TLDR: An Unfinished Defence Project Worth Billions – What Is The LCS And Why Do Politicians Care So Much About It?

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The Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) project, the largest procurement in the history of the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) with a total cost of RM9 billion, recently made headlines, all for the wrong reasons.

The project was handed to Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) in 2013 – through direct negotiation – which in return is supposed to build and delivered six LCS ships by the end of 2023.
BNS, is a subsidiary of Boustead Holdings Bhd, with the Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) being its largest shareholder.
Five of those LCS ships were supposed to be already been completed and delivered this month, according to the project’s initial timeline.
The project was also halted for 29 months and was only resumed in April this year, as reported by Malaysian Defence.
However, with RM6.083 billion being paid to the contractor so far, none of the LCS ships had been completed while the project cost had overrun by RM1.4 billion, as per the finding of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report which was released last Thursday.
You can download the report here.
The project was initiated in 2011, while Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was the Defence Minister.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Credit: Malay Mail)
Why the delay?
The 10-year project was commissioned in 2013 during Barisan Nasional’s (BN) administration.
The first ship in the class, the Maharaja Lela, was also launched in 2017.
The Maharaja Lela was supposed to be completed in 2019, followed by the next five ships in stages.
There have been several reasons given as to why no LCS ships had yet to be completed by NBS, including the change of the ship’s design, from the previously agreed Dutch-designed Sigma to French’s Gowind.
The change was approved while the Defence Ministry was being helmed by Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, in 2011, despite the project’s end user – the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) – being against the decision.
Following the PAC report on the project, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who is also the former Pandan MP, alleged the existence of foul play behind the decision.
PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli. (Credit: Malay Mail)
“RMN chose Sigma for its needs and wants to defend the country because it is better and more modern than Gowind. When Zahid changed the design to Gowind, this meant that the naval defence ability did not meet the wants and plans of the RMN.
“More importantly, the designs of Sigma and Gowind involve different subcontractors. If Sigma is chosen, it requires shipbuilding expertise from the Dutch, while the Gowind design needs expertise from the French.
“There are parties of interest who wanted the subcontractor from France to be chosen to supply the design and build the LCS although the RMN’s decision was to have the Sigma,” Rafizi was quoted by New Straits Times.
However, according to the PAC report, the main reason for the delay was caused by BNS’s poor cash flow and mismanagement of the finance of the project, as per revealed by the project’s former chief Captain (R) Azhar Jumaat.
According to Azhar, the payment that was received from the government was not being fully utilised for the project, which leads to the current predicament.
In explaining the project cost overrun, the PAC said RM400 million was used by NBS to repay previous debts incurred under the New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) project, RM305 million was used for an integration facility in Cyberjaya, and another RM700mil was a cost overrun that exceeded the LCS contract ceiling.
New update
In explaining the delay, LTAT CEO Datuk Ahmad Nazim Abdul Rahman said that BNS was supposed to build all six LCS ships concurrently – as per the current contract between the company and the government.
“Under the current contract, the construction of all six ships must happen all at once. Not build one, deliver one. The Lumut Shipyard is large and has the capacity to build all six ships to completion,” Ahmad Nazim was quoted by Malay Mail.
He added that RM6 billion had been spent to buy the materials and equipment for the ships in bulk as it would be cheaper rather than buying them individually.
The Lumut shipyard. (Credit: Najib Razak Facebook picture)
He said that a huge portion of the total project cost went to the “basic design and detailed design” carried out by the Naval Group, adding that the cost for one ship is approximately RM1.5 billion under the original contract.
Ahmad Nazim also confirmed that the physical construction of the ships is ongoing.
New ammo for Opposition?
The LCS scandal was billed as the “perfect storm” that could see the Opposition regain Putrajaya in the coming 15th general election (GE15).
In another Malay Mail report today, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said that the scandal would have a big impact and spur Pakatan Harapan’s chances to form the next government.
 “Those responsible for the alleged mismanagement of public funds in the LCS scandal are Umno’s main leaders as well as those under BN.
“The issue of the LCS scandal, which was recently exposed, will attract a storm to collapse and topple Umno-BN once again in the upcoming general election,” the former Johor PKR chief was quoted as saying.
(On the right) Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim (Credit: Malay Mail)
He pointed out that PH managed to wrestle five states in GE13 due to the RM250 million National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal while the historic defeat of BN in 2018’s GE14 can be attributed to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.

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Police Inspector Died In Tragic Accident After He Was Ran Over By A Lorry

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A police inspector died on his way home after falling from his motorcycle before being run over by a lorry at KM11 Grand Saga highway yesterday, Sinar Harian reported.

Mohd Farhan Zahari, 28, who was attached to the Subang Jaya district police headquarters Criminal Investigation Department, died on the spot after sustaining serious injuries following the freak accident which occurred at about 4.45pm.
Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Superintendent Azman Shari’at said that based on preliminary investigation, Mohd Farhan was on his way home in Gombak after attending a course at the Royal Malaysia Police College in Cheras.
“When approaching the location, Mohd Farhan tried to overtake the lorry which at that time was on left road shoulder but due to the sandy road condition, he loses control of his motorcycle and fell in front of the lorry’s tyre,” Azman was quoted as saying by the Malay daily.
He also added that the lorry, driven by a 30-year-old man was heading towards the Jalan Kuchai Lama and were travelling on a valid lane prior to the incident.
Farhan’s remains were brought to the Serdang Hospital for post-mortem.
The vehicles involved in the accident are taken to the Kajang district police headquarters for inspection while the case has been classified under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
On the official Selangor Police Facebook page today, the state police chief Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed conveyed his condolences to Mohd Farhan’s family.

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Solo jazz guitar Negaraku cover will ignite your patriotic spirit (Video)

Feeling a little stressed out over the recent heated racial tensions?
Well, we have the perfect remedy for you!
Take time to relish in this amazingly pleasant rendition of our beloved national anthem, performed by local activist, musician and YouTuber, Yu Ren Chung.
This soulful jazz arrangement of the Negaraku plucked on an electric guitar was presented by Ren Chung on his Twitter where he shares his national pride and patriotic spirit.
The musical cover which was posted just yesterday (August 14) has taken the internet by storm, soothing the hearts of Malaysians everywhere.

🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾
â€” nebula (@domesticgod8) August 15, 2019

Omgg im so touch and its so beautiful ♥
â€” á´Éªss Êœá´É´á´‡ÊÊ™á´œÉ´ (@tae_honeybun) August 14, 2019

so cool! and beautifully played!
â€” Bridgette Dani (@bridgie__) August 14, 2019

Beautifully arranged! 👍🏽
â€” Ikhwan (@Bobseluarpetak) August 14, 2019

You can also have a listen to this beautiful melody on his official YouTube channel here;


60 Clusters Came From Hari Raya, Gawai Celebrations, Says Health DG

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60 Covid-19 clusters detected between 13 May and 11 June have been traced back to two major festivals, according to the Ministry of Health.

The Malay Mail reports that 58 clusters came from Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations while the remaining two came from Gawai celebrations.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, 3,511 people were found positive for Covid-19 after 13,023 individuals were screened.
So far, the clusters have recorded 20 deaths with another 11 patients currently in Intensive Care Units (ICU).
The DG also mentioned the three states that had the most of these types of cases:
Sabah – 11 clusters (18.3 per cent)Sarawak – 8 clusters (13.3 per cent)Kedah – 7 clusters (11.7 per cent)
It’s a worrying situation, Dr Noor Hisham said, as the increasing cases and deaths related to this festival cluster occurred in a short period of time.
He added that if the community is still complacent and do not learn from the effects of cross-state activities during the festive season, it’s not impossible that an increase in cases could recur in our country.
It is the responsibility of all parties to protect the vulnerable, especially the sick parents in the hometown by not exposing them to the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.Health Ministry Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah

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Shopee Influencers Upskill Their Niche To Better Engage With Followers

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Everybody loves to shop!

