Sabah Worker Let Go After 10 Years Of Employment For Not Taking Covid Vaccine

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“I’m not an anti-vaxxer,” explained a local TikToker who went viral after claiming that she was laid off work for not being vaccinated.

Lia_Rose had posted up a letter that was supposedly sent by her employer in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah which reads that her employment would be terminated at the end of September.
“As you know, on 21 September 2021 the Malaysian Government had made it mandatory for workers in the trade sector to receive two full doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for employees who are returning to work. However, with your refusal and without providing a reasonable excuse, the company is left with no choice but to terminate you to abide by workplace standard operating procedures (SOP),” read the termination notice sent by a credit and leasing company.
Lia_Rose had explained in the captions that she had worked there for 10 years, and further “thanked” the government for her particular predicament.
  @lia_rose91 After 10years berkhidmat,dibuang hanya sbb tdk ambil vaksin 🤪##covid19 ##vaksin ♬ suara asli  – 🇲🇨BAWEL🇹🇼
A peek through the comments show that most people had agreed with the company’s action to terminate someone who refused to take the vaccine without appropriate cause and that ‘anti-vaxxers’ should not be allowed to be in public.
(Credit: lia_rose91 via TikTok)
However, in a later posting, Lia_Rose insisted that she was not against taking the vaccine, but was instead scared of the adverse event following immunization or AEFI.
Honestly I think that every individual’s antibodies are different. Thankfully those who’ve been vaccinated didn’t receive adverse reactions like others. Congratulations. But different people face different situations… Me? The situation in my surroundings, almost everyone receives adverse reactions from the vaccine. Who wouldn’t be scared and worried? In this situation, (I) need support and encouragement if it’s mandatory to take the vaccine.Lia_Rose via TikTok
Her claims, of course, cannot be substantiated – as in, she provides no proof of anyone having adverse side-effects and it is highly unlikely that anyone experiences any unexpected side-effects other than common flu-like symptoms.
However, Lia_Rose later explained that she was working things out with her employers and that she would take the vaccine for the sake of her paycheck.
If the situation forces me to do so, involving work, I’ll get vaccinated. They gave me time to get the vaccine, time off and other things. We’re talking it over nicely.Lia_Rose via TikTok
Lia_Rose ended her online confession by encouraging others to get themselves immunized.
So to the friends who haven’t been vaccinated and still want to work, go and get vaccinated quickly without delay.
  @lia_rose91 Ok bai 💃 ♬ Dont be happier – Hane
Legally speaking, employers are fully within their right to terminate the employment of those who refuse to be vaccinated without providing a valid reason for doing so.
Read More: Employers Can Make It Mandatory Or Fire Staff Who Refuse Covid Vaccine
Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan previously stated that workers who refuse to take the vaccine can be deemed as an occupational hazard.
We don’t have any rules or acts that compel workers to be vaccinated, but we can use the Occupational Safety and Health Act to take action… We should not dispute the need to be vaccinated because the public is aware that we want to be free from Covid-19. So we need to do it together by getting vaccinated.Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan via The Star
However, the move did receive pushback from organizations like the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) who say that the government should implement proper policies to regulate the situation.
Since the government does not make vaccination a mandatory obligation, companies cannot make refusal to take vaccines a fair and justified reason to lay off employees. Do not let this matter be handled by employers and companies without guidelines from the government.MTUC via Malaysiakini
The MTUC further urged employers not to terminate their staff for refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine.

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Source:
Action can be taken against anti-vaxxers at work, says HR Minister
MTUC urges companies not to lay off workers who refuse to get vaccinated
MTUC bantah tindakan syarikat buang pekerja enggan divaksin


Malaysia Must Appoint Special Envoy On Islamophobia To Fight Discrimination And Racism, Says Political Analyst

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A political security analyst, Dr. Abdul Razak Ahmad, said the government should seriously consider appointing a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.

He said the move is imperative as discrimination and racism continue to take an unacceptable toll on Muslim communities worldwide.
Islamophobia is a pattern that is repeating in nearly every part of the world. As a model Islamic country, Malaysia must do its part in upholding religious freedom and human rights at the international level. Dr Abdul Razak to TRP on the need to appoint a special envoy on Islamophobia
He pointed out that even Western countries, such as Canada, France and Germany have been working on various measures to combat Islamophobia, hate crimes and all forms of racism.

Citing an example, he said Islamphonia had been used to justify a large-scale, invasive violation of human rights over the Uyghur people in China.
The troubling violations include mass incarceration, surveillance and cultural erasure.
China has been accused by the world of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Muslim minority group.Dr. Abdul Razak to TRP on Uyghurs being victims of Islamophobia
Dr. Abdul Razak was speaking at a conference on Global Muslim Response To The Uyghur Crisis in Istanbul recently.
Hosted by Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) with support from the Turkish government, the event was attended by NGOs from countries all over the world including Malaysia.
Malaysian NGOs that participated included the International Women’s Alliance for Family Institution and Quality Education (WAFIQ), Malaysian Consultative Council Of Islamic Organization (Mapim), Malaysia4Uyghur (M4U), Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) and Muslim Youth Movement Malaysia (Abim).
Dr. Abdul Razak (in white) addressing delegates at the conference. (Credit: M4U)
Backdoor Diplomacy
Dr. Abdul Razak, who is the founder of Nahel Endownment for Peace, added that Umno enjoys a constructive friendship with the China government.
He said their relationship is very strong and UMNO had been invited to various Communist Party of China’s related programmes.
Conversely, CCP officials are also invited to Umno’s annual general assembly.
As such, Umno can use the party to party channel to address sensitive and delicate issues, said Abdul Razak, who had accompanied party officials on private meetings with high-level CCP officials.
Pragmatism is crucial in such pursuit and the ‘Asian ways’ must be embraced. Using the language of genocide may not be suitable if Malaysia wants to be effective in delivering an outcome.Dr Abdul Razak to TRP on how Umno can reach out to the Chinese government
Former Malaysian prime minister and Umno president Najib Razak was invited to addresses the World Chinese Economic Forum recently in Petaling Jaya. (Credit: Bloomberg)
He also said that since Malaysia is now a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2022 to 2024, it is important for Malaysia to deliver a stronger position on issues of human rights affecting Muslim minorities globally.
From Empathy To Action
Malaysia4Uyghur (M4U), a coalition of multifaith & multiracial NGOs advocating for Uyghur dignity, said Malaysians have been supportive to the Uyghurs in many ways.
READ MORE: Have You Ever Seen Uyghur Bazaar Naan? It’s So Fluffy And Delicious
Its president Zuhri Yuhyi said the ongoing support is important to prevent the treatment of the Uyghurs from worsening.
M4U president Zuhri Yuhyi. (Credit: M4U)
He noted that the true scope of the oppression and related figures will never be known due to a lack of independent oversight, and limited access to foreign journalists.
Even though it is happening far away from Malaysia, the oppression is evident on the ground in Xinjiang. We appreciate and salute all Malaysians who have been spending their time to tweet and post all sorts of information on what’s really happening in Xinjiang.Malaysia4Uyghur president Zuhri Yuhyi to TRP on Malaysian public opinion.
READ MORE: Made-In-China War Movie Angers Chinese Across The South China Sea
He said the outpouring of support help boost the morale of the Uyghur diaspora, some of whom are in Malaysia.

Engaging China On Islamophobia
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council Of Islamic Organization (Mapim) said the Uyghurs should not be left fighting a lone battle.
Rather, Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid said it should be supported by many more Malaysians in championing the fate of the Palestinians.
Personally, I am saddened to see how the Uyghurs have been left alone in their fate, in which, unfortunately, many Islamic countries have remained silent.Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid to TRP on the calling for Malaysians to show solidarity with the Uyghurs
Elaborating on bilateral relations, Azmi pointed out that Malaysia had always been grateful to the government and people of China for its wholehearted support in terms of economy.
Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid. (Credit: Mapim)
However, he also highlighted the importance of speaking the truth as one of the important pillars of the bilateral ties.
We are not anti-China. No doubt about that. But oppression driven by Islamophobia is not the answer. A proper strategy is needed to bring justice to the Uyghurs.Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid to TRP on the calling for Malaysians to show solidarity with the Uyghurs
Who Are The Uyghurs
The Uyghurs, who are Turkic-speaking people, live in the northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, also known as East Turkestan.
As they are mostly Muslim, Islam had been blamed as the root cause of violence in Xinjiang, notably a series of violent riots over several days that broke out in July 2009.
A view of Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang province. (Credit: CGTN)
These events in China, and in other parts of the world involving Muslims from other ethnics, had added a new dimension of urgency to the existing confrontation between Muslims and non-Muslims.Dr Abdul Razak to TRP on the need to appoint a special envoy on Islamophobia
Uyghurs have a distinct culture and history. About 12 million Uyghurs currently live in Xinjiang.
Human rights organizations, UN officials, and many foreign governments have called for international response to decades-long crackdown on Uyghurs by Chinese authorities.
The suggestions include a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which Malaysia is also participating.
All The Best and stay safe Jeffrey Webb dan Aruwin Salehhuddin❄🏂😷🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/sm3MeSk7NW— GoodMinton (@GoodMinton___) February 4, 2022

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EPF As Loan Collateral: Monthly Payments To Bank A Must

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Over the weekend, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) informed its members who wished to take out loans through the Facility Support Account 2 (FSA2) that they still needed to pay monthly installments.

The explanation was made by EPF in a statement via their official Twitter account on 7 April to clarify inaccurate information that has gone viral on social media.

