Stalking People Online Will Soon Be A Crime Under The Penal Code In Malaysia

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Stalking an individual will soon be gazetted into law as a criminal offence after the Dewan Rakyat passed amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) yesterday, 29 March

According to New Straits Times, the bill was passed by voice vote after a debate involving members of parliament (MPs) from both sides of the divide.Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh tabled the second reading of the amendments, which will see a new section — Section 507A — added to the Penal Code to provide for the offence of stalking.The Star quoted him as saying that the provision will criminalise both online and physical stalking, which includes tracking, meaning "keeping track of a victim in a non-physical manner through any devices, for example by a hidden camera or GPS tracker."Ramkarpal added that a recent survey by the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) found that stalking was rampant in the country with 36% of Malaysians having experienced being stalked and felt fear.Of those surveyed,  12% had been threatened and 17% had been injured as a result of stalking, reported Malay Mail.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh.
Image via Hairul Anuar Rahim/New Straits Times

Once the law comes into effect, a stalker convicted under the section can face up to three years' jail, a fine, or both

Besides the amendment to the Penal Code, CPC will also be expanded to include a new Section 98A, which aims to protect victims from their stalkers, reported The Star.Currently, Ramkarpal said protection orders are only available to divorced couples.The new provision under CPC will offer protection orders to victims who have total strangers as stalkers. Victims who are stalked by relatives, former spouses, and partners will also be protected under the law."This amendment is implemented with the aim of providing legal protection to victims of stalking crimes through protection orders issued by the court," he said, as per Malay Mail."This amendment was also made based on the philosophy of curbing the crime of stalking and at the same time, will be able to reduce the anxiety, fear, and trauma of the victim."

If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:

1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)Operating hours: 24-hourContact: +603-30008858SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058Website | Facebook | Twitter2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)Contact: +603-78770224WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)Contact: +6082-368853SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)WhatsApp: +6016-7213065Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.

When the law comes into effect, tracking devices on an individual will become a criminal offence:

                "The Weapon Of Choice Of Stalkers" – Women Sue Apple After They Were Tracked By Their Exes

One woman found an AirTag tracking device in the wheel well of her car and a second woman found one in her child’s ba...

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Two Malaysian Youths Will Be Receiving This Prestigious Award From Queen Elizabeth II

Two Malaysians have been chosen to receive the Queen's Young Leaders Award 2018, an award recognising individuals from across the Commonwealth for their transformative solutions to global issues

Image via Gov UK

On 26 June, Siva Nagappan Visvesvaran and Wen Shin Chia will be honoured with the award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony held in Buckingham Palace, London, Free Malaysia Today reported.The two will be joined by 240 exceptional youths from 53 Commonwealth countries who are also driving change to make the world a better place.

At the tender age of 20, Visvesvaran is being recognised for developing an innovation that enables rainwater to be stored in a fraction of the space usually required

Image via Queen's Young Leaders

According to the Queen's Young Leaders website, the 20-year-old from Selangor hopes to deliver more sustainable and affordable sources of energy to developing countries.

Image via Paplet Malaysia

The electrical power engineering student is also the co-founder of Project Paplet, an organisation which turns used paper into booklets and donates them to 50 refugee schools throughout Malaysia through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The group provides toolkits to 11 other institutions around the world that explain how to make the booklets and to empower people to create new products out of everyday rubbish.

Also an environmentalist, Chia uses her innovation and entrepreneurship to reduce pollution in Malaysian households

Image via Queen's Young Leaders

The 26-year-old founded Green Yards in 2016, an organisation which deters people from disposing of household oil down drains by offering free soap in exchange for every 5kg of oil returned to them. The environmentally unfriendly oil is then recycled into eco-cleaning products and candles.

Image via Vulcan Post

According to the Queen's Young Leaders website, Chia's Green Yards has prevented 4.7 tonnes of cooking oil from being dumped in just one year.

As part of the Queen's Young Leaders programme, the two Malaysians will take part in a year-long leadership course run by the University of Cambridge

Image via World Atlas

Winners of this prestigious Award will be receiving a unique package of training, mentoring, and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the UK to help them develop as leaders and work with even greater impact.

Well done Siva and Wei Shin, and thank you for your contributions to the country!

Image via GIPHY

In April, this Malaysian creative won an international award for his photography works:

                A Malaysian Photographer Just Won An International Award For Photos Of Rohingya Migrants

Stunning shots.

Read the full story


These M'sian Students Just Set A New Record At The International Junior Science Olympiad

Six bright secondary school students did Malaysia proud by winning one silver and five bronze medals at the 16th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2019 in Doha, Qatar this month

According to their website, the IJSO is among 12 recognised International Science Olympiads held annually for students who are under 16 years old.It aims to promote the pursuit of excellence in scientific endeavours and encourage gifted students to further develop their talents in Natural Sciences.The competition this year saw the participation of 409 secondary school students from over 70 countries, reported the Star. It was organised by Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in collaboration with Qatar University.

Image via Malaysian Junior Science Olympiad/Facebook

The national team formation for the IJSO took approximately eight months in the making, starting with the Kancil Science Competition 2019 held in May this year

According to Majalah Sains, 104 gold medal winners from the preliminary Kancil Science Competition were then selected to compete in the Malaysian Junior Science Olympiad (MyJSO) that was held at the International Islamic Unversity of Malaysia (UIAM) on 20 July.

Image via Malaysian Junior Science Olympiad/Facebook

The six best participants from MyJSO were then selected by a panel of judges to represent the country at the IJSO in Qatar

The students were Amelia Jade Mae-Xian Lim (Wesley Methodist School), Chin Jia Yao (Chong Hwa Independent High School), Tay Yi Cong (Chong Hwa Independent High School), Haris Dani Erwin Dani (PERMATApintar National Gifted Centre), Imran Adham Azmin (PERMATApintar National Gifted Centre), and Lai Bo Wei (SMJK Chung Ling).The 15-year-olds were accompanied by Anis Shahira Hadith and Nur Fadhilah Mokhrizal of Ardent Educational Consultants Sdn Bhd.

From left to right: Anis Shahira, Lim, Tay, Chin, Haris, Lai, Imran, and Nur Fadhilah.
Image via Majalah Sains

During the IJSO from 3 to 12 December, the participants went through many hours of assessment

They were required to participate in theoretical tests individually and practical tests in groups in all three core Science subjects, which were Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Image via Malaysian Junior Science Olympiad/Facebook

It all paid off when Chin managed to nab a silver medal while the other five won bronze

"I was really proud of the Malaysian team because everyone won a medal," Lim told The Star, making national history with every participant managing to bring a medal home.Last year, the first time Malaysia took part in the competition, only one out of six national representatives won a medal.

Image via Malaysian Junior Science Olympiad/Facebook

Congratulations!

Image via GIPHY


Anwar Answers Why He Has Luxury LV Shoes After Netizens Accuse Him Of Putting On A Show

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As it's only been a week on the job, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's every move has been under close public scrutiny.
The newly-appointed Prime Minister earned praise when he strolled into his first day in office in baju Melayu on Friday, 25 November.

The photos, shared on the Prime Minister's official Twitter account, showed Anwar standing out in traditional clothes among his suit-clad colleagues.

Image via @anwaribrahim (Twitter)

Image via @anwaribrahim (Twitter)

However, it was the Prime Minister's choice of footwear that stole the show, as he was wearing capal sandals to complete the look

Many more netizens were delighted to see that the premier had also casually taken off the leather sandals while chairing a meeting with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali in the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya."The Prime Minister of Malaysia himself wearing slippers to work and taking them off to be comfy and barefooted while running the country. No one will be able to lecture me about dress code ever," said a netizen.

Image via Twitter

Another wrote, "Anwar managed to lighten the tense atmosphere of civil servants – by wearing the baju Melayu out, taking his shoes off during a meeting, and by sitting next to the Chief Secretary to the Government during discussions. Super nice."

Image via Twitter

On the other hand, just a few days later, some netizens criticised the premier for wearing an expensive pair of dress shoes to meet the Sultan of Brunei

According to a netizen, Anwar was wearing a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes that cost HKD9,550 (approximately RM5,488) while meeting Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday, 28 November.Some netizens called him out for wearing a luxury item that was contradictory to his recent efforts to reduce wasteful spending while in office, such as declaring that he will reject the Prime Minister's salary, as well as refusing to use a new Mercedes S600 that was bought for the office."He rejected the Mercedes S600 and wore capal sandals, but today he upgraded to shoes that cost more than RM5,500. Our prime minister is loaded!" said a tweet.

Image via @anwaribrahim (Twitter)

However, the Prime Minister has since shut down the allegations against him

"[The shoes] are a gift from the Sultan of Johor two years ago," Anwar replied in a quote retweet yesterday, 29 November."I don't mind if you want to question me, but don't bring up slanderous narratives."

Ia pemberian Tuanku Sultan Johor 2 tahun yang lalu. Saudara nak persoal saya tidak mengapa, tapi jangan bawa naratif fitnah. https://t.co/lLOYqxtrr3— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) November 29, 2022


2 M'sians Rob & Rape An Indonesian Woman By Pretending To Be Immigration Officers

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Two local men raped a woman from Indonesia in Ampang, Selangor on Saturday, 20 August, while pretending to be immigration officers

According to a statement by Ampang Jaya district police chief Mohamad Farouk Eshak earlier today, 22 August, the two Malaysians, aged 35 and 40, carried out the act early Saturday morning, when they approached two Indonesian women near a hospital in Pandan Indah in Ampang.The men, claiming to be from the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), told the two women that they needed to check their passports and permits and then ordered them to get into a Honda City car."The two women were taken to the Serdang area and during the journey, the suspects took jewellery and cash belonging to the victims. One of the victims was then dropped off in the area while the other was taken to a hotel in the Balakong area and raped," he said in the press statement.