But just like people’s tastes, shopping trends tend to evolve over time. A recent study suggests that 83% of millennial shoppers engage in value-based shopping where their decisions are largely influenced by their personal values and ethical consumption.
This means that most modern shoppers are more cautious with their shopping habits and are usually persuaded by certain moral virtues like, whether the products they consume are ‘green’ or sustainable rather than just looking at how cheap or expensive they might be.
Recent shopping trends also show that younger shoppers from ‘generation Z’ use social media to empower their purchasing decisions.
This means that they are more inclined to buy something if they see a person they trust online using or promoting a product.
This is where social media influencers come in.
With the ability to attract and form their own online communities, influencers play a critical role in advising and providing recommendations to their respective followers on what and what not to buy.
Enter, Live-Shopping!

Live shopping has become the most trusted platform among these audiences for personal advice, two-way feedback, and product clarifications with compelling proof.
Live-shopping or livestream shopping is where shoppers tune in to watch their favourite influencers host live get-togethers with their audience to display new items they find engaging, host Q&A sessions with them about the products, and even model or test the products live on air for everyone to see.
This method of shopping has become increasingly popular in countries like China and the rest of the world.
With the rise of value-based shopping, unboxing has become a popular trend with the younger generation entering the marketplace.
Influencers can use these insights to showcase the full potential of products and demonstrate their effectiveness in action, while developing their authentic voices and collaborating with other influencers within their niche spaces.
Shopee House, a place for creators!

Shopee’s recent study, “Past the Starting Line: Adapting to Malaysia’s Digital Consumers in 2023” found that 82% of Malaysian influencers feel excited about staying resilient and relevant on e-commerce. Of 940 local influencers surveyed, 60% had been with the platform for less than a year.
Shopee recognises the ever-changing shopping habits of their customers and offers various programmes focused on uplifting influencers. Shopee House is where creators get together twice a month to share, connect, and get to know each other, and Shopee Masterclass is a virtual programme where creators have knowledge-sharing sessions.
Many Shopee influencers are focused on strengthening their niche and connecting with value-based shoppers through transparency. Based on the feedback they receive from their followers, most of them demand more information on products so that they can make an informed decision before purchasing.

Shopee influencers understand the importance of genuine and authentic content so that they can relate to their followers. To achieve this, influencers engage consumers through Shopee Live, with 6 in 10 influencers prioritising more personalised video content and promoting relevant products through reviews, unboxing, tips, and tricks, and live demos.
We are excited to see such optimistic feedback from our influencer community and are thrilled to see their growth. These influencers will be a key driving factor in shaping the future of the digital economy and we are glad to see them take a step forward to widen their knowledge and skills through our Shopee Masterclasses.Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing Campaigns at Shopee Malaysia.

6 in 10 influencers intend to widen their knowledge on marketing and business strategy in order to stay relevant and rise in this digital economy. Since its inception in 2022, Shopee Masterclass has upskilled over 500 influencers, with notable sharing sessions by renowned local influencers such as SoImJenn, Safuan, Ceddy, and Dato’ Calvin.
Shopee continues to expand opportunities at its Shopee Influencers Fest, allowing influencers to widen their connection within the community and foster relationships with brands. Additionally, Shopee’s KOL Masterclasses will incorporate more educational materials to help them adapt to evolving trends in e-commerce.

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MITI Introduces “Safe@Work” System So Manufacturers Can Operate Even During A Covid-19 Outbreak

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The government introduces an initiative to ensure that the nation’s manufacturing and related services sectors can operate safely and with better accountability during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the “Safe@Work” system which contains Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and guidelines on the creation of a Safe Work Bubble (SWB) for the sector.
How does it work?
The SWB will isolate groups of workers such as in factories and hostels into their own bubbles.
If there is an infected patient detected in Bubble A, workers in that group who’ve had close contact with the individual can continue working in isolation while waiting for their test results.
Meanwhile, those in Bubble B who had no contact with the former group would still work as usual.
MITI made a Safe@Work FAQ sheet
The International Trade and Industry Ministry’s (MITI) FAQ sheet on the program explains that the Safe@Work system would work complementary with the general SOPs issued to the manufacturing sector.
The Ministry said the system would help protect workers from infections and ensure that employers provide a conducive living and working environment for employees.
Companies however would need to register and be audited on their compliance with SOPs to qualify for the Safe@Work program.
The program would also give additional tax breaks for participating companies that provide accommodation to workers and conduct Covid-19 screenings on employees.
(ts.muhyiddin/Facebook)
Registrations can be made at the Covid-19 Intelligence Management System (CIMS) beginning 1 April.
Workplace hazard
Covid-19 outbreaks in Malaysia have been closely linked to infections happening at the workplace. In October 2020, it was reported that around 30% of Covid-19 clusters in the country were traced to workplace infections.
Read More: Health DG: 30% of Covid-19 Clusters Are From The Workplace
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali also mentioned that cramped and crowded accommodations made available to workers contributed to the problem.

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Kelantan To Determine If Traditional “Main Puteri” Performance Art Is Shariah-Compliant

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The Kelantan State Government will determine if the traditional Malay custom of Main Puteri is suitable for public entertainment and plans to “correct” parts of the tradition that the state finds un-Islamic.

Kelantan’s State Community Unity, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee Chairman Maj (R) Datuk Md Anizam Abdul Rahman explained that a detailed study is needed before the custom can be cleared for public viewing.
Main Puteri or Main Teri is an ancient ritual healing ceremony traditionally used to cure emotional or supernatural ailments. It’s practiced in parts of the East Coast, specifically the state of Darul Naim.
The tradition typically involves elements of music, dancing and chanting.
It is believed that the custom dates as far back as 6,000 BC and is also performed as a form of folk entertainment throughout the ages.

Kelantan has strict prohibitions and censorship against entertainment which goes against the teachings of Islam under its Entertainment Control and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1998.
The law has rules like male-female segregation at public events, prohibitions against women performing in the presence of men, as well as bans on certain local customs, performance, and practices.
In 2019, Kelantan lifted its ban on the traditional Mak Yong dance theater performance after over 20 years of it not being allowed in the state with guidelines on how it should be conducted.
Mak Yong was claimed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2008.
Read more: The Obscure Origins Of Malaysia’s Dikir Barat

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Source:
Pelaksanaan Dasar Kesenian Di Negeri Kelantan Dari Tahun 1990 Hingga 2015: Analisis Menurut Siasah Syar‘Iyyah
Kelantan govt to study if ‘Main Puteri’ Shariah-complaint
Kerajaan Kelantan perhalusi main puteri
MAIN PUTERI (KELANTAN)
Main puteri
Kelantan lifts Mak Yong ban after two decades, but insists performances must be Shariah-compliant
Inscribed in 2008 (3.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2005)
The Obscure Origins Of Malaysia’s Dikir Barat


Preschool Teacher Says Constantly Crying 5YO Boy Is Not School-Ready, Gets Criticised By Netizens

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Schools are back in session and parents have to once again coax their children into going back to classes.

Some preschool children will feel nervous and experience separation anxiety, which is a normal reaction. The children will usually get used to the new schedule once they spend time with their peers.
That said, there are also other children who might take longer to get used to a new environment that is not home. With some help from both parents and the teachers, these children will eventually be calmer and enjoy interacting with their friends.
Unfortunately, a parent shared her woes on Facebook when the teacher claimed that her 5-year-old’s constant crying and wailing in class always disturbed the whole class.

Sofia Hussien said her son had just attended school for 4 days when the teacher sent her a Whatsapp message to say her son kept crying and wasn’t interested to learn.
Sofia asked the teacher what she could do to help. The teacher said that Sofia should have taught her son how to be school-ready when he was around 3 or 4 years old.
The teacher suggested that Sofia could read to her son and teach him how to read at home to inspire his interest.
The teacher also voiced her worries that Sofia’s son wouldn’t be ready to go into Standard 1 next year seeing that he wasn’t ready to learn in a school environment.

