“I’m Worried For My Sister” Netizen Claims Melaka Boarding School Hid Covid-19 Case

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The number of Covid-19 cases in Sekolah Seri Puteri in Cyberjaya, Sepang, rose to 139 cases from 71 due to continued testing yesterday (3 December).

The case, named the Persiaran Tasik Cluster, evidently worried many families and Malaysians.
READ MORE: Persiaran Tasik Cluster In Cyberjaya School Soared To 139 Positive Cases
Since the news of the school cluster broke, a worried Malaysian messaged the Twitter account @pedoqpop to raise the alarm about an unreported Covid-19 cluster in a boarding school in Melaka.
The anonymous person was worried about their sister in the school.
Just like the case in Persiaran Tasik Cluster, it started with a teacher getting infected, but in this case, the teacher did not undergo quarantine.
pic.twitter.com/ABZtPdbIY9— Kaunter Aduan (@pedoqpop) December 3, 2021
Instead, the teacher continued making her patrol rounds in the boarding school. Soon, a student tested positive for Covid-19 too.
However, the school did not take action and confiscated every student’s phone so the matter won’t make it out in public.
The anonymous user asked the Twitter account to help make the issue viral so something could be done to help the students in the Melaka boarding school.
Netizens were angry, and the tweet received 4,605 retweets and 6,085 likes at the time of writing.
A netizen couldn’t believe that the school placed its own reputation above the health of the students.
Bangang2 je macam ni. Reputation sekolah matters more than nyawa student. Memang sometimes mcm sampah je some institutions kat Malaysia ni, clean on record but sebaliknya kotor. Masing-masing nak jaga imej. Pasal nyawa orang pun nak jaga imej. Haih— Kazuha golden boiii ✨ (@ashhjsmn_) December 3, 2021
Another netizen tried to rationalize the school’s decision-making and said it was probably done so the students’ schooling wasn’t affected.
Mungkin bukan factor reputation sekolah kot..tapi mungkin sebab pelajaran murid…. nanti bila heboh satu sekolah kena buat swab test dan dikuarantinkan 2 minggu .. sekarang ni semua sbp kat Malaysia tengah trial spm..so taknak la ganggu examination diorang— abdul manip (@weekago0) December 3, 2021
Netizens immediately rubbished this. One of them said even if the students were in the midst of exams, the exams could always be postponed.
Eleh kalau kuarantin pun boleh je tunda trial. Habis tu kalau student dibiar macam tu je nanti ada yang meninggal, nasib student tu macam mana? Nak paksa jugak mayat dia ambik exam sampai abang jamil mampos? Benak sangat exam lagi penting dari kesihatan pelajar.— RavenAii (@RavenAii) December 3, 2021
Another person urged a report to be made against the school and shared a similar case that her cousin in a boarding school went through.
Her cousin tested positive for Covid-19 and in Category 5B3 due to the late action by the school.
Dahlah pergi klinik je, lepastu kene marah dengan doc baru lah penyelia terhegeh bawak ke hosp. Sampai hosp sahkan positive covid stage 5B3. Paru paru dia dah kene attack jugak. Dua minggu intubate baru lah dia sedar.— picha (@pichajahiroh) December 3, 2021
A Twitter user pointed out that schools are hiding Covid-19 cases because they don’t want the schools to close and the blame be put on teachers.
byk je sekolah rahsiakan kes sbb taknak sekolah tutup lol sbb nnt diorg salahkan cikgu tak buat SOP tak betul, padahal cikgu dapat gaji utk mengajar je bagi kerja lebih setiap hari terpacak tunggu budak habis masuk sekolah pastu tunggu lagi lpas kelas 😂 last2 salah cikgu jgak— aimansdk (@aimansdk) December 3, 2021
A parent wrote to say they hope schools will close because the Covid-19 virus is still highly transmissible despite the precautions taken.
Aku sebagai ayah harap sekolah ditutup sbb dlm kita dok jaga SOP betul² pun #COVID19 masih boleh menular ganas dgn varian baru..BTW, sekolah dah buka pun dan aku tak hantaq anak pi sekolah pun, ghisau cek oii..— Katak Politik Dot Com (@Anwar_MABI) December 3, 2021

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Libresse Sanitary Pads Fly Off Shelves As Women Support The Brand After Shaming From Religious Body

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Libresse Malaysia’s vulva ‘flower’ design on their packaging for sanitary pads drew the ire of religious body YADIM Muslim Women’s Council (MAYA).

Dr Safinar Salleh, chairperson for MAYA, addressed Libresse Malaysia to say the image of the women’s private part on the brands’ advertisement designs are considered “exploitation of women’s bodies” and that the promotion undermines the dignity of women, degrades them, and also violates the norms of decency in Malaysian society.
READ MORE: This Feminine Hygiene Brand Is Trending On Malaysian Twitter And Here’s Why
Malaysian women irked over the issue
Although Libresse has apologised for the design, Malaysian women have taken to social media to defend the design choice, saying that female genetalia should not be something to be ashamed about, seeing as half the world population has them.
Additionally, activists claim that the brand’s campaign ‘Know Your V’ is a step in the right direction, pushing for education of personal care and to remove the stigma attached to the vulva.
It’s legit a woman’s anatomy so what’s the matter? In fact, I think Libresse did a good job in educating and raising awareness abt women’s private part which past generations failed to do so bcs… of this kind of mentality ☺👏🏻 https://t.co/XiKpMwdvH9— najwa 🏴 (@mellamanajwa) September 18, 2021
In fact, in an effort to spite the shame surrounding the issue, netizens have began buying Libresse products featuring the vulva motif as a show of support.
I MEAN ITS SO BEAUTIFUL KOT WHAT THE POINT OF IT JUST PROUD BOLEH TAK!!!🌹💗 https://t.co/EV9pcfCtSQ pic.twitter.com/LPKt4KeluL— liyana (@Intanliyyana) September 18, 2021
Pad edisi terhad! Ada bag recycle too! Meraikan Semangat Wanita Di Malaysia, Libresse Tampil Dengan Koleksi Kebaya Edisi Terhad – REMAJA https://t.co/0f9OXEFQel pic.twitter.com/H39AgA0BJg— Rahah Ghazali 🇲🇾🏴🏴🏴🏴 (@rahah_ghazali) September 20, 2021
Sanitary pad with this packaging? 10/10 would buy. Libresse, you do you girl. Nothing about this is degrading to women. If you are offended by this, then its on you. https://t.co/7OCozfvZeD pic.twitter.com/YAPS7PckjO— shalina (@jambufloyd) September 18, 2021
Went out just to buy this bunga and the shelf pretty much empty!! Libresse win and all set with tote bag habis dah. Kuciwa sedikit pic.twitter.com/MZ3RuIZItr— buttercup (@nhdyhzz) September 19, 2021
The ‘V-Kebaya’ campaign featuring the vulva flower motif is a limited-time campaign, but it seems like MAYA accidentally shot it into nationwide fame and popularity with their condemnation, as stocks seem to be running low in most stores.

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Bangladesh Says No To Rohingya Refugees, Suggests Other Countries To Take Them Instead

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Bangladesh refuses to take in Rohingya refugees as the government said that the country is not obligated or in the position to do so, according to reports by Bernama.
A total of 269 Rohingya refugees were detained after the Malaysian coastguard found them on a damaged boat off Langkawi island.
The Bangladesh government also said that the Rohingya have been residents of Myanmar for centuries and are not citizens of Bangladesh.
This is after Malaysia’s Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told local press that Wisma Putra will ask their counterparts in Bangladesh to take back the refugees if they were found to have fled the country’s camps in Cox Bazaar.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen also said in a statement to their the country’s local media that other nations are welcome to take in the refugees instead of putting the burden solely on them.
Other countries are welcome to take them. Instead of asking us to give shelter, we will welcome the global leadership and organisations to relocate the persecuted 1.1 million Rohingya that are currently temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, via Bernama

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Annuar: Peranti Siswa Tablets To Be Handed Out Starting June

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Students who are eligible for tablets under the Peranti Siswa Keluarga Malaysia programme are expected to receive them beginning in mid-June.

Communications and Multimedia Minister (MenKOMM) Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that the ministry plans to deliver the first batch of the tablet 30 days from the date of application, which was opened on 15 April.
“…the second rollout is in August, which is 60 days after the application process for those who apply late and for appeal cases,” he was quoted by Bernama.
The government allocated RM450 million, involving orders of 350,000 units of high-quality tablets which came complete with accessories including a keyboard under the Peranti Siswa programme.
Annuar said that the ministry opted for the tablet rather than low-priced laptops after being advised by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and also taking into consideration the feedback of a trial run on a focus group involving students.
The Ketereh MP said that the brand of the tablet will be announced next week, assuring that it was a well-known brand in the market and not of low quality as suspected by some.
Students from B40 families pursuing diplomas, advanced diplomas and Bachelor’s degrees from in public and private institutions of higher learning (IPTA), polytechnics and community colleges under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), are eligible to apply for the Keluarga Malaysia Student Device initiative.

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How to keep your pet safe during monsoon season

The haze is finally retreating with the turn of the monsoon, but with it brings a torrent of rainfall that easily and quickly results in flash floods.
For those with pets who roam or stay outdoors, this could be an uncomfortable and unsafe time for them.

A dry cat = a happy cat.(Picture credit: Memecrunch)

So here are some tips to make sure you keep your furkids dry and happy:

Try to keep pets indoors
Make sure your pet has a shelter that wouldn’t get wet from rain
Clear drains of dead leaves/rubbish and other clogs to reduce chances of flooding in your backyard
Pick up their toys so it wouldn’t get damaged or swept away
Check if their bedding or food/water bowls will get wet from the rain
If your pet has an outdoor cage, consider adding bricks underneath to prop it up higher off the ground
Prepare a big, dry towel where your pets usually sleep so they can dry off and keep warm
Keep them off the leash so they can avoid the rain and stay dry

Picture credit: Pinterest

If pets are perpetually wet, they can be prone to sickness, skin irritations, and even infections. This would lead to a stressful time for both you and your pet, with additional vet expenses.
It’s better to ensure your furkid is safe and warm this monsoon season!
Ps. If you care for stray cats, don’t put cat food in open air either!

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Fri-Yay For Selangor Civil Servants, Long Weekend Kicks Off Tomorrow

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Selangor state has declared Friday a public holiday for its civil servants in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha which falls tomorrow.

