Get Ready To Pay Up To RM1,200 Fine If You Lose Or Damage Your Malaysian Passport

Did you damage/lose your passport?
Get ready to pay a hefty fine as per a new decree which came into force on Wednesday, 2 January 2019.

According to NST Online, which cited a report by Berita Harian, Malaysians who lose or damage their passports will be fined between RM300 and RM1,200 for a replacement.The new decree, which falls under the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2019 of the Federal Government Gazette, does away with the previous penalty-free replacement for Malaysians who re-applied after losing or damaging their passport.Back in June 2017, SAYS had reported about the possibility of a penalty after it was reported that Malaysians have been losing their passports carelessly.

Image via Rina Stories

The fine is divided into three categories

First-time category:Malaysians who lose or damage their passports for the first time will be fined RM400. Children aged 12 and below, and students aged 21 and below studying abroad, will be fined RM300 if they lose or damage their passports for the first time.Second-time category:Malaysians will be fined RM700, while children aged 12 and below, and students aged 21 and below studying abroad, will be fined RM600.Third-time category:Those who lose or damage their passports for the third time will be fined RM1,200, while children aged 12 and below, and students aged 21 and below studying abroad, will be fined RM1,100.

In October last year, it was reported that Malaysians tend to lose their passports in Bangkok and reason was negligence

"Malaysians do not consider their passports as a very important document, that is why they don’t take care of their passports properly."They put their passports where it's so easy for them to go missing or be stolen," Bernama had quoted a source at the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok as saying.Between January and June 2017, 31,287 Malaysian passports were reported lost, with 70% of the holder saying they “did not remember where they kept it." Read more here.

Image via Glitzmedia.co

What do you think about this new decree?


Samsung's Galaxy S22 Series Is Finally In M'sia! Here's A Closer Look At The Specs

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This Spotlight is sponsored by Samsung.

After weeks of anticipation, the Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra have finally arrived in Malaysia, woohoo!

Image via Samsung (Provided to SAYS)

Since Samsung's big reveal of the 2022 flagship lineup on 10 February, fans have been eagerly looking forward to getting their hands on the new smartphones. Comprising of three spectacular smartphones — the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra — the latest Galaxy S22 series is here to stay, and marks Samsung's best release yet.

Check out the differences between the three flagship smartphones, and what each has to offer:

1. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the biggest screen, and is Samsung's most powerful S Series smartphone ever

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Image via Hitech Century

Remember Samsung's Galaxy Note series? For the first time, Samsung has a dedicated built-in S Pen for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. According to Samsung, it's the fastest, most responsive S Pen ever made. With 70% lower latency, you can write and draw more naturally on the Galaxy S22 Ultra's nearly bezel-less 6.8" screen. Additionally, unlike most smartphones, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is designed with streamlined, sharp angles, an elegant reference to the Galaxy Note's iconic design. In other words, the Galaxy S22 Ultra embraces the legacy of the Note series, while providing a remarkable smartphone experience unlike any before.

Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+
Image via Phandroid

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ boast full-frontal 6.1" and 6.6" screens respectively. All of the flagship devices, including the Galaxy S22 Ultra, feature an HDR10+ certification and a 120Hz refresh rate, so you can enjoy higher levels of brightness, contrast, and detail, as well as a smoother and snappier display.

2. Featuring Samsung's most intelligent camera yet, the smartphones let you capture stunning photos and videos during the day or night

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Image via Samsung

Designed to deliver next-level camera experiences, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ carry three rear cameras — a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, 50MP Wide-angle Camera, and 10MP Telephoto camera. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 Ultra shows off a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, a 108MP Wide-angle camera, and two 10MP Telephoto cameras. All of the devices feature Samsung's revolutionary new Nightography functions — where the camera sensors are 23% larger to let in more light, draw out details, and capture colours that make your content pop, even in the dark. Additionally, the smartphones are also equipped with Samsung's latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology, allowing you to take perfect Portrait Mode photos. Your subjects will look better than ever with even the smallest details appearing crisp and clear.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Image via US BTS Army

When you're capturing videos with friends, the new Auto Framing feature detects and tracks up to 10 people and automatically adjusts the camera's focus, so you can capture everyone clearly. Even when you're on the move, the smartphones are capable of capturing smooth, sharp footage, thanks to Samsung's advanced VDIS technology. Besides all of these features, the Galaxy S22 Ultra also lets you zoom up to 100x, so you can get in on the action no matter how far away.

3. Power through even the busiest days with the smartphones' outstanding hardware

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Image via Samsung

The flagship smartphones are more than capable of keeping up with your productivity from work to home, thanks to Samsung's first-ever 4nm processor that can power AI and mobile learning (ML) processing effectively. This feature helps the smartphone deliver unrivalled performance for all your streaming and productivity needs. Besides that, the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra boast the latest WiFi 6E, which lets you enjoy a speedy Internet connection up to two times faster than WiFi 6. Worried about battery life? Fret not, 'cause the smartphones are built with a robust all-day battery. And if that's not enough, the Galaxy S22 supports 25W fast charging, while the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra support 45W fast charging, so that you can fuel up your smartphone in a jiffy.

4. Secured by Samsung's powerful Knox Vault security platform

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Image via Samsung

Knox Vault comprises a secure processor and memory that completely isolates sensitive data like your passwords, biometrics, and Blockchain keys from the smartphone's operating system. Samsung's privacy dashboard and indicator, known as One UI, lets you check which apps are accessing your data and camera, so you can decide whether to grant or deny permission for each app for added peace of mind. Most importantly, the flagship series also showcases new security features, such as the ARM micro-architecture that helps prevent cyberattacks that can target your operating system and memory.

5. The flagship series marks Samsung's most eco-conscious smartphones ever

Samsung Galaxy S22
Image via The Verge

Making it their mission to reduce waste and help build a better and safer environment, Samsung has collaborated with leading organisations to recover discarded fishing nets that are eventually transformed into hardware for smartphones. Besides that, the Galaxy S22 series also incorporates post-consumer recycled materials, used as the speaker module, as well as the inner parts of the power and volume keys. For the packaging and protective film, Samsung uses 100% recycled paper and plastic. Every smartphone case is also designed with Underwriter Laboratories (UL) certified and eco-conscious materials.

These are just some of the things that make the all-new Galaxy S22 smartphones terrific flagship devices

From left: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, S22+, and S22
Image via CNet

The best part? You can now get your hands on the smartphones in-store and online! Check out the colours and pricing for each device: Samsung Galaxy S22Colours: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Green, Pink Gold RRP: RM3,499 (128GB) | RM3,699 (256GB) Samsung Galaxy S22+Colours: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Green, Pink GoldRRP: RM4,099 (128GB) | RM4,299 (256GB) Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraColours: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Green, BurgundyRRP: RM5,099 (128GB) | RM5,499 (256GB) | RM5,899 (512GB)

Wanna know more about the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra? You catch it in action on TV3's Master of the Galaxy, featuring your fave local celebrities and influencers!

First aired on TV3 on 2 March, the full episode is now available on YouTube! Master of the Galaxy is a spin-off of TV3's variety show, Master in the House, a Malaysian production of the popular South Korean variety show. In Master of the Galaxy, you can catch celebrities such as Nabila Razali, Sean Lee, Imran Aqil, Steffi Sidhu, and Aniq Suhair, who will take on fun missions and activities with the help of the all-powerful Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Watch the full video below:

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So, whatchu waiting for? Visit your nearest official Samsung store to check out the new smartphones, or shop for the Galaxy S22, S22+, or S22 Ultra online today!

Check out other trending stories on SAYS:

                The "Butter Knife" You Use Is Probably Not A Butter Knife

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In need of a good dose of 'vitamin sea'!

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


Individu Lancar Petisyen Desak Vivy Yusof Letak Jawatan, Kini Raih Hampir 200K Tandatangan

Pengasas jenama terkenal Fashion Valet, Vivy Yusof kini sedang hangat menjadi bualan netizen

Image via Instagram @Vivy Yusof

Beliau yang juga merupakan salah seorang Ahli Lembaga Pengarah UiTM sekali lagi menjadi sasaran netizen apabila dikatakan telah mempersoal bantuan yang diberikan kepada golongan B40 melalui Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi yang diumumkan Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin sebelum ini.Kenyataan yang dikatakan telah dibuat oleh Vivy itu telah menimbulkan rasa kurang senang warganet yang rata-ratanya tidak bersetuju dengan pandangan yang dilontarkan beliau.

Susulan daripada itu, satu petisyen juga telah dibuat terhadap Vivy bagi menuntut agar beliau meletak jawatan sebagai Ahli Lembaga Pengarah UITM yang kini disandang olehnya

Image via change.org

Petisyen itu telah dilancarkan beberapa hari lalu oleh individu bernama Mazril Mazlan di laman web change.org."Vivy Yusof di dalam akaun sosial media miliknya sendiri telah menghina golongan B40 dan M40 dalam penerimaan Bantuan Prihatin Negara. Perlakuan jelik dan memalukan. Petisyen ini adalah agar jawatan Vivy didalam board UiTM ditamatkan serta merta," kata kenyataan di dalam petisyen tersebut.Sejak petisyen itu dilancarkan, ia telah meraih hampir 200 ribu tandatangan bagi menyokong agar ahli perniagaan itu meletakkan jawatannya sebagai Ahli Lembaga Pengarah UiTM.

Semoga perkara ini dapat diselesaikan dengan cara yang baik.

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


Local Actor Undergoes Surgery After Hate Attack By Baton-Wielding Man In Singapore

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

Local actor Kamal Adli suffered serious head injuries following an attack by a baton-wielding man in Singapore on Sunday, 12 March

Kamal's wife, actress Uqasha Senrose, posted Instagram Stories of the incident as it happened while they were attending a three-day Hari Raya Mega Sale 2023 event at the Singapore Expo.According to Uqasha, the attacker hit Kamal repeatedly on the head, face, chest, and back with the metal baton."The attacker [also] hit him beneath his eyes. Thank God he didn't suffer any injury to his eyes, but doctors said that his head injury was bad and required stitches," said the tearful wife, who also urged Kamal's fans and friends to pray for his speedy recovery.The 37-year-old actor had to undergo surgery to treat his injuries and is currently recuperating at a private hospital in Singapore.