Untuk makluman, ahli perlu membayar ansuran bulanan sepertimana yang di tetapkan oleh pihak perbankan.Maklumat lanjut mengenai Fasiliti Sokongan Akaun 2 (FSA2) di https://t.co/n0XRlHg2zC#KWSP #KWSPInfo pic.twitter.com/2FeHbzWUTC— KWSPMalaysia (@KWSPMalaysia) April 7, 2023

This has caused some confusion among EPF members.
EPF said that the initial application of FSA2 will allow members to take into account savings in Account 2 to obtain personal financing from banking institutions.
Payment (loan balance) will only be made to the banking institution when the member has reached the age of 50 to 55, subject to the member’s choice of withdrawal age. At the same time, members need to make monthly installment payments as prescribed by the banking department.@KWSPMalaysia via Twitter
For those who seek further clarification, you may do so here.
Earlier, the EPF announced that the FSA2 eligibility check can be done online starting April 5.

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Maya Karin to star in her first Hollywood movie with Tyler Posey

Malaysian actress Maya Karin is reportedly starring in her first Hollywood film!
The 39-year-old actress began shooting the film in Los Angeles last week and has been updating her fans through several social media posts.

 View this post on Instagram

 OMG!! My first day, first scene in good ol Hollywood!!! My dressing room is huuuge. #LA #losangeles #hollywood
A post shared by  Maya Karin (@maya_karin) on Jul 12, 2019 at 4:47pm PDT

Sheâ€™ll be acting alongside Tyler Posey, the 27-year-old actor best known for his roles in Teen Wolf and Scream, and Canadian actor Donald Sutherland who also acted in The Hunger Games saga.

 View this post on Instagram

 Hero of the movie Tyler Posey.. #LA #losangeles #hollywood
A post shared by  Maya Karin (@maya_karin) on Jul 13, 2019 at 2:37pm PDT

According to Maya, who spoke to Malay Mail, her offer for the film came in at the very last minute and sheâ€™ll only have one scene in the movie.

â€œThrough my connections and networking, I made friends with director Martin, and a Malaysian counterpart offered, and helped send me to LA to shoot this one scene.â€
â€œBasically the main reason I came here was for just one scene in my first Hollywood movie.â€
Maya Karin via Malay Mail
Although she only has one scene, her role is crucial to the film. This is obvious from the fact that sheâ€™ll have to memorise four pages of â€œscience dialogueâ€ as preparation.

 View this post on Instagram

 Homework before shoot esok. 4 pages of science dialogue 😱 so jom burger? #la #losangeles #nextmovieproject
A post shared by  Maya Karin (@maya_karin) on Jul 11, 2019 at 4:14pm PDT

â€œItâ€™s a fairly important role, I play a scientist whoâ€™s done all the research on this virus or infection that drives people nuts.â€
 Maya Karin via Malay Mail
Speaking about what it was like acting in a Hollywood production, the Malaysian actress said the experience has been eye opening.

â€œI was waited upon, cared for and even had a huge dressing room.â€
 Maya Karin via Malay Mail
The film, directed by Johnny Martin is titled â€œAloneâ€. Based on its synopsis on IMDB, the thriller centers around Aidan (Posey) who barricades himself inside his apartment and starts rationing food as his complex is overrun by infected â€˜Screamersâ€™.

 View this post on Instagram

 Super hands on director. With me every step of the way.. dah la 5 pages crammed into one scene.. first time shooting with an LA production, memang nervous 🤒 Swipe #LA #losangeles #tryingtodomybest #shooting #movies
A post shared by  Maya Karin (@maya_karin) on Jul 15, 2019 at 2:27pm PDT

We’re super stoked to watch you in the film once it’s released, Maya!


Long Lost Father And PJ Daughter Reunited When 24 YO Asked For Help On Twitter

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Nobody can deny the power of social media. You can connect or share any information with anyone which makes it such an incredible tool for us average joe investigators.

A 24-year-old woman thought to try her luck in finding her long lost father through Twitter and actually found him in less than a day!
 Initially, the woman named Cinta @cintadatsme who’s currently living in Petaling Jaya uploaded a picture of her and her dad when she was a kid on Twitter around 9 pm on 20 February asking if anybody knows or recognize this man. The man in the picture is her father and she’s currently looking for him by trying her luck on Twitter.

Ada sesiapa kenal tak pakcik ni? Maybe muka lain dah skrg, tua sikit. Sebab ni ayah I. I nak cari dia. Cuba nasib je ni. pic.twitter.com/bcoWpt0BiV— cinta (@cintadatsme) February 20, 2022

She gave a few details about him to help with the search which included his last whereabouts, his name and his descent.
A lot of people on Twitter gave her support and tried their best to help her. One person tried to enhance the picture of her father and hoped that it would help in her search more. Some also suggest using the ageing filter to get a good grip of how he might look now.

A few people said that he looked familiar and one comment got the attention of Cinta. A man named Azmi told her that if he looks closely, he actually recognize the picture. He said it might not be him or it might just be a doppelganger.

At 10 am, 21 February, Cinta updated her Twitter saying she actually found her father thanks to the helpful netizens.
TRP reached out to Cinta to further ask about this miraculous incident and she said her journey in finding her father’s whereabouts started from this guy named Azmi.  The two had connected on social media and found out that he knows her father as a distant cousin.
She found out that her father lives in a rural part of Sabah and doesn’t have a phone. She got the phone number of her father’s brother and video called him with her family in Petaling Jaya. Both she and her grandma cried while video calling as it was indeed such an emotional moment for them all.

Sudah jumpa papa ku. Huhu nenek nangis. TERIMA KASIH RAKYAT TWITTER. Next mission kena kumpul duit beli tic flight pergi balik sabah! https://t.co/LPRNlOgLHF pic.twitter.com/oRLViEN8Yc— cinta (@cintadatsme) February 21, 2022

I was just curious. I actually really wanted to know the feeling of having a father and so i was determined to find him. I did a few attempts finding him on Google, Facebook and my last resort was to post publicly on Twitter. I didnt lose hope yet at the time but I didn’t want to be too hopeful too. I just tried my luck. Cinta to TRP
She’s planning to pay him a visit there in Sabah, probably after Raya this year so that she can save up money for a flight ticket there. She noticed that her family in Sabah lived humbly and would like to bring them some gifts. She has refused to crowdfund, but is supporting herself with an online microbusiness.
When we were on the video call, I had mixed feelings. I feel awkward to call him ‘papa’ because I was still beyond belief that I’ve found him. I cried as I felt touched, happy, and sad, just all those emotions in one go.Cinta to TRP
Being the youngest among her siblings, she was around 2-3 years old when she last saw her father after her parents separated. Her siblings also tried searching for him but she was the most determined one and as luck would have it, she was the one that found him after approximately 20 years.
I don’t really remember much but one of the fond memories that I had of him was him playing the guitar. He just loves playing the guitar. He wouldn’t even let anyone touch the guitar if he’s not around lol. So everytime I see a guitar, I’ll automatically remember him.Cinta to TRP
She advised people out there with the same background as her to never lose hope to find their parents. If you guys have pictures then that’s a bonus and you can just do what she did. You’ll eventually find your lost ones.
Social media now is very powerful so do not underestimate it.

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Will Netflix Charge Extra Charges For Sharing Accounts?

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Netflix is one of the popular digital streaming platforms that is a favourite choice for many.

Despite competition like Disney+, users are drawn to its huge library of constantly refreshed content and its easy accessibility across different devices.
It must be noted that due to regional-restrictions and a highly regulated cyber-laws in Malaysia, Netflix offers only 1503 titles over there.
In comparison, there are 8000 plus titles that it offers to its users in US.
Nevertheless, Netflix is a popular choice for Malaysians as it is affordable.
Users can share accounts to lessen the monthly fees which can be expensive for solo user.
However, the prices we see now may not last for long.
Netflix has recently said that they will charge additional fees for shared accounts used by those who do not live together.
This has come as a bad news, as most people share their Netflix accounts with friends and family members living in other residences.
In a statement, Chengyi Long, Netflix’s director of product innovation, said Netflix has “always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account”, allowing people to create separate profiles on a single subscription.
But, accounts are being shared between households, impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.Netflix’s director of product innovation Chengyi Long on the new pricing mechanism.
How Can Netflix Know If Users Are From Same Household?
Netflix uses information such as IP addresses, device IDs and account activity from devices that sign in to a Netflix account.
The Basic plan (RM35 per month) also allows you to stream to one device at once, while the Standard plan (RM45 per month) allows you to stream to two devices at once.
The Premium plan (RM55 per month) allows you to stream to four devices at a time.
The new features will charge subscribers who share their accounts for up to two people outside their household.
Nevertheless, it will still be cheaper than registering another master account.
Malaysians can still enjoy the shared accounts at no extra charges for the time being.
The new pricing mechanism will be tested in Chile (RM12.50), Costa Rica and Peru (RM8.90).
Last year, the company introduced two-step verification, a more subtle way to curb password sharing.
Naturally, it has not gone down well with users.
They see it as nothing more than a way to make more money from existing subscribers as growth dampens.
#Netflix is petty as hell! how you goin' call someone unauthorized when the owner of the account willingly shared their password! pic.twitter.com/Ombbx5kJ5K— R (@ElliotRani) March 18, 2022

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Hocus Pocus 2 – The Sanderson Sisters Are Back To Cause Trouble [Review]

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The first Hocus Pocus film in 1993 became a cult classic and is one of the many fun staples of Halloween films to watch.