Both the men have since been arrested in a raid

They were arrested at about 3am today, 22 August, at a house in Taman Seri Asahan, Jasin, Melaka, where police also seized cash, a necklace, a bracelet, and the vehicle used by the suspects during the crime.The 40-year-old suspect has 18 past criminal and drug records, including three wanted records, while the 35-year-old suspect has 13 past criminal and drug records, including one wanted record.Both suspects have been remanded under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.No further details were provided in the statement.

If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:

1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)Operating hours: 24-hourContact: +603-30008858SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058Website | Facebook | Twitter2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)Contact: +603-78770224WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)Contact: +6082-368853SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)WhatsApp: +6016-7213065Email: [email protected]Website | Facebook | Twitter7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.


The Amount Of Detail That Goes Into Making These 7 Things By Hand Is Truly Astounding

1. La Modernista Diamonds Caran dAche. Dubbed the world's most expensive pen, the pen was handmade by master jeweler Robert Perron and took him six months to complete!

Image via listdose

La Modernista Diamonds was made by the Swiss company Caran d’Ache in 1999 in homage to Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926), the most famous of Modernist architects. This amazing fountain pen was sold in Harrods, London, for $265,000, becoming the most expensive pen in GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS in 2001. La Modernista Diamonds is made of rhodium-coated solid silver components. It boasts of an 18-carat rhodium-coated gold nib and is set with a total of 5,072 Wesselton diamonds weighing in at 20-carats, as well as and 96 rubies totalling 32-carats. The pen was hand-made by master jeweler Robert Perron and it took him six months to complete this true masterpiece of writing instruments.

        gistmania.com

Image via listoplenty

2. The IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date watch. The premium hand-wound watch will run for exactly 192 hours each cycle, which speaks volumes of its precision.

Image via manofmany

In the Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date IWC’s watchmakers have combined the big date with the day display and created a timepiece that is enormously practical in use. The face has a few indicators yet it doesn't overwhelm the watch which speaks volumes of the craftsmanship. Fully wound, the eight-day movement will run precisely for 192 hours. At that point, the owner will have to supply fresh energy by winding the crown. The power reserve display on the dial indicates when this is necessary.

        iwc.com

Image via manofmany

3. Mercedes AMG-GT. Mercedes Benz practices a "One Man, One Engine" philosophy. Every single part of the car engine is assembled by the same mechanic!

Image via Mercedes-Benz

From the company’s beginning more than 40 years ago, every AMG engine is assembled carefully and precisely in Affalterbach by a single AMG master engine builder. Everything from the first piston to the last bolt is the work of one AMG technician and all work stages are subject to the stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria.In the final stage the Master Mechanic personally installs an engraved placard bearing his signature—one man’s personal assurance of quality and the mark of the company’s uncompromising commitment to precision and performance.

        mercedes-benz.ca

Image via Mercedes Malaysia

4. A pair of George Cleverley shoes. Each pair of shoes takes four to five craftsmen to assemble!

Image via Fashionbeans

A family-run business, and one of the few remaining British shoemaking elite, George Cleverley was originally founded by the man himself back in 1958, after a 38-year tenure at famed bespoke bootmakers Tuczec. So what is it that makes the shoes so special? “Our craftsmanship and techniques are very unique. The process of making just one pair of shoes involves four to five different craftspeople, each of whom specialises in one part of the shoemaking process – on top of that, each part of the process takes approximately three to five years to learn.”According to Glasgow, “It is very important that our shoes are made by hand today in the same manner as they were 50 years ago.” It’s also imperative that production takes place on home soil: “We have never made shoes outside of England, nor used any materials that were anything but the best in our eyes.”

        fashionbeans.com

Image via Fashionbeans

5. Archibald eyewear. Made from the highest quality acetate that will never tarnish, the eyewear eventually forms to the face of the wearer, making it extremely unique to each individual.

Image via manofmany

In order to create the most special eyewear possible we work with a group of optical Shokunin - elite Japanese craftsman defined by their rigorous but intuitive approach to creation. Their work involves navigating over 200 manual steps - a making process often described as an “innate emotional involvement in the pursuit of perfection” that is learnt by osmosis from their fellow practitioners, developed over decades as part of an exclusive guild stretching back more than 150 years.Every Archibald Optics frame is crafted individually in Fukui, Japan (the country’s optical heartland) and is created from the purest Japanese-sourced materials – predominantly either Acetate or Titanium. Using such refined materials, coupled with our unique polishing end treatment – presided over by the senior expert or Sennmu, means that the frames will never corrode or tarnish.

        archibaldoptics.com

Image via manofmany

6. This BNVTT Stop Drop and Roll... Top Backpack. No two bags are the same shade nor colour! Five craftsmen are needed to assemble each bag.

Image via BNVTT

Our bags are handmade using traditional methods by master craftsmen. The leather is hand cut and, depending on the application, machine or hand stitching is used. No robots are used in the making of our bags. We have a team of five skilled craftsmen who, between them, have several decades of experience crafting the finest leather goods for clients the world over. Each bag is meticulously hand dyed and hand finished meaning there are slight variations in the colour from piece to piece.  We feel this adds to the uniqueness of each item. Leather is a natural material and the colours, shade and depth can vary. The colour of the leather will also appear different depending on which light you look at the leather under. Our bags are designed to develop a rich patina over time and the more you use the bag and expose it to sunlight, the richer and darker it will become.

        bnvvt.com

Image via BNVTT

7. The Keim Arvak Bicycle. The bicycle has gotten lots of positive attention from cycling enthusiasts who described the machine as an "extension of the human body".

Image via archiexpo

In April 2014, Keim unveiled the “Arvak”-bicycle, combining innovative manufacturing technology and radical design. This bike received a lot of positive attention of those who tested it, giving the brand a special place in the world of cycling.Keim continues his quest for the perfect bicycle. Research on materials, optimization of the manufacturing process and creation of new models in collaboration with passionate cyclists. A new manufacturing technique opens up new aesthetic horizons. Since its launch, Keim invites talented artists and skilled craftsmen to express their vision of the perfect vehicle, exploring the formal potential of laminated wood.ALERION was born from a collaboration with Charles Boulnois, rewarded French sculptor. He created a functional sculpture inspired by the mythical world of Pegasus and Hippogriff.

        keim-edition.com

Image via keim-edition


"Abang G*y Ke?" - Pertanyaan Random Budak Lelaki Buat Pemuda Ini Terdiam Curi Perhatian

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

Setiap orang mempunyai personaliti diri mereka masing-masing

Kita tidak boleh menilai seseorang hanya dari segi luaran saja betul tak? Kerana kita tidak tahu dalaman seseorang itu.Namun, berbeza pula dengan video di TikTok ini apabila seorang pemuda terkejut dengan soalan yang ditanyakan oleh seorang budak telah mencuit hati ramai.Lihat video itu di bawah:

  @_asrulj ABANG GAY KE?  #fyp #fyp  original sound  - A.J

Terkejut dengar soalan yang 'random' daripada seorang budak

Menerusi video tersebut, dapat dilihat pemuda berkenaan sedang berniaga di sebuah kawasan yang tidak dikenal pasti.Tiba-tiba datang seorang budak lelaki yang mula berbual dengannya. Pada awalnya, budak lelaki itu menanyakan adakah dia beragama Islam. Mungkin kerana wajahnya yang dilihat seakan orang Cina.Dia kemudian menjawab "ya, Islam". Namun, budak berkenaan selepas itu bertanyakan sama ada dia gay atau tidak. Pertanyaan itu membuatkan dia terkejut dan terus menjawab tidak.

Image via @_asrulj (TikTok)

"Aku masa umur adik ni. Gay pun aku tak tahu apa maksudnya" - Netizen

Dalam pada itu, tinjauan di ruangan komen mendapati rata-rata netizen turut memberikan pelbagai reaksi mereka.Ketika artikel ini ditulis, video berkenaan telah meraih 2.8M views, 147.9K likes dan 1,654 comments di TikTok.Berikut di bawah adalah antara komen daripada netizen di TikTok:

Image via @_asrulj (TikTok)

Image via @_asrulj (TikTok)

Image via @_asrulj (TikTok)

Image via @_asrulj (TikTok)

Soalan awak pun dik, kecil-kecil dah tahu ya :l

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

Image via SAYS Seismik


Animal Experts Made This Road Safety Video For Cats To Watch So They Don't Get Hit By Cars

A Japanese automobile company recently released a public service video out of concern for road safety.
However, the video wasn't created for elderly drivers or children who commute daily to school... It was made for cats.

Image via Yellow Hat

With the help from Kyoto University's animal psychologists, automotive retailer Yellow Hat  created a PSA video earlier this week, to educate feline friends on road safety measures, SoraNews24 reported.

FYI, this isn't just some lame video with a few cat images and sloppy editing skills.
With specific meows and music, the research team ensured that it contained the right elements to capture the kitties' attention.

Image via SoraNews24

For starters, all of the presenters in the video are either cats or human actors dressed in cat costumes

Audio sounds – like birds chirping and mice squeaking – were incorporated, including a narrator who only speaks in meows.

Image via SoraNews24

Image via SoraNews24

Image via SoraNews24

The cat audience were earnestly advised to be alert when they're out gallivanting the streets because pulling stunts like suddenly jumping out onto roads is dangerous

"There are many dangers," the narrator meowed a warning in the video, according to SoraNews24.

Image via wordpress.com

Image via stackpathdns.com

Although the video was created for cats, subtitles were included so humans can also better understand cat behaviour

For example, cats like the warmth and often sit on top of manhole covers commonly found in the middle of the road. The video also explained how car horns and high-beam headlights can startle cats, which tends to make them too frightened to jump out of the way, NextShark reported.