In her Facebook post, Sofia said she was upset by what the teacher said and asked whether it’s normal for 5-year-old children to still cry in school.
She explained that she did try teaching her son at home in her own way. Sofia claimed that her son could write numbers 1 to 20 and recognize the letters of the alphabet, although sometimes the letters were written the other way round.
However, her son has not mastered reading yet unlike his peers. Sofia was at her wit’s end and asked others for input.
Is the teacher at fault?
Netizens blamed the teacher for not being able to manage a crying child in her class and said the teacher might need to go back for training.
Other parents assured Sofia that it’s normal for her 5-year-old son to cry in school because their children cried at the same age too.
They were surprised by what the teacher said because usually, teachers know that it’s normal for children to cry, especially if it’s the children’s first week in school.
Another parent suggested that Sofia change schools if the matter can’t be resolved. They said both the parents and the teachers should be working together to make school enjoyable for the children.
But perhaps there’s another problem
However, another netizen suggested Sofia check whether her son has a learning disability like dyslexia which might add to his nervousness and fear of school. It could explain why he had trouble mastering his reading ability too.
On another note, the pandemic lockdown messing up the schooling sessions are tough on younger children.
Some of the current children in preschool might not have had the luxury of time to get used to learning in a school and classroom environment.
Hopefully, Sofia’s son will be able to find a supportive learning environment and enjoy being in school soon.

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New Sala Cluster Discovered in Kedah

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The Ministry of Health identified another cluster in Kedah, known as the Sala cluster, bringing the total number to 3 in the state.

According to MOH, the first case involves a local man who was tested positive on 13 August.
A total of 4 individuals have been infected by the virus so far in that cluster, all of them being the first case’s family members.
MOH said that 80 close contacts to the index case have been tested with 76 awaiting the results.
The first case of the Sala cluster (case 9148) is in the Yan district in Kedah where a Malaysian man was identified as Covid-19 positive on Aug 13, via a clinical surveillance system for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital there. Active case and close contact detections were conducted on Aug 14 with positive cases found on Aug 15.Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah via The Star

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Sâ€™wkian activists who refused to stand up for â€˜Negarakuâ€™ called in for police questioning

A video of a group of people refusing to stand up while our national anthem, â€˜Negarakuâ€™,  played in the background went viral over the weekend.

Picture credit: Facebook

The short 22-second video, allegedly taken during a fundraising event by Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) on Friday (Sept 27), has more than 7,000 comments and 4,700 shares (at the time of writing).
The video was shared by Facebook user Shaow Tung Leong.

â€œI will not stand and sing Malaya national anthem, Coz non of my business.â€
 Shaow Tung Leong via Facebook
Social media users criticised the group of people in the video for being disrespectful towards the countryâ€™s national anthem.

Because â€œNegarakuâ€ belongs to all Malaysians.
Ini bukan soal â€œMalayaâ€ atau â€œSarawakâ€,Tetapi simbol perpaduan kita semua, Malaysia.
Stop dividing us. https://t.co/OIWO8WXza3
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) September 30, 2019

“This is not a question of “Malaya” or “Sarawak” but a symbol of our unity.”

Picture credit: Facebook

Picture credit: Facebook

“Throw these people out of Sarawak”
“Just wait until this rationale is adopted by your own kids. They will become louder than you all. If it’s for S4S then it’s ok. Just worried about when it’s time to take care of you. Those who are rude will breed a generation that is worse than the one before.”
“You’re not Sarawakian, you’re a terrorist. Sarawakians are nice and smart. If you wanna know the true Sarawakian warriors, I’ll tell you. Rosli Dhobi, Awang Ramli, Bujang Suntong, Rentap, Sharif Masahor, Kanang Anak Langkau and many more. These are the real warriors.”

 Picture credit: Facebook

The group of people in the video have since admitted as being members of pressure group Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S).
Speaking to Free Malaysia Today, Shaow Tung Leong a.k.a Alex Leong explained that S4S members refused to stand during the national anthem to silently protest against the government, saying â€œMalayaâ€ had been unfair to Sarawak and itâ€™s people.
The S4S members are dissatisfied with the government over some promises made to the state which were unfulfilled, bringing up that Sarawakâ€™s oil and gas resources had been exploited for the past 56 years.

S4S spokesman Shaow Tung Leong speaking to reporters outside the Kuching police headquarters’ one-stop centre.Picture credit: The Star

â€œIn fact, a few days ago, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that the federal government was unable to fulfil its promise to raise the oil royalty to 20% for Sabah and Sarawak, as stated in Pakatan Harapanâ€™s election manifesto.
“So why should we stand up when the national anthem is played?â€

He also opined that â€˜Negarakuâ€™ was not the anthem of the federation, but only â€œMalayaâ€™sâ€ anthem, highlighting that Sarawak only formed Malaysia with Malaya and Sabah in 1963.

Picture credit: The Borneo Post

Yesterday, news portals reported that after the police received a report of the incident, the eight individuals in the video were called in to give their statements and then later released.
Now, the police are investigating the matter under Section 8 (3) of the National Anthem Act 1968, which states:
â€œWhenever the National Anthem is played or sung all persons present shall stand to attention as a mark of respect.
Any person who knowingly shows disrespect towards the National Anthem in any public place shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month.
Failure to comply with subsection (1) without good and sufficient cause shall constitute a show of disrespect.â€
You can check out Shaow Tung Leong’s Facebook post below:

Do you think everyone should stand up when ‘Negaraku’ is played?
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Cat Found With Gang Tattoo Inside Juarez Prison

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A Sphynx cat was found tattooed with the symbol of a Mexican cartel during a raid at a prison in Juarez.

Sphynx cats are known for their lack of fur and this poor feline had apparently been inked with the symbol of the “Los Mexicles” prison gang, as reported by El Diario.
Authorities rescued the cat and handed it over to the RAMMI animal shelter.
The cat was found during a prison raid at the state prison Cereso No.3, in Ciudad Juarez (the largest city in the Chihuahuan state of Mexico.)
Los Mexicles means “Made In Mexico” and the gang is notorious for drug trafficking and abduction, among others.
Citing a government communication, El Diario said the cat was discovered wandering between prison cells.
Meanwhile, according to Vice, this is the fourth raid inside the same state jail since Los Mexicles’ huge prison break on 1 January.
At the time, 30 prisoners broke out, including “El Neto” chief Ernesto Alfredo Pión who was shot dead by the Chihuahua state police a few days later, as reported by Reuters.
The prison break resulted in the deaths of 19 people which included guards and other inmates.

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Steven Sim’s Old Twitter Post Bites Back Now That He’s Deputy Finance Minister

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Pakatan Harapan’s Steven Sim Chee Keong as his deputies in the Finance Ministry yesterday (9 December).