The story is centered around 17th-century witches named Winnifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson. Together, they’re known as the Sanderson sisters and they promise to get their revenge on the town of Salem when they return.
The second instalment, Hocus Pocus 2, premiered on Disney Plus Hotstar on Friday, 30 September.
The good and fun bits
The premise of Hocus Pocus 2 is simple enough. It has been 29 years since the Sanderson sisters showed up to cause havoc in Salem.
But when a group of friends accidentally light up the Black Flame Candle, it’s down to them to stop the ravenous witches from destroying Salem on All Hallow’s Eve.
(L-R): Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s live-action HOCUS POCUS 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Fans of Hocus Pocus (1993) will be glad to see the Sanderson sisters reunite in all their campiness and musical splendour in the second instalment.
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprised their roles as the Sanderson sisters and provided constant entertainment and laughs from the start to the end.
Since the sisters had not been in Salem for decades, the film’s writers managed to show how outdated the sisters were through the creative and comical incorporation of modern elements.
One of the modern elements that I thought was done well and a fun addition was Mary Sanderson flying on Roombas or robot vacuums, as shown in the trailer.
(L-R): Whitney Peak as Becca, Lilia Buckingham as Cassie, and Belissa Escobedo as Izzy in HOCUS POCUS 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The ‘witch and magic’ genre has always been popular in entertainment with shows such as Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Charmed 2.0.
In this film, the trio Becca, Cassie and Izzy (played by Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham and Belissa Escobedo) manage to play on this popular trope in the genre a little.
I find the plot twist (per se) was unexpected but it was nicely done and heartwarming. There’s a clue in there somewhere.
No evil here
Hocus Pocus 2 is a Disney movie, so the villains in the show are Disney-fied. You won’t find full-blown evil villains in the sequel.
In the first film, the Sanderson sisters are portrayed as evil witches who have to suck the souls of young children to retain their youthful looks.
In the sequel, the sisters are humanised, portrayed as survivors and barely got any evil deeds done.
Should you watch it?
It’s always hard to recapture the nostalgia, but Hocus Pocus 2 did well enough. The movie is comedic and some parts are campy, so it’s a good choice if you want something fun and light-hearted as your Halloween watch.

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[Watch] Malaysian Actress Anna Jobling Addresses Netizen’s Criticisms About Her Mother’s Looks

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Malaysian actress and model Anna Jobling, 22, was saddened after social media users criticised her mother’s looks.

This comes after a video montage showing Anna Jobling spending time with her mother in what looked like their travels and the events they attended.
Some mean netizens said Anna’s mother looked like her maid while another netizen wondered how Anna’s mother got a handsome husband.
The Melaka-born actress was born to an English father from the United Kingdom and a native Malaysian mother.
  @bobbaskyy2 mother is everything #annajobling ♬ THE SHADE – Rex Orange County
In an interview with Xtra, Anna addressed the negative comments and shared her thoughts about the issue.
Why would you disrespect someone’s mom like that? For me, you disrespected my family.Malaysian actress and model Anna Jobling
Anna said if people have problems with her, they should say it to her face and not drag her family into this because they didn’t bother anyone.
While the comments hurt her, her mother put up a strong front. Fortunately, her mother doesn’t care about what the critics say.
I told my mom about it and Alhamdulillah my mom is a strong person, and she doesn’t care about any of it.Malaysian actress and model Anna Jobling
Anna added that she would prefer if netizens commented on her career instead of her personal life.
But you know what, these netizens have mouths, they can say anything they want but the most important thing for me is just keeping positive and I don’t want to be bothered with the issue anymore.Malaysian actress and model Anna Jobling
  @xtra_my Panas! 🔥💥 Pelakon wanita mana yang tak senang dengan Anna ni? Dengki ke? #fyp #xtramy #annajobling #meerqeen #meernaa #dengki #tontonmy #beritaditiktok #sembangentertainment ♬ original sound  – XTRA
Nevertheless, Anna expressed gratitude to her fans for supporting her, noting that they were kind, supportive and very respectful to her family as well.
According to Malay Mail, Anna was a model and competed in beauty pageants before going into acting.
She was crowned Miss Tourism Pahang in 2018 and has starred in films such as Pasal Kau (2020) and Penunggang Agama 2 (2021).

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Bye-Bye Kampung? Malaysia Is Leading The Urbanisation Race In East Asia

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At the start of 2020 the bustling town of Seremban, the state capital of Negeri Sembilan, officially received the status of a city making it the 15th urban population center in Malaysia.
Though this change is bound to usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for the good people of Seremban, we wanted to understand the exact significance of this transition and how important are these cities that so many of us living in the 21st-century call home.
The Sri Sendayan mosque in Seremban.(Credit: Afdhal N via Unsplash)
Achieving city status
Though there are a number of urban populated areas in Malaysia that are typically considered as cities, as mentioned above, the country only has 17 areas which have official city status;
Kuala LumpurShah Alam, SelangorPetaling Jaya, SelangorGeorge Town, PenangSeberang Perai, PenangJohor Baharu, JohorIskandar Puteri, JohorMelakaAlor Setar, KedahIpoh, PerakKuala Terengganu, TerengganuKuching, SarawakMiri, SarawakKota Kinabalu, SabahSeremban, Negeri SembilanSubang Jaya, Selangor [added October 2020]Kuantan, Pahang [added February 2021]
In order to achieve this city status, an area needs to fulfil a certain set of criteria;
Firstly, a settlement must be the centre of administration for a particular state and have a population of more than 300,000 people.
Secondly, the area must be financially stable, with clear physical and fiscal development and attain an annual revenue of no less than RM80 million a year.
(Credit: Ling Tang via Unsplash)
Third, a city must be a centre for business, the industry as well as higher education with enough facilities to accommodate that function by having business areas, industrial zones and the necessary education facilities such as colleges, universities and libraries.
And lastly, in order to achieve city status, an area must have a unique set of history and be the centre for cultural and athletic activities with adequate facilities to match.
Stadium Shah Alam, Selangor.(Credit: Deva Darshan via Unsplash)
An urbanised planet
Cities and urban metropolitan areas have become the norm.
According to the United Nation’s 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects report, it’s estimated that 55% of the world’s population now resides in cities across the globe, and that number is expected to rise by close to 68% by the year 2050.

Malaysia has also been undergoing rapid urban growth and development.
The World Bank estimates that Malaysia’s urban population has increased from 10 million people to over 15 million between the years 2000 and 2010 alone, making us one of the most urbanized countries in the East Asian region behind Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
And data from market research firm Statista revealed that in 2017 nearly 75% of the country’s population now lives in cities, with over 7 million people living in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area – metropolitan area which includes 10 municipalities surrounding KL; Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Subang Jaya, Selayang, Ampang and Sepang.

The dawn of civilisation
Cities play a vital role in the establishment of human civilization. Even the word civilization is derived from the Latin term Civitas, meaning city. And so a civilization can be summed up to mean “a society made up of cities.”
The ancient city of Petra, Jordan.(Credit: Spencer Davis via Unsplash)
Essentially, cities are permanent human settlements that are able to sustain large groups of people.
These cities got their start as our ancestors began to move away from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural-based living.
A city develops and grows as communities made the active decision to live and cooperate together for a common cause.
Historically, humans have been building cities in river valleys, which are fertile, flat areas that are perfect for cultivating large-scale farming.
Ricefields in Bali, Indonesia.(Credit: Ines Ãlvarez Fdez via Unsplash)
The ability to attain abundant food supplies through farming enabled humans to develop and diversify other crucial skills and industries such as writing, arts, trading, architecture as well as religion, science and governance.
The earliest examples of an established human city would be the city of Uruk in ancient Mesopotamia (now modern-day Iraq) that was founded between 4500 and 3100 BCE.
The city is considered to be one of the most important human settlement of its time for being a major, thriving urban centre, and a hub for trade and administration.
An artist’s interpretation of the city of Uruk.(Credit: Ancient Origins)
In Malaysia, the development of urban settlements can be traced back to the founding of the Malay Kingdom of Muar (modern-day Johor) and Melaka during the 1400s.
These cities started off as small villages or kampungs as we call them, set along rivers and coastal areas of the Peninsular, which soon evolved into booming entrepots of trade, knowledge, and culture.
So it can be said that cities are the reason why our species has flourished to become the modern, technologically advanced and socially complex society that we are today.

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4-Year-Old Girl Found Abandoned, Abused & Begging On The Streets Of KL

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Recently the tale of a homeless 4-year old girl on the streets of KL’s Chow Kit has been floating around social media.

It’s tear-jerking how our kids are meant to be having the time of their lives, playing, laughing at everything, yet this particular girl, is allegedly being abused by her “father”.
The story took off thanks to a Facebook posting by an officer of the Welfare Department, who shared in detail what supposedly happened in her encounter with the girl and her “father”.
How it started
The girl’s “father” is said to be a drug addict, and a widower, though it is unknown how long the mother has been out of the picture.
Whether due to the pandemic, or a rough beginning, the girl is currently on the streets of Chow Kit, as a beggar with her grandmother.
The encounter

The welfare officer was on location when the girl allegedly ran towards her, scared, a mess and with tears streaming down her face. The girl’s eyes were reported to be swollen and allegedly appeared bruised.
The welfare officer’s findings were quickly reported to the police. Not long after, a patrol car from Dang Wangi police headquarters arrived.
The “father” was questioned on site, while the helpless girl was said to have wrapped her arms around the welfare officer tight, allegedly saying she didn’t want to leave with her “father”.
The woman said the “father” requested RM6,000 in return for the girl.
The welfare officer said the police had asked her to care for the child for the time being, however, she was snatched away by the “father”, who then scolded her, further frightening her.
“She was forced to go with him, though it was against her will,” said the welfare officer.
The welfare officer then attempted to interview the “father”, but to no avail as he fled the scene with the young girl in haste.
What’s happening now?
According to a report by Kosmo!, Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) Principal Assistant Director Assistant Commissioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan said they had received a report on the matter on Saturday.
“The report was made by a Welfare Department officer, who received tips from the public. According to the report, the victim was roaming the streets of Chow Kit with her grandmother, begging,” Siti Kamsiah said.
Presently, the Welfare Department is investigating the case under Section 32 Children’s Act 2001, for allowing a child under one’s custody to be on the streets, or at any premises for the purpose of begging.
The police are actively searching for the girl, and her “father”.