This means their long weekend will start from Thursday, 29 June.
The announcement was made yesterday by Selangor State Secretary Datuk Haris Kasim.
The declaration is in accordance with the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369).
This state-gazetted extra public holiday would only apply to all state government departments, agencies and local authorities and not to statutory bodies, state government subsidiary companies and private businesses.

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Comedian Jason Leong Likes Jocelyn Chia’s Comedy, Malaysians Not Happy

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Local comedian Jason Leong faces backlash for praising Jocelyn Chia’s controversial performance clip on Instagram.

Chia, the now infamous stand-up comedian from Singapore, made jokes about the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370.
She also belittled Malaysia for “still being a developing nation” during her performance in the United States, which resulted in criticism from local artists and netizens.
In response, Leong commented on Chia’s Instagram video, saying, “I like this bit,” and even reposted it on his account, bluntly saying, “I love this bit.”

However, Leong’s praise for Chia’s performance clip was met with criticism from Malaysian netizens who accused him of agreeing with a foreign stand-up comedian and insulting Malaysia.
Despite the backlash, Chia responded to Leong, claiming that people took her jokes too seriously.
PANAS | ‘Sekor memang benci Malaysia, Melayu dan Islam. Sekor lagi Singaporean yang sah-sah benci Malaysia. Sesuailah jadi good friends’ – Netizen Puji jenaka hina Malaysia dan tragedi MH370, netizen tak terkejut Jason Leong dan Jocelyn Chia sudah lama bersahabat baik. pic.twitter.com/1Nxkb8W5QQ— Nikita AWATNI (@NikitaNikAziz) June 8, 2023
Pelawak Jason Leong berada dalam air panas kerana menyokong Komedi Singapura Jocelyn Chia#JasonLeong #JocelynChia pic.twitter.com/gCzlMHcjNo— Aishah Rahman (@RhmnAishah) June 8, 2023
Jason Leong even worse than Jocelyn Chia since he is Malaysian, both think they funny actually they don't— Ken (@Kenken0606) June 8, 2023
A Harsh Word Stirs Up Anger
Mocking and insulting Malaysia was the content of Chia’s performance at the Comedy Cellar Club in the United States.
The same video clip was shared on the club’s official social media site, Comedy Cellar.
In the show, Chia compared how her country became a first-world country despite being separated from Malaysia.

When my Prime Minister went on TV to announce that you guys (Malaysia) had dumped us, he cried because he thought we’re not going to survive without you.
Singapore comedian Jocelyn Chia on Singapore becoming a first-world country while Malaysia is still a developing country.
She also threw abusive words at Malaysia and was insensitive to the tragedy of losing the MAS plane.

Malaysia? Okay. F*ck you, a**holes.
Singapore comedian Jocelyn Chia continued with foul words while making harsh jokes about missing flight, MH370.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir criticized Chia for her lack of compassion and etiquette, and Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, apologized for her offensive remarks.

READ MORE: TikTok Removes Controversial Comedy Clip Of “No Longer Singaporean” Jocelyn Chia

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White Rabbit Comes In Over 15 Flavours And We Never Knew

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The popular candy with the edible wrapper is a nostalgic hit that used to be riddled with questions like, “Is the inner wrapper really edible?” and “Is it halal?” (the answer is no), and “Why was it considered ‘illegal’ a decade ago?”.
But the question that no one bothered to ask was, “Does the White Rabbit candy come in multiple flavours?”
Because the answer to that question, as we’ve found out, is a resounding YES.
From left to right: original, matcha, cool, yogurt, and chocolate flavoured White Rabbit candies.(Credit: Kashish Das Shrestha/Twitter)
As a matter of fact, there are about 16 different flavours of White Rabbit candy that we have found online, most of which is not available outside of China unless you are lucky.
Apparently the candies are also available in mango, yogurt, “cool”, corn, coffee, wasabi, durian, red bean, chocolate, original (milk), coconut, and banana flavours.
(Credit: Facebook)
In addition to just these, there are also flavours such as lychee, strawberry, toffee, tiramisu, and butter-plum that seem to be pretty elusive.
Butter-plum flavoured White Rabbit candy, which we have never seen before!!(Credit: KKNews)
If you’re a big fan, the company also creates these monstrosities called Giant White Rabbit which are about the length of your forearm.
The giant white rabbit candy to sustain for you for 3 months, or 2 hours.(Credit: GSY Group)
However, it’s actually just a giant packaging, not an actual 2-kilogram giant candy you have to finish in one sitting.
Unfortunately, it seems like the only way to buy the special flavours of White Rabbit candy right now is by ordering it overseas and shipping it to Malaysia personally.

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My Father Didn’t Die Of Covid-19, But This Is How The Virus Killed Him Anyway

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This Father’s Day, my family is freshly recovering from losing our patriarch just weeks ago. Technically, he did not die of Covid-19, but the virus killed him anyway.

My father was spry and healthy at 71 years old. He ate well, loved fruits, and would go on daily walks around the neighbourhood. He barely fell sick, and even when he did, he would recover in a few days. He had no outstanding health issues, except that his blood pressure was a little on the higher side.
Then, he caught Covid-19. We thought he would be okay.
Stubbornness Is A Fatherly Trait
In late April, he tested positive for Covid-19. He was sent to the Covid-19 facility in MAEPS Serdang, and then transferred to Sungai Buloh Hospital. His journey ended there.
Klang Valley’s main hospital for Covid-19 patients. After more than a year, the medical staff here are already experts on the effects of the coronavirus.(Credit: NST)
At first, he firmly believed that he would recover fine. We did too.
Despite our best efforts imploring him to rest, to do breathing exercises, to take care of his throat; he regaled and annoyed family and friends with phone calls and Whatsapp voice notes every hour of every day.
“I feel fine, I don’t have trouble breathing!” He complained. You should still make sure to do lots of breathing exercises, we urged. Take long and deep breaths whenever you can, just like how you used to when you did taichi.
My father felt fine, but his test results were not.
Post-Covid-19, But Not Yet Post-Recovery
In the Covid-19 ward, his condition deteriorated quickly. His lungs lost the capacity to provide enough oxygen for his bodily needs, and he went from fine to I can’t breathe within 8 hours. In his last waking moments, he was gasping for air as his lung tried to absorb oxygen.
With the last of his consciousness, he could only send a final shaky text message to his wife.
After an emergency intubation, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). During this time, the Covid-19 virus had left his system, meaning that he was untagged as and no longer considered a Covid-19 patient or carrier, but the virus had also left behind a massive network of scarred tissue in his lungs.
Left: an X-ray of a healthy lung, which shows black because it’s mostly air. Right: an X-ray of a damaged lung, turned white due to scarring tissue.(Credit: Radiopaedia/BMJ)
There are four doctors in the family, so they understood what the daily medical report meant. (I am the one sibling who did not study medicine, but that’s a story on disappointing your family for another day.)
You see, the average person only uses around 20-30% of the total lung capacity for daily breathing. The rest of the space is there for when your body needs a sudden intake of oxygen, like when you exercise, or climb a flight of stairs, or yell at someone very loudly.
When that happens, your lungs will expand to draw in more air for oxygen. That’s why healthy lung tissue is soft and stretchy, whereas damaged lung tissue (such as from long-term smoking, or scarring from Covid-19) is less flexible, leading to shortness of breath and coughing.
When the damage first began, my father felt fine because his body could still compensate and reach the oxygen level required for a patient lying in bed, sending Whatsapp voicenotes.
His lungs, now badly scarred from the virus, meant that they could no longer expand and take in more air, and could no longer compensate enough. He no longer tried to call us or send us voice notes. He no longer could.
This was the last time we ever spoke to him.
Modern Medicine Kept His Body Alive
My father was lucky to be given extra opportunities to recover during his two weeks in the ICU. Intubation allowed his struggling lungs a chance to take a break and the possibility of healing itself enough to function again. Patients had to be sedated to undergo intubation, so while my father breathed, he was unconscious.
You never want to see your parent rely on a machine to breathe.(Credit: Envato)
The machine could only do so much, but his lungs were getting weaker each day. Additional complications, like blood clots in the blood vessels in his lungs, were discovered much too late. It obstructed his lungs from receiving precious oxygen to heal and recover, and even pumping high-saturation levels of oxygen could not help.
His lungs were like a sponge that could no longer absorb water: it didn’t matter how much oxygen you gave him if he could not take it in.
While machines beeped around his hosptial bed, we prayed relentlessly for a miracle that didn’t come.
Funerals Are For The Living
We bid him goodbye on the last day of May. His death certificate reads that he died due to “severe pneumonia with multi-organ failure”.
Because he was no longer classified as a Covid-19 patient, we were allowed to visit him, one by one, at the hospital. We could hold his hands, cold from the lack of oxygen, and speak to him.
We could follow the hospital staff as they wheeled his body out from the ward on a large metal trolley. We could watch as the funeral directors came to take him away.
We could hold a wake for him, and pay our very last respects for the man that guided us from newborn to adulthood, stolen away far too soon and far too quickly.
The last time we saw him.(Credit: Anne Dorall)
Covid-19 killed my father, an otherwise healthy person, and I’m not alone– plenty of other Malaysians have lost a loved one to the virus.
Over 4,000 people have died from Covid-19, but even more– like my father– passed away from the devastation the virus wreaked on their body, whose deaths are not counted or reported in the daily Covid-19 numbers. Ironically enough, he would be counted as one of the many ‘green’ numbers celebrating Covid-19 recovery.
It’s Not Binary
Many assume that Covid-19 is like an ‘on/off’ switch– you are either positive or negative; sick or not sick. Take your chances because the fatality rate is less than 1%, right? However, full recovery is not common, even for those who pull through.
The side-effects of Covid-19 have proven to be long-term and devasting: anything from permanent loss of taste to irreversible lung damage. It changes a person, and their family, forever.
And sometimes, that change is an empty chair at the table on Father’s Day.

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CMCO Extended 4 More Weeks To 9 June

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will be extended for four more weeks till 9 June 2020.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that Malaysians will not be allowed to travel back to their hometowns for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
This is despite the positive developments we have observed – higher recovery rates and lower number of red zones in the country – as Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the National Security Council (MKN) agreed that the fight against Covid-19 is not over.
More standard operating procedures regarding economic and religious activities will be announced soon, he said.

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Upcoming Netflix Shows & Movies For K-Fans

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Squid Game was a big hit and no one saw it coming. The South Korean survival drama television series left a lot of people hungry for more.