Image via stackpathdns.com

Image via stackpathdns.com

You can watch the road safety video below:

×

Before launching the video, the team held a test screening at a cat cafe. Watch their reactions here:

×

Cats in Japan have a mind of their own, like these two:

                These 2 Cats Have Been Trying To Enter A Japanese Museum For Years

The museum now sells merchandise of the feline duo.

Read the full story


Wartawan Baru Nak Tunjuk Kecanggihan Robot Kedai Makan, Sekali Dia Pula Buat Hal Masa Live

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

Pasti ramai di antara anda di sini yang pernah melihat robot menghantar makanan di restoran bukan?

Ia merupakan satu kecanggihan baru dalam sistem kedai dan lebih memudahkan pekerja terutamanya bila kedai makan itu dipenuhi ramai orang. Sampai tidak cukup tangan dibuatnya.Sebab itulah adanya robot ini untuk memudahkan kerja. Tetapi, tidak semua kedai makan mempunyai kecanggihan ini.Namun, lain pula dengan video yang tular ini apabila sebuah robot tiba-tiba 'buat hal' semasa wartawan sedang bersiaran langsung telah mencuri tumpuan ramai.Lihat video penuh itu di bawah:

  @nazrizz.nasir Sedangkan manusia membuat kesilapan, inikan pula Robot! #RobotFailure #Robot #RobotMamak #NazrizzTikTok  original sound  - Nazrizz Nasir

Tiba-tiba rosak masa wartawan tengah tunjuk siaran langsung

Menerusi video tersebut, kelihatan seorang wartawan sedang membuat liputan siarang langsung di salah sebuah kedai makan mamak.Difahamkan, tujuannya adalah ingin menunjukkan kecanggihan robot yang boleh menghantar makanan di meja-meja pelanggan.Namun, apa yang lebih menarik perhatian adalah sedang asyik membuat liputan tiba-tiba robot itu berhenti di depannya dan mengalami masalah. Situasi itu membuatkan dia terkedu seketika dan pekerja kedai terpaksa mematikannya buat seketika.

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

"Robot tu terkejut bang ada camera dekat depan" - Netizen

Dalam pada itu, tinjauan di ruangan komen mendapati rata-rata netizen turut merasa terhibur melihat video tersebut.Ketika artikel ini ditulis, video berkenaan telah meraih 93.8K views, 4,650 likes dan 223 comments di TikTok.Berikut di bawah adalah antara komen menarik daripada netizen di TikTok:

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

Image via @nazrizz.nasir (TikTok)

Aduhai, orang semua tengah syok tengok dia, dia pula buat hal :P

via GIPHY

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

Image via SAYS Seismik


Ever Gone On Holiday With Friends? You Confirm Know These 11 Types Of People

1. The Itinerary Planner a.k.a. the semangat friend who plans everything down to a T

Image via Freepik | Edited by SAYS

"We need to sleep by 10pm, so we can wake up at 4am to visit the fish market, then we gotta catch the train, and then..."

2. The Human Calculator, who helps you convert currency when you travel overseas

Image via Food Fashion and Flow (Edited by SAYS)

"You think $5 is very cheap ah? If you convert back is RM20 weih!!!"

3. The 'Follow Your Heart' Friend a.k.a. the fun, spontaneous, and carefree friend that makes your trips unforgettable

Image via Freepik (Edited by SAYS)

"Plan what plan? No need to plan so much la."

4. The Picky Eater that we always have to jaga when going out for meals

Image via Giphy

"Ew, why are there onions in my salad?"

5. The Extra Adventurous Foodie, who will go above and beyond to find the best food in town

Image via DanielFoodDiary.com (Edited by SAYS)

"This egg tart have to line up two hours, but it's damn good. I saw it on YouTube, we must try."

6. The Not-Scared-To-Die YOLO Friend that makes you do things you would never have done

Image via Freepik (Edited by SAYS)

"YASSSS, I heard they have bungee jump down the cliff. Let's go let's go!"

7. The Adventurous Weirdo a.k.a. the one in your friend group who can't resist trying weird stuff

Image via Stuff (Edited by SAYS)

"Deep fried tarantulas? Give us a bag of five, please!"

8. The Overprotective Friend, who needs a little nudge to let go and have fun with the rest

Image via The Bird House Indo (Edited by SAYS)

"Umm... I think it's not so safe to snorkel in the open ocean. Maybe we can stick to the hotel swimming pool."

9. The Walking GPS, who will always bring you to your destination

Image via Freepik (Edited by SAYS)

"We walk for another 500 metres, then take a left turn..."

10. The Aspiring Photographer-Vlogger-Filmmaker who spends hours till they get the right shot

Image via Freepik (Edited by SAYS)

"Let's take another selfie here!"

11. The Lazy-To-Go-Out Friend who would rather sleep in than to go out and explore

Image via Freepik (Edited by SAYS)

"Can we just lepak and stay in the hotel room? We paid for it anyways so might as well enjoy it right?"

Ultimately, trips with friends always end up becoming the most memorable ones! Ready to plan your next group trip together?

Image via Jeremy Ng

Head over to MHholidays to enjoy amazing discounts and get the most affordable flight and hotel packages! Here's what they have in store:

Enjoy exclusive flight + hotel savingsSave time and get extra savings when you buy your flight ticket and accommodation altogether at one spot.Don't worry about hidden chargesWhen you search, filter, and compare your flights and hotels, the price you see on the website is what you get, no hidden charges.Personalise your hotel destination with thousands of choicesWith more than 50 destinations worldwide and 5,000 types of accommodation for you to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice!Grab exclusive Weekly Deals covering various destinationsEvery week, you'll get to book exclusive deals from the destination of the week. Keep visiting the website so you don't miss out on your dream holiday!

Image via Forbes, Top China Travel, We Build Value, Fodors Travel Guide

For more information, head over to the MHholidays website today to find out more!


An Ex-Googler Explains Why Google Failed So Often, Despite Hard Work And Commitment

From Orkut (which could have been Facebook) to Google Answers (which could have been Quora), there have been several Google products that have failed over the years

Image via Tribune

Orkut was the first ever modern rendition of a social networking site.

These Google products failed not because the people who worked on them were lazy. It's every bit possible that they gave their everything to make these products work.

It has to do with the fact that product design a hard nut to crack. So hard that even the best companies fail to succeed 100% of the time.

And reflecting on the same, an ex-Googler, who led new AdWords product launches, shared his reasons as to why Google failed so often, despite hard work and commitment

Image via Lewis Lin via Twitter

Responding to a question on Quora regarding Google product failures, Lewis Lin, who was at Google from 2006 to 2008, has perfectly explained the reasons.Below are the reasons Lewis listed on the post:

1. Lack of vision

"There are only so many people who can predict the future. Sundar Pichai was one of those rare individuals who saw the Chrome browser and Chromebook OS opportunity, despite daunting odds and endless customer naysaying."

2. Lack of resources

"When I was at Google, I believed Google Notebook had half an engineer working on it a few months out of the year. Hard to defend the fort if the guard tower is empty."

3. Lack of insight

"The Google Wave and Google Glass team worked hard, but both teams missed the critical insight that others realised. That is, Slack realised work messages belong to channels. And Google Glass was too dorky to wear in public."

Image via edudemic

4. Lack of focus

"Google+ included everything but the kitchen sink. It was an authentication service. And a commenting plug-in. And an address book. And a multi-user video conferencing feature. It felt and was designed by committee."

5. Lack of trying

"I believe Marissa Mayer once said, 'There are great (product) ideas that are executed poorly.' In other words, we shouldn’t conclude an idea is flawed because it failed."After Google Answers shut down, it was wrong to conclude that the Internet didn’t want a Q&A service. It was more appropriate to conclude that Google Answers just implemented Q&A the wrong way."


Gamuda Land Is Now Giving Free MOT, Savings Of Up To RM128,000 & More For Homebuyers

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

This Spotlight is sponsored by Gamuda Land.

Have you given some thought to what your future home will be like?

Image via Gamuda Land (Provided to SAYS)

Apart from considering the aesthetics, facilities, and spaciousness, homebuyers should also look at the bigger picture of their future surroundings. It is important to find an environment that has lots of greenery so it's cooling, has seamless connectivity to save time on travelling, and has a thoughtful design so it's a place you enjoy living in.Besides that, settling for a home nestled in a nature-rich environment can not only lower our carbon footprint, but also provide natural shade and produce fresher air, all of which directly contribute to our well-being.

If you want to own a home that puts the environment first, then you should check out Gamuda Land's well-planned developments

Image via Gamuda Land (Provided to SAYS)

From properties in Klang Valley to Kota Kinabalu, Gamuda Land consistently upholds its mission of making a difference in the environment. Their property developments are well-planned with lush green surroundings, great connectivity, lush green parks, and practical facilities, uniting both nature and the community. Whether you're looking for a home as a bachelor or to start a family, Gamuda Land has many options that you can choose from, such as terrace houses, serviced apartments, SOHO, semi-Ds, and more. Here's a look at some of their developments:Klang Valley:- Gamuda Cove- Gamuda Gardens- twentyfive.7- Jade Hills- Highpark Suites- The RobertsonIskandar Puteri, Johor:- Horizon HillsKota Kinabalu, Sabah:- Bukit Banyan Residences

Good news, homebuyers! In conjunction with their Chinese New Year campaign, 'Hop Into Prosperity', Gamuda Land is offering up to RM128,000 in savings on your instalment, and will also plant a family tree when you buy one of their properties

Image via Gamuda Land

Since the Lunar New Year calls for new beginnings, Gamuda Land is rewarding their homebuyers with exclusive deals which include paying only RM1,000* to own a property, low interest rates from 3.5%*, up to RM128,000* of ang pow, and free Memorandum of Transfer (MOT)* for limited units and selected properties only. Plus, if you're a first-time homebuyer, then you'll be eligible to get 110%* home financing for your first home with Gamuda Land, on top of the deals mentioned above. Yayy! :D That's not all! Since they launched their #OneMillionTrees initiative in line with their GROW (Green Revolution Zero Waste) campaign, those who purchase a home with Gamuda Land will automatically have a family tree grown for them. You could even plant the family tree by yourself at their central park. How cool! If you didn't know, Gamuda Land is determined to carry out their sustainability efforts, and one of them is to plant a million trees across their townships to enhance the biodiversity of the surroundings. *Terms and conditions apply.