Image via @uqashasenrose2 (Instagram)

Meanwhile, the attacker was immediately apprehended by the police at the scene of the incident

According to the Singapore Police Force, the 33-year-old suspect will be charged for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon in a Singapore court today, 14 March."If convicted, the offence under Section 324 of the Penal Code carries an imprisonment term which may extend to seven years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments," it said in a statement today, according to Bernama.Police have also seized the baton as a case exhibit, and investigations are still ongoing.

Image via Singapore Police Force/Bernama

As for the motive, Uqasha believes that the man attacked her husband out of jealousy of their marriage

"When he struck Kamal, the man yelled out that he was jealous about our marriage."I believe he had targeted Kamal for sometime, as not too long ago, we received a threatening social media message from a mysterious person who threatened to kill my husband," she said on Instagram, as quoted by New Straits Times.

Image via @uqashasenrose2 (Instagram)


A Pilot, Cabin Crew And Aircraft Engineer Reveal What They Love Most About Their Jobs

They might not be the people we think about often. In fact, we only wonder about them when we’re on our flight to that long-awaited holiday.

However, they are out there, in the skies and on ground, helping millions of travellers fly safely and comfortably to their next destination.

It’s not a job for everyone. Working as part of an airline team is demanding unless you have a passion to fly. For this Malaysia Airlines pilot, cabin crew, and aircraft engineer, there is no other feeling like it in the world.

Megat Arizal, a pilot who has been flying since 1997, says the happiest moment for most pilots is when they take off and land on their own

Megat Arizal started flying at 19 years old.
Image via Megat Arizal

“The first time you start flying, you’ll be flying with an instructor to guide and teach you. When you are finally able to do everything on your own, nothing beats that,” Arizal says.    His most memorable memory from when he started flying for MAS was the first time he stepped into a Boeing 737-800. “During pilot training, we fly model aircrafts that are only single-seaters. It’s different from a real aircraft. When you actually get into the 737 and see how big the plane is, that was amazing. It’s huge!”

There is so much more to piloting than just ferrying passengers from one country to another. Arizal told us about a flight soon after the recent Nepal earthquake that left him a memory like no other.

A few days after the earthquake, Arizal was scheduled to fly the plane into Kathmandu. He remembered it being a full flight as the airport had just reopened. As the airport had only just recovered, the plane had to hold for a very long time before they were allowed to land. The weather was clear, but bumpy. He circled the plane just outside of Kathmandu for over an hour, waiting for the permission to land. He was getting nervous and the plane had 10 minutes of fuel left.  The wait was making the passengers impatient and anxious, especially since Kathmandu is not a normal airport; it is a special airport surrounded by terrains. He remembers constantly talking to the customers and providing updates to calm them down.   Finally, he received the green light to land. Right as the plane hit the tarmac, everyone started to clap. One by one, the passengers thanked Arizal for a safe flight as they disembarked. Even though Arizal hears “thank you” a lot, he does not experience as much interaction with people when he’s in the cockpit. “That was a rare occasion, it was an amazing feeling.”

A typical day at the office for pilot Megat Arizal.
Image via Megat Arizal

From the cockpit to the aisle, cabin crew Suganthi Namasivayam interacts with passengers on a daily basis. Words like “glorified waitress” had been used to describe cabin crew, but her experience proved otherwise.

Suganthi (center) has been a cabin crew for 24 years.
Image via Instagram @mikecarlosow

Sugar, as she is affectionately known, has been a cabin crew for 24 years. Starting from a new crew to leading stewardess, she is also an associate trainer for the Malaysia Airlines Academy.   “Being a trainer gives me a platform to be something more than just a crew,” Sugar says. The best part of her day is when she gets to mentor a new generation of stewards and stewardesses. It’s not just teaching them how to serve passengers, she also helps them cope with work, personal life, and finding passion in their job. “I don’t just fly and finish. I have a lot on my plate, and that’s the way I like it,” she says about the gratification she feels from work.

As much as she loves training, Sugar also loves being in the sky. “Serving people is a very humbling job. Can you imagine how many people I’ve served in the 24 years?”

Sugar says one of her most fulfilling part of being a cabin crew is being able to train and mentor young minds.
Image via Suganthi Namasivayam

We asked Sugar what is the most memorable moment in her career, and she struggled picking just one. There was the time when she was selected to serve on the inaugural A380 KL-London flight, or the time she wrote a new module on emotional intelligence.Finally, she settled on a very unexpected note:  Returning home after being away for so long. “You feel that all the problems that were bothering you before you left doesn’t matter. When you arrive home, you will feel that ‘hey, everything is going to be okay’. Somehow it helps you find new courage and energy to face your problems.” Even if it’s a two-day trip, Sugar says she returns with more love and appreciation for her family. That, for Sugar, is another all time happiness in the life of a cabin crew.

We fly down to the hangar to speak to a man who works behind the scenes - aircraft engineer Ee Yong Hua. On the surface, Ee’s job description does not sound pleasant.

Ee has been an aircraft engineer for five and a half years.
Image via Ee Yong Hua

Every day, Ee is faced with problems - defects in the aircraft, trouble shooting, faults in the electrical systems. “I have to make sure everything is defect-free. It’s difficult, but once you’ve solve the problem, it’s the most satisfying feeling!”His favourite part of the job is one thing most of us take for granted - Ee is the reason we have movies and music to keep us entertained on long-haul flights. “I love maintaining the in-flight entertainment system! I feel a direct relationship with the passengers when I’m fixing problems in the system.” Ee explains that passengers do not know when defects in the aircraft engine are fixed, but they are always grateful when the in-flight entertainment system is well maintained.Ee has been with Malaysia Airlines for five and a half years, joining as an apprentice right after high school. One of the best moments of his career happened during his first year as an official engineer. “I had just been established as an engineer and they sent me to Dubai! An aircraft had reached its end of lease, so they selected me as the engineer on board to trouble shoot the aircraft for defects and make sure it is in proper working condition.”

When we asked Ee about his recent most memorable moment, he told us about being featured in the MAS #PunyaAspirasi video. Little did we know, Ee is also an international yo-yo champion, having represented Malaysia seven times!

"I was really excited and nervous!” Ee exclaimed. Not many people knew about his secret life as a yo-yo extraordinaire.  During the video shoot, Ee got to meet other MAS crew member and discover each other’s unique hidden talents. “That moment in the hall with everyone made me feel that passion really is important. I saw how different passion gives people different strengths and interests, and when we all come together, we complement each other’s work.”

MAS #PunyaAspirasi video features Fazura discovering the hidden talents of the MAS crew. Watch the full video here:

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Out of curiousity, we asked Ee one last question. “Does playing yo-yo help you become a better aircraft engineer?” His answer was simple:

“Oh yes! Playing the yo-yo helps you think fast and quickly decide on your next best move.”

Ee, the seven-time yo-yo champion!
Image via Malaysia Airlines


"Supwei?" - Isteri Andika Putera Bikin Netizen Berdekah Sebab Confident Salah Sebut Subway

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

Penceramah motivasi muda, Andika Putera pernah menjadi viral satu ketika dulu gara-gara pelbagai kontroversi yang melandanya

Baru-baru ini, isterinya iaitu Ananda Natasha atau dikenali sebagai Tasha sering mendapat perhatian netizen di laman TikTok gara-gara kerap membuat live dan menjawab soalan daripada followersnya.Namun, tular pula sebuah rakaman yang memaparkan Tasha tersalah sebut nama restoran Subway telah mengundang tawa ramai.Lihat video penuh itu di bawah:

  @misha.bunga comel je kondifen tasha ni   Funny Song - Cavendish Music

Ejaan Subway tapi sebutan jadi Supwei, ramai tanya konfiden beli dekat mana

Menerusi perkongsian video daripada @misha.bunga, kelihatan Tasha sedang membuat live dan berkongsi cerita dengan followersnya.Namun, apa yang menghiburkan orang ramai adalah apabila dia ingin menyebut perkataan Subway dan ia kedengaran lain."Tasha rasa time tu Tasha tengah makan, apa tu nama dia? Dia roti tapi dalam roti tu ada sayur-sayur. Aduh lupalah nama tu. Apa nama tu korang? Supwei! Yes Supwei," katanya.

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

"Nampak macam saja je ni, haha takkanlah dia tak tahu sebut. Beli mana confident tu? Nak beli jugak" - Netizen

Susulan tularnya video tersebut yang kini telah 536.9K tontonan, 21.9K tanda suka serta 357 perkongsian di TikTok, rata-rata netizen turut terhibur melihat gelagat spontan Tasha.Berikut di bawah adalah antara komen menarik daripada netizen di TikTok:

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Image via @misha.bunga (TikTok)

Supwei pun Supwei lah, yang penting dia memang lawak! :D

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

Image via SAYS Seismik


Sabahan Chef's Award-Winning Dish Fuses Best Of Both Worlds - Nasi Lemak And Nasi Kerabu

Malaysian chef Siti Safura Mohd Tawil made the country proud by emerging champion in the Asia-India category of the 2020 Chef Ireland Culinary Competition on Wednesday, 6 February

According to Astro Awani, the competition - organised and judged by a panel of Irish chefs - was held in Dublin, Ireland on 4 and 5 February.In her video uploaded to Facebook, the chef, hailing from Ranau, Sabah was seen proudly holding the Jalur Gemilang up to receive the gold medal after she was announced the winner.The 28-year-old shared that she was actually nursing a fever during the competition but she was thankful for the win.

Image via Muhammad MT (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Astro Awani

Siti Safura, who currently lives in Ontario, Canada, won with her dish called "Nasi Lemak Bunga Telang", a fusion of nasi lemak and nasi kerabu

According to Bernama, the dish was made up of rice that was coloured blue, chicken rendang, kerabu, and crunchy keropok lekor.