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It’s a PH-BN-GPS Unity Government – Anwar

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Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was officially sworn in as the 10th prime minister of Malaysia today confirmed that the unity government is made up of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He however would not be opposed to any other parties wanting to join the pact.
He said PH and the unity government will uphold the Constitution, stressing that they will uphold Malay as the national language and Islam as the Federal religion, apart from upholding Bumiputera rights and the sovereignty of rulers.
The Tambun MP stressed that they will uphold the rights of citizens regardless of race, religion and region.
Anwar said this in a press conference tonight at the Sungai Long Golf Club.
TRP Pic / Fernando Fong
In an announcement many Malaysians have been waiting for, Anwar announced that Monday 28 November is a public holiday.
On GPS, Anwar confirmed they are with his unity government.
Initially, GPS had said they would support a unity government with Perikatan Nasional (PN), BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). However after much backlash, GPS chief Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said they would leave the matter to the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I’m willing to accept all others who want to work with us,” Anwar said.
TRP Pic / Fernando Fong
Touching on the unity government he will be leading, Anwar said he will not compromise with corruption.
“Under my rule, I will not compromise with corruption. This is our condition in unity government,” he said.
On the challenge of his support posed by PN chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Anwar informed that the 15th Parliament will convene on 19 December and the first motion will be a vote of confidence.
Earlier, Anwar who arrived about an hour late for the press conference took a call from his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon arrival.
At the press conference, Anwar was accompanied by his wife and Bandar Tun Razak MP, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
He paid tribute to her and coalition partners, saying they persevered with him over the decades.
At the same time, he said his government would clear the emoluments before tabling a new and revised budget.
He also pledged to decline his prime minister’s salary as part of his election promise.
Anwar, who vowed to tackle endemic corruption, said he would go to the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya before 10am tomorrow.
He added that his focus is also on reviving the economy.
Anwar said he was glad that the share market was bullish today and the ringgit had also strengthened.

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That Old Feeling Of Anticipation

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“Ding!” goes the smartphone. A message pops up saying that my order has been picked up by a Grab Delivery Partner and it is on its way. A map appears showing how far away the delivery partner is and the route they will take. The feeling of anticipation sets in.

The Roti Man is a welcomed sight back in the 80s and 90s.credit mana.my
For a child of the 80’s the excitement is nostalgic. We did not have on-demand food and grocery delivery back then. But, what we had was the humble roti man.
The heavily laden motorcycle of a roti man is packed with snacks, treats, toys, and pastries. Despite their cartoonish facade, these riders are often heard before seen.
In some areas, they would use a horn. They would squeeze the rubber bulb to honk a pattern signalling to all interested patrons to be ready for their arrival.
It differs from one residential area to another. In mine, they would use a cylindrical metal bell. The roti man would hit it with a metal rod to differentiate themselves from the other roaming businesses in the area like the putu mayam seller, or the wet market sidecar.
We used to call them “ting-ting”, because of the sound they make. It can be heard over any cartoon, drama, or live-action costumed superhero show that was on TV. And when the ringing came closer and closer, everyone was ready at their gates, young and old, with cash in hand.
The roti man’s services were indispensable. They brought treats to children right at home, and basic pastries to busy households and the elderly. They zig-zag through neighbourhoods in the afternoon and evening so that their customers could stay safe and have more time at home.
“Ding!” goes the smartphone. Another message pops up, this time saying that the Grab Delivery Partner is around the corner. I would rush to the gate and wait for the rider to approach, just the same.
Although their bikes are not as loaded, the weight of responsibility on the shoulders of Grab Delivery Partners are heavier today.
Today, the services provided by Grab Delivery Partners are more important than ever. Their approach is a welcomed site and because of them we can be safe and spend more time at home. The selection of food and groceries they carry is not limited to what they have pre-loaded on their bikes either.
For those who choose to wear the green of a Grab Delivery Partner, it is an opportunity to do what they love while making extra cash, get back on their feet, and become financially independent. And most of the time, they are happy to see you waiting for them too.
To know the other side of the story,  watch this interview with Muhammad Sidek Osman, an OKU Grab Delivery Partner as he shares the reasons why he donned on the uniform and the challenges that he faced.

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Wangkang And Pantun Recognised As Intangible Cultural Heritage By UNESCO

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Two of Malaysia’s cultural heritage, the ‘pantun’ and ‘upacara wangkang’ are now listed under the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity category by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the wangkang ceremony was jointly nominated with the People’s Republic of China while the pantun was jointly nominated with Indonesia.
She said the decision was announced on 17 December during the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
With the latest recognition, Malaysia now has five intangible cultural heritage listed under the Representative List:
mak yong (2005)dondang sayang (2018) silat (2019)
The Wangkang procession has been held in Melaka since 1854 by the Fujian or Hokkien Chinese community where a “royal barge” is used to pick up wandering ghosts and evil spirits.
After this is done, the boat is then burned in a cremation ritual to send them into the netherworld and the ceremony is said to bring peace, prosperity and happiness.
It’s reported by The Star that the barge would take around six months to construct.
Meanwhile the pantun, is a Malay twist on writing poems which has four lines with the first two lines being the hints while the last two lines are the meaning.
Another characteristic of this style is that the word on the second and fourth lines would rhyme with each other and it’s the same of the first and the third lines.
Fun fact, this type of poetry was not known to the west until the French adopted the style and named it as pantoum.

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Gov Aims To Learn From Thailand To Develop Malaysia’s Medical Marijuana Policy

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Malaysia plans to learn from Thailand’s cannabis policy in its effort to legalise the use of medical marijuana.

According to The Star, a Malaysian official (on condition of anonymity) said the Malaysian government wants to learn from Thailand in order to develop their own framework for the usage of cannabis for medical purposes.
The comment came after the Thai health minister said he would meet his Malaysian counterpart during a meeting of APEC health ministers next week where Thailand will showcase its work in legalising medical marijuana.
Currently, the cultivation and recreational use of marijuana are illegal in Malaysia. Possession of more than 200 grams (7 oz) of the drug is enough to entail a death sentence.
However, the use and import of medical marijuana under a doctor’s prescription are permissible if it’s registered and licensed with the Drug Control Authority.
Khairy said the government welcomed clinical studies for the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD). Image: TRP File
In April 2022, Khairy said the government welcomed clinical studies for the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in cannabis that doesn’t cause a “high.”
READ MORE: MOH Welcomes Collaborators To Study On Medicinal Marijuana, Says KJ
Then in July 2022, the Health Ministry said it would soon announce a framework to enable certain cannabidiol (CBD) products to be registered next year.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said KKM is committed to evidence and science and would invite proposal submissions of CBD products that should be registered.
It’s also reiterated that CBD products should be prescribed by healthcare professionals, who are required to be trained and educated to ensure they understood the circumstances that allow the prescription of CBD products.
READ MORE: Khairy: Framework To Register Certain Medical Marijuana Products By Next Year
Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the main driver for the legalisation of medical cannabis in his country, estimates the industry could be worth more than $3 billion within five years. Image: TRP File
Thailand’s medical marijuana policy
Medical marijuana has been used to calm pain and fatigue in places that have legalised it such as Thailand.
Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalise medical marijuana in 2018 and decriminalised the cultivation and consumption of marijuana in June 2022.
Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the main driver for the legalisation of medical cannabis in his country, estimates the industry could be worth more than $3 billion within five years.
Topics of discussion will be on how to jointly move forward this kind of policy in order to create benefits, economically and medically. We want everyone to recognise the property of this cannabis plant. The more people are interested in this field, more development and research (it) will create.Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul
At this point in time, Thailand’s cannabis policy covers medical and health purposes but not recreational use.
However, laws have been hastily issued to create space for recreational use. In May 2022, the Thai government gave away marijuana plants to its citizens for free to promote the plant as a cash crop.
READ MORE: Thai Govt To Give Away 1 Million Cannabis Plants To Their Citizens Following New Law Amendments

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MetMalaysia Says Northeast Monsoon To Land November 7

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According to the Malaysian Meteorology Department (MetMalaysia), the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season in Malaysia will start earlier than expected, on November 7, 2022, and continue until March, 2023. Four to six episodes of monsoon surge will potentially result in continuous heavy rain throughout this period.

As in previous seasons, heavy rain that continues for several days can result in flooding in low-lying areas and areas near rivers. If continuous heavy rain occurs simultaneously with high tide events, the risk of flooding can increase. A large tide event is expected to occur in the following period
6 – 11 & 22 – 27 November 2022
 7 – 12 & 22 – 26 December 2022
 6 – 10 & 21 – 25 January 2023
Sustained and intense northeasterly winds are also expected throughout the MTL, causing rough seas and large waves in the South China Sea.
People are encouraged to prepare for the monsoon season and to stay informed with information, advice, and weather alerts given by MetMalaysia through its website.

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Study: Mâ€™sia in Top 10 BEST country for expats, S. Korea & UK in bottom 10

Us Malaysians are always showing off how awesome our food is and how relaxed our lives are, especially when comparing to a certain neighbouring country (*cough* Singapore *cough* *cough* *cough*)
Cough GIF from Cough GIFs

Well, it looks like a lot of other people seem to like our country too.
A global study has found that Malaysia is the 9th BEST country for expats!

Credit: InterNations

Released by InterNations, one of the worldâ€™s largest expat community, the Expat Insider 2019 Survey placed Malaysia in the Top 10 out of 64 global destinations after gathering responses from over 20,000 people.
Each destination was ranked based on these 6 factors:

Quality of Life
Ease of Settling In
Working Abroad
Family Life
Personal Finance
Cost of Living

Of these 6 indicators, Malaysia scored pretty well – coming in 3rd for Ease of Settling In and 7th for Personal Finance and Cost of Living.
According to InterNations, a British expat remarked that
there are â€œearning opportunities compared to very reasonable cost of livingâ€.
Expats also found that itâ€™s easy to settle down in Malaysia
with plenty of fun, social activities to keep them entertained.