Ready to usher in the new year with a new home? Head over to Gamuda Land's website today to register!

Read more #lifestyle stories on SAYS:

                Did You Know: There's A Kuala Lumpur Lane In Melbourne

The street signboard reads 'Kuala Lumpur La'.

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                10 KL Events This Weekend If You Have An Itchy Butt & Wanna Go Out For Some Fun

Although Chinese New Year festivities are slowly coming to an end, don't fret! There are still a handful of events to...

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                9 Cleansing Oils, Balms & Liquids To Get In Malaysia That Actually Work

Because removing makeup shouldn't take you a gazillion hours.

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Got some cool brand news to share?

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Take a look at all our Spotlight stories to date here.


600 KLIA Immigration Staff Transferred Over Suspicion Of Smuggling Bangladeshis

About 600 employees from the Immigration Department of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) have been transferred after some were suspected of being involved in the smuggling of illegal immigrants

Image via AFP

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said on Friday that about 40% of the Immigration Department's 1,500 employees will be transferred and be replaced by other employees.He added that following the uncovering of activities, the department had taken the immediate measure of transferring staff, pending investigations. The transfer of other officers is in accordance with the civil service rotation policy. “This is a proactive action taken immediately to clear the image of the Immigration Department that has been stained by some of its staff,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers and Illegal Immigrants.

As part of the ongoing investigations, seven people have been arrested so far

On Thursday, five individuals, including two employees from the Immigration Department were arrested in connection with the smuggling of illegal immigrants. Ahmad Zahid said that the others arrested were civilians; two foreigners and a local woman. Prior to this, two immigration officers were arrested on suspicion of smuggling foreign nationals, mostly from Bangladesh.

According to reports, four syndicates were behind the smuggling of thousands of Bangladeshis into the country through KLIA

Image via Economy Traveller

The syndicates are believed to be raking in RM5.2 million in profits annually by charging around RM15,000-RM20,000 per person to allow them to bypass authorities, including Immigration and the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka. Ahmad Zahid also praised  Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali for his swift and firm actions and his efforts in restoring the image of the department. "I am pleased by how the director-general is dealing with the issue. This handful of officers, who have been violating the laws and working with syndicates, will be dealt with. We do not condone such acts," he said.

He also praised the staff that have not been involved in any such smuggling activities

"Let us not forget that thousands of other Immigration personnel are dedicated and efficient in their work. I congratulate the officers and staff of the Immigration Department who are not involved in these syndicates and are doing a great job," he said.

Last year, the Malaysian immigration system was sabotaged by the very officers working to protect it:

                How Malaysian Immigration Officers Ran A Massive Corruption Scam (And Got Away Scot-Free)

15 Malaysian immigration officers with links to human trafficking groups have been fired for deliberately disabling p...

Read the full story


Malaysians Share Their Passport Renewal Experiences And They're Mostly Not Great

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

As most countries have reopened their borders for tourists, Malaysians have started preparations for travels

With that, many have needed to renew their passports, which have either expired before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, procedures have changed and those who are looking to renew their passports need to do so online.SAYS ran a survey recently and found that a lot of Malaysians were not aware that they needed to bring along a printed official receipt of the payment, their expired passport, appointment slip, and National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) or birth certificate before visiting the immigration office.

A screenshot of a notice within the official payment receipt.
Image via Alia Kamelia/SAYS

To get a better insight into how the passport renewal experience actually is, we asked Malaysians to share their stories. These respondents had a difficult time during the process:

1. "The officer on duty said 'pergi lah ambik cuti' with an arrogant and annoyed tone and facial expressions"

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Sayuti Zainudin/Malay Mail

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Thumbprint error which meant that we needed to visit an immigration office.Tell us your experience in detail:I got an email from immigration that I have a problem with my thumbprint and need to visit the office for further action. When I went, they said the queue numbers were finished already and that I needed to return the next morning when I had class as early as 8am. The officer on duty said 'pergi lah ambik cuti' (go take a leave) with an arrogant and annoyed tone and facial expressions. I was like huh, is that your manners? Totally unsatisfied.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Both online and face-to-face renewals are difficult.

2. "My mum, sisters, and I queued for about seven hours"

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via The Vibes

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Immigration office visitations (Line-ups, queue numbers, service etc.)Tell us your experience in detail:This was right after it was announced that we can renew our passport face-to-face. My mom, sisters and I left the house around 6am because we live far away from the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC). We reached at 7am and there were already so many people literally squeezing and pressing themselves against the glass door, waiting for it to open. Everyone was pushing each other recklessly. I saw a few older women and kids getting pushed, which is brutal. When they opened the doors, everybody ran, LIKE SPRINTED to the place. That UTC was in a mall and it's so small. The queueing place is not ideal at all. It was a long queue. My mum, sisters, and I queued for about seven hours. Each of us took turns and had food. After we reached the front, the immigration officer came and said that the line we were standing in was for those who applied online and came to collect their passports. That wasn't the case for us, as we came to straight away apply and collect our passports. They didn't segregate the queue properly and there was no sign that indicated which queue is for which. So we couldn't collect our passports on that day because there were still hundreds of people queueing up and waiting. God knows how long they waited. Plus, the officers were screaming at my sister and I and pointing her fingers at us. This is considered as an assault. I know it because I'm a law student. So we basically queued up for seven hours, got assaulted by an immigration officer, and left without passports.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Both online and face-to-face renewals are difficult.

3. "Seems like having an online system is useless if we still need to head to the office and re-do the entire process like last time"

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Bernama/FMT

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Thumbprint error which meant that we needed to visit an immigration office.Tell us your experience in detail:My thumbprint and photo got rejected, so I decided to go straight to the immigration office to get my photo retaken as I heard from others that's what they do anyway, even if your photo is approved. I arrived at about 4pm and was told there's no more queue numbers for passport renewals because I needed a new photo. I was asked to come again the next morning. The next morning I arrived at around 8am and had to queue outside the office until 9.30am when I was able to enter the actual office. Had to queue again for about 15 minutes to get a queue number. Once I got my number, I was around number 60 and they were currently at number 30. Had to wait for two hours for them to process those before me until they finally called me at 12pm. They took my photo and thumbprint, and told me to wait for 45 minutes until I could collect my passport. At exactly 12.45pm, I collected my passport and got the hell out of there. Seems like having an online system is useless if we still need to head to the office and redo the entire process like last time. Hopefully, once my passport expires in five years, they'll have fixed their system.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Both online and face-to-face renewals are difficult.What tips and tricks helped when settling your passport renewals?Remember to print your receipt of payment otherwise they won't entertain you and will send you back. Bring your old passport too.

4. "To defend himself, he told me he 'didn't remember my face' even though I knew he was on duty since the morning shift"

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Bernama/FMT

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Immigration office visitations (Line-ups, queue numbers, service etc.)Tell us your experience in detail:I had applied online, but was informed to visit an immigration office due to thumbprint error. I got up early that day at 6am to go to the immigration office in Wangsa Maju before it opened at 8am. When I arrived, the line was already long. Once I was at the counter, the officer, whose name was Hafiz, told me to print out the receipt at a nearby printing store and I had to restart my queue all over again.The second time I got to the counter, the officer told me that the thumbprint application is only available at 2pm. When I returned and queued from 12pm, they announced the queue numbers were finished at 2.30pm. I asked the officer what I should do since he's the one who told me to return at 2pm and he scolded me saying I should have queued since 12pm, which I did, as instructed by him. To defend himself, he told me he 'didn't remember my face' even though I knew he was on duty since the morning shift. Meanwhile, the people in front of me in the queue had come for two days but still didn't manage to get a queue number.The next week, I went to the immigration office back in my hometown in Melaka, and the security there was informative and provided solutions for everyone. It was a smooth process and I managed to receive my passport in less than two hours.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Face-to-face renewal is easier than online renewal.What tips and tricks helped when settling your passport renewals?Don't waste your time renewing your passport in crowded immigration offices. Every time you face an issue with the person at the counter, do remember to take note of the person and their identification number just in case. If you experience bad service, they provide a feedback survey on their website, although I'm not sure if it even impacts anything.

5. "If the system is faulty, fix that first. Don't trouble us."

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Erik Mclean (Unsplash)

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Thumbprint error which meant that we needed to visit an immigration office.Tell us your experience in detail:When I put in my application to renew my passport, I assumed that it would be a smooth process as there would already be a record of my old passport in the system. After two to four days, I got an email requesting that I visit the issuing passport office because there was problem with my fingerprint. When I went to the office, they said that it is a general statement because of problems in the system, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. If the system is faulty, fix that first. Don't trouble us.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Both online and face-to-face renewals are difficult.What tips and tricks helped when settling your passport renewals?Doing it online is still easier instead of spending time at the immigration office. It truly comes down to the system itself.