Image via Muhammad MT (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Muhammad MT (Provided to SAYS)

Image via Safura Tawil/Facebook

The talented chef also won a silver medal in the pasta category

Image via Safura Tawil/Facebook

In a later Facebook post, she shared a picture of her dish, a linguine buttermilk pasta with "a taste of Malaysia", while thanking those who supported her."Thank you Malaysian Ambassador Zakaria Nasir and wife, Junainah Che Ali for your endless support. Also thanks to Chef Boy, Chef Fauzan, Dr Esa, and Sir Razman for your advice and insights. It is very much appreciated!" she wrote.

Netizens flooded the comments to congratulate the chef

"Congratulations, Malaysia is proud of you," said this Facebook user.

Image via Safura Tawil/Facebook

While this user said, "She looked more excited to wave her Malaysian flag than to actually receive the prize! Congratulations!"

Image via Safura Tawil/Facebook

"Congratulations, I want a taste of that nasi lemak please," quipped another user.

Image via Safura Tawil/Facebook

Not too long ago, Malaysians lost it when a British woman called nasi lemak a "wicked bad meal":

                British Woman Who Called Nasi Lemak A "Wickedly Bad Meal" Finally Tries The Real Deal

The nasi lemak she had costs GBP14.90 (RM79.16).

Read the full story

                British Woman Called Nasi Lemak A "Wickedly Bad Meal" And All Hell Broke Loose

Nasi lemak is 10/10.

Read the full story


[PHOTOS] Bodies Everywhere... We're Calling This '50 Shades of Brown'

Valley of the Reclining Woman

Valley of the Reclining Woman
Image via thisiscolossal.com

Cut Throat Valley

Cut Throat Valley

Image via carlwarner.com

The Cave of Abdo-men

The Cave of Abdo-men
Image via carlwarner.com

Elbow Point

Elbow Point
Image via carlwarner.com

Shin Knee Valley

Shin Knee Valley
Image via carlwarner.com

Headless Horizon

Headless Horizon
Image via thisiscolossal.com

Shoulder Hill Valley

Shoulder Hill Valley

Image via thisiscolossal.com

Desert of Backs

Desert of Backs

Image via thisiscolossal.com

The Desert of Sleeping Men

The Desert of Sleeping Men
Image via thisiscolossal.com

The Sleeper

The Sleeper
Image via carlwarner.com

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks
Image via carlwarner.com

Fingers Cave

Fingers Cave
Image via carlwarner.com

About the project

Bodyscapes is a series of images depicting stunning landscapes made of human bodies or parts of the body. The images show how the valleys, peaks, ridges, and curves of the body or of several bodies can resemble landscapes.

        psfk.com

The images are digitally pieced together using Photoshop.

        thisiscolossal.com

The title of each photograph has something to do with the parts of the body it features or what the image may resemble. Some examples of these titles include Valley of The Reclining Woman, Headless Horizon, The Desert of Sleeping Men, and Cut Throat Valley.

        psfk.com


3 Malaysian Mental Health Apps To Check Out If You Need Help Remotely

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We all have our worries, and it's undeniable that COVID-19 has made our lives all the more challenging in the past year

What's worse, asking for help when you're feeling down is the hardest thing to do.

Image via Berkshire Media

But we have some good news! There are currently several local mental health providers that are offering Malaysians easier and more accessible ways to seek help.

Here are three Malaysian-made mobile apps to help you deal with your struggles without needing to leave your home:

1. PlusVibes

Image via PlusVibes

PlusVibes is a mobile application that aims to combine all of your mental health needs on a single platform.The app's founder, Malaysian-born Madiha Fuad, had her own experience with depression that led to this project.According to their website, she said the app's goal is to help people who need a little bit more motivation during the low points in their lives."We all go through tough days and sometimes we just need a support system or a shoulder to lean on," she said.In addition to being a great library of motivational videos and uplifting meditation content, PlusVibes features an in-house chat service to connect you with a qualified volunteer listener when you need someone to talk to.For those who require more urgent or professional assistance, the app also has a directory of local mental health orgnisations to get users in contact with a certified therapist or counsellor.Download it on the App Store or Google Play Store.Cost: FreeFor more information, visit their website here.

2. ThoughtfullChat

Image via Thoughtfull

ThoughtfullChat was started by Joan Low who told The Edge Markets that she created the app after her own family dealt with a loved one being diagnosed with a mental illness.Low wanted to make psychotherapy (or talk therapy) more easily available and affordable to those who needed help reframing their thoughts.On ThoughtfullChat, users are able to message a certified mental health professional whenever they need to. However, it is subscription-based - you get one-month unlimited access to your own personal therapist at the usual price of a one-hour session at a private clinic.The app also provides other personal development tools and resources, as well as keeps track of current stress levels, happiness levels, and quality of sleep.Download it on the App Store or Google Play Store.Cost: RM199 per monthFor more information, visit their website here.

3. The Help Talk

Image via The Help Talk

The Help Talk is another popular online counselling platform for users to easily seek therapy with licensed counsellors and clinical psychologists from the convenience of their phone.According to The Vulcan Post, the app was started by clinical psychologist Alvin Tan along with two other co-founders after they realised that many couldn't afford private counselling services in Malaysia.They launched the app and website in 2017 for users to message a mental health professional when they need to. The therapist will then respond to them once or twice a day from Mondays to Fridays.This way, there is no need for appointments - the clients can still seek help whenever, therapists can provide therapy at their convenience - and overall cost of services is reduced.The therapists will help users go through their issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, relationship or family conflicts, loneliness, low self-esteem, trauma, anger, grief, and so on.Download it on Google Play Store.Cost: RM192 per monthFor more information, visit their website here.

In some situations, it's better to seek professional advice face-to-face. Here's a list of therapists and counsellors in Klang Valley:

                Don't Suffer In Silence, These Therapists & Counsellors In Klang Valley Can Help

Let's not wait until it's too late.

Read the full story


Malaysia Breaks Its Highest COVID-19 Death Tally After Recording 16 New Deaths In A Day

Malaysia today recorded 2,643 new COVID-19 cases

Of the 2,643 new cases, the highest number was recorded in Selangor once again.The state recorded 1,086, followed by Sabah with 401, Johor with 298, Kuala Lumpur with 282, and Kedah with 107. Other states had less than 100 new cases.

Pecahan kes baharu (2,643)Selangor487 kluster sedia ada165 kluster baharu (Jalan Klinik, Bukit Belimbing dan Tapak Bina Hevea)252 saringan kontak rapat180 lain-lain saringan2 import pic.twitter.com/AnE481159y— KKMalaysia (@KKMPutrajaya) January 8, 2021

The country also recorded 16 new deaths in the last 24 hours

Today's death tally is a new record since 3 November last year when 12 deaths were recorded.

Remember to limit your movement and wash your hands often. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:

Malaysia recorded 3,027 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, 7 January:

                Malaysia Breaches 3K Mark After Recording 3,027 New COVID-19 Cases In A Day

The country also recorded eight new deaths in the last 24 hours.

Read the full story


Police Are Investigating Reports Of Vandalism At A Cemetery In Melaka

Police are currently investigating acts of vandalism on over 20 damaged gravestones at a Muslim cemetery in Melaka

According to Bernama, the incident took place at As-Syakirin Islamic Cemetery in Bachang yesterday, 21 June. The cemetery is located about 6.5km away from Melaka City Centre.

Image via NST Online

Local residents reported the incident at 8pm on Friday when they discovered the gravestones were damaged

According to State CID chief AC Mohd Nor Yhazid Idris, the police were inspecting several lodged reports and would open an investigation paper.‘‘We are in the process of identifying the individuals involved and had taken statements from two people who were allegedly at the scene to help in investigation,’’ he said as reported by Bernama.

In order for the police to conduct the investigation on the incident, Yhazid had urged the public to stay calm

He also urged all quarters to refrain from viralling the case while the police are investigating.The case is being investigated under Section 297 of the Penal Code for trespassing on burial places.


MOH Now Allows Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients To Quarantine At Home

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is now allowing asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, or those with mild symptoms, to undergo treatment and quarantine at home

According to Bernama, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba announced that Stage 1 and Stage 2 COVID-19 cases will now be allowed to quarantine at home, but under strict monitoring by healthcare workers.The decision comes soon after Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry was considering the option as the country's healthcare system has not been able to cope with the surge in daily cases.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
Image via Choo Choy May/Malay Mail

For clarification, the clinical management guidelines by the MOH states that Stage 1 patients are those who test positive but do not show any symptoms, and Stage 2 patients are those with mild upper respiratory tract infections.These COVID-19 patients are usually sent to the hospitals only for isolation, close monitoring, and general care, compared to the more specific treatment of severe cases that do require a hospital stay.

Image via Garis Panduan KKM

Dr Adham said the Stage 1 and Stage 2 patients at home will have to complete the same mandatory 10-day quarantine, and a test will be conducted on them on the last day

During the quarantine, he said a task force, formed by healthcare workers from the Crisis Preparedness and Emergency Response Centre (CPRC) as well as from the state and district levels, will continue to monitor and treat these patients at their respective homes."We are doing this as we need to act fast in treating and isolating positive cases, and to this end, the MOH will continue with contact tracing in efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve," he told reporters after the ministry's New Year mandate ceremony on Tuesday, 12 January.

Image via Mohamad Shahril Badri Saali/New Straits Times

However, to qualify for quarantine at home, the Health Minister said his ministry's staff will have to first assess the size of the house and its number of occupants

Dr Adham said if a patient's house was not conducive, the patient will still be taken to a hospital or quarantine centre for isolation."If the facilities at home are satisfactory, with sufficient space for isolation and the family understands the need for quarantine and the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the MOH, they will be treated at home," he said.He added that Dr Noor Hisham will provide more details on the home quarantine matter soon.