We got our hands on a list of upcoming shows on Netflix. Here are five Korean shows and series coming up in the month of October.
Paik’s Spirit

1/10/2021DocuseriesStarring:Paik Jong-won
Drinks keep the conversation flowing as culinary star Paik Jong-won and celebrity guests talk about life, food, and booze over intoxicating meals.
The King’s Affection

11/10/2021TV DramaStarring: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su
When the crown prince is killed, his twin sister assumes the throne while trying to keep her identity and affection for her first love a royal secret.
Reflection of You

13/10/2021TV DramaStarring: Go Hyun-jung, Shin Hyun-been, Choi Won-young, Kim Sang-ho
A thriving painter’s enviable life begins to fray at the edges when a bright young woman she once befriended resurfaces as a shell of her former self.
My Name

15/10/2021Crime TV showStarring: Ahn Bo-Hyun,So-hee Han, Yull Jang
Following her father’s murder, a revenge-driven woman puts her trust in a powerful crime boss — and enters the police force under his direction.
Inspector Koo

Coming soonAction, thriller, comedy seriesStarring: Lee Yeong-ae, Hye-jun Kim, Eun-Jin Ahn
A hard-boiled investigative comedy drama that centers around the insurance investigator Koo Kyung Yi who investigates a murder case.

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MINI Owners Enter Malaysia Book of Records, Largest MINI Cooper Parade With Jalur Gemilang

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How do Malaysians celebrate National Day?
The national day parade is often about decorated cars, royal inspection, flag raising, recitation of the ‘Rukun Negara,’ and cultural and patriotic performances.
A group of nearly 200 MINI Cooper owners gathered at the Sepang International Circuit on Merdeka eve to mark the occasion.
 Nearly 200 MINIs gather to create a new milestone in the Malaysia Book of Records. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
The parade was organised by Aktiv Tuning Group in collaboration with Ingress Auto, authorised dealers of MINI and BMW vehicles in Malaysia, VIVO Malaysia and Petronas’s PRYSM.
It was patriotic fervour as MINI vehicles of different forms and models gathered to set a new entry into the Malaysia Book of Records.
A view of the MINI Coopers as they prepare for the parade. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
The convoy paraded around the 5.5 km Sepang F1 circuit twice, guided by safety and sweeper cars.
The vehicles included MINI Cooper S Countryman, Clubman, Cooper S 3-door, Cooper S 5-door, the fully-electric MINI Cooper SE and even classic MINIs, including the iconic Clubman Estate.
The MINI parade enters the Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Largest MINI Cooper parade with the Jalur Gemilang’. (Pix: Aktiv Tuning Group)
The parade set a new record as the “Largest MINI Cooper parade with the Jalur Gemilang with 190 MINI vehicles participating.
The organisers said the goal of setting the record is to obtain recognition and celebrate National Day.
A parade participant admiring the MINIs on display. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
  @shinichikeesoon #largestminigathering #aktivtrackday #sepangf1 #minicooper #ingressauto #malaysiabookofrecords #jalurgemilang ♬ 31 Ogos – Dato' Sudirman
At the same time, they hope to promote and increase public interest in the MINI brand.
The parade was followed by a track day session for MINI Cooper and BMW 3 Series owners.
MINI owners proudly wave the Jalur Gemilang at the Sepang F1 circuit. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

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Gordan Ramsay Praises Khairul Aming’s Attempt At His Recipe But “Spoon Too Small”

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Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is known to rate cooking attempts as shared on social media. There were many instances where Ramsay was seen criticising some of these efforts.

However, an attempt by local social media influencer Khairul Aming, earned praise from the celebrity chef, which is rare.
The dish is known as burnt sugar steamed pudding. The recipe is from Ramsay’s recent cookbook titled Gordon Ramsay’s Uncharted: A Culinary Adventure With 60 Recipes From Around the Globe.
This can be seen in the video that was posted by Khairul Aming on his TikTok account.
  @khairulaming Burnt Sugar Steamed Pudding. This recipe is taken from Uncharted cook book by Gordon Ramsay @Gordon Ramsay . The pudding tastes really gooood 🥹 Please give it a try! #uncharteredcookbook #FoodTok #MakanLokal ♬ original sound  – Khairulaming
Later in a duet video, Ramsay was seen making comments as Khairul Aming went through the preparation.
He also stated that the burnt sugar steamed pudding is a staple dish in New Zealand. While watching Khairul Aming’s attempt, Ramsay made a lighthearted joke about the small wooden spoon that was used to mix the batter of the pudding.
He said, “Spoon’s on me for the holiday” in the caption.
At the end of the video, he praised Khairul Aming’s attempt, saying the steamed pudding looked fluffy and delicious.
He said he would show how to make it again when he is in Malaysia next week.
  @gordonramsayofficial #duet with @Khairulaming Spoons on me for the holidays ! Well done ! Get more recipes like this in my #unchartedcookbook Gx  #ramsayreacts ♬ original sound  – Khairulaming
Many people were delighted to see our local cooking influencer receiving praises from the legend himself.

Ramsay runs a restaurant in Malaysia called the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Sunway City. This is Ramsay’s first restaurant in Malaysia and the first Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill outside of London.
READ MORE: Gordon Ramsay’s Opening A Restaurant In Msia & You Can Already Make Reservations

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Husband And Pregnant Wife Died In Motorcycle Accident; Family Now Looking For Witnesses

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The deaths of a husband and his 6-month pregnant wife near the Second Link in Johor have raised questions among family members.

The victims are 36-year-old Low Kim Cheong and his 30-year-old wife, Tan Li Ru.
The accident happened around 7:00 am at the 18.4km mark of the Second Link.
The couple was heading to Singapore through the Tuas Checkpoint on a motorcycle for work.
According to Johor police, the motorcycle had skidded by itself and involved a single vehicle.

The elder sister of the deceased woman, Tan Liqin, was quoted by Singapore media Shin Min Daily News as saying that the family doubted the cause of the accident.
Tan, who visited the accident scene, concluded that the couple’s motorcycle did not slip and lost control.

According to passers-by, a driver hit them and fled, Tan added.
Some people at the scene said that a silver (Malaysian) locally-made car hit them and then fled the scene, but we did not see it with our own eyes.Tan Liqin on why the family thinks there could be more as to what actually happened to the couple.
Tan has since filed a police report on the matter.
Some of the family members and relatives of the deceased turned to social media to search for answers as they grieved the tragic loss.
They put up photos of the scene, hoping to find drivers who passed by at the time so that they could obtain evidence such as dashcam recordings.

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Fun Events In The Klang Valley This Weekend From 10 To 12 March

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Don’t know what to do this weekend in the Klang Valley? No worries, we got you. 👀

Head on over to art exhibits, markets and shows and more this weekend.
Note that some of these events only happen for a day or can last for a whole month so look at the dates carefully.
If you wanna skip to the specific day you want, choose your preferred day here.
FridaySaturday & Sunday
Here are some of the events that are still ongoing from our previous list.
READ MORE: Fun Events In The Klang Valley This Weekend From 3 To 5 March
READ MORE: Fun Events In The Klang Valley This Weekend From 24 To 26 Feb
Ongoing Events
1. KL Park Festival (Art & Flora Showcase) @ Taman Tasik Titiwangsa (4 – 12 March, 9 am – 10 pm)

The KL Park Festival 2023 (previously known as KL Orchid and Bonsai Show) is a festival that has various floral exhibitions, park activities, and gardening and sculpture competitions.
You can bring your kids or friends to witness breathtaking floral decorations, chill and eat at the food trucks, and do exciting activities like kayaking and glamping.
For more info and updates, visit KL Park Festival’s Instagram and website.
2. Samsung Galaxy Space X Ping Min Market @ APW Bangsar (3 – 12 March, 12 pm – 10 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by 平民市集 Pingmin Market (@pingminmarket)
Samsung Malaysia Electronics invites you to APW Bangsar for an extraordinary experiential adventure using their new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Borrow the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and dive into four immersive spaces – The Alley, The Ballie, The Escape, and Splash Art – where you can snap baller photos and explore the coolest nightscapes.
Teaming up with Pingmin market, they’ve got a lit line-up of trendy workshops and activities such as the Daifuku workshop, Fluid Pouring workshop, and a K-Pop Dance-Off too. Also available are local arts & crafts items and delicious snacks.
READ MORE: Samsung Malaysia Invites You To Discover The Ultimate Gen Z Playground At Galaxy Space
For more info, visit The Ping Min Market’s Instagram.
3. Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition @ Pavilion Bukit Jalil (18 Feb – 18 May, 10 am – 10 pm)

Demon Slayer is a well-known Anime and has a massive fan following in Malaysia. This exhibition is a definite treat to fans as it brings you into the world of anime as soon as you enter the exhibition.
Step into an experience like no other, immerse yourself in some of the memorable scenes and become part of a Demon Slayer Corps at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Level 2, Pink Zone.
Get the tickets here. Tickets cost RM48 for adults and RM38 for kids.
Check out our experience at the exhibition:
READ MORE: Most Awaited Demon Slayer Exhibition Arrives In Malaysia
Visit their Instagram to know more.
4. Arts On The Move (Art Installation + Performances) @ MRT Pasar Seni (Feb – June, 5 pm – 6 pm)

Next time you change your trains at Pasar Seni, drop by their MRT station to witness this new art installation called “Sunnyside Up” by the talented Pamela Tan of Poh Sin Studio. For the next three months, this yellow futuristic installation hopes to reimagine everyday pedestrian routes and transform them into a unique and enjoyable experience for all.
Additionally, every fortnight on Thursday from 5 pm – 6 pm, visit the station for various live performances, exciting workshops and creative art installations.
For more info about the upcoming performances, keep up to date with Think City’s Instagram.
5. Masters of Disguise (Photography Exhibition) @ Darkroom Gallery, GMBB (Extended till 30 April 2023, 11 am – 6 pm)

Biologist, guide and wildlife photographer Chien C. Lee’s latest photography exhibit focuses on the art of deception used by wildlife. This exhibit features more than 60 fantastic photos of various kinds of camouflage and mimicry employed by insects, reptiles, birds, and even plants; with many species hailing from Malaysia’s very own Sabah and Sarawak.
According to GMBB, this exhibition is just so mesmerizing and immersive that it’s extended until 30 April 2023.
READ MORE: Catch This Fantastic Nature Photography Exhibit For A Free Fun Time In KL
6. The World Of DC Exhibition @ Tropicana Gardens Hall Convention Centre (23 Dec – 1 Apr)

Being the first-ever DC Exhibition launch in Asia, The World Of DC Exhibition will feature interactive games, life-seized exhibits, behind-the-scene concept art, limited-edition merchandise and more at the Tropicana Gardens Mall.
Grab your tickets here. For more info, visit their Facebook page here.
7. Van Gogh Alive Exhibition @ Pavillion Bukit Jalil (17 Dec – 16 March, 10 am – 10 pm)