6. "Don't know who to contact and truly in the dark about the status"

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Elisa Ventur (Unsplash)

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?The online form.Tell us your experience in detail:Submitted the form and paid online five days ago. Have not received a response or any kind of confirmation via email. Don't know who to contact and truly in the dark about the status. Can't go to Jalan Duta office in person as it states online that you must receive an email from them first before you can go to the office to collect the new passport. Communication must be improved. Email must be sent to the rakyat within a fixed number of days informing whether application is approved or rejected, so the rakyat is not waiting in the dark.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Face-to-face renewal is easier.

However, some respondents of the survey reported minimal difficulty renewing their passports:

7. "I came to the immigration office at 3pm the same day, and by 5pm I got my passport"

Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Bernama/FMT

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Thumbprint error which meant that we needed to visit an immigration office.Tell us your experience in detail:I applied online at 11am. However, due to the thumbprint error, they required me to come to the immigration office to rectify it. I came to the immigration office at 3pm the same day, by 5pm I got my passport. Overall, very fast and good service. How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Online renewals are easier.What tips and tricks helped when settling your passport renewals?Apply before 12pm online if you wish to get the application process done faster and increase your chances to get your passport the same day.

8. "The only confusion I had was figuring out which line to queue up during collection"

Which part of the online renewal passport application did you have trouble with?Immigration office visitations (Line-ups, queue numbers, service etc.)Tell us your experience in detail:My experience of getting my passport renewed online was a smooth sailing one. The only confusion I had was figuring out which line to queue up during collection.I queued in the normal application line for a good 15 minutes before I overheard an auntie who shared that those who did online application can go and collect their passport directly. Wish there was a clearer signboard to indicate that.How would you rate your passport renewal applications?Online renewals are easier.What tips and tricks helped when settling your passport renewals?Check or ask around to ensure you are queuing in the right line. Remember to bring along the receipt, original passport, and NRIC when you collect your new passport.

Even though online renewal applications are supposed to make the passport renewal process easier, the execution of the system is still not standardised

From complications with the online form or website to horrible experiences with immigration staff, the passport renewal process for Malaysians are generally less than amicable. In a report by Free Malaysia Today back in April, the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) had technical issues, which left many Malaysians applying for passport renewals stranded. Meanwhile, The Star reported that many of those who did online applications expressed frustration over having to still visit an immigration office for certain procedures, completely nulling the point of having the online renewal option.In terms of online renewals, the system in place is effective in theory. However, most immigration offices still have poor execution with the lack of separate lines for online and walk-in, no clear instructions on who is allowed to walk-in, no email updates most likely due to a system glitch, and unsatisfactory service from immigration staff.While the issue with long lines and queue numbers running out may be localised to high density areas, it still shouldn't be expected for the rakyat to travel to a different lower-density state solely for passport renewals.

Have you tried renewing your passport online too? Tell us your experience in the comments!

If you don't know how to renew your passport online, here's a step-by-step guide:

                Here's How To Renew Your Passport Online

Say goodbye to waking up at 4am and waiting in line for hours outside the immigration office.

Read the full story

Travelling soon? Don't forget these crucial information:

                Netizen Shares How Air Ticket Pic Allows People To Cancel Your Flight & Leak Passport No

"Please warn all your friends about this. This is something anybody can do with some ill intentions, they can get int...

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

It's better to be informed than sorry.

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                If An Airline Ever Loses Your Luggage, Here's What You Should Do

If your luggage goes missing, try not to panic yet.

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                You Are Entitled To These Privileges If Your Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled

Airlines in Malaysia are legally obligated to do so.

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If You Didn't Know Malacca Had An International Airport, We Wouldn't Be Surprised

RM240 Million Has Been Spent On Upgrading The Malaccan Airport, But No Flights Have Taken Off Since March

Image via imageshack.us

A total of RM240 million has been spent to upgrade the Malacca International Airport (MIA) but since March 15 this year, no commercial flight has taken off from here.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

“However after spending RM240 million to upgrade and lengthen the runway, from 15 March this year, there have been no commercial flights taking off from this airport.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

This Has Turned The Airport Into A "White Elephant" According To Ayer Keroh State Assemblyman Khoo Poay Tiong

Image via freemalaysiatoday.com

Ayer Keroh state assemblyman, Khoo Poay Tiong said this is yet another ‘white elephant’ by the state government.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

Khoo Has Challenged Current Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai To Revive The Airport

Image via ytimg.com

Melaka DAP today challenged the new Minister of Transport Liow Tiong Lai to revive the ‘dead’ Melaka International Airport.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

“MCA leaders especially Liow had said that they want to serve the people and the government. MCA’s wish has been granted and its president is now the Minister of Transport.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

“Since our new (Melaka) Chief Minister Idris Haron has failed to turn the Melaka  International Airport into a revenue generating airport and the airport has not seen a commercial flight since March 15 this year, I challenge Liow to show us his expertise and capabilities by reviving the Melaka International Airport.”

        freemalaysiatoday.com

There Were Numerous Attempts To Revive The Airport But The Results Were Not Encouraging

Image via wordpress.com

“Recently the state government negotiated with AirAsia and FireFly on the possibility of operating from here. “However based on previous records, FireFly had operated from here but stopped the service due to poor response. “The state government set-up Melaka Air by renting planes from FireFly, but that effort failed as well.

        freemalaysiatoday.com

The recently upgraded airport has not seen any commercial flights take off since March this year.

        freemalaysiatoday.com


[VIDEO] Have You Asked These Questions About Deepavali?

Now that Deepavali is less than 24-hours away, we bet that you have come across (or even asked) some of these questions to your Indian friends...

From the age-old question about muruku...

Image via SAYS

To some that are so random, you are just left speechless

Image via SAYS

Watch the full video here:

×

Happy Deepavali guys!

Image via SAYS

Watch more SAYS videos here:

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Woman Shares How Strangers Left RM150 On Her Windscreen To Renew Her Expired Road Tax

On 4 March, a woman took to social media to share about her experience as a recipient of a random act of kindness

In a Facebook post, Nur Aqeela explained that she was walking towards her car after work one day when she noticed "rubbish" on her windscreen.After closer inspection, she realised that it was actually a pink folder with a piece of paper inside.

Image via Facebook

To Aqeela's surprise, the contents of the folder included a letter addressed to the owner of the car and three folded RM50 notes

"Hi, I'm sorry to disturb you. Don't be freaked out at the fact that there is money inside. I don't know who owns this car, but consider this a form of charity," the letter read."My friends and I gathered this money and wanted to do something charitable to a random person who needed it," the Good Samaritan wrote.

Image via Facebook

"I noticed that your road tax hasn't been renewed yet. Hopefully, this amount can help reduce the cost for you. It should cost between RM300 to RM500 for your renewal," the writer added.According to the post, Aqeela's road tax expired on 19 January.

Touched by the generous gesture, Aqeela penned a response that she hopes will reach the kind strangers behind it

"My hands are shaking as I write this. I really wish I could know who you are. Please contact me," she wrote.The woman explained that since she will be giving the car to her parents in Kelantan as it needs repair, she will be passing them the money to renew the road tax.

Image via Facebook

"May Allah bless your soul and reward you for your kindness," Aqeela added.

What a great reminder that small acts of kindness can make someone's day. <3

Image via GIPHY

Here are more touching stories about Good Samaritans in Malaysia:

                This Woman Helped A Man Who Fell Off His Bike In KL And Malaysians Are Touched

"She [managed] to stop the bleeding and assist him till the ambulance came."

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                M'sian Shares Heartwarming Experience Of Commuters Helping An 'Uncle' On The LRT

"May all our kind acts earn us kindness as well."

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Ayu Is Still "Married" To The 41-Year-Old Despite A Week After DPM Called It "Not Valid"

Last Sunday, on 1 July, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who also heads the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, had reportedly called the "marriage" of 11-year-old Ayu to the 41-year-old Kelantanese man "not valid"

Today, 8 July, it has been a week since then, but somehow the man, Che Abdul Karim Che Abdul Hamid, who already has two wives with whom he has six kids, has managed to hold on to Ayu as his "bride", even going so far as to say that he will not let Ayu go."Our marriage is permissible in Islam, even though it is against the law," local media had quoted the 41-year-old as saying, who added that he wants to send the 11-year-old child to a "Pondok" school so that she could be a "well-mannered" Muslim woman.

The man, Che Abdul Karim Che Hamid, with Ayu, his child bride.
Image via RAMLI IBRAHIM/NST Online

Since then, a lot has been said but nothing's been done

Kelantan deputy police chief Din Ahmad has said that there was no criminal element in the 11-year-old's marriage to the man 30 years older than her.While the Kelantan police have opened an investigation paper on the grounds that the girl is an underage bride, no actual action has been taken against the man yet.A commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), in a Facebook post, wrote that the 11-year-old "wife" is acceptable. However, after facing the public backlash, she later claimed that her statement was misunderstood.The Kelantan state government has advised Ayu's parents to legalise her marriage to Che Abdul Karim Che Hamid in order to seek a hearing at the Syariah court.Kelantan's State Women, Family Development, and Welfare committee chairman Mumtaz Md Nawi, who visited the girl, her parents, and her husband on 2 July, reportedly said that "we shouldn't be judgmental" as she found "no element of compulsion" in the child-bride's family who married off their 11-year-old to the man.

Mumtaz Md Nawi with Ayu.
Image via Mumtaz Md Nawi Official/Facebook

Dr Wan Azizah, meanwhile, has said that the government is in the midst of deliberations to make 18 as minimum marriage age

However, there's no word on when a decision on the matter will be finalised despite the fact the issue of raising the minimum age to 18 for both genders is part of the government's manifesto, as the deputy prime minister herself admitted to it on 6 July.