Remember to #JustStayAtHome. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:

Dr Noor Hisham has warned that the "worst is yet to come" with regards to the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia:

                "I Fear The Worst Is Yet To Come"

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah shared his concerns amidst the high number of COVID-19 death cases re...

Read the full story

                MOH Warns Malaysia Could See 8,000 Daily COVID-19 Cases By Mid-March

Based on projections, Malaysia should have only breached the 3,000 mark by the second week of February.

Read the full story


Deadly Blast Rocks A Car Factory In China, Killing More Than 40 And Injuring Over 120

On Saturday morning, after an explosion at an automotive parts factory in eastern China, at least 65 people were killed and 120 were injured, according to reports

An explosion at a factory in eastern China on Saturday killed 65 people, a government broadcaster said, while more than 100 were injured in what appeared to be an industrial accident. The explosion in Kunshan, a city in the eastern province of Jiangsu, "has resulted in 65 deaths", state-broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) said in an Internet post.

        nytimes.com

State broadcaster CCTV said the blast in Jiangsu province left 65 people dead, but according to the official Xinhua News Agency, the death toll is at more than 40 with over 120 injured

Image via businessinsider.com

The blast occurred at 7:37 a.m. at a car polishing workshop of a metal products company, Xinhua said.

        go.com

Kunshan hospital staff confirmed more than 100 burn victims had been admitted to the hospital and multiple medical teams had arrived at the scene of the explosion.

        aljazeera.com

Taizhou Zhongrong Metal Products officials have yet to comment on the incident. Meanwhile, officials are investigating the cause of the blast and working on rescue efforts.

Pictures posted online showed a charred body being wheeled on a stretcher, and people with burned clothing sitting on the ground outside a factory complex that was billowing black smoke.

        businessinsider.com

"The scene is a mess, it's unrecognisable," a witness at the scene wrote on Sina Weibo, a Chinese equivalent of Twitter. Industrial accidents occur with some regularity in China, where safety standards are often lax.

        bangkokpost.com


People Are Being Arrested And Investigated For Allegedly Insulting Kedah MB Sanusi

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Three individuals from two different states have been arrested for allegedly insulting Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor

The police action comes after a special officer to Sanusi lodged multiple reports against everyday Malaysians who have taken to social media to call out the PAS politician over his recent remarks.The first arrest involves a senior citizen, who is alleged to have mocked the MB in a Facebook video over Sanusi's remarks about having enough freezer containers for COVID-19 victims.Bernama reported Kuala Muda district police chief ACP Adzli Abu Shah saying that the 61-year-old man was detained at his house in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan at around 4am yesterday, 9 August."In the raid, police seized a mobile phone belonging to the man," Malaysiakini quoted Adzli as saying, who added that police had tracked down the senior citizen to his home in Lenggeng.He was brought to Sungai Petani to be remanded, however, a magistrate did not allow the remand application and he was released on police bail after his statement was taken, Free Malaysia Today reported.The senior citizen's video, which is over nine-minute in length, was uploaded on a Facebook page called 'Kamal Hero Malaya' on Saturday night, 7 August, where it has since garnered over 10,000 views.In the Bernama report, Adzli is reported saying that the video by the senior citizen was believed to be politically motivated, insulting, degrading, and tarnishing the reputation of the Kedah MB.

The senior citizen is being investigated under three charges

"The case is being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 15 of the Minor Offences Act, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act," Bernama quoted Adzli as saying, who added that police will submit the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.Additionally, the senior citizen, who repeatedly questioned the Kedah MB's intelligence in the video, has a prior record which is still being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.

A file photo of Kuala Muda district police chief ACP Adzli Abu Shah.
Image via Utusan Malaysia

Subsequently, two others have been arrested for the same offence

The two individuals were arrested for their comments posted on Facebook last month.However, police have yet to reveal what the offending comments are.The two men, aged 52 and 45, were detained at their homes in Kepala Batas and Mergong Perdana in Alor Setar, Kedah at 5.30pm and 6.15pm yesterday, 9 August, according to a report in Utusan Malaysia."A special officer of the MB has lodged a police report regarding the negative and rude comments on the leader's Facebook page," said Kota Setar district police chief ACP Ahmad Shukri Mat Akhir."The report was made at the Alor Setar police station at 10.30am yesterday and the police detained the two men to assist in the investigation. One of them is a private employee and the other a businessperson. Both have no previous criminal record and were released on bail after being taken into custody," he added.Both of them are also being investigated under the same charges as the senior citizen.

If found guilty, these individuals can be jailed, fined, or both

Section 504 covers intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and carries a punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 covers insulting behaviour and carries a fine of RM100.Lastly, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 covers the misuse of network facilities which is punishable with a fine of up to RM50,000 or up to a year imprisonment or both.

Recently, the PAS politician sparked controversy online when he remarked about having enough freezer containers to hold the corpses:

                People Call Out Kedah MB For His Remarks About Having Enough Containers For Corpses

"Whoever wants to go inside, can just give your names," he said jokingly during a press conference.

Read the full story

Following which, Sanusi claimed that he was only joking with reporters when his remarks about containers were taken out of context:

                [VIDEO] Sanusi Says His Joke About Funeral Containers Was Taken Out Of Context

According to the Kedah Menteri Besar, he was only joking with the reporters.

Read the full story

Previously, a woman who had outed Sanusi for breaching COVID-19 guidelines had come under attack from supporters of the MB:

                Kedah MB Uses DBP To Explain 'Test Drive' Meaning After Being Accused Of Breaching SOPs

Sanusi, who is under police investigation, said that if the person, who made the recording and posted it on social me...

Read the full story


Marina Mahathir: "Jangan Kirim Hadiah Terus Ke Rumah, Derma Kepada Yang Memerlukan"

Berikutan kemenangan bersejarah Pakatan Harapan yang kini berjaya menakluki Malaysia, isteri Perdana Menteri Tun Mahathir telah memberi mesej pesanan untuk rakyat Malaysia mengenai hadiah yang diterima olehnya dan suami

Image via Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

Pesanan yang dikeluarkan dalam status Facebook milik anak perempuannya iaitu Marina Mahathir itu jelas menerangkan bahawa beliau telah dipesan oleh ibunya, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah mengenai hadiah yang diterima oleh beliau serta Tun Mahathir sendiri kini semakin banyak dan mengambil ruangan yang terlalu besar di kediaman mereka.

Baca status penuh di bawah:

Image via Marina Mahathir / Facebook

Rakyat yang dihormati,Ibu saya telah meminta saya untuk menghantar mesej kepada anda semua. Semenjak kemenangan Pilihan Raya dua minggu yang lalu, dia telah menerima banyak ucapan baik dari orang ramai yang mengucapkan tahniah kepadanya dan ayah. Beliau sangat berterima kasih dan menghargai doa dan mesej anda yang baik itu.Walau bagaimanapun, ucapan tahniah ini telah diiringi dengan bunga, makanan dan hadiah yang lain. Dia telah meminta saya untuk memberitahu agar tidak ada lagi hadiah yang dihantar kerana satu, mengikut pemerintahan Pakatan Harapan, tidak ada seorang ahli politik yang dibenarkan untuk menerima apa-apa hadiah selain bunga atau makanan.Kedua, sebagai hadiah yang sederhana, ianya telah mengambil banyak ruang. Ibu bapa saya tidak berpindah ke Sri Perdana tetapi akan terus tinggal di rumah mereka sendiri. Ia selesa tetapi benar-benar tidak mempunyai ruang untuk apa-apa hadiah lagi.Jadi dia memerlukan pemahaman anda untuk tidak menghantar apa-apa untuknya, walaupun untuk hari raya yang akan menjelang tiba. Sebaliknya, beliau meminta anda membuat sumbangan kepada mana-mana rumah amal yang lebih memerlukan. Perkara itu akan lebih menggembirakannya.

Gambar yang ditangkap sempena hari pertama mereka kembali ke Putrajaya, hari ini.
Image via Marina Mahathir / Facebook

Netizen juga turut menyuarakan beberapa soalan mengenai mesej Tun Dr Siti Hasmah di ruangan komen status tersebut dan dijawab dengan jelas oleh Marina:

Image via Marina Mahathir / Facebook

Malahan, ramai juga yang bersetuju dengan tindakan Tun Hasmah dan menyampaikan mesej yang begitu positif untuk pasangan suami isteri itu:

Image via Marina Mahathir / Facebook

Image via Marina Mahathir / Facebook

Pemurah betul rakyat Malaysia ni! ;)

Image via Giphy

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


LILIT.'s 'Made Eid Easy' Line Has Timeless Looks That Are Fuss-Free & Functional For Raya

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This Spotlight is sponsored by LILIT.

Raya is right around the corner, whee! :D

Image via @studiosoriginals / GIPHY

From mouthwatering kuih raya, lemang, and rendang to making your way back to visit family in your kampung, there is so much to look forward to this Aidilfitri or Eid.And of course, this includes all the baju raya that you'll be wearing (and stylishly coordinating with the entire fam) to show off on the 'Gram. ;P

If you're shopping for beautifully designed modest wear that is timeless and effortless to style, LILIT.'s Eid collection is worth a look

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

This homegrown brand with an international clientele is beloved for offering modest fashion solutions to women, whether they are hijabis, working mothers, or active babes.LILIT. also carries sizes up to UK 22, making sure that its clothes are inclusive and accessible to women of all shapes and sizes. Taking pride in producing high-quality, well-made 'fits that are fashioned from specially-sourced fabrics, the growing global modest wear brand is known for exclusive clothing collabs with Malaysian celebs.

Serving understated chic, this year's collection is called LILIT. Made Eid Easy, set to drop on 4 April

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

In line with its theme, LILIT.'s festive collection — scheduled to expand with a second drop come 7 April — is all about making Eid easy for you.Designed with modern women in mind, the pieces from LILIT. champion simplicity and basic necessities that you can not only rock during the festivities, but also style and wear throughout the year.