Witness Van Gogh’s legendary works of art displayed digitally at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Get ready for a multi-sensory experience with a symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance for you there.
READ MORE: Catch the Immersive ‘Van Gogh Alive’ Exhibition In KL This Dec-March
8. Red Hongyi’s ‘Once Upon A Longtang’ (Art Exhibition) @ National Art Gallery (22 Dec – 22 March, 9 am – 5 pm)

The Balai Seni Negara has a new art installation called Once Upon A Longtang which features scenes inspired by old alleyway houses – or ‘Longtang’ houses in Shanghai. The installation has a series of artworks displayed with burnt Chinese calligraphy paper and more.
For more info, visit Red Hong Yi’s Instagram.
Here are specific events to enjoy with your family and friends on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
10 March (Friday)
1. The Slashie’s Pop-Up Market @ Central Market (10 – 12 March, 10 am – 8 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Central Market Kuala Lumpur (@centralmarketkualalumpur)
From 10th – 12th March, you can Sapot Lokal with The Slashie’s Pop-Up Market.
Get ready with the pasar seni starter pack, they’ve got vintage clothing, leather boots, earrings, home decors, illustration & art prints, batik clothing, aromatherapy products, scented candles, crystal & gemstone, crochet knitting, pastry desserts, coffee & drinks for your weekend indulgences.
Visit Central Market’s Instagram for more info.
2. Avengers: Infinity Lols  (Comedy Show) @ The Joke Factory (10 March, 8.30 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by By Harith Iskander™ (@thejokefactory.com.my)
Avengers, assemble! The Joke Factory has gathered some of Kuala Lumpur’s brightest comedians for your entertainment on 10th March. Led by Tuck and Mikhail, fresh from their debut solo shows in 2022 and supported by a diverse lineup of up-and-coming local talent with Michelle, Sundeep, Shamirul and Fattah. It’s set to be a weekend of laughs at The Joke Factory.
Get the tickets here. They are priced at RM68 each.
3. MyCat Expo @ IoI Putrajaya (10 – 12 March, 10 am – 9 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by My Cat Expo (@mycatexpo)
Calling all cat lovers and pawrents, now’s the best time for you to shop for cat food, pet accessories, treats, supplements, cat litter, cat grooming products, etc with more than 200+ various brands with great deals at My Cat Expo.
There will also be enjoyable activities such as a cat competition, a cat fashion show, and a petting zoo with birds, reptiles & exotic animals, rabbits & small animals.
For more info, visit here. The entrance fee is only RM5 per person.
11 & 12 March (Saturday & Sunday)
1. Bryan Adams So Happy It Hurts Tour (Concert) @ Arena Of Stars, Genting (11 March, 8.30 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by InTour Live (@intourlive)
Platinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning musician Bryan Adams is guaranteed to thrill and entertain Malaysians with his energetic performance, effortless stage presence and incredible vocals this March. Walk down memory lane with some of his hits like Please Forgive Me, Heaven and (Everything I Do)I Do It For You.
Get your tickets here. Tickets start from RM298.
For more info, visit here.
2. Voices of Ladies – KL Park Festival 2023 @ Titiwangsa Lake Park (11 March, 8.30 pm)

In conjunction with International Women’s Day and also KL Park Festival, catch some of Malaysia’s female powerhouses – Francissca Peter, Aishah, Ella and Linda Nanuwil in Voices Of Ladies this Saturday night at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
Did we tell you that the entrance is free?
For more info and updates, visit KL Park Festival’s Instagram, Facebook and website.
3. Kuantum: Cyberpunk (Electronic Concert) @ RexKL (11 March, 8.30 pm – 1 am)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by (@hellorexkl)
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kuantum: Cyberpunk, where you’ll step into a high-tech and dystopian atmosphere, complete with mesmerizing visual projection mapping displays and impressive installations that pulse to the rhythm of the music. From stunning visual displays to interactive installations, their Al-powered immersive experience will surely leave you amazed and captivated.
You can still get tickets here. Tickets start from RM80 for single access.
4. The Grand TT Havoc (Die-cast car event) @ Sungei Wang Plaza (11 & 12 March, 11 am – 8 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Sungei Wang Plaza 金河广场 (@sungeiwangplaza)
Love collecting diecast car toys? Head on to Sungei Wang this weekend for a diecast collector’s dream!
There will be various types of diecasts from 40 vendors, a live auction, a custom battle and even a lucky draw.
For more info, visit here.
5. Pasar KL (Bazaar) @ My Naturi, Chinatown KL (11-12March, 11 am – 8 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Pasar KL+ | The Entrepreneurship Company (@thepasarkl)
Pasar KL is a group that does pop-up markets at My Naturi, Chinatown. From appetizing food, trendy clothes and handmade crafts, support our local brands and small businesses by stopping by Chinatown KL.
While you’re in Chinatown, visit these cool places too for a fun day out with friends.
READ MORE: What To Do In Chinatown KL: Itinerary For Your Weekend in Petaling Street
READ MORE: Hidden Bars Help To Revive Petaling Street, The ‘Chinatown’ Of Malaysia’s Capital
Visit their Instagram to know more.
6. Super Pop Night (Concert) @ Angkasa Space, Cheras (11 March, 5.30 pm)
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Atas Angin (@atasangin.ev)
BlackPaper Production presents to you 8 great & talented performers – Mxi, Hyper Act, Klangit, Adi Priyo X Venus, Cherpen, Haruka, Urna & Meteorix, that will be rocking your Saturday night out.
For your information, this showcase is for MXI’s new debut Album (PELUANG) launching. Come, sing along together and enjoy your precious moment there.
You can get the tickets here. Tickets are priced at RM55 per person.
Upcoming Shows
Here are some of the ticketed events for upcoming shows. Don’t miss out on the chance to secure a spot at your favourite performance or event.
Konsert Patah Hati – Concert (15 March @ Zepp KL) [Line Up: Noh Salleh, Insomniacks, Ernie Zakri, Naim Daniel, etc]Get tickets here. Sting: My Songs Tour – Concert (20 March @ Plenary Hall, KLCC)Get tickets here.Dreams We Tell Ourselves – Solo Theatre Performance (29 March – 5 April @ M Gallery, Bandar Sunway)Get tickets here. Kenny G Live In Malaysia 2023 – Concert (2 April @ Arena Of Starts, Genting)Get tickets here.Louis Tomlinson: Faith In The Future World Tour – Concert (26 April @ Plenary Hall, KLCC)Get the tickets here.Pinkfish Music & Art Festival – Concert (30 April @ Surf Beach Sunway Lagoon) [Line up: DJ Snake, Meduza, Joe Flizzow, etc]Get your tickets here. Honne May 2023 Asia Tour – Concert (21 May @ Zepp KL)Get tickets here.NusaFest – Concert (8 & 9 June @ Bandar Malaysia, Sungai Besi) [Line Up: Bunkface, Masdo, Forceparkbois]Get Your tickets here. More info here.Muse: Will Of The People World Tour KL – Concert (29 July @ Bukit Kiara Equestrian Resort)Get tickets here.Disney In Concert: Live Your Dream (6 & 7 May @ Plenary Hall, KLCC)Get tickets here.
Check out upcoming concerts this February till May in the listicle below.
READ MORE: 2023 Sees Concert Scene In Malaysia Alive And Kicking, Check Out What’s In Store February Till May
P/S: If you have any future events you want the world to know about, submit your suggestions to melissasu@therakyatpost.com.

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Cheaper Chicken Prices In Malaysian Markets Since Beginning of July

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The Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade And Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) found that the retail prices of standard chicken has seen a downward trend since July 1.
What you need to know: The monitoring of prices of chicken began when the KPDNHEP received complaints about the rising prices of chicken in June. Since then, eight investigation papers have been opened on poultry traders suspected of committing profiteering. Since the investigation began, chicken prices have reduced in July.
Who said what: KPDNHEP enforcement director Datuk Iskandar Halim Sulaiman noted that the prices for both live farm chicken and standard chicken have seen reductions in the first two weeks of July.
Why this matters: Unscrupulous traders and retailers who raise chicken prices to seek an unfair profit pose a threat to the stability of the supply of basic goods, which affects families and even businesses. Hence, the KPDNHEP stepped in to investigate the incident under the Price Control and Anti-Profiterring Act (AKHAP) 2011 to ensure the prices of chicken remain constant.

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KFC Golden Butter Cereal Got You Curious? Here’s What We Think

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KFC has a brand new chicken flavour to tickle our tastebuds, and you might find it rather familiar.

The new Golden Butter Cereal flavour is strongly reminiscent of a popular Chinese Malaysian dish, the butter cereal prawn, in which prawns are cooked in fragrant butter then tossed with curry leaves and crispy sweet cereal bits.

It’s a common favourite especially with kids, but does the chicken version provide that same buttery sweet crunch?
The Taste Test
The chicken and the topping.(Credit: TRP)
The chicken itself has a generous coating of seasoning, but the cereal crumbs are given on the side to preserve that crunch. KFC is pretty generous with its cereal crumbs too, as each piece of chicken has its own little jar of topping.
Now, the chicken on its own is already a flavour bomb. It’s very savoury, with salty hints and a good touch of spiciness.
It leaves a tingle in your mouth, but despite its strong flavours, it’s not too overbearing or jelak.
Each piece of chicken gives you one jar of cereal crumbs.(Credit: TRP)
The cereal crumbs on its own is definitely crunchy with a undertone of sweet. It actually helps to round off the stronger taste of the chicken’s seasoning, and can act as a refresher in between bites.
Since most of the flavour of the chicken is on its skin, you can also try dipping just the meat into the cereal crumbs directly as the juices will allow for a decent coat for a relatively lighter, sweeter flavour.
The Verdict
The Golden Butter Cereal set comes with the usual: chicken, coleslaw, whipped potato, and a drink (not pictured). Plus, crunchy cereal bits, of course.(Credit: TRP)
The Golden Butter Cereal is rather fitting to be released during the Chinese New Year season as it certainly feels like a party in your mouth. With the seasoned chicken and the cereal crumbs coming separately, it actually does feel like two flavours in one, depending on which one you like better.
All in all, it’s quite delicious, doing a good job of adding a bit of excitement to regular fried chicken with its savoury sweetness. The cereal crumbs are good enough to eat on its own too, if you have leftovers.
If you enjoy fun food flavours and textures, this is worth trying.

