informed the Ipoh Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) about the matter.The Bell 505 helicopter was operated by Systematic Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (SAS).The company is based in Kuala Lumpur and provides helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft services.

So who was in the helicopter who flew in amidst the interstate and inter-district travel ban during the National Recovery Plan (NRP)?

Nobody knows.According to the popular Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah Ipoh stall owner Mohamed Nihmathullah Syed Mustafa, the man who received the meals was wearing a hat, sunglasses, and had a facemask."All we know is that it was a Datuk who ordered," Nihmatullah told Free Malaysia Today.In fact, when the order was placed a day before he thought it must be a joke."I laughed out loud when they said they were coming by helicopter to pick up the food. I thought they were bluffing," he said, adding that when they actually called them to the Ipoh Padang, they were shocked."The man paid RM360 for the meals and left. My son-in-law and I were shocked to see all this. In less than five minutes, the helicopter left," the bilingual news portal quoted him as saying.

Image via Utusan Malaysia

The incident is now being probed with investigations being carried out against the individual from Kuala Lumpur and helicopter company

Faridalathrash said that they will investigate the case for a possible breach of interstate or inter-district travel ban under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations (Act 342).Currently, interstate travel is banned except for emergency cases under the NRP.Meanwhile, Bernama reported that CAAM has also started an investigation to determine whether the helicopter that landed at the Ipoh Padang to pick up the order violated any regulations.The helicopter returned to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor at 11:02am.

A file photo of Perak police chief Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid.
Image via Farhan Najib/Malay Malay

Remember to limit your movement and keep practising physical distancing. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:


[FACT OR FAKE #11] Eating Vitamins Every Day Will Improve My Health

FACT: Taking omega-3 fish oil supplements may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer by 70%

A supplement taken by millions for its health benefits may help to trigger aggressive and lethal prostate cancer, research has shown. Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oils and lauded for their anti-inflammatory properties, were found to increase the risk of high-grade disease by 71%.

        huffingtonpost.co.uk

Scientists found that those with the highest levels of omega-3 in their blood were 71 per cent more likely to develop fast-growing, hard-to-treat prostate tumours.
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Taking omega-3 was also associated with a 44% greater chance of developing low-grade prostate cancer. Overall, the fatty acids raised the risk of all prostate cancers by 43%.

        nydailynews.com

High blood concentrations of all three omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in supplements, EPA, DPA and DHA, were linked to the findings.

        foxnews.com

Scientists conducting the study compared blood samples from 834 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and 1,393 participants without the disease.

        sky.com

Omega-3 fish oils are one of the most fashionable and popular supplements on the high street. They are said to have a plethora of health benefits, including protection against heart attacks and strokes, staving off arthritis, boosting brain power, and preventing behavioural disorders in children.

        huffingtonpost.co.uk

One potentially harmful effect was the conversion of omega-3 fatty acids into compounds that can damage cells and DNA, they added. Omega-3 was also thought to contribute to immunosuppression, the dampening down of the immune system.

        foxnews.com