Credit: Tourism Malaysia

Interestingly, many expats were also very pleased at the ease of getting a local mobile number.
Baboon Phone GIF from Baboon GIFs

While Malaysia received generally favourable reviews, we were outranked by Taiwan (No 1), Vietnam (No 2) and Portugal (No 3).
And if you were wondering, yes. Singapore is on the list at
No 6.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kuwait is deemed the WORST expat destination in 2019 with many citing difficulties settling in.
Surprisingly, South Korea (No 55) and UK (No 58) are at the bottom 10.
Baby Wide Eye GIF from Baby GIFs

The whole Brexit mess has left quite an impact on UK-based expats who state that political stability is a big worry for them.

Credit: Memedroid

They also find that the cost of living is high, struggle to
settle in and are unsatisfied in their career prospects.
Meanwhile, overall expat satisfaction with life abroad in South
Korea has decreased and it also ranks poorly in work-life balance.
So it looks like Malaysiaâ€™s not so bad after all!
In case youâ€™re planning on working abroad and live the expat life, hereâ€™s the Top 10 best destinations for expats:

Credit: InterNations

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“You Only Need To Register Once”, Says Vaccine Minister

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Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stepped in to clarify that Malaysians only need to register themselves once through the MySejahtera mobile application to schedule their Covid-19 vaccination appointments.

Khairy, who’s in charge of the National Immunization Program (NIP), was met with questions online on how to confirm the status of one’s registration on the app.
Many were confused over the apps user interface (UI) as word spread that unless a separate confirmation notice appears on your screen, your registration had been unsuccessful.
Netizens were also sharing step-by-step instructions on how to make the notification appear, which involves users having to register themselves again and fill out the detail form.
Saya pun daftar sekali lg. pic.twitter.com/C8ypkG47lA— Adree PKP Lagi (@AdreeSloppyjoe) March 3, 2021
Naturally, we at TRP did the same and received a similar notice indicating that our registrations had been successful on the date of our second try – despite having already registered when the function first became available in February.
(TRP)
UI update
Addressing the issue, Khairy explained that a UI update was being rolled out for the MySejahtera app and told everyone not to register again if they have already done so the first time.
He assured Malaysians who did sign up twice (or in our case several times) that records of their first registrations were already locked in the system.
MySj has been doing a UI update to push this to everyone that has registered. Wait for the push. Don’t register again. For those that did & see later date of registration, rest assured we have record of your first try. Appointments given based on the first time you registered. pic.twitter.com/NkBgEW7tUE— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) March 4, 2021
Be patient and don’t cut queue
Over one million Malaysians have reportedly registered themselves to be inoculated under the NIP with the country already acquiring enough vaccines to jab 108% of our population.
Khairy advised the rakyat to remain calm and await their turn patiently.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba warned that those who are found guilty of jumping the Covid-19 vaccine queue can be fined up to RM50,000 and face jail time of up to six months.
Read More: Covid-19 Vaccine: Here’s How Malaysians Can Register For Their Dose

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Source:
A million people have registered for Covid-19 vaccine via MySejahtera, says Khairy
Covid-19 vaccine order exceeds 1008 pct of Malaysia's population
Health minister: Individuals who jump queue for vaccine jabs can be fined RM50,000, jailed six months
Covid-19 Vaccine: Here’s How Malaysians Can Register For Their Dose


Nobu’s Unique Yet Traditional Mooncakes Promises Out-Of-This-World Flavours

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Nobu Kuala Lumpur is presenting their own mooncake offering in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which will fall on 1 October this year.

Their 2020 mooncake collection is called Full Moon by Nobu Kuala Lumpur, and boasts four Asian-inspired flavours including green tea lotus, black sesame lotus, kabocha (Pumpkin) lotus with single yolk, and a classic red bean paste.
Tradition plays a big part in this year’s collection.(Credit: Nobu Kuala Lumpur)
Executive Chef Philip Leong notes that the mooncake collection were curated with traditional flavours we know and love because there’s a sense of nostalgia attached to mooncakes. Not only do mooncakes serve as part of a tradition, they are also a reminder of all the previous years’ celebrations.
The collection is priced at RM128 nett and will be available at Nobu Kuala Lumpur from 28th August to 1st October, or at Mid Valley Megamall’s mooncake exhibition at South Court from 4th September to 1st October.

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“Call Me Dajjal But I’m Going To Do My Job” Health Minister Fires Back At Antivaxxers

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From being called a bully, to being accused of allying with the devil, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (KJ) sure is under a lot of heat for taking a hardline stance against anti-vaxxers.

After saying that the government would continue making life difficult for people who say no to the Covid-19 vaccine, it appears that the minister is now the target of ‘spiritual’ attacks from people who want to see him dead.
KJ had over the weekend shared some dark, but hilarious screenshots of a few conversations he became privy to which was supposedly posted on a couple of local anti-vaxxer Telegram groups.
“Dear God, we place you on the necks of our enemies, Khairy Jamaluddin and his allies. Protect us from the evils of Khairy Jamaluddin and his allies,” note the message shared on the group which asked followers to pray for KJ’s demise.
In another message, the groups had even accused the minister of using sorcery and trinkets to protect himself from such prayers and spiritual strikes.
KJ wears a talisman on his left arm. He has four demonic jinns he uses to protect himself.via Telegram/Instagram/Twitter
In response, the minister wrote that he actually made a different deal with the ‘devil’ in order to ensure that our nation remains immune from any dark threats.
Wrong. I use four vaccine jinns to protect Malaysia. The Pfizer jinn, Astra Zenaca jinn, Sinovac jinn, and CanSino jinn.Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin via Instagram
(Credit: azmanrocks via Twitter)
Meanwhile, the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) had slammed the minister for what he said about making life difficult for anti-vaxxers.
NUBE General-Secretary J. Solomon reportedly said that the government’s stance against people who refused to be vaccinated feels a lot like gangsterism.
The National Union of Bank Employees protests such outright discrimination, bullying and exploiting the dignity of citizens who do not want to be vaccinated. Forcing the vaccine on those who do not want to be vaccinated will be tantamount to molestation.”NUBE General-Secretary J. Solomon via FMT.
He said that the assumption that people who are not vaccinated would inevitably endanger the health and lives of those who have been inoculated was false and urged the government to respect people’s rights not to take the jabs.
Countries like Singapore and Israel have even revoked their original policy of the vaccine passport for travel as they realise that there is no epidemiologic value as the number of infections has risen sharply among the vaccinated.NUBE General-Secretary J. Solomon via FMT.
A similar note was previously put forward by Opposition Leader and Port Dickson Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who also disagrees with the government’s radical approach towards anti-vaxxers.
Anwar argued that the government needs to persuade people to take the vaccine instead of forcing them to do so.
I don’t back anti-vaxxers, but they argue the case against vaccines well. So we need to counter them by putting forward stronger arguments. If they cite scientific studies, we need to respond with studies that carry more credibility to convince them. There is no need to threaten them.Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim via FMT
KJ had on Saturday (16 October) said that life would get very difficult for people who chose not to be vaccinated against Covid.
“You cannot dine in at restaurants, you cannot go into shopping centres. If you choose not to vaccinate yourself then we will probably ask you to do regular tests that you have to pay for. The message is to get yourself vaccinated,” said the minister, explaining that the ‘new normal’ rules would only provide exemptions for people who cannot be vaccinated due to medical and health reasons
If you cannot be vaccinated, that’s fine. We will give you a MySejahtera digital exemption. But if you don’t vaccinate yourself by choice, we will continue to make life difficult for youHealth Minister Khairy Jamaluddin via The Star.
Responding to these so-called pundits, KJ implied that the government has done all it can to be nice and educate denizens about the importance of vaccinations, and would continue doing so.
The minister noted that people can call him whatever they want if it means that he was doing his job.
I’m sorry I have to be firm on this issue. Call me dajjal (a false prophet in Islamic theology similar to the antichrist) or whatever.Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin via Twitter.
Nak kata kerajaan tidak cukup bagi penerangan tentang vaksin tidak betul. Kita dah kemukakan segala bukti saintifik tentang keberkesanan vaksin COVID-19 dari awal lagi. Dan kita terus memberi penerangan. I’m sorry I have to be firm on this issue. Call me dajjal or whatever. https://t.co/eSPsByvQ7Z— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) October 18, 2021

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Source:
Stop bullying those who refuse vaccination, bank union tells Khairy
Use facts, not threats, Anwar tells KJ in dealing with anti-vaxxers
Covid:19: Choosing not to be vaccinated? We will make life 'difficult' for you, says Khairy


[Watch] Johor Father & Son Modified Old Proton Iswara Into ‘Knight Rider’ Pickup

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Malaysians were super impressed by this Proton Saga “Knight Rider” pickup truck-thing that a father and son duo from Johor managed to DIY-ed at home.