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Subang Jaya Is Finally Turning Into A City In 2020

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It looks like the good people of Subang Jaya are set for a bit of a lifestyle change as their thriving suburban town would soon officially be recognized as an actual city.
The Selangor state government has finally approved the Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) request to upgrade Subang Jaya’s status into a fully-fledged city by October 20, 2020, after applications were made in 2019.
(Find out more on what makes a city here in Malaysia by checking out our previous article.)

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

The new city status is anticipated to “improve” living standards of people in Subang Jaya by increasing property prices and providing MPSJ with more autonomy to manage their soon-to-be city.
For example, MPSJ would soon be able to better repair roads and infrastructure within its boundaries that are under the purview of other authorities and agencies.
MPSJ also plans to improve on the city’s flood management systems as well as developing its Local Plans 2035, to welcome the development of more residential areas and high-rise developments in the city to accommodate a projected 500,000 residents in the next 15 years.
Developed from a former rubber plantation in 1974, Subang Jaya received its municipality status in 1997, upgrading the former Petaling District Council to the now MPSJ.
The area is well known in the greater Klang Valley area as a light industrial hub with its factories and industrial zones as well as a hot suburban entertainment district, with its endless malls, restaurants, and pubs, besides being the birthplace of your generic Subang buddies.

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Source:
Subang Jaya will officially become city on Oct 20
Subang Jaya set for city status
Subang Jaya


Learn how belief creates at this weekend’s creative festival in KL

The Kancil Awards should be a familiar name to those in the creative scene. Touted as Malaysia’s largest and most prestigious advertising awards competition, it’s a platform for creatives and agencies to submit their best work for recognition.
But did you know that there’s more than just the Kancil Award Night?
Rihanna Ohreally GIF from Rihanna GIFs

There’s actually a full 2-day festival on 23rd and 24th October before the Awards night on Friday.
The festival is themed around belief and how those beliefs guide them to create amazing work.
Learn from the best in the creative industry with keynote speakers, both local and international, as they talk about story-telling, culture, technology, marketing, and above all, an unshakable belief.

 Malaysian keynote speakers will be present as well.(Picture credit: Kancil Awards)

In addition to that, visitors can join the mini workshops covering diverse topics such as1. Rapping2. Street photography3. Bead-making
There will also be exhibitions, tech installations, design competitions, shows, and more! Every corner of RexKL will be packed with things to see, do, and learn.
Intrigued? Well, there’s even better news: tickets are 100% HRDF-claimable! It’s the best place for you to learn and play.
For more details, visit the website here.
Kancil Festival 201924-25 OctoberRexKL, Jln Sultan, KL

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Msia’s 1st Motorcycle E-hailing App Back Online

After being offline for a few years, Malaysiaâ€™s very own motorcycle e-hailing service, Dego Ride, is officially back on the streets.
Dego app home screen.(Credit: Screenshot via Dego)
The e-hailing app is now on a 6-month trial run, ferrying people and packages within the Klang Valley.
Basically the app provides an alternative for commuters looking for for a quick and cheap ride to address their last-mile connection problem, to and from other public transit systems.
Motorcycle taxi ban
Dego Ride initially laid the groundwork for motorcycle taxi services in Malaysia back in late 2016.
Then the company had to stop operations after only 3 months of service when it was banned by the government in 2017 following safety concerns.
During the ban, Dego operated as an e-hailing delivery service.(Credit: Malaysiakini)
If you’re still in the dark about Malaysia’s road accident problem, itâ€™s a well-documented fact that traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death in the country.
Motorcycles attribute to a lion’s share of the overall death toll, exceeding that of any other road vehicle in the country.
Return of the two-wheeled taxi
The motorcycle taxi issue came back into discussions late in 2019 when Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman made plans to bring Indonesian based bike e-hailing startup, Gojek, to the Malaysian market.
Syed Saddiq, main proponent to the motorcycle taxi industry.(Credit: Berita Harian)
Later that same year, the Cabinet announced that the government would be allowing ride-sharing firms to operate motorcycle taxi services on probation so that the authorities can collect more data and assess the demand for such a service.
The government would also be using the time to work draw up laws to regulate the service.
Government-issued PSV license. (Credit: Loanstreet)
But for the time being, it is still unclear whether the bike-hailing service would need riders to acquire a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence like how Grab drivers are required to after rules were set in place last year.
Jobs, jobs, jobs
With the app now online the government is feeling optimistic about the job opportunities that would be made available for Malaysia’s youths and low-income communities.
Back in 2016, the ride-hailing app already had some 5,000 registered riders.
Your friendly neighboorhood Dego Rider.(Credit: Facebook @degomalaysia)
Each rider reportedly can earn between RM1,500 to RM3,500 monthly servicing more than 60,000 users.
Since restarting its service this year, the company had received over 4,000 applications from Malaysian motorcyclists, 700 of which had been vetted and approved thus far.
How to Dego?
Just like any other e-hailing service, users may book a ride by downloading the Dego Ride app on any Android or iOS mobile devices.
But, the app would only give rides to passengers within a 10km radius from the user’s current booking location.
For reference, this is how far 10km covers.(Credit: Map Developers)
Each ride will cost RM3 for the first 3km, and an additional RM1 for every kilometre after that.
Assumingly, to abide by certain cultural and religious sensitivities, passengers would be paired up with a rider of their own gender for each and every ride. (So boys with boys, girls with girls. LOL)
Dego Ride currently offering free rides for a limited time to all users registered to the service.(Credit: Facebook @degomalaysia)
For more details or if you’d like to join the gig economy and register as a rider, just head on over to Dego Rideâ€™s official website.
Great to know that our public transport options are growing. Let’s hope more improvements are coming our way this Wawasan 2020!

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Cars Dominate Long Weekend Conversations: From Brunei Sultan Driving Beemer To Anwar Declining Mercedes S600

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Cars dominated social media conversations over the recent long weekend, beginning with the Sultan of Brunei who surprised everyone by getting behind the wheels himself and driving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Seri Perdana in Putrajaya upon the former’s arrival for a visit here.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah decided to drive the car himself after arriving at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, with Anwar in the front passenger seat.
According to Bernama, Pengiran Muda Abdul Mateen Bolkiah, the Sultan’s son, was also in the vehicle.

https://twitter.com/bernamadotcom/status/1597078832129138689?s=20&t=SBcoU0d2BZGfC_24GQ8pNA

The vehicle, a BMW, was escorted to Putrajaya from the RMAF base 41 kilometres away by a team of outriders and security vehicles.
Anwar was present to greet the Brunei ruler and his delegation earlier. Zuki Ali, the Chief Secretary, was also present.
The army’s guard of honour, led by Faudzi Che Hashim, was observed by the sultan.
Anwar and Sultan Hassanal had their first encounter following Anwar’s election as the tenth prime minister.
Malaysia and Brunei have a longstanding, special relationship based on their shared heritage, culture, and interpersonal connections.
Anwar turned down Mercedes S600 limo ordered by PMD
Still on the subject of cars, Anwar took to social media to say that he had declined the use of a Mercedes-Benz S600 limousine purchased by the Prime Minister’s Department prior to his appointment.
He had stated that no new official car would be purchased for his use, and that no renovations would be carried out at his office, as part of a new culture against wastage of public funds that everyone must practise.
The Mercedes has not arrived yet, so I’m using this (Toyota Camry), okay? (I’ll just use) any car that’s availablehe said in jest to reporters outside PKR headquarters here where Anwar, as Pakatan Harapan chairman, attended a coalition meeting.
Actually, this (the S-class Mercedes) was ordered by a previous prime minister, but I checked to see whether we could cancel. (Thankfully) we could.he added
According to Berita Harian, the purchase of the Mercedes was proposed during the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin administration and then approved by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration.
Not only Anwar, but Ismail Sabri also rejected the new government car
Anwar’s refusal to use the Mercedes-Benz S600 limousine however was nothing extraordinary, said Datuk Ruhaidini Abd Kadir.
The former Director of Media and Strategic Communications to Ismail Sabri said the latter had also once refused to use the bulletproof vehicle provided by the government for him.
He stated that Ismail Sabri also refused to approve the application to modify the special aircraft (Perdana 1) for the Prime Minister’s official use.
Ismail Sabri also continued to live in a private house and chose not to move in to Seri Perdana, even though the Prime Minister’s official residence had been renovated.
Throughout his tenure as Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri was more comfortable using the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) used by the previous administrationDatuk Ruhaidini Abd Kadir, said on a Facebook post

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[Just In] Highest Number Of Covid-19 Deaths, 257 Dead Today

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Not only did we hit our all-time high of new Covid-19 cases, we also hit our all-time high of Covid-19 deaths today (4 August, 2021) at 257 dead.

READ MORE: [Just In] 19,819 New Cases – A Record Breaking Number For Malaysia

Previously, the record stood at 219 dead, recorded on 2nd August 2021.
The total Covid-19 deaths now stand at 9,855, with a 0.83% fatality rate.
#COVID19 Malaysia recorded 19,819 new positive cases with 257 deaths. pic.twitter.com/nPZmCvhjAV— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) August 4, 2021

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Viral Langkawi Garbage Patch Caused By ‘Illegal’ Settlement & Other Countries, Says Island Municipal Council

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The Langkawi Tourism City Municipal Council (MPLBP) points fingers at illegal settlements in Bukit Malut and neighbouring countries for causing the polluted seas witnessed in a recent viral video that surfaced online

MPLBP President Radzuan Osman explained that the floating garbage seen in the island’s waters had been washed out to the ocean by high tides and the monsoon season.
He was quoted saying that the ocean tides can reach villages located in Bukit Malut and drag trash that had been previously disposed of by residents into the sea.
He also said that part of the pollution had come from neighbouring countries – evident from the labels and branding on the rubbish.
He added that the scene had shown the island in a bad light, especially considering it being Malaysia’s premier domestic ‘tourism bubble’ destination.
However, he said the MPLBP will immediately get to work on cleaning the gross garbage patch.
Footage of the Langkawi’s garbage patch had of course raised public concerns.
The 40-ish-second video saw a local kayaker paddling through an obstacle course made of plastic bottles and other debris while pointing out to several of the island’s landmarks that are supposedly close to where the rubbish was seen floating, which included, the village of Bukit Malut, the Kuah Jetty, the Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa, and the St. Regis Hotel.
Terima kasih Encik @amin_hafiszat. Saya sudah hubungi pihak majlis untuk tangani isu ini segera. Langkawi pulau pelancongan. Saya rayu semua agar lebih tanggungjawab. jangan buang sampah merata. Sama-samalah kita jaga Langkawi, permata Kedah. https://t.co/hwPqRhZKBP— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) September 19, 2021
‘Illegal’ settelments in Langkawi?
Located some 20 kilometres away from the island’s capital of Kuah, the village of Bukit Malut has been a subject of national interest for quite some time.
The village is believed to be home to a community of some 8,000 to 10,000 residents. The area is also the site of the Bukit Malut Mangrove Forest Reserve – an important national ecological landmark.
Bukit Malut’s community has been regarded by some as an illegal settlement that popped up on the island sometime in the early 80s’.
Parts of the village were reported to be in deplorable condition and lacking in basic infrastructure. Berita Harian had even compared the settlement to the slums in Brazil and Mexico.
(Credit: Sharul Hafiz Zam/NSTP via Berita Harian)
It is said that the people of Bukit Malut are made up of mostly Malay-Myanmar residents, though the rumour is that the community there were also made up of undocumented refugees from the Rohingya
Reportedly some of the residents there are noted to be United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders.
However, Langkawi Member of Parliament (MP) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad had previously stressed that the people living in Bukit Malut were not “new” residents, but instead, the “original” residents of the island; locals who had migrated to Thailand and Myanmar before returning to Langkawi.
Dr Mahathir shared that 80% of the residents there were fishermen who supply their catch not only to the island but as far as Kelantan.