On Facebook, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim thanked Anwar Ibrahim for appointing him as the deputy finance minister.
Previously, he was the Youth and Sports deputy minister during the 2018 Pakatan Harapan administration.
My main focus is to assist the Finance Minister in carrying out efficient financial administration, ensuring recovery of the national economy and improving people’s welfare. I will serve all Malaysians regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim

Netizens dug up an old Twitter post
Netizens were quick to dredge up one of Steven Sim’s old Twitter posts from 2015.
Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim once wrote that his mission was to bring down a government that has people like Ahmad Maslan in it.
I have only ONE job: to bring down a Govt which consists of people like Ahmad Maslan.— Steven Sim 🇲🇾 #Bangsa (@scheekeong) December 28, 2015
The old tweet that didn’t age well tickled many netizens who now wondered how Steven will work with Ahmad Maslan in the finance ministry under Anwar Ibrahim.
Some netizens said both men will have to stop fighting each other, put aside their differences, and learn how to treat each other with respect for the sake of the nation.
Most importantly, both deputy ministers should keep politics away from the finance ministry.
Another netizen said everyone should be careful with their words because karma will hit back one day.
I got bad news for you. You work with him right now.— Anonymous (@dragonlord371) December 9, 2022
And now you have a new job; to be in the government which consists of people like Ahmad Maslan.— TokyoSaitama (@kangawa_tokyo) December 10, 2022
7 years later, you have to stop fighting and start to learn how to treat each other well for the sake of the nation.— Marcustzb📦🚛 (@marcustzb) December 9, 2022
Just bury your differences and work for the country. Keep politics outside of the ministry. I’m sure almost everyone has a strength that can be leveraged to be useful. Else, it’ll be a good time to be a mentor.— MJQ (@mjquasar) December 10, 2022
That’s why I believe in karma… next time becareful with words…— Cheng (@Cheng54372067) December 10, 2022
 pic.twitter.com/PjEDuorAYg— Swis Fritzgerald (@fritzgeraldswis) December 10, 2022

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More Storms Predicted To Take Place Across Malaysia This Week

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The states in the west coast of the Peninsula – Kedah, Perak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, N.Sembilan, Melaka, and the interior of Pahang are expected to experience thunderstorms and rain in the late afternoon until early evening, according to Malaysia’s Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia).

They tweeted a statement recently saying that based on their analysis, western Sabah, western and central Sarawak will also experience similar weather patterns while humid weather is expected in most places with rain in the morning on the east coast Peninsula and eastern Sabah.
Hot and dry weather is expected to continue in the northern states of the Peninsula. Strong winds and rough seas are also expected in the waters of the South China Sea during the period 2 – 6 February 2022.MET Malaysia via Twitter
MetMalaysia previously mentioned that the country is now in the midst of the North-East monsoon season that began from November 2021 and would continue till March this year.
READ MORE: Heads Up Malaysia, Haze, Drought & Storms Are Coming Our Way This CNY Weekend
During this time, the country is likely to be battered by heavy winds and rains, particularly in the eastern regions of the peninsular as well as in the western regions of Sarawak and eastern regions of Sabah.
The effects of the monsoon season have been devastating to some parts of Kedah and Perak recently, which were hit by “tornadoes” with many videos posted online by residents showing the destruction caused by the weather.
Luckily, no lives were lost during both incidences.
READ MORE: [Watch] Tornado Rips Through Kedah Town, Leaves Behind A Dusty Mess
READ MORE: Tornado Hits Ipoh, Next In Bizarre Weather Patterns In 2022

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PDRM To Question Journalist Over Reports Of Deadly 2016 Hospital Fire In JB

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Boo Su-Lyn, Editor-in-chief of CodeBlue – a Malaysian health news portal – revealed today that she has been called in for questioning by PDRM over her reporting of a Johor hospital fire that killed 6 patients in 2016.
The October 2016 blaze in Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA), Johor Bahru broke out at the South Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward and killed 6 patients while leaving one seriously injured. The horrific incident is also known as the worst hospital fire in Malaysia.
Boo Su-Lyn, editor-in-chief of CodeBlue, a Malaysian health news portal.(Credit: @boosulyn/Twitter)
In a statement released on her Twitter account, Su-Lyn disclosed that she will be interviewed by the police at Putrajaya today over four articles regarding the declassified HSA fire investigation that revealed the hospital had operated for years without a fire certificate despite numerous fires breaking out since 2008.
The four articles on the 2016 HSA fires by Boo Su-Lyn under investigation.(Screenshot from CodeBlue)
The seven-member inquiry committee appointed by then-Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam also found that none of the South ICU staff had undergone training in fire drills or emergency evacuation, despite four previous fire outbreaks in the ward.
After the findings were made public following a Cabinet decision in 2019, CodeBlue reported the findings on its site.
Su-Lyn stated that the articles were written as a matter of public interest, especially on the issue of fire safety at healthcare facilities and found the police investigations a distraction from the grave points of concern stated in the report.
The government should release to the public the full report by the independent investigation into the 2016 fire at HSA, which had been commissioned by the government itself. This was one of the recommendations by the inquiry.Boo Su-Lyn, editor-in-chief of Code Blue to TRP.
She also stressed the importance of justice for the families of the six victims and the genuine accountability of those responsible for their deaths.
Their families deserve to know the truth.Boo Su-Lyn, editor-in-chief of Code Blue.
Su-Lyn is being investigated under the Penal Code and Official Secrets Act (OSA).
I am being investigated under the Penal Code & Official Secrets Act over my articles on the declassified findings of the independent investigation into the 2016 fire at Hospital Sultanah Aminah that killed 6 patients. Police are interviewing me at 2pm today at IPD Putrajaya. pic.twitter.com/jUkfdQwCWV— Boo Su-Lyn (@boosulyn) June 26, 2020

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Source:
Why Bomba Didn’t Charge ‘Fire Hazard’ Sultanah Aminah Hospital
Take Legal Action Against Medivest, HSA Fire Inquiry Tells Government
Company Gave HSA Faulty Fire Extinguisher, Falsified Data: Inquiry Hears
Inquiry Blames Unprepared Staff, MOH, Bomba For Sultanah Aminah Hospital Fire Deaths


Budget 2021: Controversial RM85.5 Mill JASA Allocation Slashed By Half

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When a whopping RM85.5 million was allocated to the revival of the Special Affairs Department (JASA) under the Communications & Multimedia Ministry under Budget 2021, Malaysians were especially critical of the massive budget.

Today, Parliament has tabled the motion for JASA budget to be slashed by almost half to RM40.5 million.
The motion tabled by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri was approved by voice vote.
Credit: Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail
Bye bye JASA, hello J-Com
It is also reported that JASA will be renamed to J-Com – short for Jabatan Komunikasi Komuniti (Community Communications Department).
Communications & Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has also assured that the department would not end up as a propaganda machine and that J-Com’s priorities will be focused on Covid-19 communications.
JASA – previously dissolved in 2018- became the subject of much debate after it’s allocated funds was announced during Budget 2021. Many argued that the money could be allocated elsewhere, from healthcare to social welfare , to help Malaysians deal with the devastating effects of the pandemic.
Saifuddin argued that the RM85.5 million allocation was not “something extraordinary” and was calculated based on the total amount of parliamentary and state constituencies.
The new RM40.5 million budget for the unit is allocated for only 160 districts, and not based on the number of parliamentary and state constituencies like previously, he said.
Before it was disbanded, JASA was given RM30 million under Budget 2018.
READ MORE: What Is JASA & Why Is The Government Giving Them Over RM80 Million In Budget 2021?

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Source:
Jasa to be rebranded as J-Com, RM85.5mil allocation to be slashed, says minister
Putrajaya cuts RM45m from Budget 2021 allocations for controversial Jasa unit


Social Media Goes Wild After ‘Najib Gets Airtime’ Ahead Of GE15

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Incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s recent appearance on a programme by RTM, the Kembara Keluarga Malaysia travelogue series, caused a stir among Malaysians who continued to question the apparent special treatment being afforded to him.