The collection comes in a range of tops, skirts, dresses, and abayas, which you'll find in beautiful colours to boot

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

Here's a closer look at what each piece is called:Tops- Ainaa- Arinna- Atherah- Nabihah- Nadiya- Sofhea

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

Skirts- Aliesha- Atherah- Nadiya- Widuri

Dresses and abayas- Shazmin- Warda- Iliana

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

And an added perk? The pieces feature functional aspects! You can expect LILIT.'s clothes to be made with fabric that is cooling and easy to iron.Each piece from LILIT. Made Eid Easy is:- Easy to style- Easy to shop for with free and same day delivery- Available in ready-to-wear inclusive sizes- Easy to iron and made functional for everyday wear

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

For its Eid collection, LILIT. will be having an exciting pop-up booth in KLCC alongside special online and in-store promotions

The pop-up booth can be found in KLCC beginning 4 April to 5 May. From lucky draws to an exclusive promo code through GrabPay, you'll be able to score LILIT.'s beautiful Eid pieces for less, be it online or in-store.

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

Check out the promotions you can enjoy:Online- Receive a free festive money packet for purchases above RM250 from LILIT.'s Eid collection- Use the promo code GRABPAYDEALS to enjoy 15% off when you check out with GRABPAY (discount capped at RM24 off with a minimum spend of RM160)- First-time purchasers will get an additional 15% discount with the code MLITAPP15In-store- Receive a free festive money packet for purchases above RM250 from LILIT.'s Eid collection (applicable for all LILIT. stores)- Try your hand at a lucky draw box for a chance to win a RM1,000 voucher (one transaction per attempt)- Enjoy RM10 off with a minimum purchase of RM100 when you pay with GrabPay (discount capped at RM10)

Looking for a fuss-free outfit that looks amazing? LILIT. has got you covered.

Image via LILIT. (Provided to SAYS)

You'll love the shopping experience with LILIT., be it online or in-store. Decked out in a pretty pastel pink theme, LILIT. has a total of five stores — its flagship outlet  LILIT. Bangsar Village II, LILIT. KL East Mall, LILIT. IOI Putrajaya, LILIT. Setia City Mall, as well as LILIT. Haji Lane in Singapore. In line with its brand mission of 'Making Modest Easy', LILIT. also has an app that makes it easier than ever for you to shop for modest fashion!Download LILIT.'s app from the App Store or Google Play.

Visit LILIT.'s website for more information and the latest updates

Meanwhile, check out these Malaysian models who are leaving their marks on the fashion industry:

                [VIDEO] Malaysian Model Graces The Runway Of Milan Fashion Week 2022

She was seen strutting in designs by new Italian labels Marco Rambaldi and ACT N°1.

Read the full story

                Meet The Malaysian Plus-Size Model Revolutionising Beauty Standards In Malaysia

Happy International Women's Day! Get to know Callie De Wind, as she shares her opinions on the modelling industry, fa...

Read the full story

You can read more #lifestyle stories here:

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

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

Read the full story

                These Malaysians Began Making Eco-Friendly Candles After Losing Their Jobs During Pandemic

"What makes a good luxury candle? We started doing homework on waxes and that's how we found the god-tier of wax, bee...

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                Meet The Duo Saving The Environment And Making A Fashion Statement, At The Same Time!

Creating a variety of bags from upcycled materials, these two are changing the way we look at fashion in Malaysia.

Read the full story

Got some cool brand news to share?

Image via SAYS

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


You Won't Believe What This Newly-Renovated House In Ipoh Used To Look Like!

Pause Ipoh is a newly-opened homestay in Taman Kampar, Ipoh, that stands out for its simple yet stylish interior

Image via Pause Ipoh

If you sense that it has charming old-school vibes

Image via Pause Ipoh

It's because Pause Ipoh wasn't always the 'fresh', new home its visitors now know it to be

Image via Pause Ipoh

The 40-year-old house was bought last year by Cheryl Chan and Jason Low who fell in love with the home's vintage flooring and window grills. They spent two months putting in a lot of effort (and money) to renovate the house making it the homely and instagram-worthy place it now is.

Here are some pictures of Pause Ipoh before and after its renovation:

The entrance
Image via Pause Ipoh

The living room
Image via Pause Ipoh

"We did the rewiring for the whole house (aka cleaner surface) and painted the whole house white. We built a full-sized blackboard for guests to take photos with their own creations. We even replaced the doors for all rooms," Cheryl and Jason wrote on their Facebook page.

The dining room
Image via Pause Ipoh

"To make the second room brighter, we knocked off the concrete shelf above the window that's blocking the sunlight, and enlarge the window size. We replaced the louvre window with modern slide window for privacy (open from the inside) while giving better view of the tree from inside the second room."

It doesn't even look like the same house!

The kitchen
Image via Pause Ipoh

The backdoor
Image via Pause Ipoh

The house now has much better ventilation and more natural light coming in. Due to the home's elevated ceilings and windows, every evening lights up the house with the glow of the sunset. And in the mornings, you can even hear birds chirping and water flowing behind the house!

The transformations of the bedrooms are pretty insane too

Image via Pause Ipoh

Image via Pause Ipoh

"The second room is the most headache room of all. It was dim (the before photo was taken after turning on fluorescent light) and the wall was too greasy to repaint. Our contractor has to apply some special treatment before repainting. We enlarged the window size to allow more natural light."

Image via Pause Ipoh

However, it was the bathroom that they spent the most effort on

Image via Pause Ipoh

Image via Pause Ipoh

Before its renovation, the toilet entrance was a measly 3.6 square feet which Cheryl and Jason found a little depressing. There was even a window that was at eye-level, making for a bit of an embarrassing showering experience. "We decided to make it a bigger bathroom by combining them and flattening the whole floor on the same level. We also elevated the window to enjoy tree view during shower while keeping the privacy."

The main attraction of the house is its live tree planted in the dining room for a very specific purpose

Image via Facebook

The contractor was unable to remove the drain pipe that went along the wall of the dining area so they placed the tree there to draw attention away from the bare pipes and painted the whole wall white for a clever camouflage effect.

Pause Ipoh can be booked on Airbnb and comfortably fits six people

Image via Pause Ipoh

It was designed with both style and practicality in mind

It's the perfect place for a weekend getaway and inspiration for your next home deco project!

Have you started packing your bags yet?

Image via Giphy


This Singaporean Has Caught 'Em All In Pokémon GO But People Are Saying He's A Cheat

After the release of the hit augmented reality game in Southeast Asia, one Singaporean claims to have caught every single Pokémon available within 10 days of playing it

Terence Ho, the first person in South East Asia to catch 'em all.
Image via Terence Ho

Terence Ho, a 35-year-old app developer from Singapore has caught all 145 Pokemon on the app within 10 days. Other trainers who've achieved this feat are Nick Johnson from the US and Ahmed Ali from the UK.His route to success was cited to be $150 (RM605) worth of in-app purchases, and playing the game till 1am after work.

But some trainers are not happy at the way Ho did it.
You see, there are four rare Pokémon that are specific to a continent and to catch them, trainers will to either travel to that country or be extremely lucky and get them hatched from eggs.

Image via Techno Buffalo

The Pokémon are Tauros (North America), Mr. Mime (Europe), Kangaskhan (Australia) and Farfetch’d (Asia).

While Johnson and Ali took trips around the world to catch the elusive creatures, Ho asked his friends overseas to catch them for him by logging into his account, which he insisted isn't cheating at all

Image via Coconuts Singapore

For example, a friend in Sydney helped him with Kangaskhan, which is found only in Australia and New Zealand.But he insisted that this is a 'grey area' and he didn't cheat."Trainers use all ways and means to get an edge in the game and this was one "creative" way of solving a problem. I got the idea when I saw a woman borrow her boyfriend's phone to play the game when her phone ran out of power."I just wanted to complete it, and have closure, then move on to do other things. I won't spend thousands of dollars on a game," he told The Straits Times.

Nonetheless, that hasn't stop fellow trainers from calling him out on social media. Some even said that he used GPS spoofing to catch the rare Pokémon.

Image via Facebook

Image via Facebook

Image via Facebook

Image via Facebook

Do you think Ho should be banned from the game because he asked his friends for help? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Niantic has taken a strong stance on cheating in the game. Don't push your luck, fellow trainers!

                Cheating At Pokémon GO Will Get You A Lifetime Ban From The Game

Niantic is not messing around.

Read the full story


Here Are The Highlights Of BN, PN & PH's Manifestos To Help You Decide Who To Vote For

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Three of Malaysia's biggest coalitions have revealed their manifestos for the 15th General Election (GE15), and those documents are over 200 pages long combined

It could be daunting for voters to go through the coalitions' pledges in their entirety.So, to get you up to speed, SAYS has compiled about 50 pledges of interest from Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), and Perikatan Nasional (PN) that are most likely to affect the general public, and to help you decide which coalition to vote for. These are the only three coalitions that have put forward a prime minister candidate, discounting Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Pejuang as it is not a coalition and has yet to release its manifesto as of today, 10 November.