Additionally, Rodziah Ismail, the political secretary of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, had on 3 July said that the government will take full custody of Ayu if the 41-year-old man cannot produce documentary evidence of their marriage

Although, no such thing has happened despite it being 5 days since the government's warning. Instead, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry wants to give the "husband" "time to come forward to provide evidence of the marriage".Despite the signs that there may have been an element of sexual grooming considering how Che Abdul Karim Che Hamid had a love affair, with he himself saying he had been meeting the child since she was barely eight or nine years old, authorities somehow are playing it safe because the issue touches on Syariah law.In fact, in a statement released today, 8 July, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah, once again, said that the government is "closely monitoring" the child-bride."At the moment, she is under observation while a thorough investigation is still ongoing," the deputy prime minister said, according to a report in Malay Mail.

Image via Shafwan Zaidon/Malay Mail

You can read more about the case here:

                The Marriage Of A 41-Year-Old Malaysian Man Who Already Has 2 Wives To An 11-Year-Old Girl

The girl's parents reportedly blessed their underaged daughter's marriage.

Read the full story

                DPM Dr Wan Azizah: Marriage Of 11-Year-Old Girl Is "Not Valid And They Must Be Separated"

The latest case of the child marriage has Malaysians feeling shocked.

Read the full story

                Police & Suhakam Slammed For Making Controversial Statements On 11-Year-Old's Marriage

One is a deputy police chief, while the other is a Suhakam Commissioner.

Read the full story

                Kelantan Govt Advise 11-Year-Old's Parents To Legalise Her Marriage To 41-Year-Old Husband

"We shouldn't be judgmental," said Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim.

Read the full story


Maszlee's Aide Says 'Pledge' To Include 1MDB In History Textbooks Was A Misunderstanding

Reports that Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik pledged to incorporate the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal in the Malaysian History syllabus in schools were inaccurate, according to his press secretary Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari

Image via theSundaily

"I can give you my assurance that the 1MDB issue will be included in Malaysian history so that the future generations will not repeat it," Maszlee was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today during Question Time in Dewan Rakyat yesterday, 3 December.

"I want to stress that Maszlee did not say that the 1MDB case will be entered into the Malaysian History syllabus," he wrote in a statement published today, 4 December

Shahrul Aman explained that Maszlee only said that the 1MDB issue "will enter the annals of Malaysian history," and urged the media to make corrections to avoid confusion among the public.

Image via Sayur Paku

He added that any decision on whether the 1MDB scandal is entered into the syllabus will depend on the Education Ministry's curriculum research committee, Malaysiakini reported.However, the Education Ministry has "no objections" if the issue is made a case study at tertiary education institutions "for the sake of enriching intellectual discourse."

Before the issue was clarified, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the subject.
"I think it will not be long before Maszlee himself will enter the history books," he wrote.

Image via Business Insider

"There is a time and place for politics, and it is not in school," Najib said in the post, which has garnered over 1,000 shares at the time of writing."Do not use our children, do not persecute their future," he added.

Maszlee's misinterpreted statement was in response to Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan's question about how old an event has to be to be considered history and included into the syllabus:

                Dr. Maszlee Pledges To Include 1MDB Scandal And Politicians' "Crimes" In Sejarah Syllabus

He added that the Education Ministry is currently setting up a committee to review and improve history textbooks.

Read the full story


This Unique Tour Company Helps Keep KL's Homeless Off The Streets

Unseen Tours Kuala Lumpur is the alternative tour that shows you the city through new eyes

Image via Instagram @yellowhousekl

The initiative was launched earlier this year by social enterprise Yellow House KL, a small community centre-cum-backpackers hostel founded by Shyam Priah.Unseen Tours is a unique, first-of-its-kind innovation that aims to permanently solve homelessness by training the urban poor to be tour guides.In turn, they gain financial stability and a sense of purpose.

Here are five reasons why Unseen Tours KL is unlike any other:

1. Part of Unseen Tours' funding initially came from Shyam's own life savings

Shyam Priah.
Image via Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail

In an interview with Malay Mail, Shyam shared that the initial stages of Unseen Tours KL was funded by income from the hostel and her own life savings.Late last year, Yellow House KL received a seed grant from the Finance Ministry's Volunteering International Professional Fellowship Programme (VIP).

2. The tour guides are former street sleepers themselves who have a say in the crafting and design of the routes

Image via Instagram @yellowhousekl

Candidates are picked out based on recommendation by a government-funded rehabilitation camp for the homeless called Kem Pemantapan Jatidiri.The tour guides are required to :- be free of substance abuse (random urine tests are conducted every month to ensure this)- have a certain education level- possess passion, commitment, and discipline- attend counselling sessions- engage in social responsibility activities

3. One of their guides speaks six languages!

56-year-old Josh Kam was a former kitchen helper who lost his job as a kitchen helper after an accident.

Josh Kam.
Image via Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail

In his role as a tour guide with Unseen Tours, Josh has picked up Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and Japanese. “When I was young, I was very interested in being a tour guide, but never got the opportunity. After I was introduced to this programme, I decided to give it a try,” Kam told South China Morning Post.

4. At only RM55, tourists are taken on an adventure that lasts at least two hours and 15 minutes

Image via Instagram @yellowhousekl

The fees collected from the tours are managed by Yellow House KL, who pay their guides via a 60-40 social enterprise model.Tour guides keep 60% of the payment, which earns them an average of RM500 monthly.The other 40% goes into sustaining the programme, hiring and training new tour guides, and for the implementation of future programmes.Tour guides who are under training are also paid a small token.

5. There are three tours available: Haunted Tour, Street Art Tour, and the MulticulTour - Temple & Heritage Tour

On the Haunted Tour, tourists are taken to the sites of urban legends, where unusual activity and even spirit possessions have taken place. Route: Central Market - Bukit BintangDistance: 3.5 kmEstimated Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Image via Instagram @yellowhousekl

See graffiti in new light with the Street Art Tour where tourists are brought to 10 locations where local and international artists have left their messages of independence, unity, multi-culture, and love.Route: Central Market - KL City CentreDistance: 4.5 kmEstimated Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Through the MulticulTour - Temple & Heritage Tour, tourists are fully immersed in the cultural melting pot of Malaysia as they are walked through the city's numerous sites belonging to people varying cultures and religious beliefs. Route: Chow Kit - BrickfieldsDistance: 6 kmEstimated Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

You can book your own private tour with Unseen Tours KL via their website or calling 018-3674852.

Speaking of adventures, this world-renowned religious tourist site got a colourful makeover:

                [PHOTOS] The Batu Caves Stairway Has A Colourful New Look And It's Absolutely Gorgeous

Check out the gradient of colours! <3

Read the full story


Enjoy Free Baskin-Robbins, Interactive Activities, And Travel Promos At This HSBC Roadshow

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

This Spotlight is sponsored by HSBC.

Calling all travellers! You can now experience even more possibilities and freedom for all your travels with the new HSBC TravelOne Credit Card. :D

Image via HSBC

According to HSBC, the TravelOne Credit Card sets a new benchmark for travel convenience because cardholders can instantly redeem travel rewards with selected airlines and hotel chains through the HSBC mobile banking app.Keen to learn more about the new credit card? There will be a launch event happening at Mid Valley Megamall from 22 May to 4 June, featuring a list of exciting activities such as hourly Baskin-Robbins giveaways and interactive LED backdrops of 168 travel destinations, as well as the official certificate presentation by the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Travel Pass Replica. Here's a closer look at the details:Location: Mid Valley Megamall, Centre Court, Ground FloorDate: 22 May to 4 JuneTime: 10am to 10pm

Themed 'Around The World', you can expect digital-forward setups during the on-ground activation, in addition to interactive games and more

Image via Malaysia Airlines (Facebook)

Kicking into high gear, the second day of the launch (on 23 May) will see HSBC attempt to create the Largest Travel Pass Replica in the country and enter the Malaysia Book of Records. Plus, visitors will be able to stand in front of an LED screen and see themselves 'transported' into another country, which means you can look forward to Instagrammable moments, and get into the travel mood to boot. :DHaving a family day at the mall? Children and adults alike can enjoy interactive games like Fly To Your Destination — the faster you move, the quicker you reach your destination — and Country Memory Game, where participants are required to flip and pair correct country flags.

HSBC cardholders will have the benefit of joining exclusive contests and potentially take home cool prizes

Image via @gettyimages (Canva)

Here's what you stand to win: Apple Vacations- 20", 24", or 28" aluminium alloy luggage worth RM600 to RM900Japan Airlines- One round-trip ticket from KL to Tokyo worth RM6,270Klook- RM1,000 Klook e-Gift CardSedunia- RM3,000 travel voucherThere are also 70 pairs of Plaza Premium Lounge access passes up for grabs. If you are a TravelOne cardholder and win the grand prize offering JAL return tickets to Tokyo, you'll be delighted to know that it comes with a bonus prize of 1,000,000 TravelOne reward points too. Customers who activate a new card and perform 10 swipes and 10 e-wallet reloads can also expect a welcome gift, from 16 May to 31 August.

Image via HSBC (Provided to SAYS)

Partner booths filled with activities and exclusive welcome gifts also await visitors at the launch event

Image via Yahoo News

Some partner promotions include:Baskin-Robbins- 100 free scoops will be given out every hour- Sign up for the TravelOne credit card and get one free scoop- HSBC cardholders get an exclusive RM3.10 discount voucher, which can be used at Baskin-Robbins outlets at Mid ValleyApple Vacations- Enjoy exclusive discounts up to RM1,000 for couples traveling to Japan- HSBC cardholders get an additional RM200 off per coupleJapan Airlines- HSBC cardholders can enjoy up to 15% off flights on Japan Airlines- HSBC cardholders can also get special airfares to Japan from RM1,200 (before taxes).