A 55-year-old man, who locals in Kampung Felda Air Tawar 3, Kota Tinggi call “Pakdin Roti Canai”, took on an interesting project with his son, Hanafi Zaiuddin, to modify their old 1.3cc Proton Iswara and turned it into something more practical and artistic.
With half of its roof chopped off, a cargo bed installed where the backseat and the trunk used to be, strobing LED lights surrounding the front headlights and yellow-painted kangaroo bars that pop out against the car’s matte black paint job –  The vehicle had its own unique appeal.
“Since he has a job working as a tradesman, he carelessly chopped the roof off his car and made it into a pickup,” wrote Hanafi on Twitter, sharing anecdotes of his “Bapak” and their pet project.
Hahh, art berat bapak aku. Since dia ada job menukang, dengan selamba dia potong kereta dia jadikan pickup. Process buat body sebulan lebih buat sendiri kat rumah. Senanglah dia nak angkat barang nanti. Tapi make up macam nak masuk art of speed. pic.twitter.com/PSOjf7yKLl— fii! (@fiimatthews_) February 9, 2022
Hanafi told TRP that the build took a month’s worth of man-hours to complete with a budget of around RM2,000 for raw materials and accessories.
Hanafi also shared that the car was basically made out of discarded materials. (Points for being eco-friendly!)
The modified machine managed to turn more than a few heads online.
Nice Saga Iswara pick up 🤩 https://t.co/a16oHy5ct9— Azfar Zainal Abidin 🪐🏴 (@AzfarZA) February 10, 2022
GTA San Andreas’s soundtrack playin in the background https://t.co/6x6oTrACOx— m (@mlvndrr) February 10, 2022
Some even said that the car gave Proton a run for their money. The homemade car did after all look a lot like the Proton Arena – the Malaysian manufactured coupé utility vehicle that came out in the early 2000s.
Fuhh. Dah macam Proton Arena. https://t.co/7Udh8nw4lA— Nebuchadnezzar (@CzarHareii) February 11, 2022
Proton, people want u to continue build trucks like the Arena… & u didnt, so now they build their own. https://t.co/gu8fh6oEMv— Cyril Dason (@cyrildason) February 10, 2022
The only downside to this rad remodification is that the car probably wouldn’t pass JPJ (Road Transport Department) inspections or be legal to drive on the roads.
Hanafi explained that the car is only driven around the kampung and that his dad uses it to transport goods for their roti canai business.
(Credit: TRP)
But, Hanafi did share his grievances that such car modifications were considered illegal in Malaysia.
If the world of modification is halal in Malaysia, we’d see more creative individuals experimenting for us to value together.Hanafi via Twitter.
Kalau lah dunia modifikasi halal kat malaysia, mesti lagi ramai insan yang kreatif bereksperimentasi untuk kita sama sama tengok dan nilai kan— fii! (@fiimatthews_) February 10, 2022
By law, private vehicles can’t be modified without approval from JPJ.
Section 12 of the Road Transport Act 1987, says that modifications made to any vehicles before or after registration must be done so legally and be subjected to inspection by the authorities at any time.
JPJ has set guidelines on certain modifications that are allowed without prior approval.
(Credit: JPJ)
For a clearer picture of what you can or cannot do to your car, check out this short explainer on AskLegal.
Or, head on over to Hanafi’s YouTube channel to see how he and his Bapak engineered their project from start to finish.

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Govt Will Launch A Guideline For Community Gardens By The End Of August

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Before the end of August, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government expects to launch guidelines and policies for community gardens to be developed in urban areas across Malaysia.

What you need to know: According to Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, community garden initiatives will be coordinated by the ministry and its agencies, such as the National Landscape Department and related authorities.
The guidelines are currently being fine-tuned to ensure that any opening of community gardens will be done according to a standard.
At the moment, Malaysia has no such policies, so it can get confusing for people who are interested in operating gardens. Zuraida hopes the guidelines will include what type of land is allowed to be used, approved construction methods and other gardening details.
Why it matters: Guidelines will ensure urban gardeners will not have difficulty in referring to and making applications at the various agencies required.
The ministry also hopes that the guidelines will encourage and expand community garden programmes such as the pilot project at the People’s Housing Project (PPR) Lembah Subang 2, Petaling Jaya.
At the same time, such a guideline will mean that Malaysians will no longer have to face (or hear of) such heartbreaking stories of (old people’s) gardening projects being torn out of the ground by authorities.
Read more:Govt to launch community garden guidelines in August (Malay Mail)Small Vegetable Garden Planted in Public Park Ripped Up By Seremban Authorities (TRP)

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Abang Viva Advises The Public Not To Give Money To Those Who Use His Name

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Azwan Omar, better known as Abang Viva, was shocked after finding out that unscrupulous parties are using his name to raise funds.

The good samaritan was reported by Sinar Harian as saying that he had never raised funds to help the flood victims.
From the first day I helped the flood victims until it went viral by accident, I did not have to raise funds or ask for money from the media for any interviews.Abang Viva advising the public not to give money to those who uses his name
Abang Viva voluntarily came to the rescue of victims in flood-hit areas with his private boat. (Source: Facebook)
Azwan, 29, also denied allegations that he charged money from the media who wanted to interview him.
This followed claims that a Twitter user asked for payment from the media to secure an interview with Abang Viva.
I am shocked by this news. I move solo, there are no friends to manage nor are there any middle man who arranges to ask for money and so on.Abang Viva on the nature of his volunteerism acitvities
Azwan also stressed that he did not want any party to extend assistance or be deceived by any party who used his name for personal gain.
Although he never raised funds or asked for money from the public, Azwan admitted that he received many donations from the public who came across him during his rescue mission.
READ MORE: As ‘Abang Viva’ Perseveres in Helping Flood Victims, Netizens Ask Perodua To Give Him A New Car
The Good Man
A native of Alor Gajah in Melaka, Abang Viva became a Malaysian hero for his generosity in helping flood victims in several states.
He traveled from Melaka to Shah Alam while taking a boat on the roof of his Perodua Viva.
Abang Viva works as a machine operator and he applied for emergency leave from his employer to help the flood victims.

At that time, he only had RM50, of which RM20 is for boat petrol, while another RM30 is to buy food.
For the past 5 days, Abang Viva has survived on bread and water, apart from sleeping in his boat.
Nevertheless, he continues to help the flood victims who faced various challenges throughout their ordeal.
READ MORE: Taman Sri Muda Folks Helpless For Two Days: Residents Said There’s No Rescue Despite 999 Calls
Among the flood victims rescued by Abang Viva were an elderly couple including a paralyzed husband and a mother with a newborn baby.
– Thread Unsung Hero Abang Viva –1. Nama sebenarnya, Azwan Omar. Travel dari Melaka ke Shah Alam sambil bawa sebuah bot atas bumbung kereta Viva.2. Bekerja sebagai operator mesin, dia memohon cuti kecemasan daripada majikannya utk selamatkan mangsa banjir di Shah Alam pic.twitter.com/uNR5Xdufki— 😪 (@am_juney) December 23, 2021

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Phileo Damansara MRT Station Not Pedestrian Friendly, Claims Public Transport Users

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Uneven walkways and pothole ridden roads alongside the road towards the Phileo Damansara MRT station have become a bane to pedestrians.

Twitter user @mhs95 is of the opinion that the walkway is not pedestrian friendly and is especially dangerous due to the roads and the amount of cars that pass by the area.

Frustrations on MRT Phileo Damansara and the office complex itself. Zero regards to pedestrians, completely useless to Phileo Damansara staff, esp Phileo II. Its either this fg dangerous jalan tikus or hiking up & down Phileo I & Eastin. pic.twitter.com/K0HZANsD9W— Wala 💛 (@mhs95) July 3, 2023

She also expressed frustrations regarding the surrounding office complex, adding that there was a lack of regard for pedestrians which in return causes an inconvenience towards Phileo Damansara staff, especially those in Phileo II.
According to her tweets, there are also limited options for pedestrians to navigate the area.
These options include a dangerous road, an indirect path (“jalan tikus”), or climbing up and down the pathways between the Phileo I and Eastin buildings.
The user proposed several solutions to improve the situations that the ministry in concern could look into.

My propositions should be an “Utamakan Pejalan Kaki” signage dekat simpang depan CP Tower before going into Phileo 1 basement parking and a bump and a pedestrian crossing at the same spot. I also wanted the jalan tikus to be closed off but i realised that cars are coming out from the parking and use it to get to the main road.
@mhs95 via Twitter
Sharing similar frustrations with her, Twitter user @boujiemonji referred to the particular station as “the worst one”.
He noted that while there were many offices around the area, there has been zero integration regarding the issue.

Station Phileo Damansara is the worst one. So many offices there and zero integration. You just walk, if God is in your side, you’ll reach. If nope, you might meet your Creator. The traffic, car passing, the number of road crossing you have to do… crazily dangerous https://t.co/i4A0oHdENU— • (@boujiemonji) July 4, 2023

Another Twitter user @yk2maya pointed out a sad fact, saying that Malaysia has a tendency not to take into factors such as accessibility and safety while building MRT and LRT stations.

Malaysia building MRT/LRTs but don't care about first and last mile connectivity, accessibility and safety. https://t.co/de6ebscKQz— Yana Karim ♿🇲🇾 (@yk2maya) July 4, 2023

On the other hand, Twitter user @syhmihirn expressed his sympathies for those working at Phileo Damansara.
He added that these people would have to go through endless struggles just to reach their transportation.
He also noted that it was disheartening to see that despite more than a year passing, no action has been taken to address the issue.