Below are the highlights of the pledges from each coalition:

1. Barisan Nasional (BN)

Image via Free Malaysia Today

Prime Minister candidate: Datuk Sri Ismail Sabri YaakobCoalition chairman: Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid HamidiComponent parties: UMNO, MCA, MIC, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party (MMSP), Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (IPF), Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma), Malaysian United Indian Party (MUIP), Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), and Parti Punjabi Malaysia (PPM).Manifesto title: 'Perancangan Amal dan Usaha' or PADUNumber of pages: 48Manifesto highlights:On the cost of living1. Eradicate absolute poverty through the Assistive Basic Income Scheme which is credited every month automatically to all households with a monthly income below RM2,208 by the year 2025, in addition to continuing other assistance programs for various eligible groups.2. Provide a 2% income tax cut targeted at the M40 group, for those earning between RM50,000 and RM100,000 per year.On political systems and governance3. Explore the devolution of power from the Federal Government to the State Government to increase efficiency and strengthen the spirit of Federalism. 4. Separate the roles and functions of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor to eliminate conflict of interest. 5. Establish a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for recommending and vetting key national positions such as the MACC Chief Commissioner, EC Chairman, and Bank Negara Governor.6. Explore the use of blockchain technology towards creating a single and integrated identification system (ID card, licence, insurance/takaful, Touch 'n Go, and others). 7. Strengthen the Islamic legal system and the Syariah courts by enhancing the position and independence of the Syariah judiciary to be on par with the Civil Court.On healthcare8. Enhance the quality, access, and expertise in our public health system by doubling the annual allocation from RM36 billion to RM77 billion (5% of GDP) by 2027. 9. Construct more specialist hospitals for specific medical disciplines, such as infectious diseases and mental health. On education10. Provide free national early childhood care and education for all children six years of age and under, substantially reducing the cost of living for young families. 11. Introduce the teaching of 21st-century smart skills, such as programming (coding), creativity, and basic communication languages, such as Mandarin, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan, Dusun, and other ethnic languages in all schools. 12. Textbook-free schools with the provision of free laptops to all B40 students. 13. Expand 100% 5G Internet coverage and public Wi-Fi networks to all schools within 18 months. 14. Promote teaching as a preferred and highly prestigious profession by introducing a special scheme for the best talents in addition to increasing the number of Master Teachers by 10%. 15. Provide free higher education to all individuals from B40 families, as a long-term poverty eradication plan. 16. Reduce the cost of higher education by up to 50% through the introduction of a flexible higher education system (50% on campus and 50% online/distance learning). 17. Encourage students to take a gap year to fulfil their personal aspirations and interests, including contributing to society. 18. Grant full autonomy to public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA).19. Introduce the income-contingent PTPTN loan, with repayment starting only after graduates have worked for one year. 20. Expand PTPTN funding to 100% (full loan) for students from the M40 group and below. On jobs and young adults21. Paid holiday on employee's birthday, as a measure to appreciate the contribution of employees. 22. Enact the Dependent Contractor Act immediately to protect the rights, welfare, and income of gig workers, e-hailing drivers, food delivery drivers, and other non-formal workers. 23. Actively involve local authorities in the efforts to provide more affordable homes for sale or rent in their respective areas. 24. Expand the coverage of the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (HCGS) to provide more government guarantees on housing loans to help borrowers without a fixed income. 25. Provide sufficient affordable homes for Malaysians so that those who qualify can afford to own affordable homes, in addition to increasing the "rent-to-own" programs. On foreign direct investment (FDI)26. Set limits on GLC investment and involvement in certain industries to prevent GLCs from crowding out opportunities for private companies. 27. Carry out a comprehensive reform of immigration laws and regulations by introducing various types of visas to attract investors, the best talents, and skilled workers to live, work, and contribute productively to Malaysia. On need-based policy 28. Allocate RM10 million per year to provide travel vouchers to the disabled via e-hailing services. 29. Establish a Cabinet Committee for Human Dignity (INSANI) to resolve all cases of children born out of wedlock and undocumented children in addition to upholding their right to education. 30. Achieve zero absolute and hardcore poverty by 2025.31. Enforce harsher punishments for the offence of drunk driving or driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.On women's rights32. Establish an Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal and conduct a needs assessment to establish a Gender Equality Tribunal.33. Amend the Federal Constitution and the related laws to uphold citizenship rights for children born to Malaysian women abroad.34. Provide one-off RM500 cash assistance to Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia recipient mothers who have given birth. 35. Provide tax deductions for companies that uphold gender and ethnic diversity in management.36. Provide tax deduction incentives to employers who introduce flexible working hours for working mothers. 37. Establish the first Women's Public Specialist Hospital (HAWA) as a hospital specialising in women's health issues.38. Establish the first Women's Public University. 39. Provide full income tax exemptions for five years for all women who return to the workforce after a career break. On the environment40. Implement stricter environmental laws with a fine of up to RM10 million for offenders, which will be designated to fund pollution treatment costs. 41. Remove approved permits (AP) for electric vehicles (EV) to increase access to affordable eco-friendly vehicles. 42. Ensure 100% of public transport services and official Government vehicles are environmentally friendly by 2030. 43. Establish a special fund to help victims of natural disasters which happen as a result of environmental pollution. 44. Increase Malaysia's forest cover to 60% of the land surface, with the cooperation of the State Governments. Addition45. BN also promises to appoint two Deputy Prime Ministers, one each from Sabah and Sarawak.46. BN also promises to see through the passing of the Budget 2024.Click here to read BN's full GE15 manifesto.

2. Pakatan Harapan (PH)

Image via Kwong Wah Daily

Prime Minister candidate: Datuk Seri Anwar IbrahimCoalition leader: Datuk Seri Anwar IbrahimComponent parties: PKR, DAP, Amanah, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), and MUDA as an allied partyManifesto title: 'Kita Boleh'Number of pages: 98Manifesto highlights:(The pledges in the list below are shortened to only include the important messages and are not taken verbatim.)On the cost of living1. Eliminate cartels in the sectors of food and essential supplies to encourage competition while also eradicating profiteering. 2. Work closely with suppliers to ensure sufficient food supplies, especially during festive seasons to ensure continuous supply and low prices.3. Provide incentives to increase the production of food and basic essentials. This is a long-term solution to alleviate market pressures caused by rising prices.4. The PH administration reduced the toll rate by 18% for the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the East-Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT 2). PH will continue reducing PLUS tolls gradually with the ultimate goal of eliminating tolls and returning PLUS highway to public ownership.On eradicating poverty5. Provide micro-credit financing for vulnerable demographics to participate in economic opportunities and free themselves from the vicious poverty cycle through fund injections from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and Yayasan Usaha Maju.6. Continue the Bantuan Sara Hidup programme to help overcome living costs. 7. Provide affordable homes for ownership, rental, low-cost and medium-cost, and transit housing for localities that need them. 8. Build up more Klinik Kesihatan in high-density areas and areas with high poverty incidence to improve community health access.On jobs9. A structured minimum wage policy plan to achieve the status of a high-income nation.10. Establish a regulatory body to implement social security schemes for six million gig workers to deal with contract agreements, free life insurance schemes, and funeral compensation amounting to RM10,000.11. Extend the provision of special allowance to those who have lost their jobs as contract workers. Applicable to those who are actively seeking new employment.On house ownership12. Provide an adequate amount of affordable homes for purchase rental, low-cost, and medium-cost in localities that need them most. 13. PH will reintroduce a RM3 billion JaminPinjam fund to guarantee financing homes for first-time buyers of affordable housing.14. PH will expand the 100% stamp duty exemption for first-time homeowners for properties below RM500,000 to also cover sub-sale unit ownership.On issues concerning the youth15. PH will introduce the B40 scholarship to help reduce dependency on loans, such as PTPTN, for low-income families.16. Kad Belia cardholders, eligible to those aged between 13 and 25, will be able to enjoy promotions and discounts at selected businesses.17. Kembara Siswa will be introduced to help students who wish to return to their hometown, especially during festive seasons. Flight tickets to Sabah or Sarawak from Peninsular Malaysia and vice versa will be fixed at RM199 for students.18. Guarantee freedom for youths to participate in activism and encourage the establishment of social and welfare bodies spearheaded by the youth.19. Young workers aged between 18 and 30 under Human Resource Development Corporation to receive RM500 for training courses.20. Implementing a policy of 'No Discrimination, No Rejection' for all registrations into the TVET system.On women and children's rights21. Every newborn will be given cash benefits that will be deposited monthly to the parents' account up to six years old with this universal child benefits initiative.22. Amending Article 14(1)(b) and 15(2) in the Constitution to guarantee citizenship for any child born in or outside Malaysia to either a Malaysian mother or father regardless of race and religion. The amendments will also include automatic citizenship for adopted children.23. Setting up a child rights committee at civil and Syariah courts to help children solve various court issues such as child marriage, custodial rights, and visitation rights. 24. PH will resume efforts outlined in the National Strategic Plan in Handling Causes of Child Marriage 2025, as implemented in January 2020.25. Every bill presented in parliament will be guaranteed to possess gender inclusivity elements.On corruption26. The nomination of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner must be vetted by a bipartisan Parliamentary Special Committee for a truly neutral candidate who will not protect the interests of any specific party.27. PH intends to continue the asset declaration practice for all ministers, members of parliament, senior civil servants, GLC chairmen, as well as all spouses and close family members aged 18 years old and above.On freedom of expression28. PH will introduce the Freedom of Information Act and limit the implementation of the Official Secrets Act (OSA), except only for matters that can potentially threaten the security of the nation.29. PH will guarantee freedom of media by reigniting efforts to establish a Media Council and amending the Printing Press Act.30. Reviewing and repealing draconian provisions of acts that can be abused to restrict free speech, such as the Sedition Act 1948, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984.31. Establishing an independent, professional, and transparent film board that will comprise industry members, artists, and members of civil society who have the proper credentials to regulate films and improve existing structures.On political systems and governance32. Set a 10-year term limit for Prime Ministers, Menteri Besar, and Chief Ministers.33. Separating the roles and responsibilities of the Public Prosecutor from the Attorney General to reinforce the freedom of public prosecutors. The Attorney General only acts as the government's legal advisor.34. The nomination for roles such as the Public Prosecutor, primary positions in the MACC, Election Commission of Malaysia, and the Inspector-General of Police must be vetted by a Special Parliamentary Committee that is made up of members from various parties.35. PH to push for the Fixed Parliament Term Act to avoid the negative effects on investor confidence and economic stability. Elections will only be called for at the end of the term.36. PH will provide equal constituency development funds (CDF) for members of parliament regardless of their party. The allocation must be declared at the parliament and not with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).On healthcare36. Increase the public healthcare expenditure to 5% of GDP in five years in order to keep up with the national population growth, increase in lifespan, and current needs.38. To solve the contract doctors conundrum, PH will set up a National Health Services Commission to reinforce the management of human resources, staffing, training, and career growth of healthcare staff.39. Efforts will be made to reduce the waiting periods for receiving health services.40. Expand the coverage of the mySalam program to the M40 group. This program will cover critical illnesses and admission to the hospital for coverage of health assessment and mental healthcare including counselling.41. Hasten the amendment of Section 309 Penal Code to decriminalise suicide attempts. 42. Invest more attention into increasing mental healthcare on a holistic approach, which includes insurance schemes that cover mental health issues.On education43. Fair allocation for different schools regardless if they are Sekolah Kebangsaan, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC), Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT), Sekolah Berasrama Penuh, Maktab Rendah Sains MARA, Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan, and many more. 44. Continue efforts to recognise UEC as a general requirement for Public Higher Education Institutes (IPTA) with the condition that applicants possess at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu for their SPM results.45. Introduce the Targeted PTPTN Loans Forgiveness initiative for B40 households.46. More scholarships will be introduced for the B40 group to help them reduce dependency on PTPTN loans.47. Ensure more high-achieving SPM & STPM graduates are provided the opportunity to continue their studies in Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTAs).On East Malaysia48. Two (2) Deputy Prime Ministers will be appointed, one from the Borneo regions and one from the Peninsular.49. PH to push for revenue sharing between East and West Malaysia. Implementation of 40% of Sabah regional revenue to be returned based on the original formula of Article 112C and Subsection 2(1) Part IV of the Tenth Schedule in the Federal Constitution. For Sarawak, a review must be made as stated under Article 112D Section 3, which is every five years.50. Ensuring that 35% of parliament representatives are from Sabah and Sarawak.Click here to read PH's full GE15 manifesto.