Image via googleapis.com

Klook- Spin the wheel to win app exclusive e-vouchers from Klook (RM5, RM10, RM15, RM20, RM25, and RM50)- Get 10% off sitewide, capped at RM50 (Klook app exclusive)- HSBC cardholders get 15% off sitewide, capped at RM100 (Klook app exclusive)Sedunia- Scan a QR code and answer two questions for a chance to win travel vouchers, merchandise, or discount codes- Get up to 5% off travels to selected travel destinations in Europe, South America, and Saudi Arabia- Enjoy up to 10% off second pax to selected travel destinations in UAE and Australasia- HSBC cardholders get an additional 5% off on the promos above

*Terms and Conditions apply.

If you're thinking of signing up for a HSBC TravelOne Credit Card, mark your calendars for the launch event, happening from 22 May to 4 June

Visit HSBC Bank's website to find out more about the new HSBC TravelOne Credit Card.

Read more #lifestyle stories on SAYS:

                8 Stores & Places In KL Selling Local Products That Make Good Last-Minute Gifts

Or when you just wanna jalan-jalan.

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                "I Found My Purpose" — Malaysian Beauty Queen Shares How Psoriasis Made Her Stronger

"Even if I inspire one person, it's an achievement for me," said Sofia in a conversation with SAYS.

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                Where To Get Bras In Malaysia If You're Bustier Than Average

Support those girlies.

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                She Was Bullied For Her Birthmark. Now This Malaysian Empowers People To Be Confident

Rozella has earned many awards over the years, but her journey has been far from easy.

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Got some cool brand news to share?

Image via SAYS

Take a look at all of our Spotlight stories to date here.


Orphaned SPM Graduate With Hole In His Heart Runs Nasi Lemak Business To Help Injured Aunt

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

In order to help his aunt, a teenager in Kuala Kangsar, Perak decided to sell nasi lemak for a living rather than continue his studies at the tertiary level

The teenager, 18-year-old Ahmad Awaluddin Idris, cooks nasi lemak and sambal tumis every morning to sell at a petrol station near his home, reported Harian Metro.Ahmad is also an orphan whose father passed when he was two years old, while his mother, Surana Ariffin, died of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) when he was 10.The SPM graduate, on the other hand, suffers from congenital heart disease (hole in the heart) and airway abnormalities.His aunt, Surani Ariffin, more affectionately known as Mak Yang, has been caring for him since his parents' passing.Surani, a single mother of two, has been financially supporting their family by selling food in front of their house, where Ahmad has helped her since he was 12 years old.

Image via ChannelFS (Facebok)

However, Surani was unable to continue running her business due to a recent accident that resulted in a broken leg

"To sustain our livelihood, I decided to take charge and cook every morning, despite having regular medical check-ups at Penang Hospital every two to six months," said Ahmad.Despite passing all subjects in the SPM examination, Ahmad has chosen entrepreneurship over higher education.The teenager also revealed that he studied cooking while he was in secondary school.

Image via Ahmad Awaluddin/Sinar Harian

Ahmad now wakes up as early as 3am to prepare around 150 packs of nasi lemak, which he sells for RM1.20 per pack

"I want to continue Mak Yang's work. I have an interest in business as well. She has taken care of me so well, and I want to repay her kindness,"  he expressed.If you would like to support Ahmad's business, you can contact him at +6017-5514851.

Last week, celebrity entrepreneur Aliff Syukri thanked his customers for supporting his new durian business:

                [VIDEO] Customers Queue In Long Lines To Buy Aliff Syukri's Durian For Only RM5/KG

The celebrity entrepreneur is selling five types of durian, including duri hitam, musang king, udang merah, tembaga e...

Read the full story

In May, a woman went viral for selling premium cakes for only RM5 from the boot of her car:

                Woman Goes Viral For Selling Slices Of Premium Cakes For RM5 From Her Car Boot

All 30 of her premium cakes were sold out in just two hours!

Read the full story


"Why You Let Her Convert?” - Uncle Cina Ini Jelaskan Kenapa Sokong Anaknya Peluk Islam

Bagi kebanyakan mualaf, memeluk agama Islam, walaupun indah, mereka selalunya akan mendapat tentangan yang hebat daripada kalangan keluarga lebih-lebih lagi dari kedua-dua orang tua

Bahkan kebanyakan mualaf akan dipandang hina dan dibenci oleh ahli keluarga berikutan keputusan untuk meninggalkan agama asalnya.

Image via Google

Pelbagai cabaran dan tekanan terpaksa dilalui oleh setiap mualaf itu, ada dihentikan pemberian wang perbelanjaan, ada yang dihalau dari rumah dan ada juga ibu bapa yang akan terus mendesak mereka supaya kembali kepada agama asal.

Bukan itu sahaja, dalam usaha mempertahankan akidah Islam, mereka juga akan berhadapan dengan pelbagai cabaran seperti masalah perbezaan adat dan budaya, perkahwinan, pembahagian harta pusaka serta hak penjagaan anak dan lain-lain.

Walau bagaimanapun, perkara ini tidak berlaku kepada seorang wanita yang memilih untuk memeluk agama Islam

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Bagi wanita yang dikenali sebagai Jinghan Naan di laman Facebook itu, pilihannya untuk memeluk agama Islam bukanlah ditentang oleh ibu bapanya bahkan mendapat sokongan yang kuat. Perkongsian yang telah dibuat oleh Jinghan Naan berkenaan ayahnya telah mendapat pujian dan dijadikan inspirasi kepada ramai netizen. Ayahnya bukan hanya menerima keputusannya untuk memilih jalan Islam dengan hati yang terbuka, bahkan menghormati agama yang dipilih anaknya.

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Baca perkongsian penuh di bawah:

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Minggu lalu, ayah saya bertanya sama ada saya boleh mendapatkannya sesuatu daripada Carousell. Saya berjaya mendapatkan benda itu dan berikannya alamat untuk pick-up.Apabila dia sampai, penjual itu yang merupakan seorang lelaki Melayu keliru kerana dia menjangkakan bapa saya seorang Melayu."Huh? Awak Cina? Saya fikir awak Melayu! ""Tidak, itu anak perempuan saya.""Tetapi anak perempuan awak memakai tudung. Awak Cina Muslim?""Anak perempuan saya Cina Muslim. Dia memeluk agama Islam."(Dia masih keliru antara Muslim dan Islam.)"Waaa! Kemudian anda membiarkan dia begitu? Tidak menghalangnya?""Tidaklah, saya menyokong!""Waaa, awak sangat baik, mengapa awak menyokong?"Ayah saya geli hati semasa berkongsikan perbualan itu kepada saya. Dia bertanya kepada saya, "Mengapa semua orang sangat terkejut apabila mereka tahu saya membenarkan awak peluk agama Islam?""Sebab ini sangat jarang berlaku! Kebanyakan ibu bapa tidak membiarkannya. Sebenarnya, kenapa ayah benarkan saya peluk agama Islam?"

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

"Kerana ayah faham kehidupan.Kerana ayah faham erti mencari kebahagiaan.Apakah erti kehidupan? Untuk mencari kebahagiaan.Setiap orang mempunyai cara yang berbeza dalam mencari kebahagiaan.Ada yang melalui kekayaan, ada dalam kekeluargaan, ada dalam agama...Sebagai ibu bapa, apa yang paling kita inginkan? Untuk anak-anak kita bahagia.Setiap agama mengajar perkara dengan baik.Sekiranya awak beritahu ayah yang agama ini membuat awak gembira, mengapa sayah harus menghalang awak?"

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Kadang-kadang saya rasa ayah saya seorang yang mudah. Namun, begitu mendalam.Perkara yang dikatakannya sangat masuk akal; ia tidak memerlukan orang untuk berfikir secara terlalu mendalam. Sebenarnya ramai yang mendakwa mempunyai (pemikiran dan) kepercayaan yang sama!Tetapi apa yang membuatkan ayah saya berbeza adalah bagaimana dia benar-benar maksudkan apa yang diperkatakannya.Dia tidak terpengaruh dengan apa yang difikirkan masyarakat, apa yang akan difikirkan oleh saudara-saudara kami, bagaimana saya tidak boleh lagi makan BBQ kegemarannya bersamanya. Apa yang penting baginya adalah kebahagiaan saya.

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Image via Facebook Jinghan Naan

Syukur, Alhamdulillah.
Semoga keluarga Jinghan Naan dikurniakan taufik dan hidayah dan sentiasa dalam istiqamah dengan apa yang dilakukannya.

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

Gadis ini juga baru sahaja memeluk agama Islam akhir tahun lepas:

                "Lepas 7 Tahun Menunggu, Akhirnya!" - Kisah Gadis Peluk Islam Kerana Mimpi Yang Dialaminya

Mimpi yang dialami olehnya ini, seolah-seolah memberikan satu petanda untuk dia berhijrah.