I feel nothing but just pure sympathy for Phileo Damansara users. Yall just have to toil with everything just to reach your transportation. I think it's been more than a year but no action has been taken. Car brained planning results in shitty results like this. Menyusahkan https://t.co/Cj8dg5iFrd— syah (@syhmihirn) July 4, 2023

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IGP Orders Investigations On Online Threats Against Chief Justice, Says PDRM Will Not Tolerate On Security Matters

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The Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani had ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate any elements of threats against Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

According to Berita Harian, the police had carried out an investigation on the matter despite no police reports being lodged about the threats.
“I have instructed the Bukit Aman’s CID to start an investigation by examining all threats against the chief justice and the investigation also involves the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit,” he was quoted as saying.
He added that the Royal Malaysian Police will not tolerate any matter arising involving security and public order.
Several threats against Tengku Maimun were detected on social media including Twitter and Facebook since last night.
Jgn smp ada pertumpahan darah. Kak Mun harus berundur secara terhormat. Nyawa kutty jg kini dlm bahaya!!— TeamBossku #SokongBN Dulu, Kini & Selamanya. (@bossku_team) August 18, 2022

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“Today, There’s No SOP” Jokes Local Designer As Fashion Show Apparently Missing Face Masks & Physical Distancing

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A fashion show recently ruffled the feathers of Malaysians online for allegedly breaking Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

One user on Twitter questioned the setting of the show where people can be seen sitting next to each other and not wearing masks as deemed mandatory by the National Security Council (MKN).
Meanwhile, another Twitter account posted a video of the alleged founder of the company who said that they don’t need to follow SOPs for the event.
There are no SOPs for today and if there’s any summons, can claim the compound from Awin.Hafiz Hamids, Founder of Leeyanarahman
Founder sendiri cakap tak follow SOP. Huhu pic.twitter.com/Z79n5AfkOu— Ainnnnnn (@ain_nasar) March 25, 2021
Malaysians flipped at the reckless behaviour
Credit: Instagram
Malaysians, who had to endure around a year’s worth of Movement Control Order (MCO) and the increase in fines from RM1,000 to RM10,000, were unhappy that the show didn’t follow guidelines.
Many users urged the police to investigate on the incident for breaching the SOP.
Others were also calling for the brand to be boycotted.
Credit: Instagram
What does the SOPs say?
Based on the SOPs by MKN, for social events, there are a few guidelines that organizers and guests are required to follow such as wearing face masks during the event and the presence of guests shall be subject to the size of the space area and the social distancing.
Under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, breaching the SOP carries a penalty of RM10,000.
Credit: MKN

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“Green Lane” Travel Between Malaysia & Singapore To Start August 17

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Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to allow cross-border travel between the two countries in mid-August, 2020.

Both countries have finally come to terms with standard operating procedures (SOP) to facilitate travel through the causeway via the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) travel scheme.
The schemes would allow for cross-border travel for official, business and work purposes between Singapore and Malaysia.
Application for travel can be made from August 10 onwards, while travel would most likely begin starting August 17.
Eligible travelers would have to abide by Covid-19 guidelines in both countries to allow for smooth entry and exit, and both Foreign Affairs Ministries would be releasing official travel SOP, soon.
Apparently, there are two other travel schemes between Malaysia and Singapore that are in the works, assumingly for non-business related travel.
But according to the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry this would highly depend on the discipline and public observance of Covid-19 guidelines in both countries.
It is estimated that around 250,000 Malaysians commute between the two countries daily for work.
Before, the Malaysian government had also set plans to establish “green bubbles” or “green lanes” to allow for cross border travel between countries that have successfully managed the Covid-19 pandemic and have infection numbers under control.

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Source:
Malaysia-Singapore Border To Conditionally Open Starting 10 August
Anxious wait for Malaysians
Travel Bubble Between Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei & Others In The Works


Skyrocketing Electricity Bills Leave Malaysian Family Struggling to Make Ends Meet

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A Malaysian family has been left struggling to make ends meet after their electricity bill skyrocketed to over RM800.

Huang, a 37-year-old cleaner, lives with her husband and five children in a single-storey terrace house in Semenyih, Selangor.
Since installing a new smart meter last year, the family’s electricity bill has increased from over RM200 to over RM800.
Efforts To Save Energy Prove Futile
Sin Chew reported that despite their best efforts to save energy, Huang and her family have found themselves unable to keep up with the rising cost of electricity.
They have resorted to taking cold showers, using fewer air conditioners, and avoiding cooking and other energy-consuming activities.
Huang’s husband has lost his job, leaving her and one of their children to support the family.
Suspicions Of Meter Tampering
Huang suspects there may be a problem with the electricity meter, as the family’s bills have increased significantly since the installation of the new smart meter.
The most expensive bill they received was over RM800, which Huang says is simply unaffordable for her family.
TNB, Malaysia’s main electricity provider, has advised customers to take effective energy-saving measures to avoid energy waste.
The company provides tips on energy-smart measures on its website, which customers can use to reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills.
Huang’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of energy conservation and the need for effective measures to address rising electricity costs.
As electricity prices continue to rise in Malaysia, many families also find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
A Twitter user named Salim Iskandar shared an electricity bill which he claimed has almost doubled in three months.
Ini saya share dari salah seorang hamba Allah yang mengadu bil @Tenaga_Nasional yang makin melampau berkat dari kerajaan madani?April rm 338.68Mei rm 480.00Jun rm 613.25Dapat bil bulan Mei (rm 480) terus tutup satu peti sejuk, Coway pulak off tiap-tiap jam10 malam, air cond… pic.twitter.com/zNWTlVocYg— Salim Iskandar (@Salim_Iskandar) June 21, 2023
However, TNB has responded to the complaint, saying that the user’s bill averages around RM500 for the last three months.
@Tenaga_Nasional Ambil tindakan undang undang terus kpd penyibar maklumat yg tak benar .. TIADA LAIN TUJUAN mereka selain menimbulkan imej yg burok@terhadap kerajaan , agensi, glc dan PMX.. @niknazmi— Eskandar (@iskandarzulfi14) June 21, 2023
READ MORE: Woman Surprised By High Electricity Bill Despite Minimal Usage
Hot Weather Blamed For Increased Power Consumption
Malaysia’s electricity consumption reached a record high of 19,716 MW as of 11 May due to the increased use of air conditioners and fans due to extreme weather conditions.
There can be several other reasons for a higher-than-usual electric bill.
Some common causes include high usage habits, inefficient appliances, and lack of proper insulation.
Kes BIL TNB Naik kena tgk KWJ itu.Cuma ada org kata meter Tnb ini ada masalah. semasa cuaca panas skrg, meter letrik akan bergerak lebih Laju dr sepatutnya. penggunaan alat elektrik adalah lbh kurang sama,tp meter bergerak lbh Laju. Tp xada org kaji pun. Ptt ada yg buat@audit https://t.co/HCljz6gie0— D GASING COLLECTION (@Faisal35620799) June 21, 2023
If you are experiencing a higher-than-usual electric bill, reviewing your usage habits and considering making changes to reduce your energy consumption may be helpful.
TNB said it provides energy-smart measures on its website for efficient use of appliances.
For more information or assistance, contact TNB CareLine at 1-300-88-5454 or contact TNB on Facebook or Twitter.

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Father Wrote Woeful Goodbye Note To Family From Covid-19 Hospital Deathbed In Perak

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A father wrote a woeful goodbye note to his family from his hospital deathbed before succumbing to Covid-19.

58-year-old Ahmad Bin Ahmad Taib reportedly died from coronavirus on Wednesday (19 November 2020), alone and separated from his loved ones at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh, Perak.
He was the 325th person to have died from Covid-19 in Malaysia out of the total 329 recorded fatalities thus far.
Ustaz Ahmad had scribbled his final words dedicated to his wife and children on a piece of scrap paper, asking for forgiveness and for the family to take good care of themselves.
Please pray and keep performing solat hajat (special prayers). Forgive Abah, take care, everyone.Wrote Ahmad in his note.
His absolution was shared by his daughter, 32-year-old Syafiqa Humairak on Facebook, posting images of the letter which was held by a healthcare worker wearing full-body personal protective equipment (PPE).
This is the final note from Abah before he was put to sleep last Monday. I cried every time…Wrote Syafiqa in he Facebook posting.

Syafiqa, who resides in Penang, told reporters that the family was not allowed to keep her father’s handwritten note as it may be contaminated and infectious.
She shares that her father, who had a history of kidney disease, tested positive for Covid-19 on 12 November and had been treated in quarantine. As his condition deteriorated, Ahmad was unable to talk and had written the note before he was sedated.
The family also managed to share one final video call with their Abah, before he was put to sleep.
Syafiqa said that she was the only one able to attend her father’s funeral as many of her family members were infected and under quarantine.
With her father’s passing, Syafiqa asks for the public to not take the pandemic lightly and abide by Covid-19 guidlines.
I was the only one who could attend the funeral. It is sad because I couldn’t kiss him for the last time. I could only watch him from afar. Covid-19 is no joke and no one is immune. It only took a week for the virus to kill my father. I hope people will take this virus seriously and observe all the safety measures set by the Health Ministry.Said Syafiqa via NST.
On social media, a number of Ustaz Ahmad’s companions shared their own special tributes in memory of his passing.

Ahmad was finally laid to rest at the Jalan Bendahara Muslim Cemetery in Ipoh.

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Source:
'Abah minta maaf, jaga diri'
Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 19 November 2020 – Situasi Semasa Jangkitan Penyakit Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) di Malaysia
Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 20 November 2020 – Situasi Semasa Jangkitan Penyakit Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) di Malaysia
Perak Covid-19 patient scribbles farewell note to family before dying alone


Love spicy food? Too bad, eating lots of chillies can lead to memory loss & dementia, researchers say

Has anyone noticed that Malaysia has been hotter recently?
We’re not talking about the weather, but the increase in tongue-burning, eye-watering, butt-clenching spicy food on our plates – from Samyang Hot Chicken Spicy Noodles to McDonald’s Extra Spicy Ayam Goreng.
Picture Credit: Imgur
While you may regret these heated decisions the next morning, it turns out you’ll probably regret them in the next few decades, too.
New research has found that a spicy diet could be linked to DEMENTIA!
The 15-year study on Chinese adults over 55 years old found that those who ate more than 50 grams of chili a day had nearly DOUBLE risk of memory loss.
Created via Imgflip
You know what’s the worst bit? Memory loss and poor cognition were HIGHER in skinny fellas compared to their “healthier” counterparts. So, if you’re gonna eat chilli, eat until puas lah.
However, the type of chilli monitored in this study was fresh and dried chilli only. Capsicum and black pepper were spared from this terrible news.