Most recently, the Kedah State Government announced plans to relocate Bukit Malut’s residents to other parts of the island within the next five years.
The area would instead be replaced with tourism projects – with plans to build a racing circuit, fancy resorts and hotels as well as posh condos and villas in the area.
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that he envisions the island’s racing circuit to be the “Nurburgring of the East” and place Langkawi on Asia’s motorsports map.

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Source:
Isu penempatan haram Bukit Malut belum diusul kepada kerajaan
Langkawi masih bersih walaupun ramai pelancong
Segera bersihkan sampah hanyut di perairan Langkawi
Bukit Malut, Langkawi, issue: KeTSA to get detailed report
Bukit Malut residents to be resettled in five years
Misteri Bukit Malut
Setiap kali saya #PulangKeLangkawi ada saja yang akan komen berkenaan Bukit Malut
Kedah to relocate squatters in Langkawi forest reserve
RM1.3bil motorsport resort project in Langkawi unveiled


Specialist Doctor Identified As One Of The Bullies And Will Be Investigated Soon For Houseman’s Death, Says KJ

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A specialist doctor is among the five individuals suspected of bullying housemen at the Penang Hospital, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.

Khairy said that the incident will be investigated by MoH Integrity Unit, as well as an independent task force which is set to be announced tomorrow.
The Rembau MP said that all five suspects will continue to work as usual despite the ongoing investigation.
 “We can’t simply just transfer them elsewhere, we have to establish first what had taken place some names (in the list) are specialist doctors. So transferring them would not be easy. For now, everyone is working as usual, but the investigations continue,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Khairy also said that it would take some time for the investigation to complete.
“It involves serious allegations such as bullying and also an unprofessional work culture. The investigation will involve an interview session with the complainant and the accused,” he said.
The list of alleged bully suspects was submitted to the Ministry of Health by Penang Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development, and Health Committee chairman Dr. Norlela Ariffin yesterday.
On 17 April,  a 25-year-old male trainee doctor was found dead, believed to have fallen from his residential unit in a building near HPP. He had just begun his housemanship at the hospital on 4 April.
READ MORE: Houseman Died In Just 3 Weeks Of Starting Work, Raises Questions About Work Conditions In Penang Hospital
Two years ago, another doctor died soon after resigning from the same hospital.
Several former and current housemen at the Penang Hospital had also spoken about the toxic work conditions there.
Yesterday, the Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement suggest for the investigation of suspected bully cases on housemen be conducted by an independent committee in order to safeguard the complainant’s identity.
READ MORE: “Saying Only A Handful Greatly Downplays The Problem” Hartal Doktor Kontrak Slams MMA For Undermining Bully Issue

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Water Cut: 130 Areas In Petaling, Klang & Shah Alam Affected From 1pm

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Air Selangor has announced that 130 areas in Klang, Shah Alam and Petaling will experience an unscheduled water cut from 1pm onwards today (29 Dec) due to a burst main pipe.

Emergency repair work on the burst main pipe at Bulatan Persiaran Tengku Ampuan, Section 15 in Shah Alam would require a water supply shutdown, which will affect 72 areas in Petaling and 58 areas in Klang and Shah Alam.
Water supply will be reinstated once the repair work is completed by 9pm (estimated) today.
Air Selangor advises consumers to store enough water before the supply shutdown, and to use water prudently during the water cut.
Below are the list of areas affected by the unscheduled water cut:
Credit: Air Selangor
Credit: Air Selangor

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Source:
EMERGENCY WORK TO REPAIR BURST MAIN PIPE AT SECTION 15 SHAH ALAM


140,608 Employees Lost Their Jobs During Pandemic, Says HR Minister

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A total of 140,608 individuals lost their jobs from March 2020 to August 2021 following the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri M Saravanan.

Sinar Harian quoted the Minister saying that the data was obtained through the Employment Insurance System (EIS) statistics issued by the Social Security Organization (Socso).
To overcome the issue, Saravanan said that various actions have been taken by the ministry, including providing financial assistance to insured people who have lost their jobs.
He also mentioned that, among the assistance under the SIP included benefits in the form of money and allowances such as the Job Search Allowance (JSA), Early Re-Employment Allowance (ERA), Reducing Income Allowance (RIA), training allowance and training fees.
To date, Saravanan said that more than a million job seekers are registered on the Myfuturejobs job portal and from of 1 January, 2021 to August 2021, a total of 203,102 individuals have managed to get jobs via the platform.
It was a reply to a question from Kota Samarahan MP, Rubiah Wang who wanted to know the statistics of job losses among the people since Covid-19 hit as well as the form of action taken by the government to help the group.

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Poslaju apologises to Twitter user whose gold was stolen

Earlier this week, Twitter user @waanyrozaimi shared a sad Raya story of how her package was savagely opened and its content stolen.

Just like that, it was torn to pieces 😔😔 That’s my child’s duit raya 😔 I raise my child myself. This is for my child’s future.
 @waanyrozaimi

macam tu je dia kopak 😔😔 duit raya anak aku tu 😔aku besarkan anak aku sendiri tau. ni simpanan dia untuk masa depan. sesuka hati je curi. aku buat dua kerja cari duit lebih untuk anak, malam tido lewat, pagi masuk ofis. senang ko buat duit. aku tak halalkan (staf poslaju) pic.twitter.com/91I9EhT6XV
— syaa (@waanyrozaimi) June 17, 2019

Twitterjaya of course then responded with their own share of bad experiences with Poslaju as well.

True story – Ada ‘kenalan’ kerja Pos Laju bagitau, diorang kenal sangat barang dalam parcel, tengok dari shape & berat je. And diorang tau loophole sistem Pos Laju, senang nak curi, sender takleh buktikan apa2.
â€” Ahmad Tongkeng (@AhmadTongkeng) June 19, 2019

Some were even consoling her.
Telling her that without the proper packaging, the thief wouldn’t get much.

Beb…lagipon kalau dia jual skalipon mmg harga mmg akan jatuh sejatuhnya…sbb seal tu dh hilang..i pon ade gk beli ngn public gold ni
â€” Leluhur Tengku Manjalara (@FariqueAzimShah) June 19, 2019

Whilst some shared a tweet by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on how to tackle this kinds of issue.

Barang ditempah baru sampai, tapi rosak? Apa yang perlu anda lakukan? Jom baca (infografik)#kpdnhep #onlineshopping pic.twitter.com/WvfCt8R1ek
— mykpdnhep (@mykpdnhep) June 17, 2019

To which she replied;

….thank you wafi…..they said if you want the package to be delivered safely, ask the postman to open the package in front of you before you sign for it…
 @waanyrozaimi

mekasih wafi. salah sikit td sbb barang pos ke ofis terus. tadi kerani yang sambut barang, dia yang sain. dorang kata kalau nak selamat barang sampai suruh abang posmen yg bukak@ bukak depan dorang dan jgn sain. apa2 senang nak salahkan poslaju balik 😂
â€” syaa (@waanyrozaimi) June 17, 2019

In her tweet replying to our query,  @waanyrozaimi says she is a frequent user of Poslaju, and things normally do get delivered safely. She seems quite at peace with the situation though.

hi sis, tak ni first time saya kena. selama ni saya guna poslaju okay je. selamat barang. kali ni bukan rezeki saya 🤗
â€” syaa (@waanyrozaimi) June 19, 2019

On a happy note, Poslaju replied her tweet today.
When she found that Poslaju had started following her, she tweeted:

hi @pos4u, I don’t have a problem with Poslaju. I just have a problem with your dishonest staff. I’m not asking much, I just want you to fire the staff who stole my gold, I heard stories about packages from KL transiting in Tapah having loads of problems. I hope you investigate this matter, a faithful poslaju user
lots of love
@waanyrozaimi

Terima kasih diatas maklumbalas anda. Kami mohon maaf diatas kesulitan yang berlaku.
Untuk tindakan lanjut, mohon pihak anda untuk DM kami membuat siasatan berkenaan aduan yang anda hadapi.
T.kasih-RL-
— Pos Malaysia Berhad (@pos4you) June 19, 2019

Thank you on your feedback. We apologize for any inconvenience.
For further action, we would like you to DM us so that we can investigate the problem you are currently facing.
Poslaju on Twitter
With Poslaju replying her tweet, we hope that this issue will be resolved and that justice is served.


KL Bans Liquor Sales In Kedai Runcit & Convenience Stores From 2021 Onwards

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Kuala Lumpur will be implementing a new set of rules and regulations to control the sale, availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the city, beginning 1 October 2021.

The new guidelines, provided by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL), will effectively ban the sale of hard liquor beverages at all kedai runcit, grocery shops and convenience stores in KL.
The liquor ban will also extend to traditional Chinese medicine or herbalist stores – except for “pure” or “mixed” liquor products that are used for medicinal purposes.
(Coconuts KL)
According to DBKL, these businesses won’t be allowed to renew their liquor licenses past 30 September, next year
DBKL explains that the guidelines would ensure the safety and health of KL and its inhabitants.