Read the full story


Blind Mum Has No Choice But to Sell Her Babies

Meet: Du Xiurong, the blind Chinese mother who sold 4 of her children for $1,500

Du Xiurong, the blind Chinese mother who sold 4 of her children for $1,500
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Sold 4 of her newborn children because her husband can’t hold down a job

A blind Chinese woman has admitted to selling four of her new-born children to support her family because her husband can't hold down a steady job.

        dailymail.co.uk

Between 2005 and 2012 Du Xiurong, from Shibei Village in Mianyang, south-west China's Sichuan Province, sold four of her new newborn babies - three girls and one boy.

        catholic.org

In total Du, has given birth to six children, but has only kept her eldest son and eldest daughter. Because of China’s one-child, forced-abortion policy Du has had to keep her pregnancies hidden from family planning officials.

        lifenews.com

This January Du was detained for selling her babies, but she was released not long after due to her disability. According to Du, who was blinded in an accident when she was five, she got married when she was 14.

        dailymail.co.uk

'My parents saw me as a burden': Du was married off as soon as they found someone who wanted her
Image via dailymail.co.uk

In total Du has sold her four children for around 10,000 Yuan (£1,070).
Du has now has become a grandmother and she is already planning how to raise money for her grandson's future education.
'I'll give the boy a good education, even if I have to sell everything.'

        blogspot.in

Gallery: A glimpse into Du's life

Desperate measures: Du Xiurong, pictured with her grandson, admits she has sold four of her children in order to raise money to support her family after her husband was unable to hold down a steady job
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Tough decision: Du sold a daughter for 2,500 yuan in 2005 and, over the next seven years, sold three more
Image via dailymail.co.uk

'I'll give the boy a good education, even if I have to sell everything': Du has now has become a grandmother and she is already planning how to raise money for her grandson's future education
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Rural: As China has a one-child policy, Du has had to hide her pregnancies from the village officials
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Poor: As Du's son and daughter grew up the family found themselves in need of money for the their education
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Scratching out a living
Image via dailymail.co.uk

Hard life: Du was blinded in an accident when she was five, and she got married when she was 14
Image via dailymail.co.uk

What Du Xiurong has to say about why she's doing all this

'I love babies': She says that if she were capable to support the youngsters then she would have kept them all. 'I have no other choice. If I were not blinded I wouldn't have to do this,' she said.

        dailymail.co.uk

Poverty: Between 2005 and 2012 Du, from Shibei Village in Mianyang, south-west China's Sichuan Province, sold four of her new newborn babies - three girls and one boy - for a total of 10,000 yuan (£1,070)
Image via dailymail.co.uk

She also says that her children mean a lot to her, and that she did not actually sell her children, but only charged "pregnancy fees." She says" If I were capable, I definitely would bring them up. But I really can't support them. I then find them good families to adopt them.'

        catholic.org

Du further says: 'Rich people give out money for a daughter's wedding. Middle-class people earn money for a daughter's marriage, and poor people sell sons and daughters.'

        lifenews.com

'My parents saw me as a burden,,' she said. 'They wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible. So when they knew someone wanted to get married with me they couldn't wait to push me out'.

        blogspot.in

However, she soon found that her husband was unable to hold down a job. 'As a normal person, he can't earn any money. On the contrary, I, a blinded person, had to support the whole family,' she said.

        dailymail.co.uk


Win A Pair Of Flight Tickets To Sydney Through U Mobile’s 'Guess The Destination' Contest

This Spotlight was sponsored by U Mobile.

It's time to put everything we ever learned in Geography class to good use and score yourself a free holiday to Australia!

Image via holidaymood

U Mobile just launched a contest called Guess The Destination where playing a simple game could win you a pair of flight tickets to Sydney, Australia.

Here's how to play:

Image via U Mobile

Step 1: Click here to open the game.Step 2: Click on the 'connect with Facebook to play' button.Step 3: Maneuver around the 360 degree image shown and identify the destination.Step 4: Click on 'show map' button on the right panel and drop the red pins onto the destination you've identified.Step 5: You will be directed to a page where you will receive your points and be shown the correct answer. Click on 'next location' to proceed to the next question and repeat the steps listed above.

Each round consists of 5 questions. You are given a time limit of 60 seconds per question and will earn 150 points for every accurate answer.

Once your time is up, you will be able to see both your score and the current highest score so that you'll know exactly where you rank in the game.

Image via CT101

Only one winner with the highest score will be chosen so here are a couple #PROTIPS to ensure you earn as many points as possible:

			1. Try to be as on point as possible when pinning the locations because the more accurate you are, the more points you earn. For example, dropping the pin precisely on Melaka gains you way more points instead of what you'd get if you just dropped it anywhere in Malaysia.2. Click on the 'share on Facebook' option at the end of the game to double your points.

This contest will be running from 14 December 2016 to 13 January 2017; the winner announcement will be made within 2 weeks after the contest has ended.

So stop wasting time and start playing now to increase your chances of winning, good luck! :D

Image via Giphy

Terms and conditions apply.

And you won't have to worry about roaming charges while you're on your holiday either

With U Mobile's U Data Roam service, subscribers will get unlimited data roaming at over 30 destinations worldwide from as low as RM10/day. With U Data Roam enabled, you can look forward to a stress-free holiday knowing that you're free to use your phone and data as much as you want without having to deal with additional charges when you get back home.

Image via PandaWhale

Click here to find out more about U Data Roam.

Got some cool brand news to share?

Image via SAYS

Check out all our spotlight stories to date here.

For when you win the contest ;) :

                The 11 Most Essential Things You Need To Do When You’re In Sydney

Bookmark this list if you're heading down under for your next vacation.

Read the full story


What We Need To Understand About Depression

Robin William's death recently came as a shock to many and once again highlighted the deeper need to understand depression

                Confirming Reports Of Suicide, Police Says Robin Williams Hanged Himself

Academy Award-winning actor Robin Williams was found dead on Monday. He was 63. It is suspected that he killed himself.

Read the full story

According to Wikipedia, depression is a situation or state where a person has a low mood and may lose interest in everyday activities

People suffering from depression has low interest in participating in everyday activities.
Image via psychcentral.com

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. Depressed people can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt, or commit suicide.

        wikipedia.org

A key sign of depression is either depressed mood or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. For a diagnosis of depression, these signs should be present most of the day either daily or nearly daily for at least two weeks. In addition, the depressive symptoms need to cause clinically significant distress or impairment.

        webmd.com

Clinical depression is more than just the "blues," being "down in the dumps," or experiencing temporary feelings of sadness we all have from time to time in our lives. It is a serious condition that affects a person's mind and body. It impacts all aspects of everyday life including eating, sleeping, working, relationships, and how a person thinks about himself/herself.

        allaboutdepression.com

People suffering from depression may also have trouble sleeping, eating and may feel aches and pains all over the body

Image via blogspot.com

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses don't all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness

        webmd.com

Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains, or digestive problems may also be present.

        wikipedia.org

It is important to note that depression is NOT a sign of weakness nor a condition that can "go away"

"It took me years to even be able to acknowledge that I mattered and realize that people cared about me. There is nothing more frustrating than someone who says they are clinically depressed because they are feeling sad that day. It devalues the struggle I and so many others have endured. And to all of the incredibly ignorant people out there who think just because someone has a nice family, cushy home and pretty belongings does not mean they can't be depressed -- they lack the chemical serotonin in their brain."

        huffingtonpost.com

Depression isn’t an indication of personal weakness, nor is it a character flaw.

        aboutdepressionfacts.com

Besides that, it is also a myth that depression only affects emotional people. Depression is a real problem and can happen to anybody regardless of race, gender and status.

No two people’s depressions are the same. But his death shows once more that depression is no respecter of class, race, profession, wealth or talent.

        theguardian.com

Depression affects people of all ages, backgrounds and races, not just people with previous emotional troubles. Stress and trauma often contribute to depression.

        thehelpfulcounselor.com

There is no single cause of depression, and people develop depression for different reasons. Depression has many different triggers.

Image via tumblr.com

There is no single cause of depression, and people develop depression for different reasons. Depression has many different triggers.

        www.nhs.uk

Nobody is sure what causes depression. Experts say depression is caused by a combination of factors, such as the person's genes, their biochemical environment, personal experience and psychological factors. The Stanford School of Medicine says that genes do play a role in causing depression. By studying cases of major depression among identical twins (whose genes are 100% identical) and non-identical twins (whose genes are 50% identical) they found that heritability is a major contributory factor in the risk of developing depression.

        medicalnewstoday.com

Life events and changes that may precipitate depressed mood include childbirth, menopause, financial difficulties, job problems, a medical diagnosis (cancer, HIV, etc.), bullying, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, social isolation, relationship troubles, jealousy, separation, and catastrophic injury. Unequal parental treatment is also a risk factor.

        wikipedia.org

Drug and alcohol use can both lead to and result from depression. Many people with depression also have drug and alcohol problems. Over 500,000 Australians will experience depression and a substance use disorder at the same time, at some point in their lives.

        beyondblue.org.au

It is estimated that 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. In Malaysia, 9% of the population suffer from the illness.

Image via tipsaboutdepression.com

Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 350 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life.

        malaysiandigest.com

Malaysia, in her stride towards a developed nation, has also not been spared. Higher level of stressors have led to a higher incidence of depression. Records indicate that about 9% of Malaysians suffer from major depression. Similar to global data, depression is also the fourth most disabling disease in Malaysia, ranking third for women and 10th for men .

        thestar.com.my

There is no single cure that helps people recover from depression. However, there is a selection of effective treatments and health experts who can help people on the road to recovery.

Image via Aboutdepressionfacts.com

The aim of an antidepressant is to stabilize and normalize the neurotransmitters in our brain (naturally occurring brain chemicals), such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepeniphrine. According to various studies, these neurotransmitters play a vital role in regulating mood. We know they regulate mood, but we are not exactly sure how they do it.

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Psychotherapy. Several types of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective for
depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy
(IPT). Support groups offer opportunities to share frustrations and successes, referrals
to specialists and community resources, and information about what works best
when trying to recover. Research has shown that mild to moderate depression can
often be treated successfully with either medication or psychotherapy alone but that
both together are often more helpful. Severe depression appears more likely to
respond to a combination of medication and psychotherapy

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When medication fails to ease the symptoms of clinical depression, there are other options to try. Brain stimulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), for example, can be used to treat major depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments.

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Changes in lifestyle such as healthy eating, exercising and meditation can also assist in battling depression

Meditation is one of the lifestyle strategies one can take to improve depressed mood.
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Lifestyle strategies that may improve depressed mood include wake therapy, light therapy, eating a healthy diet, meditation, exercise, and smoking cessation.

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Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research on anxiety, depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, know that help is available. Here are a few websites and contacts that are useful.