Twitter user @The_Mamu questioned how Najib could be given airtime despite currently serving his jail sentence for misappropriating SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.
Macam tak masuk penjara. Still on tv, campaigning. pic.twitter.com/Un7u4jOG5S— The Mamu™ 🇲🇾 (@The_Mamu) October 24, 2022
Another user @bawalsakti said that Malaysians need to be shown a picture of Najib in prison garb to prove that he is in fact serving his jail time.
Assalamualaikum @penjaramalaysia kita nak BUKTI FOTO bahawa banduan bangsat ini betul-betul ada di dalam sel penjara, memakai pakaian seragam banduan Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/lAv0jiI9im— bawalsakti™ (@bawalsakti) October 24, 2022
Meanwhile, @Amshar_Aziz likened the situation to the Philippines during the Ferdinand Marcos administration, where the media only portrayed the positive side of the late dictator.
UMNO cytro downplaying Najib’s airtime in RTM. Saying not a big deal.That is what happened in Philippines when they start to only portray positively about their national plunderer, Ferdinand Marcos.Rakyat kena ingat dia bagi BR1M seciput tapi sakau berjuta-juta. (So far)— Amshar Aziz (@Amshar_Aziz) October 24, 2022
However, @JdUnknownperson questioned why Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) sympathisers were so concerned with Najib’s appearance in the travelogue, stating that the episode that the incumbent Pekan MP appeared on was about Pahang and his constituency of Pekan.
PH people still making allegations and assumptions about Recorded TV shows about Pahang 😂 why are you guys terrified with 2 minutes DSN appearances 🤦♂ 🤦♂ pic.twitter.com/RHxyjJeVgq— Unknownperson (@JdUnknownperson) October 24, 2022
“PH people still making allegations and assumptions about recorded TV shows about Pahang. Why are you guys terrified with 2 minutes of DSN (Najib) appearances,” wrote @JdUnknownperson.
Newsman Ooi Beng Cheang, who tweets from @luxentX, said that a quick Google search shows that the episode in question touched about Pekan and the heavy industries in the area.
I googled the episode, RTM has it online. Episode 57 was about Pekan, where the second half of the show featured Najib and his son. His son was quoted as ‘pemimpin rakyat’. They spoke about the highlights of Pekan and the heavy industries in it.https://t.co/PeXWL9J1ZI https://t.co/UJIJyTw3bN pic.twitter.com/2BKxPf2zSE— Ooi Beng Cheang (@luxentX) October 25, 2022
Prisons Department clears the air
In responding to the matter, the Prisons Department in a statement today said that there has been no video recording made of Najib by any media agency within the premises of the Kajang Prison, where he is currently serving time.
“Our checks found that RTM recorded the video earlier in conjunction with Kembara Keluarga Malaysia episode 57, which was done before Najib was imprisoned,” the statement read.
It added that the episode, aired on RTM1 on October 24 was not about politics, but featured the history and background of Pekan, Pahang.

The department also warned the public against disseminating false information.
“Legal action can be taken against irresponsible individuals.”
The 69-year-old former prime minister is serving his 12-year jail sentence since August 23 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction and sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million in SRC International funds.

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Surprising New Covid-19 Cases Among Malaysians, From Raya Visit To Frontliners

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After weeks of single digit new Covid-19 cases amongst Malaysians, the figure rose to 15 new cases on Saturday, 13 June.
Health Director General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah revealed out of the 43 new Covid-19 cases reported yesterday, 38 were local infections which comprised of 23 non-Malaysians and 15 Malaysians.
While the infection amongst non-Malaysians were largely from the Bukit Jalil Immigration Detention Centre (21 cases), the 15 Malaysian infections were a little more scattered.

Terkini #covid19malaysia STATUS COVID-19, 13 JunKes baharu = 43a) melibatkan kes import= 5b) melibatkan kes penularan tempatan= 38i) kes warganegara= 15ii) kes bukan warganegara=23 pic.twitter.com/Yy27m2mcj1— KKMPutrajaya (@KKMPutrajaya) June 13, 2020

Here’s the breakdown:
Negeri Sembilan – 5 cases
One patient was found to be infected with the novel coronavirus after coming into close contact with Patient 7,756 during a Hari Raya visit.
A civil servant in Seremban who was planning to return to Sabah was also found to be Covid-19 positive after screening.
Meanwhile, three new cases were detected in three separate tahfiz schools.
Selangor – 4 cases
Two cases were detected from screening in two tahfiz schools.
After screening of frontliners (non-health) in Sabak Bernam, two more cases were detected.
Melaka – 2 cases
One case was detected from a senior centre in Melaka Tengah while another new infection was detected in a tahfiz school.
Kuala Lumpur – 1 case
The infection was detected from the Influenza Like Illness (ILI) surveillance in a sentinel health clinic.
Pahang – 1 case
The infection was detected from community screening in Temerloh.
Perak – 1 case
Another infection was detected from a tahfiz school.
Sabah – 1 case
After a 96-year-old woman passed away in her home on 12th June, her body was brought to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah for post-mortem testing which confirmed the presence of the virus in her body.
The Health Ministry is still investigating the source of the infection.
Her passing pushes Malaysia’s Covid-19 death toll to 120 losses from the total of 8,445 reported infections in the country.
Credit: Health Ministry

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Malaysian Kids Are “Accidentally” Eating Viagra-Like Candy

Disclaimer: We are not doctors. Please take any information provided in this article with a pinch of salt and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed viral reports about a type of candy being sold in convenience stores containing a scheduled poison called tadalafil.
According to the viral reports on social media, school children have been consuming a candy brand named Energy Candy and their products ExtrAli Energy Candy, Extra Strong Energy Candy and Mixed Fruit Candy, which resulted in them falling dangerously ill.
Here’s the lowdown on tadalafil, the possible reasons why it was present in the candy and what warning signs to look out for if your kid has eaten it.
Tadalafil
(Credit: Pinterest)
Tadalafil is a type of medication used to treat mainly erectile dysfunction (mati pucuk), but is also used to treat symptoms of prostate gland enlargement (a.k.a BPH), and a serious heart and lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension.
This medicine works by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels in the prostate and bladder and increases blood flow to the..ehem. Penis. Thus, enabling a man to achieve and keep anâ€¦erection.
As a medication, tadalafil is usually eaten either once a day or 30 minutes before you plan to get down and dirty, depending on what you’re taking it for.
Tadalafil is usually prescribed under the brand name Cialis. (Credit: Steroids Online)
According to WebMD, tadalafil’s effect on sexual ability may last up to 36 hours. Just taking a tadalafil pill doesn’t cause an erection, but instead helps a man achieve an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.
In Malaysia, tadalafil is a controlled drug that can be obtained at selected pharmacies under the brand name Cialis as long as you have a prescription from the doctor.
Tadalafil has not been approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.
Energy Candy
Energy Candy packaging. (Credit: Malay Mail)
Energy boosters and coffees that supposedly increase your “male stamina” are not hard to find in Malaysia. Hanging packets of kopi jantan can be found at any other mamak or Malay food stall. Furthermore, these products have been known to be spiked with trace amounts of sildenafil (a.k.a Viagra).
It’s probable that Energy Candy products were supposed to be a part of this list of products that supposedly help increase a man’s internal energy (tenaga batin). In which case, it’s not surprising that it would contain something like tadalafil.
Mixed fruit candy also found to contain tadalafil. (Credit: Facebook)
Unfortunately, the manufacturers of these products don’t list ingredients like sildenafil or tadalafil on the back of their products because many of them are not legally allowed to sell products containing such substances.
When the ingredient isn’t listed, or the purpose of the product is only subtly described on the packaging, shop owners and other people selling the “candy” or “beverages” are unaware that these products are potentially dangerous for consumption.
Tadalafil side effects and risks
(Credit: Freepik)
Common side effects reported with taking tadalafil include headaches, nausea, dizziness, a stuffy nose, and muscle pain.
Besides that, a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure has also been reported when tadalafil is used with some other medicines.
The most worrying side effects of tadalafil are the sudden visual and/or hearing loss that has been reported among some people after they took it. The Health Ministry is concerned about these side effects when tadalafil is used without the supervision of a doctor.

However, it’s unclear if tadalafil itself caused these scary side effects as most of the people experiencing them also already had certain eye conditions or were at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure etc.
If you’re aware that your child has accidentally eaten candy containing tadalafil, watch out for these symptoms and immediately take your child to the doctor if they occur.

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The Biggest Covid-19 Clusters In Each State

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As Malaysia’s Covid-19 cases began rising during the third wave of infections, so did the number of clusters in the country.