Why and how could chilli cause memory loss? The researchers don’t know. But, they do note that the results are interesting when compared to their previous studies that found chilli beneficial for obesity and blood pressure.
There are also other studies that have found capsaicin (the active compound in chillies) beneficial for cognitive function & for Alzheimer’s disease.
South China Morning post says that the study has got a lot of people hot and bothered in China.
Scores of heated up users on the social media platform Weibo have been debating the topic, torn between disbelief and resistance.
Chilli undermines my memory, but I can’t live without it! Sichuan and Hunan people would disagree [with the findings]!Weibo users via South China Morning Post.
It’s hard to imagine nasi lemak without the sambal, masala chicken without the masalah and chilli pan mee without the chilli.
Original Image via Cup Noodle Master

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We Review KFC’S New Zesty Crunch Chicken, Only Available During Ramadhan & Raya

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Ramadhan is nearly upon us, and this year, KFC is offering a limited-time Zesty Crunch fried chicken that’s crunchy and zesty. This special flavour will be available throughout the month of Ramadhan and Hari Raya.

The vibrant new flavour features Argentinian-inspired chimichurri sauce, made with lots of chopped lime, cilantro, parsley, and garlic. Appearance-wise, the chicken looks like it’s been scattered with a handful of chopped green herbs, nestled between its crunchy coating.
The Taste Test
At first bite, the crunch and flavour profiles is quite similar to that of the usual Hot and Spicy Chicken, but with a delightful bright taste.
The Zesty Crunch is bright, savoury, and spicy, with a refreshing taste of herbs. There is a light tartness that tingles the mouth and awakens the appetite. There are plenty of enjoyable flavours in the chicken, which is all at once citrusy, tangy, garlicky, herby, with just the right amount of spicy.
Lots of herbs lend for a very cheerful, bright flavour.(Credit: TRP)
The Verdict
The Zesty Crunch is a lovely twist to your usual KFC, but doesn’t deviate too much away from it. The nice tingles and bursts of herbs is a wonderful addition to keep things interesting, but isn’t overwhelming.
If you like KFC’s usual spicy chicken, you would very likely enjoy the Zesty Crunch as well.
The Zesty Crunch chicken is coated in pretty delicious green stuff.(Credit: TRP)

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“This Is Malaysia” – Joseph Gordon-Levitt Releases Short Film Celebrating Beauty Of The Nation

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Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has released a stunning short film celebrating the beauty and diversity of Malaysia.

“This is Malaysia” is a 2-minute film brimming with architectural, natural and cultural landscapes of the country, from the Petronas Twin Towers to Batu Caves and even heaping plates of Malaysia’s favourite meals.
According to Malay Mail, the pictures, videos, captions and voice-overs were all contributed by Malaysians, selected from thousands of applications.
Screenshot from Facebook
The actor and director shared the video on Sunday (5 October), thanking all the talented Malaysians who collaborated together with him to create this heartwarming love letter to the nation.
Proud to share “This Is Malaysia,” the finished short film we created collaboratively on hitRECord! HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed to this project. I’m proud of what we all made together, and looking forward to the next one. 🙂Joseph Gordon-Levitt via Facebook.
The film is created via hitRECord, an online collaborative media platform founded by Joseph himself, where users across the globe work together on a variety of projects including short films, books, and DVDs.
Joseph had also previously called out to Malaysian artistes in August to collaborate with for an original song and music video, which are linked to his upcoming Netflix movie called Project Power.
READ MORE: Attention Malaysians: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Needs Your Help For His Next Project
“This is Malaysia” has since garnered over 4,000 likes with appreciative Malaysians leaving comments of support, though it also prompted a discussion on the current climate of racial tolerance and unity.
Watch the short film below and let us know what you think:

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Source:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s short film project on Malaysia gains attention for showcasing country's rich heritage (VIDEO)


[Watch] Malaysian Iron Man Climbs Mount Kinabalu Again In His Full Suit To Raise Awareness On DMD

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Have any of you climbed Mount Kinabalu before? Hah? Only once aaa? Hah. Lemah.

This guy climbed the mountain 12 times! And twice of them were while he was wearing a full Iron Man costume. Kau ade?
Some of us can’t even climb the office stairs (yeap, that’s us) let alone Mount Kinabalu. TWICE.
This guy is the real MVP!
Iron Man Sabah
Yohan Charles Jayasuriya is a Sabahan cosplayer who likes to cosplay different characters for events or private functions. He is also a freelance DJ and emcee, sound, light and karaoke supplier, and talent as well as clown services provider. Well, it’s safe to say that he’s a multitasker when it comes to event entertainment.
Recently, he went up the 4,101-metre mountain as a part of the 10th annual Mt. Kinabalu expedition, held by an NGO called Coalition Duchenne.
(Credit: Coalition Duchenne, Danny Ho / Facebook)
This was apparently his second time ascending the mountain in his full Iron Man costume.
The first time was back in July 2020, but it was a failed attempt. Minus this, he had already climbed the mountain 11 times successfully, both for fun and some for competitions.
This time around, he finally completed his quest and he also did it to support Duchenne syndrome or DMD, a genetic disorder that affects the muscles, prevalent in young boys.
This climb was actually to create awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.At the same time, it was a chance for me to finally complete the attempt that I set out to do back in July 2020, which is to be the first cosplayer in my ironman suit to climb Mount Kinabalu from the start to summit and back. The only instances where I took off my ironman suit  were during meal times, bathroom breaks and sleep.Yohan Charles Jayasuriya to TRP
Besides creating awareness of the disease, he also hopes for his achievement to be in the Malaysian Book Of Records.
What is DMD?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease that occurs primarily in males (may affect females too in rare cases) and affects the muscles. It starts early in their childhood and muscles get weak and worsen (less flexible) over time.
Coalition Duchenne is a non-profit organization that raises global awareness and funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy through donations and various annual fundraising events. They have done multiple expeditions on Mount Kinabalu before and this is their 10th time doing so.
For more info behind the organization, visit Coalition Duchenne’s Facebook and website.
Watch the video of Sabah Iron Man’s climb here.

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Malaysia Records 0 Domestic Malaria Cases Since 2018

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It’s been close to 2 years since Malaysia last reported a domestic malaria case and the country is set to receive the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) malaria free-status if it continues that way until 2021.
The Star reported that more than 5,000 indigenous malaria cases were reported in the country ten years ago in 2010 before dropping gradually, which was then followed by a drastic drop in 2015 to more than 200 cases.
WHO defines an indigenous malaria case as infections contracted locally with no evidence of importation and no direct link to transmission from an imported case
However, the Ministry of Health said that zoonotic malaria which is carried by parasites on monkeys and also imported malaria – infection cases whose origin can be traced to a malarious area outside the country are still reported.
3,941 malaria cases were reported in 2019 and 3,223 (81.8%) cases were zoonotic malaria, 620 (15.7%) cases were imported malaria cases while 98 (2.5%) cases were classified as others.

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Ringgit Continues Its Decline Against SGD And USD

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The Malaysian Ringgit continues to weaken against the Singapore dollar and the greenback.

The ringgit is at RM3.46 today as it continues to beat its all-time low record against the Singapore dollar.
This slump marks an over seven-month low, Reuters points out.
On 21 June 2023, the ringgit registered RM4.6485 to USD1 and continues to dip at RM4.6745 today.
As reported by FMT, according to Danny Wong, CEO of Areca Capital, the strength of the US dollar, which has been on an upward trend as a result of the US Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes, is a major factor in the ringgit’s decline, far outpacing that of most Asian nations.
“SGD seems to be more resilient as Singapore focuses more on controlling the value of its currency through the exchange rate, and not so much through interest rates,” he said.
Another reason for this scenario is based on the market forces which is driven by demand, according to Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, as reported by Malaysia Now.
He also added that there are possibilities for the market forces to push the ringgit above RM5 against the US dollar.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli also pointed out that the US’s financial and economic instability was to blame for the decline in the value of the ringgit.
In the meantime, Bank Negara Malaysia stated that the ringgit’s decline versus the US dollar was not specific to Malaysia and that the currency should strengthen as global worries fade.
Consequences Of Ringgit Decline
While there are many reasons for the ringgit’s recent decline, it is the public that bears the brunt.
Here is how the value of the ringgit might affect Malaysians.
According to an article by iMoney, the weaker ringgit benefits local exporters since it lowers production costs, which is anticipated to enhance international demand.
This means that businesses sell their goods for a bigger profit in higher-valued currencies like the US dollar while paying for cheaper manufacturing in ringgit.
A strong or weak currency is unlikely to have any immediate effects on Malaysian companies that produce and sell goods and services with domestically manufactured and purchased materials and components.
However, if the products and services that a business sells locally, whether largely, or totally are from a foreign economy, production costs may increase.
Vehicle manufacturers are among these businesses, as they can be importing parts and components from nations like Japan and South Korea.
With the ringgit weakening, purchasing power will also shrink.
Malaysians will have to pay more if they want to buy and use products and services from overseas producers. This holds true for both imported and domestically manufactured commodities that incorporate materials, know-how, or both from other economies.
To make matters worse, when economies import goods from nations with stronger currencies, a weaker currency can raise inflation. Additionally, it will make international travel undesirable.
This is where the knowledge of investments, savings and managing a budget comes in handy. With a lot happening in the world economy there is not much one can do to avoid being impacted by it either positively or negatively.
Keeping that in mind, it is very important to have some knowledge of how money works and what can be done to minimise suffering the consequences of a declining ringgit.
There is a saying in Bahasa Malaysia: “Sediakan payung sebulum hujan” which translates to it is always wiser to be prepared early than to feel sorry later.

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