3. Perikatan Nasional (PN)

Image via Free Malaysia Today

Prime Minister candidate: Tan Sri Muhyiddin YassinCoalition leader: Tan Sri Muhyiddin YassinComponent parties: Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, as well as Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), the latter two are also members of coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)Manifesto name: 'Prihatin, Bersih, Stabil', or PN BESTNumber of pages: 52Manifesto highlights:On economic recovery and aiding the poor1. Allocate a RM5 billion special fund to encourage foreign investment and make Malaysia an attractive market in Southeast Asia.2. Make MyPrihatin the one-stop centre and database for the delivery of financial aid to people in need.3. Introduce the Prihatin Nasional card initiative that gives people free access to selected health services at private clinics and government hospitals.4. Implement free bus services to schools and childcare centres for the poor.5. Create 1,000,000 high-paying jobs in the digital economy sector in five years.6. Create new domestic products and attractions in Malaysia with an RM1 billion special tourism fund.7. Distribute a special gig workers incentive worth RM1,000 to allow them to continue studying at higher education institutions.8. Introduce a well-planned and comprehensive fisherman development scheme to improve the standard of living of fishermen.9. Increase the income and welfare of small farmers through the modernisation of the rubber industry.10. A more effective SME loan moratorium to help small traders.On entrepreneurship11. One-year free Internet for digital startups to encourage technological innovation.12. Implement the young entrepreneur programme in the digital economy industry.On food security13. Allocate a RM1 billion fund with a low-interest rate to help farmers increase food production in the country and stabilise food prices.14. Establish six food production mega hubs throughout the country to stabilise food prices.On the judiciary system and corruption15. Empower the Syariah and judicial system.16. The national anti-corruption plan will be strengthened and dedicated courts that deal with corruption will be established.17. Banning political donations from abroad to protect national sovereignty.On education18. Establish high-speed Internet in classrooms & teachers' offices in all schools nationwide.19. Allocate RM50 million a year for the development of infrastructure and syllabi for students with special educational needs.20. Provide access to digital devices for students across the country.21. Improve the natural disaster and climate change response agency so that it can deal with floods and other disasters more effectively.22. Allocate a special fund for Tahfiz schools to allow students to participate in TVET classes.23. Provide laptops for all teachers in the Ministry of Education to facilitate teaching and learning tasks.24. Allocate RM2.5 billion per year for school maintenance for the period of 2023 to 2025.25. Improve the capacity and expertise of special education service centres throughout the country.26. Allocate some budget for one-off initial study financial aid for new students enrolling in higher education institutions.27. Provide fast Internet access nationwide and guarantee affordable 5G service charges.28. Establish training programmes for people with disability after school to prepare them toenter the job market.On highway and water supply29. Accelerate the construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway.30. Reduce highway congestion by accelerating the use of gateless toll systems and add extra lanes at congested locations.31. Allocate a special fund to upgrade and solve water supply problems throughout the country.On civil servants32. The cost of living assistance (COLA) for civil servants will increase by RM100 and will beadjusted periodically.33. Civil servants will receive a special additional annual salary increase of RM100 per month in 2023.34. Allocate RM2.5 billion a year to maintain government quarters throughout the country between 2023 and 2025.On healthcare35. Budget allocation for the Ministry of Health will raise to 5% of the country's GDP in stages tostrengthen the quality of health services.36. Provide a special tax relief of RM3,000 to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians.On East Malaysia37. Hasten the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).38. Establish new public universities in Sabah and Sarawak.39. The payment from the petroleum revenue will be directly distributed to the stategovernments based on the Petroleum Development Act 1974.On empowering the youth40. Establish affordable youth micro-housing schemes in major cities.41. Increase the Senator quota for youth.42. Introduce a 25% PTPTN repayment discount to second-class graduates above.On improving the communities43. Establish unity sports and community centres in every district.44. Establish a new FELDA vision to guarantee the future of the young generation in the FELDA areas.On issues concerning women, senior citizens, and children45. The DanaNITA initiative will offer interest-free loans up to RM20,000 to female entrepreneurs.46. The elderly department will be established to ensure the well-being of the senior citizens.47. Strengthen the law to protect the rights of women and children.48. Establish a special PN committee that is made up of experts to monitor and ensure that all pledges are fully implemented.Click here to read PN's full GE15 manifesto.

Get the latest political updates on SAYS here

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How To Holiday In Maldives With Only RM2,500 And Still Have An Awesome Time

This is Maldives, an archipelagic country of 1,200 islands with magnificent sandy, white beaches

Image via Farouq Johari

Maldives is a magical place. Famous for its 'atolls' — a chain of islands formed of coral — pristine, crystal clear waters, it lives up to its reputation of being a place called 'paradise'.

Interestingly, none of the islands have mountains or rivers, and are merely two meters above sea level!
Image via Farouq Johari

Maldives is famous for their luxury resorts and floating water bungalows.
Image via Lily Beach Resort & Spa

As Maldives is well-known for its very “atas” holiday experience, the thought of a trip to the island country can make budget-conscious people sceptical

Image via Lily Beach Resort & Spa

"I wanna go to Maldives but it's too 'mahal' lah.""Maldives looks like it's only for the rich. I can't afford to go there.""Is it possible to experience Maldives with a small budget?"If you've ever thought of Maldives that way, you're not alone. I was pretty doubtful too.

Earlier this May, AirAsia sent me on a budget-friendly trip to Maldives with a bunch of other eager writers. It was a 4-day, 3-night trip with an all-in budget of only RM2,500 a person!

The 9 of us. From left: Farouq from SAYS, Janice from AirAsia, Nikki from Viralcham, Lydia from Cilisos, Syukri from BeautifulNara, Fazreen from Vocket, Ash from OhBulan, Pelly from CARI Internet, and Suzanne from Asia Travel Book.
Image via Farouq Johari

Har? Can meh? It's not like you have to 'makan pasir' while having fun. The budget was inclusive of return flights from KL (thank you, AirAsia), accommodation for 4 days and 3 nights, transportation in Maldives, full-on 'makan sampai kenyang' meals (very important), sea excursions like snorkelling, dolphin watching and a sunset cruise, and some light shopping. How? Let me give you the lowdown:

1. Save on your plane tickets. AirAsia flies direct to Maldives from KL every day.

Our flight details to Male.
Image via Farouq Johari

AirAsia flies DIRECTLY to Maldives from KL once a day. Our flight to Male cost us RM599 per pax for a return ticket. The price fluctuates according to seasons. Plan in advanced, or play around the dates during off-peak seasons from March to September.

2. Don't go for water bungalows, floating hotels, or fancy resorts

Constance Halaveli, Maldives.
Image via Somewhere Luxurious

Fancy resorts and floating water bungalows could cost you your spleen even for just one night. The cost varies according to hotels but some are around USD700 (RM2,999) per night during off-peak season! Yeah, USD700 isn't even considered 'expensive'. If you can afford these 'atas' places then this story is probably not for you, unless you want to save on everything else.If you're like me, and you can't, you'd ask "What other options do I have?"

3. Stay at a guesthouse!

I would recommend going to Rasdhoo Island and checking-in at Holiday Garden Rasdhoo or Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo. The staff here were amazingly friendly and their service is top-notch! They even entertained us with some traditional Maldivian performances on our last night - it was on the house, yaw!The price for both guest houses is USD70 (RM299) per night during off-peak season, including breakfast.

Holiday Garden Rasdhoo.
Image via Farouq Johari

This is the room. So fresh, so clean!
Image via Farouq Johari

But what about taking Insta pics in a super luxe bungalow? Well, maybe not when you're on a budget. Guest houses in Maldives are equipped with everything you need in a hotel. The one I stayed at was spacious, clean and comfortable, had a hot shower, speedy Wi-fi, free-flow of coffee and tea, privacy, packages for sea excursions, and more. It's really good enough lah.

Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo.
Image via Farouq Johari

Very modern and new!
Image via Farouq Johari

Plus, you'll be closer to local Maldivian life. You'll get a glimpse of how the locals make a living by building boats, fishing, operating a small coffee shop, etc.

Work-in-progress boat.
Image via Farouq Johari

I <3 Rasdhoo.
Image via Farouq Johari

4. Public ferry is very cheap but it will eat up 3 hours of your time. My recommendation: save time, take the speedboat (only one hour).

Selfie at the airport jetty.
Image via Farouq Johari

The public ferry costs only USD3 (RM13) per person, one-way, while the speedboat is USD40 (RM171) per person, one-way. If you really want to save, just take the public ferry instead of the speedboat because the RM158 margin is pretty huge.What's the downside of taking the public ferry? It takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to Rasdhoo Island. With speedboat, you can reach Rasdhoo Island from the airport jetty in only one hour.