According to the Health Ministry, there are 128 active clusters in Malaysia as of 3 November.
While several clusters span across state lines, so far only Perlis has remained free from Covid-19 clusters.
Here are the biggest clusters according to state based on the data provided by the Ministry:
Pergerakan 14 hari taburan kes #COVID19 mengikut daerah di Malaysia (21 Okt – 3 Nov 2020). Cheras di Kuala Lumpur dan Barat Daya, Pulau Pinang dua daerah baharu zon merah. PKPD seluruh daerah Seremban akan bermula 5 Nov. pic.twitter.com/y1XrEhTok6— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) November 4, 2020
Sabah
Kepayan Prison Cluster (1,760 cases)
Located in Kota Kinabalu, the index case for this cluster (Case 19,628) was first identified after a hospital screening at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu on 14 October.
According to reports, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that prison Covid-19 cases are isolated in prisons and do not infect the community.
Kedah
Tembok Cluster (1,745 cases)
The index case for this cluster was a Malaysian citizen (Case 11,207) and is the 135th fatality from Covid-19. The deceased tested positive for the virus on 28 September 2020.
Although the number of cases in this cluster has exceed 1,000, the Tembok cluster is located in the Alor Setar prison, which, according to Dr Noor Hisham, is isolated from the public.
Penang
Penjara Reman Cluster (497 cases)
This cluster was first identified in the Northeast district of Penang. The index case was an 85-year-old Malaysian man (Case 13,499) who was found unconscious in the early morning of 5 October in prison and was later pronounced dead at the Penang Hospital.
The Covid-19 cases in Penjara Reman Cluster, like the Tembok and Kepayan Clusters are in prisons and does not affect the masses.
Negeri Sembilan
Kaya Cluster (467 cases)
This cluster involves the Seremban district in Negeri Sembilan and also the Federal Territory of Putrajaya. The index cases were identified as Covid-19 positive from screening exercises at work on 24 October. Those who infected were later admitted to Sungai Buloh Hospital and Tuanku Jaafar Hospital.
Labuan
Sagu King Cluster (295 cases)
This cluster involves the Labuan district in the Federal Territory of Labuan. The index case for this cluster (Case 15,657) first tested positive at Labuan Hospital on 11 October.
Selangor
Hentian Cluster (258 cases)
This cluster involves the Hulu Langat district in Selangor. The index case for this cluster (Case 18,664) was identified based on the result of a screening on symptomatic individuals on 15 October 2020. The patient was admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Sarawak
Greenhill Cluster (62 cases)
This cluster was first reported in Kuching and Miri districts in Sarawak. The index case for this cluster (Case 27,786) was identified as a result of screening test on 25 October 2020. Close contact screening has also detected another 24 positive cases. All of the cases have been admitted to Sarawak General Hospital and Miri Hospital.
READ MORE: Fed Up With Rumors, Sarawakian Socialite Tells Her Side Of The Covid-19 “Highly Infectious” Green Hill Cluster
Johor
Kempas Cluster (54 cases)
The cluster involves the districts of Johor Bahru and Kulai in Johor. The index case for this cluster (Case 24,447) tested positive on 22 October and was admitted to the Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom in Kluang. Close contact screening has identified seven more positive cases.
Terengganu
Makekar Cluster (47 cases)
First identified in Kemaman, the cluster spans multiple states and districts including Johor Bahru and Kulai districts in Johor, Kemaman, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu and Marang districts in Terengganu and also the Klang district in Selangor.
The index case for this cluster (Case 23,800) tested positive from a workplace screening on 18 October and admitted into Hulu Terengganu Hospital, Kuala Berang. Screening of close contacts identified nine (9) additional cases.
Perak
Lekir Cluster (18 cases)
Located in the Manjung district in Perak, the index case for this cluster (Case 17,528) has been positively identified for Covid-19 as a result of screening of symptomatic individuals on 14 October and was admitted to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Ipoh. Close contact screening has identified 5 more Covid-19 positive cases.
Melaka
Bukit Cluster (16 cases)
This new cluster involves the Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin districts in Melaka. The index case for this cluster (Case 17,531) was detected positive for Covid-19 through symptomatic screening on 13 October 2020 and was admitted into Melaka Hospital. Screening of close contacts has identified 14 additional confirmed Covid-19 cases.

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Boutique owner apologises again for viral bridal photoshoot at Johor cemetery

[UPDATE – This article has been updated to include the boutique owner’s apology]
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words.
The owner of the local bridal boutique that originally posted images of brides taken at a cemetery admitted to her mistake and takes sole responsibility for the widely shared and negatively received photographs.
In an emotional public apology video made through her personal Facebook account, 26-year-old Nur Amirah Mohd Amiruddin asks Malaysians to direct any criticism on the images to her directly and not to anyone else involved in the photoshoot.
The apology is currently making rounds on social media.

Recently some rather peculiar pictures risen from the depths of the internet and became quite a “deadly” viral issue.
The images were of a supposed bride clad in a Malay wedding dress photographed in a Christian cemetery.
(Image Credit: Twitter)
The bizarre themed photoshoot quickly became a heated topic, with social media users pointing out how inappropriate the images were.
(Image Credit: Twitter)
Most shared the opinion that the images had disregarded certain religious and racial sensitivities and were disrespectful to the dead and their family.

(Image Credit: Screenshot via Twitter)

â€œF**k**g stupid. Is there no place else for a photoshoot? No respect to a graveyard, let alone a Christian cemetery. Damn, people will surely do anything just for the sake of attention. If you sit on my familyâ€™s grave, I will find you right away girl.â€
via Twitter

No respect for the dead. Very rude of her to do photoshoot at a sacred place. And certainly, no respect for other people’s family’s grave. That is the problem with people who are uneducated.
â€” Abdul Et Al (@MrAbdul84) November 5, 2019

Ini kalau non muslim buat kat tanah perkuburan islam memang seminggu tak habis orang marah. Nak orang respect tapi kita sendiri tak respect sensitiviti agama lain
â€” á´˜Ê€á´‡á´›á´›Ê á´œÉ¢ÊŸÊ (@newrandd) November 5, 2019

 â€œIf a non-Muslim did this at a Muslim cemetery, people would be angry about it for weeks. We want people to respect us but we donâ€™t respect the sensitivity of other religions.â€
via Twitter

Imagine the conversation
Bride: i nak something yang orang lain tak pernah buat. Bosan la kat pantai, pokok, bandar.
Photog: kat perkuburan islam nak tak kak?
Bride: no. Lets do it at kubur kristian. Baru ala ala Dia De Los Muertos. Mesti likes I banyak kan kan.?
â€” Elessar 🕊 (@axyrff) November 6, 2019

â€œImagine the conversation
Bride: I want something that no one has ever done before. The city, beach and trees are so boring.
Photographer: How about a Muslim cemetery?
Bride: No. Letâ€™s do it at a Christian cemetery. Then itâ€™ll feel like DÃa de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Will get lots of likes for sure.â€
via Twitter
Curiously enough, the collection of images were not from an actual wedding photoshoot, and the woman in the photographed was not a real bride, but a model.

After receiving a wave of negative feedback from netizens, the boutique had taken down the photos and even had its Instagram account set to private.
Nur Amirah had previously apologised to the public for the bizarre set location, which she pointed out, was a Christian cemetery in Batu Pahat, Johor.
She said that the images were not meant to be offensive and explained that the photoshoot was intended to be different and unique after taking some international inspirations.
(Image Credit: Facebook)
She also stressed that the images were not posted for any sort of publicity or business gains.

Do you think it’s inappropriate and disrespectful to take pictures and selfies at cemeteries and graveyards?
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Unidentified Woman’s Body Found In Ditch, Suspected Murder

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The body of a woman believed to be a resident was found in a drain behind a house in Taman Perpaduan, Bakar Arang.

Kuala Muda OCPD, Assistant Commissioner Zaidy Che Hassan, stated that the police received a report about the body’s discovery from a member of the public at around 5:47 pm.
Upon arrival, the police discovered the body of a woman wearing a kaftan dress (baju kelawar) without any undergarments.