What’s allowed?
Grocery shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicinal shops still allowed to sell beer.Hard liquor beverages still allowed to be sold at supermarkets, hypermarkets and trading complexes.
DBKL’s new rules on alcohol sales from 2021 onwards
Grocery shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicinal shops will only be allowed to sell beer between 7am – 9pm, placed separately from other non-alcoholic beverages and closed off once the time limit expires.Wholesalers can only sell alcohol between 7am – 9pm.Bars, pubs, lounges, restaurants and beer houses are only allowed to sell alcohol between 10am – 12am. However, an extension can be given for premises to remain open until 2am.Premises selling alcohol are not allowed to operate in front of police stations, places of worship, schools and hospitals.Businesses must display their liquor license at all times – a blue license means that customers are allowed to drink at the premise, while a yellow license only allows for “take-away” purchases.Alcoholic beverages strictly cannot be sold or served to Muslims and customers below the age of 21.Businesses must encourage their customers to have designated drivers while out drinking or use e-hailing services.Businesses are banned from selling alcoholic beverages in the form of “sachets”.Starting 15 December 2020, the sale and consumption of “samsu” or cheap liquor will be banned in KL.

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Source:
DBKL imposes hard liquor sales restrictions on shops from next year
GARIS PANDUAN DAN SYARAT-SYARAT PERMOHONAN LESEN MINUMAN KERAS ( LIQOUR YANG MEMABUKKAN) WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR


Hannah Yeoh Summoned By Police Over A Tweet On National Child Marriage Policy

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Former Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh revealed today that she had been called in by Bukit Aman over a tweet she had made on child marriage in March 2020.
Speaking out on Twitter, the Segambut Member of Parliament (MP) said that the police is currently investigating her Tweet on 9th March where she questioned the future of Malaysia’s national policy on child marriage following the appointment of Datuk Siti Zalihah Mohd Yusoff from PAS as the Deputy Minister of Women & Family Development.
Shortly after coming into office, Siti Zalihah was slammed for emphasising shariah-compliant attire for flight attendants as workers in the industry were bracing employment issues in light of Covid-19.
I have been called by Bukit Aman to testify for the investigation of this tweet. Nowadays, even asking questions is not possible. There was also no opportunity to ask questions in May’s Parliament session. This roadmap is the work of the PH administration.Hannah Yeoh on Twitter.
Saya telah dipanggil oleh Bukit Aman untuk memberi keterangan bagi siasatan mengenai tweet ini. Sekarang ini, tanya soalan pun tak boleh. Sidang Parlimen bulan Mei juga tak diberi peluang tanya soalan. Roadmap ini hasil kerja kuat pentadbiran bawah PH @drwanazizah. pic.twitter.com/M72pb5p1I6— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) June 16, 2020
The National Strategy Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage was rolled out in January this year by the Pakatan Harapan government as a detailed strategy to address the issue.
The 5-year plan had 17 strategies with 58 programmes planned to be carried out by 61 agencies.
Former Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had said that the programmes were aimed to raise awareness, change perception and stigma related to underaged marriage issues in the society.
With the sudden government change to Pakatan Nasional (PN) in February and the following pandemic, there has been no update on the programme or the issue of child marriage.

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Source:
Malaysia unveils national plan to address underaged marriages [NSTTV]
Dep Women and Family Minister slammed for emphasising syariah-compliant attire for flight attendants


Why We Should Be Alarmed By This Wild Elephant Getting Its Foot Badly Hurt By A Hunter’s Trap In Kelantan

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A wild elephant almost got its foot cleft off after being entangled in a hunter’s snare in Kelantan.

Wildlife authorities managed to rescue an endangered female Asian elephant that sustained injuries to its right foot after being ensnared in a trap near Kampung Renyuk in Jeli.
According to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) a call came in through the department’s hotline about a trapped elephant on October 9, 2020.
A team of 11 members from the Kelantan Elephant Capture Unit (UTG) and the eastern Ops Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) wildlife crime task force, was dispatched to locate the animal on October 10.
The team later discovered the elephant with its front right foot caught in a wire trap, swollen and infected.
(Facebook/perhilitanofficial)
Fortunately, authorities were able to safely remove the snare from the elephant’s foot and provided it with food and medical attention.
However, Perhilitan said that the elephant was still unable to walk properly on its own and would remain under observation until it is fit enough to return to its natural habitat.
Read More: Grieving Mother Elephant In Johor Refuses To Leave Her Baby That Died After Hit By Car
Human-elephant conflict
Our relationship with one of the planet’s largest megafauna is so complex that experts even coined a term for it called human-elephant conflict (HEC), which examines the often detrimental impact of human-elephant interactions
Across Asia, elephants are under threat not only from habitat loss and environmental pollution but also from being viewed as a dangerous and deadly nuisance.
Read More: Poisoning Causes Over 50 Elephant Deaths In Last Decade In Sabah
Talk about bumper to bumper traffic.(JAYAKODY ANTHANAS/Unsplash)
The Asian elephant has been documented to damage and destroy property by raiding farms and crops as they search for food, as well as to injure and kill humans that they come in contact with.
According to Perhilitan, in 2019, HEC within Peninsular Malaysia cost an estimated RM14.2 million in damages from elephants raiding local farms and plantations.
The conflict between humans and wildlife is caused by competition for food and space and is one of the biggest threats to wildlife around the world. HEC will cause dissatisfaction among those affected, leading to the pressure to translocate elephants from the area.Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim via University of Nottingham
In order to find a peaceful resolution to coexist with these colossal creatures, Malaysia put into place the Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME) project in 2011 to further study and collect data on the country’s wild elephant populations with the end goal of developing evidence-based approaches to HEC.
It is estimated that there are less than 3000 individual elephants left in Peninsular Malaysia including the endangered Borneo Pygmy elephants found in Sabah.
A carcass of a pygmy elephant found with gunshot wounds in Sabah.(Sabah Wildlife Department/Malay Mail)
Needing a large range of areas to survive, MEME’s research shows that Malaysian wild elephant habitats extend beyond the boundaries of protected national parks and reserves.
Data revealed that elephants in Peninsular Malaysia have lost 68% percent of their natural range to human encroachment in the last 40 years.
In the remaining 32% of space that they occupy, elephants are said to be living very close to human settlements, and often enough resulting in HEC in around 60% of these areas.
It’s hoped that with better data, the nation’s policymakers and relevant stakeholders can implement better strategies to find a balance between protecting our economic interests and to better preserve Malaysia’s flora and fauna.

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Source:
Asian Elephant
Grieving Mother Elephant In Johor Refuses To Leave Her Baby That Died After Hit By Car
Human-Elephant Conflict in Asia
India: up to 300 people may be killed annually in human-elephant conflicts
MEME – moving towards a science-based conservation of Malaysian elephants
Poisoning Causes Over 50 Elephant Deaths In Last Decade In Sabah
Researchers develop tool to manage conflict with Asian elephants
About MEME
Malaysia develops world’s first human-elephant conflict resolution mechanism


With Trails Re-opening, Stay Safe And Be Ethical When Going Hiking

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With Selangor State Park Forest areas re-opening for hiking activities, the return to outdoor adventure is officially here.

And that means many urbanites who had been locked up in this pandemic season will likely hit the trails.
From mountains to waterfalls, hordes of out-of-towners will be looking to stretch their legs out as they search for that perfect Instagram picture.
But the surge of hikers might bring unwanted destruction to vulnerable mother nature.
Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY) advises the public, especially wannabe hikers, to enjoy outdoor activities responsibly.

ECOMY chief executive officer Andrew Sebastian is optimistic that seasoned hikers will be especially mindful of what to do, including social distancing best practices.
“It’s the newbies who usually pose a threat to these popular outdoor destinations.
“The good thing is, going on a hiking getaway while minimizing negative impact to the environment is not difficult at all,” said Sebastian.
The intrepid naturalist offers some simple tips on how not to be a bozo in the outdoors:
Find some hiking buddies

If you are new to the hobby, it’s wise to bring a partner especially seasoned outdoor goers, to keep you company and lend a helping hand if needed.
Research your trail
Outdoor activities can be dangerous, so study your trail beforehand to know what to expect and where the turns are so you don’t get lost.
Warm-up before hiking
Stretching your body before hiking is essential. It will help minimise potential injury or pain. For optimum results, stretch your body after five to 10 minutes of a general body warm-up.
Make sure you have enough time
Be mindful of timing, and always make sure your phone has enough battery to last. Phones can be used as a torchlight and compass, even without a network.
Read up on local regulations
Have respect for the rules. Don’t litter, and don’t disturb the environment around you. Some trails require a permit. Call the park office to check if you are unsure.
Get the weather forecast
Pack appropriately. Sunny or rain, it’s always good to bring a poncho to cover not just your body and backpack but also wounds in case of injury.
Dress for the outdoors
Wear the proper footwear, so you don’t slip. Choice of colour is also essential. Wear apparel with earthly colours to fully immerse yourself in nature but bright colors will help people find you in an emergency.
At the end of the day, these do’s and don’ts are there to ensure your visit, and that of others, is a safe and pleasant one.
There is very little enforcement out there, so we all need to self-regulate.
After all, civic-mindedness is everyone’s social responsibility.
And remember, we get to enjoy mother nature because those before us have taken care of it.

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Lee Zii Jia Cut Ties With BAM, Fans Blame Association For Loss Of Talent

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Sports fans have responded to news that national shuttler Lee Zii Jia had left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for good.

They did not hide their growing disillusionment with BAM as out goes one of the most high-profile young badminton players in recent times.
Fans suggested that BAM needs to get rid of the deadwood in the organization and at the ministerial level before the nation’s badminton can make any real progress.
Lee’s resignation also prompted the fans to scrutinize what BAM has done to improve the squad since Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s retirement in 2019.

Truly, it would be difficult to not add to the negativity surrounding the nation’s major sports.
Fans have drawn comparisons with BAM to other sports bodies notably the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
For the longest time, FAM had been blamed for Malaysia’s woeful standard in international football.

Not Our Fault, Says BAM
BAM president Norza Zakaria has told FMT that Lee has left as the player couldn’t take the pressure, claiming that Lee wants to achieve his plans according to his own pace.
The 23-year-old national number 1 has been the talk of rumors recently.
The All-England champion had been speculated to leave BAM and turn professional.
As of Tuesday (19 Jan), Lee insisted that he is still a national player.
If I’m a rebel, you won’t see me here at the training centre today.National shuttler Lee Zii Jia dismming the rumours just prior to the official resignation
Lee Zii Jia in action. (Source: Facebook)
Lee officially ranked in 7th place in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Rankings in the men’s singles category.
He was only the third Malaysian men’s singles shuttler to win the All England title this century.
Lee defeated Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the final in March last year to secure his first major title.