This is the speedboat.
Image via Farouq Johari

So, choose wisely. Either you pay more to save time, or pay less to save money. But if you can "tahan" the bumpy sea ride for more than 3 hours, you'll be fine then.

This is the public ferry.
Image via Focus Maldives

5. A single traveller SIM card with 15GB data costs around RM86. It's expensive and not worth buying.

There are two telcos to choose from namely Dhiraagu and Ooredoo.So some of us bought the Dhiraagu plan and paid USD20 (RM86) because we believed the telco is more trusted and not ‘diragui’. Lol.Although, if you don’t buy the SIM card, the free wifi provided by most guest houses is pretty dependable and fast.

Dhiraagu starter pack.
Image via Farouq Johari

As a country with 70% water and 30% land, you may be surprised to find out that the Internet connection in Maldives is very stable. At times, it even felt as if the coverage was better when compared to our Bolehland.

An aerial shot of Rasdhoo Island.
Image via Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo

6. Don't go alone or with a friend. Go with a group of friends, at least 10 people. You'll save a lot.

Mandatory jump shot!
Image via Farouq Johari

In terms of accommodation, there would not be a problem to go to Maldives as a couple as most guest houses use the twin-sharing format for their rooms. You can always split the bill into two.However, expect to pay more, way more for excursions and activities as the figures could be double or triple for two persons. During our stay, we paid for the excursions based on the 8 pax package.Therefore, instead of paying USD90 (RM385) per person to witness the lovely dolphins, we only paid USD45 (RM192) per person for the same thing. That's half the price!

You'll be 'pokai' if you go alone.
Image via Farouq Johari

7. Make sure to go during off-peak season because everything is just much cheaper

Watching sunset at the Sandbank Island.
Image via Farouq Johari

Bear in mind that the peak season for Maldives is between October to February. During this period, travellers from all around the world will swoop into the islands, and all resorts and guest houses will be fully booked.Other than that period, Maldives is a little more peaceful and less crowded. One of the perks that you may get when travelling during off-peak season is privacy and exclusivity. Believe it or not, we had the Sandbank Island exclusively to ourselves! It allowed us to indulge in some silly fun on the island.

This Sandbank Island was exclusive for us!
Image via Farouq Johari

Gorgeous Maldivian sunset.
Image via Farouq Johari

8. 'Makan' is a bit pricey in Maldives, but that's part of the experience you pay for

In Maldives, you can choose to have lunch or dinner in any of the restaurants. But my recommendation to you is that you take up the full-board package from the guest house that includes lunch and dinner as well.Although the price is a little higher compared to eating in a local 'kedai makan', you will experience Maldivian dishes at their finest, buffet-style.The food is pretty simple, just some plain rice, sometimes noodle or Maggi, lots of tuna, some veggies and fruits, but they taste really good! Brace yourself because one plate is never enough. Burp.

The lunch spread on our second day: white rice, veggies, and Maldivian meat curry. Looks 'biasa-biasa' but they taste so good! And we had bottles of Coke some more.
Image via Farouq Johari

As the world's largest producer and exporter of tuna, you can expect to be served with tuna all day, every day. They serve all kinds of tuna dishes there; fried tuna, grilled tuna, roasted tuna, this tuna, that tuna, everything tuna, you name it. They serve it.Besides, you won't get bored with the dishes. They are well prepared by the resident chefs.

Our dinner.
Image via Farouq Johari

9. Stay for 4 days and 3 nights

That's Ash Nordin from OhBulan.
Image via Farouq Johari

With the budget of RM2,500, a four-day trip to Maldives is more than enough.It will allow you to not just experience the sea-life, but you can also get a taste of the way of life there. And if you use your time wisely, you can even interact around with locals.While a four-day trip may sound too short, do keep in mind the budget you're going with.

10. Expect the weather to get slightly bad rather quickly

It was raining in Sandbank Island.
Image via Farouq Johari

While it's not that frequent, it does rain in Maldives during May to August.In fact, it was raining during our Sandbank Excursion. And while it didn't last for long, it was enough for our Dolphin Excursion to be called-off which was quite the mood killer as we were forced to just stay at the guest house.As a kind gesture from the staffs, we tried again the next morning but there were no sights of dolphins at all. You can only see them swimming and jumping happily in the evening.

Dolphin Excursion the next morning with no dolphins in sight.
Image via Farouq Johari

Here are some fun facts about Maldives:

Image via Farouq Johari

1. Not many people know this, but Maldives is actually a 100% Muslim country. So, everything they serve is Halal guaranteed! Alcoholic drinks are available in private resorts only.2. According to the locals, the sayings about Maldives will be completely submerged in 30 years time is NOT true. It's merely just a myth!3. Everything is in USD. EVERYTHING! The official currency of the country is Maldivian Rufiyaa but the currency is not available in Malaysia's money changers. So, just use USD-lah.4. While you can wear bikini in most of the beaches, do make sure to cover up when you're in public.5. Maldivians speak good English, just like us.

Cost breakdown:

Day 1:1. AirAsia return flight: RM599 = USD140 (4.3 conversion rate)2. Check-in at UI Hotel/Dream Relax Hotel: USD60 per night (including pick-up service from the airport)PS: This is based on twin-sharing basis. Cost for one person would be USD30.3. Light supper: USD5 per personTotal: 140 + 30 + 5 = USD175 (RM749)

UI Hotel, Hulhumale.
Image via Farouq Johari

Standard room in Dream Relax Hotel.
Image via Farouq Johari

Image via Farouq Johari

Day 2:1. Speedboat transfer to Rasdhoo Island: USD40 per person2. Check-in at Holiday Garden Rasdhoo: USD70 per night (breakfast included)PS: This is based on twin-sharing basis. Cost for one person would be USD35.3. Lunch at Picnic Island: USD10 per person4. Sandbank Island excursion: USD15 per personPS: All excursions were based on the 8-pax package.5. Dinner at guest house: USD15 per personTotal: 40 + 35 + 10 + 15 + 15 = USD115 (RM492)

Image via Farouq Johari

Ash again.
Image via Farouq Johari

Image via Farouq Johari

Day 3:1. Check-in at Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo: USD70 per night (breakfast included)PS: This is based on twin-sharing basis. Cost for one person would be USD35.2. Snorkeling safari: USD42 per person3. Lunch at guest house: USD10 per person4. Dolphin watching and sunset cruise: USD55 per person5. Dinner at guest house: USD15 per personTotal: 35 + 42 + 10 + 55 + 15 = USD157 (RM672)

The ocean is so blue!
Image via Farouq Johari

You won't want to miss the snorkeling safari.
Image via Farouq Johari

Image via Farouq Johari

Day 4:1. Lunch at guest house: USD10 per person2. Speedboat transfer to Male City: USD40 per person3. Dinner at Citron Restaurant: USD20 per person4. Public ferry to Velana International Airport: USD2 per personTotal: 10 + 40 + 20 + 2 = USD72 (RM308)

This was not in the package but we got to experience Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for free! The actual cost is USD60 (RM257). Thanks Rasdhoo Scuba.
Image via Farouq Johari

DSD was awesome!
Image via Farouq Johari

We got the chance to board the seaplane as well.
Image via Farouq Johari

GRAND TOTAL:= 749 + 492 + 672 + 308= RM2,221 ONLY

Thanks Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo and Holiday Garden Rasdhoo for the great hospitality. We shall meet again soon!
Image via Farouq Johari

That is all. Special thanks to all the sponsors; AirAsia, All H Maldives, and Maldives Getaways for this awesome experience. We had so much fun soaking in the Maldivian sun!


A 6-Year-Old Has Died After Allegedly Being Beaten Up By His Mother's Boyfriend

Earlier this week, 6-year-old Mohamad Rayyan from Kangar died after he was allegedly beaten up by his mother's abusive boyfriend

According to a report in NST Online, Mohamad Rayyan succumbed to his injuries at the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital (HTF) in Kangar at about 4am on Wednesday, 18 April, hours after he was rushed to the hospital after vomiting and passing out.In its report, that was published yesterday, 20 April, NST Online quoted Perlis police chief Datuk Azisman Alias saying that a pathology report, which helped uncover the horrific abuse, revealed that the boy had been beaten using a blunt object."The victim suffered severe internal injuries besides his broken ribs and torn colon," Azisman told the English daily when met at his office on Friday.

It was reported that he was beaten so severely that his ribs broke and his colon was torn during the unimaginable ordeal he suffered

6-year-old Mohamad Rayyan.
Image via Barita Harian

Police arrested Rayyan's mother and her boyfriend after they turned themselves in at the Kangar police station on Thursday

According to police chief Azisman, police have obtained a week-long remand order against the 31-year-old mother and her 26-year-old boyfriend, beginning Friday."Based on checks, the man has a criminal record of 12 offences, most of them involving motorcycle theft," Azisman said, adding that the case is classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.

The boyfriend being escorted out after police obtained a week-long remand.
Image via Barita Harian

Meanwhile, little Rayyan was laid to rest at the Kampung Abi Tok Hashim Muslim cemetery on Thursday by his father, who had broken up with his wife, Rayyan's mother, three years ago

According to the father, he only learnt about the suspected abuse after the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital released the pathology report on the evening of 19 April.The father, Hairil Khan Azali, had last seen his son back in March."I had broken up with my wife three years ago, but I saw Rayyan quite frequently, as he had lived with my former in-laws in Kampung Abi."However, I had not seen him for a month, as my ex-wife left her parents' home with Rayyan to live with her boyfriend. I did not know where they lived, and even my former in-laws were not informed of where my ex-wife was living," he told NST Online.

In other news, a police report was lodged against a 39-year-old man in Labuan by his stepdaughter, who is five weeks pregnant:

                A 39-Year-Old Man In Labuan Had Been Raping His Stepdaughter Since She Was 10

The girl, now 16, suffers from emotional disturbance.

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