According to initial investigations, a witness reported smelling a foul odour behind the house.
At first, he thought the smell was coming from inside the toilet and washed it, but it persisted. The witness then opened the back door of his house and found a woman’s body in the drain.Kuala Muda OCPD, Assistant Commissioner Zaidy Che Hassan commenting on the case.
The Forensic Unit at the Kedah State Police Headquarters investigated the scene, and the woman’s body was sent to Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim for an autopsy.
Zaidy urged anyone who witnessed the incident or had information about missing family members to come forward and report to the nearest police station.
At the time of writing, the police classified the case as sudden death while awaiting the autopsy results.

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M’sian Cooking For Dummies: The Easiest Basic Fish Curry

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Curry is intimidatingly delicious: thick, hot, and complex. But did you know it’s actually super easy to make curry at home yourself? Even your favourite fish curry?

Curries are extremely versatile, meaning you can put whatever you want in it and still have it taste amazing. Still, it’s best to start with the basics, so you add fancy twists to your curries whenever you want.
Malaysian celebrity chef Sherson Lian notes that good curry just needs a good base. Everything else is complimentary.
Back To Basics Fish Curry
Ingredients:
Fish (any fish is good, but a firmer fish will hold its shape better in the curry)Half an onionTomatoCurry leavesFish curry pasteOkras (lady’s fingers)Chilis (optional)Coriander for garnish
Curry actually only needs these basic ingredients.(Credit: TRP)
Preperation:
1) Slice onion into slivers. Fry with oil in a pot on medium-high heat until it turns golden brown.

2) Add your fish curry paste and cook it for 1 minute. Cooking pre-made pastes help to enhance the flavours. Add curry leaves and quartered tomatoes while stirring occasionally.

3) Add water to your desired level (make sure not to fill the pot to the brim so that it won’t overflow when the curry boils). Let this boil for about 10 minutes to soften the tomatoes and thicken the curry.
4) Now, add any ingredients to your liking, taking note of their cooking times so that they will all finish cooking around the same time. As a general rule, proteins always go into the pot first because they take longer to cook, while vegetables go in last because they only need a few minutes.
Fish: around 7 to 8 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the fishOkra: about 3 to 4 minutes

5) Garnish and serve with rice. Curries also keep in the fridge very well, so you can easily make a big batch and portion it out for later.

Here, we used fish curry paste from Sherson’s line of Rencah pastes and condiments and is also used in his restaurants. This is a flavourful yet basic curry paste so you can always add your own twist to it and change it up.
You can easily add your own spin on the curry. Add meats, eggs, cili padi, vegetables, or more! There’s no limit to curry.(Credit: TRP)
But this recipe will work with any pre-prepared curry paste, you won’t need to spend 4 hours making it from scratch.
PS: Prefer shrimps? Try our 4-ingredient udang sambal petai instead! Check out the recipe HERE.
Or, if you’re more fond of grilled fish, we’ve got you with the 3-ingredient ikan sambal belacan as well. Check it out HERE.

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Kelana Jaya Park Pedestrian Entrance Blocked By… A Metal Fence?

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In a time when the public is accused of not taking public transportation and causing congestion on the roads, it can seem like the Klang Valley’s modern urban planning is simply designed against the rakyat.

READ MORE: KTMB CEO Gets Challenged To Ride The KTM After Blaming Citizens For Not Using Public Transport
Twitter user @fazleyff shared his experience of trying to get to the Tasik Kelana Jaya public park on foot.
He had stopped at the bus stop across the street from the park. However, after crossing the pedestrian bridge, he found that the entrance leading into the park was blocked by a metal fence.
Walking to Tasik Kelana Jaya from the bus stop, across the Federal Highway pedestrian bridge, and guess what.. the stairs leading to the park was BLOCKED by a gate.Smart Selangor infrastructure pic.twitter.com/WQ7rP63b8Q— surreal putrajayan cari kerja (@fazleyff) May 31, 2022
Later on, Fazley had to walk further down the road and squeeze his way into the park via another unconventional entrance, which was also blocked by a metal fence.
He managed to squeeze his way in via a small gap between the fence and the walkway, which he chalks up to poor workmanship: shouldn’t fences not have gaps if the entire point is to keep people out?
(Un)Luckily here was this longkang to the left of the stairs, which wasn’t covered well by the gate, went through this gap to “infiltrate” the park. Plus it smelled pretty bad.I don’t know if they’re even trying; can we look up who’s supplying & installing these gates? pic.twitter.com/hGG3QSUzPf— surreal putrajayan cari kerja (@fazleyff) May 31, 2022
Although the entrances Fazley arrived at are the closest entrances into the park via the pedestrian bridge, it isn’t the main entrance.
There are a couple of ways into the park, but there isn’t proper signage or directions for those unfamiliar with the area.
There is a well-known Taman Bandaran entrance via LDP highway, but this entrance is quite a distance for pedestrians.
The Taman Bandaran entrance, accessible from LDP highway.(Credit: Google Maps)
There is also another much closer entrance to the pedestrian bridge, which includes a much shorter walk and relatively more direct access to the park. However, pedestrians are still unable to directly access the park from the pedestrian bridge and will need to walk along LDP until they reach this entrance and cut through the car park before reaching the park.
The other entrance into Tasik Kelana Jaya which is close to the pedestrian bridge and the bus stop.(Credit: Google Maps)
Some local netizens noted in response to Fazley’s Tweet that the fences were installed a few years ago after a spate of snatch thefts. Those fences were further locked up during the MCO period to maintain a single entrance and exit.
While it is seemingly just a short walk, it’s additional inconvenience for pedestrians and only serves to highlight how urban city planning often overlooks the ease of access for pedestrians.

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Can â€˜healthyâ€™ fruit juices cause cancer?

We’ve always been aware that sugary drinks were bad, especially carbonated drinks.
But fruit juices? Seriously?? Just when we thought we were being healthy??

via GIPHY
In France, 101,257 people participated in research that ran up to 9 years that studied the connection between the intake of sugary drinks (including 100% fruit juices, mind you) and the risk of cancer.
Shockingly they found out that drinking just 100ml of sugary drinks a day would increase the chances of cancer by a whopping 18%!
For women, the chances of breast cancer can increase to about 22% with that same amount of sugar.
To put it into context, drinking as much as half a cup of your teh tarik in the morning can, unfortunately, escalate your chances of getting cancer.
Hotlink Malaysiamoji Tehtarik GIF from Hotlinkmalaysiamoji GIFs

The research went on to conclude that because of since the study had such a large number of participants, they are going to add the consumption of sugary drinks as a modifiable risk factor in cancer prevention.
I.e. it is up to us to reduce our sugar intake if we want to live a healthier life.
Mr Bean Upset GIF from Mrbean GIFs

In addition to all this, the authors in BMJ medical journals even suggested that sugar taxes will actually have a substantial impact on cancers.
So maybe the sugar taxes that just started isnâ€™t all that bad huh? Perhaps the suggestion to tax bubble tea and teh tarik is also valid.
Compared to other countries, Malaysia’s sugar tax is still considered cheap.
Unlike in the UK that charges about 18pence (~RM0.93) per litre for the first 5g of sugar per litre, and 24pence (~RM1.24) for more than 8g per litre of sugar in drinks.

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Tell us, would you be willing to give up your juice cleanses after reading this? Comment on our Facebook or Twitter page.


Fahmi Tears Down Hamzah’s Reference Of Obscure Website Claiming Anwar Is “First Homosexual PM In An Islamic Country”

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Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN – Larut) is being heavily criticised after encouraging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to sue an obscure Italian website for claiming the latter is the “first full-blown homosexual elected prime minister in an Islamic country“.