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[Watch] DBKL Worker Pulled Out A Large Stuffed Toy From City Drain

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Kuala Lumpur has been flooded a few times whenever there’s a continuous rain downpour. Just yesterday, the rain managed to flood several roads in the city and made certain roads impassable to motorists.

This in turn caused traffic jams and people were stuck in their cars while waiting for the floodwaters to recede.
READ MORE: Several Areas In KL Are Flooded, There Are Still Some Passable Roads
Whenever there’s a flood, people often blame litterbugs for clogging up public drains. A recent video posted by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) proved just that when one of their workers pulled out a huge object blocking the drain.
The worker pulled out a large stuffed toy from the drain in Bulatan Merdeka during cleaning works.
Why do you need to dispose [rubbish] in the drain when there are rubbish bins available? When the drains get clogged, flash flood happens. A lot of people will suffer. Maybe they even lose their belongings. Don’t blame the authorities for not doing their work.DBKL wrote in the video caption.

Netizens were upset
The 8-second video garnered 41k views and drew angry comments from netizens.
Netizens were upset when they found out someone threw a large stuffed toy into the drain and potentially causing the clog.
However, they also praised DBKL workers for doing what they can to keep the city streets clean despite the persistent litterbugs.
Maybe it’s time to stop blaming others and start educating everyone not to litter in public but dispose of their trash properly.
READ MORE: Pekerja DBKL Jumpa Patung Besar Dalam Longkang Di Tempat ‘Hotspot’ Banjir Kilat

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How This Malaysian Man Played A Role In 9/11 US Terror Attacks

The collapse of the World Trade Centre towers on 11th September 2001 in New York left the world aghast at brazen violence and loss of innocent lives.
Today, we know that the head of the 9/11 attacks is Osama Bin Laden, former leader of the militant Islamist group Al Qaeda.
However, did you know that a Malaysian man is directly linked to the 9/11 terror attack?
Meet Yazid Sufaat, a 55-year-old militant from Johor who was named in The 9/11 Commission Report as â€œMalaysian; member of Jemaah Islamiya.â€

An undated handout photo of Yazid Sufaat.
(Credit: REUTERS/Handout (MALAYSIA))

How did he get involved with Al Qaeda?
Yazidâ€™s terrorist links began when he joined Jemaah Islamiyah
(JI), the Southeast Asian militant extremist Islamist rebel group.
Through this, he began working with Al Qaeda when the two groups joined forces in 1998 to â€œwage war again Christians and Jews.â€

Credit: Free Malaysia Today

The operational leader of JI, Riduan Isamuddin (aka Hambali) introduced Yazid to Al Qaeda who needed a scientist to take over its biological weapons programme.
Yazid received a bachelorâ€™s degree in biological sciences, with a minor in chemistry from California State University in 1987. He was also the owner of a pathology laboratory in Malaysia, which gave him both access and knowledge of creating biological weapons.
The 9/11 links
While the four hijacked planes in the September 11 attack were domestic US flights, Al Qaeda had initially planned to hijack US-flagged commercial planes flying across the Pacific Ocean from East Asia.

Former leader of Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden.
(Credit: Getty via History.com)

The plan to crash hijacked aircrafts into US targets was set in 1999 and possible flights included those departing from Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong or Malaysia.
With this in mind, four selected suicide operatives were sent to Kuala Lumpur in December 1999 to do case studies on Far East â€“ US flights.
This is when Yazid Sufaat comes in. US intelligence found out that all stayed at his condominium at the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
It was here that they plotted and planned for the 9/11
attacks.

A hijacked plane seconds before crashing into Tower 2 of the World Trade Centre in September 11 2001.
(Image via snopes.com)

The four individuals â€“ Khalid al Mihdhar, Nawaf al Hazmi, Walid bin Attash (Khallad) and Abu Bara al Yemeni â€“ flew in and out of Kuala Lumpur to neighbouring countries, boarding US airliners.
Part of their case studies and testing included carrying box cutters hidden in a toiletries kit through airport security and opening it in the flight cabin. Their observations during the Kuala Lumpur deployment helped the group fine tune their plane hijacking plans.

Credit: Peter Lance

After 9/11
As mentioned before, Yazid was recruited by Al Qaeda for
their biological weapons programme.
When the September 11 attacks took place in 2001, Yazid had already been in Afghanistan for months, attempting to cultivate anthrax for Al Qaeda.

Life cycle of anthrax bacteria.
(Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

However, he fled to Pakistan in October 2001 when the US unleashed a bombing campaign on Afghanistan.
There was only so far Yazid could run though, and he was
arrested upon his return to Malaysia in December 2001.
After 7 years in detention via the Internal Security Act (ISA), he was freed in 2008 with then home minister Syed Hamid Albar stating that he believed Yazid was â€œno longer a threatâ€ but will be â€œwatched closely.â€
Arrested Again
As it turns out, Syed Hamid Albar was wrong because Yazid was arrested AGAIN in 2013.
This time, under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act for recruiting new members for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. (Yes, he was recruiting members for ISIS)

 Yazid Sufaat escorted by police officers outside Ampang Magistrate Court in 2013.
(Credit: New Straits Times via The Straits Times)

For this crime, he spent four years in Tapah prison.
After two stints in prison, youâ€™d think Yazid would simmer down right?
WRONG.

Barely out of prison, Yazid was arrested in 2017 for recruiting inmates for Al Qaeda while in jail!
The third detention was carried without trial under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) and he was held in Simpang Renggam Prison.
However, there is a two-year expiry date for this detention and
as of 19th November 2019, Yazid Sufaat is a free man (kinda).
Free Hunchback GIF from Free GIFs

Malaysian police counter-terrorism chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay told The Straits Times that while Yazid has been released, he is under 2 years of surveillance AND his movements are restricted within Ampang.
â€œIf he wishes to travel outside of Ampang, Yazid would need to alert the Ampang police chief.â€
Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Counter-Terrorism Chief, PDRM via The Straits Times.
Has he really changed?
Looking at his history, itâ€™s hard to tell. His involvement with
some of the worldâ€™s biggest terror attacks is not an easy thing to gloss over.
Besides the 9/11 links, the militant was also involved in the December 2000 church bombings in Jakarta and a foiled 2000 bombing plot in Singapore.

Yazid Sufaat in a 2012 interview with Malaysiakini.
(Credit: KiniTV/YouTube)

But, The Straits Times quotes an intelligence source who states that Yazid appears to have repented based on the input from the Prison Department. Hence, the decision to release him.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador was also quoted saying that while they understood the publicâ€™s concern on Yazidâ€™s terrorism abilities, it would be unjust to extend his detention based on peopleâ€™s perception.

Credit: The Star

That does not mean that the authorities are wiping their hands
clean of Yazid, though.

In addition to limited movements, Yazid is also under curfew
between 8pm and 6am and not allowed phone and internet access.
He is also forced to wear an electronic monitoring device (EMD) which would need to be changed from time to time. Any attempts to take off the device would immediately alert the authorities.

Credit: Quickmeme

Only time will tell if Yazid has truly repented. But for now, weâ€™ll be sleeping with one eye open.

Surprised to find out Malaysiaâ€™s 9/11 terrorism links? Share your thoughts with us on TRPâ€™s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!


Monkeys are saving us money by eating rats at plantations

Looks like the world is a weirder place than we thoughtâ€¦
So it turns out that monkeys are eating rats in Malaysian palm oil plantations and saving us a whole lot of money!
Meet our agricultural pest control hero, the Pig-tailed macaque!
These guysPicture Credit : Wikimedia
In a recent study published in Current Biology, these monkeys have the potential to act as biological pest control by feeding on plantation rats.
They’re so good in fact, that scientists are estimating a group of macaques could catch (and eat) rats up to 3,000 per year.
In monetary terms, that means that losses can be lessened by USD112 or RM469 per hectare.
How much can rats do to damage crops?
In short, a lot.
The small critters are responsible for destroying about 10% of the plantation’s yield, which in Malaysia alone is equal to crops grown over up to 580,000 hectares or monetary loss of around RM4 billion per year, which is, huge.
Good Morning Rat GIF from Goodmorning GIFs

The study, which was done at the Segari Melintang Forest Reserve in Perak found out that the macaques as effective pest control agents due to their foraging behavior where they engage in multiple methods to hunt the rodents.
The macaques would remove the leaf bases from oil palm trunks to uncover rats that seek shelter during the day and it is the most successful strategy observed.
It shows that they apply different hunting strategies compared to other rodent predators (such as barn owls and leopard cats who also happen to hunt at night).
Although they also feed on oil palm fruits (which makes them be considered as pests themselves), macaques do not damage the plantation as the rodents do.
It’s a good strategy for plantations to use the pig-tailed macaques as a way to reduce the rat population and we always encourage using natural means to control pests.
What do you think about using macaques as pest control in plantations? Let us know on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.


Parents with children happier, but only after they move out as adults

If you want to make your parents happy, move out of their house.
You may have heard that unmarried, childless women are the happiest people. Well, this study has a new contender for that title!
Ron The Family Man GIF from Parksandrec GIFs

According to a recent study, parents with adult children can be happier- but only once the children move out.
The study found that those aged 50 and older with adult children who have moved out but still maintain regular contact are happier than parents with live-in children (adult or not) or childless adults of the same age group.
Bad Parent Caught On TV GIF from Badparents GIFs

According to Christoph Becker at Heidelberg University in Germany, children who do not live with their parents are still important providers of social support for their parents at an older age.
The study finds links between non-residential adult children and a higher life satisfaction. The key here is non-residential, as those having adult children who still lived together reported more depressive symptoms.
Adult children who do not live with their parents but still maintain frequent contact also alleviate their parents’ stress levels by taking over household responsibilities such as paperwork and caregiving.
Bradbellick Mom GIF from Bradbellick GIFs

Non-residential adult children provide their parents independence and freedom without completely leaving them alone without a support system.
However, the study was conducted in Europe and does not take into account the traditional Asian cultures of living together as a family and supporting your parents once you’ve stepped into the role of an adult.
It’s an unspoken rule in Asian culture to “give back” to parents, whether in the form of monetary hadiah or taking care of their needs as a form of filial piety.

via GIPHY
In Malaysia, it’s more common for adult children to stay with their parents and not move out until they get married.
While this may seem fine to you (and pragmatic, since Malaysian real estate is a big investment), you and your parents will be much happier if you moved out.
(Even if you parents may seem reluctant for you to leave!)