Among the more prominent critics of Hamzah were Communications and Digital Minister Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil who shared that the website, Agenzia Nova, did not appear to be credible.
La, saya ingatkan website Hamzah Zainuddin petik ni level Bernama ke, BBC ke, New York Times ke.Rupanya website entah apa-apa!! Nama wartawan yang tulis ‘artikel’ pun tak ada.Jangan nak cuba scam, Hamzah! pic.twitter.com/K9RyQz5qXz— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) December 19, 2022
“It looks like a whatever website!! It doesn’t even name the journalists who write the “articles”,” tweeted Fahmi in Bahasa Malaysia.
In a later tweet, he shared a screenshot of a conversation with a person, claiming to have been in Italy for 33 years, who had not heard of Agenzia Nova.
Hati-hati Hamzah nak scamRupa2nya orang Italy pun tak pernah dengar nama ‘Agenzia Nova’ ni! pic.twitter.com/toGVDJm3P5— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) December 20, 2022
Political analyst and former independent journalist Norman Goh, in a Twitter thread, also highlighted Hamzah’s reference to an unknown media portal as an example of how dangerous it is to reference articles and claims without checking them first.
“It will lead to confusion, defamation and disinformation,” read one of the tweets in Norman’s thread.
He also pointed out that domain checks on Agenzia Nova did not identify the owner of the site, its editors and journalists are unnamed, and its socials pages have little engagement. All of these are red flags according to Norman.
Who is Agenzia Nova? Who runs it? Who are they? Why is there an interest of an obscure website in Italian on Malaysia?Checking its domain information, no identification about the owner or editors. No names of editors and journalists. Socials have little engagement.Red flags. pic.twitter.com/Q3GJpQbIom— Norman Goh (@imnormgoh) December 19, 2022
He also pointed out that such websites are frequently for-profit enterprises and are not actually intended to inform the public.
There are many websites paid to masquerade as a legitimate news outlet, more often than so, people fall into the trap believing that the articles were real.These fake news websites only serve a purpose – making false narrative for monetary purposes. They make money.— Norman Goh (@imnormgoh) December 19, 2022
The Vibes also reports that access to the Agenzia Nova website appears to have been blocked by Malaysian telecommunications and internet service providers.

However, checks by TRP show that the site is still accessible via a virtual private network (VPN) and the organization’s LinkedIn page lists it as having 52 employees.

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No Disruptions On Food Delivery Services Yet Despite Purported 24-Hour Strike By Riders

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While delivery riders planned for a 24-hour strike beginning at midnight last night amid concern about the low fares that they received, the service remains available for consumers today.

New Straits Times reported that it was still possible to use the service of a major food delivery platform despite the warning on social media yesterday that consumer orders may arrive late – or be cancelled altogether – as there will be a lack of riders due to the purported strike.
The report state that an order was placed on the platform, ordering food from a restaurant situated 11.7km away.
It only took a minute before a rider was assigned to the order and the food arrived without any hiccups before 10am.
Yesterday, social media was abuzz with talks of a strike by food delivery riders who were unhappy with the low fares.
Food delivery services in the country may experience disruption tomorrow.🔴 Food delivery riders plan to launch a 24-hour nationwide strike from midnight today.#fooddeliveryblackout #NaikkanFare pic.twitter.com/Hw7fPBc0IA— Elill (@Elill_E) August 4, 2022
The Star reported that the Malaysian P-Hailing Riders’ Association (Persatuan Penghantar P-Hailing Malaysia), the largest food delivery association in the country, also supported the planned strike.
“First of all, we would like to clarify that we are not the ones who initiated the protest. But we support this effort because we understand what the riders are going through,” the association vice-president Abdul Hakim Abdul Rani was quoted by the English daily.
Abdul Hakim explained that riders are paid a flat rate per delivery and are not compensated fairly for deliveries that may take a longer time to complete.
“The protest is a way of giving these companies some awareness about how the riders are feeling in their current situation as they cope with the rising cost of living. They feel that they are earning less despite performing more deliveries,” he added.
Meanwhile, E-haling service provider Grab Malaysia yesterday clarified that there was no reduction in base fares for their delivery services.
The company however admitted that a glitch in its system caused a discrepancy in rider’s earnings.
The issue had been rectified and Grab Malaysia said that it had clarified the matter in its official communication channel to our partners on July 21.
The company also apologised to its partners for the inconvenience it may have caused due to what happened.

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Malaysia Airlines Bans Self-Heating And Ready-To-Eat Meals On Flights

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Malaysia Airlines Bhd said that with immediate effect, they’ve banned any forms of self-heating or ready-to-eat meals on all of the company’s flights due to safety concerns.

This is because these items contain dangerous substances such as magnesium and iron powder, self-burning solid carbon or corrosive calcium oxide that release flammable gas upon contact with water.
These substances are found in the self-heating packs used to heat up food quickly in self-heating and ready-to-eat meals, as demonstrated in this Youtube video.
In a statement by Malaysia Airlines, self-heating meals or ready-to-eat meals include heat packs or self-heating packs such as quick and easy hot pot, rice and drinks.
These food items are not allowed in either checked or cabin baggage by passengers or the crew due to safety concerns.
The safety and comfort of passengers and crew remain of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines.Malaysia Airlines Bhd said in a statement.

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“We’re Here To Help, Even If You Doubt Us” Road Rangers Proud To Help Drivers In Distress

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Between all the cases of “call men” fighting to tow away crashed cars, overcharging customers, or just straight up committing insurance fraud—it’s no wonder Malaysians might find tow truck drivers untrustworthy.

But as the saying goes: all that is gold does not glitter.
This Hari Raya, follow the story of Abang Mail, an Allianz Road Ranger who tries to make an honest living working as a tow truck operator serving customers in need despite what they might think of his line of work.
“Call man and tow truck drivers are not the same. People often stereotype us and give us the side-eye. They think we solely want to make easy money from our work,” exclaimed Abang Mail in a short Aidilfitri ad by Allianz Malaysia.
The commercial follows Abang Mail’s journey as a loving husband and father as well as a proud member of the Allianz Road Rangers team who are on the ready, day and night, to tend to drivers in distress.
We do sincere work for the ones we love. With only one call away, Allianz Road Ranger will be there for you.Abang Mail
Catch the sincere story of human struggles and kindness in “Sangka Baik” below.

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Source:
8 tow truck runners who fought on Penang highway charged
Beware of exorbitant towing charges
Beware of motor insurance vultures


How Instant Premixed Drinks Are Exporting The “Malaysian Taste” To The World

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From a regular cup of kopi-O to a classic glass of teh tarik, Malaysians simply love the stimulating hit of caffeine as well as the tantalizing taste and aroma of coffee and tea.

Whether it’s drunk hot or cold, the popular beverages blend perfectly together with the melting pot of cultures we have here since the day they were first introduced to our taste buds hundreds of years ago.
Since then, we’ve truly made the drinks into our own – coming up with a menu of delectable libations enjoyed everywhere from the roadside kopitiams to the hipster cafes, and by those who are actively on the go or simply kicking back at home.
Read More: From Kopitiams to Cafés, The Evolution of Malaysia’s Coffee Culture
And ever since making your own cup of coffee or tea became cheap and easy with the help of professionally crafted instant and premixed products, we’ve managed to share our uniquely Malaysian flavours with the world.
(Credit: Tyler Nix via Unsplash)
But, like all things, people’s tastes and preferences change over time.
“Consumer taste changes, so you have to catch up with consumer preference,” explained Lotus’s Malaysia Head of Customer Proposition Fariz Yusof.
Since 2003, Lotus’s Malaysia’s recipes for its range of instant premixed hot beverages have been constantly improved according to how Malaysians like to enjoy their drinks.
Instant it may be, but there’s a whole lot of thought and science behind creating the perfect Malaysian blend of premixed coffee and tea.
Fariz shared that their own-brand of products goes through a very strict process to meet quality standards before going on shelves.
We have a PAC or product assessment centre where we have a set panellist that, essentially tell us what they like. We would recruit customers to come in and try out our products and from there, we would know if it’s acceptable or needs improvements in terms of appearance, taste and aroma. Then we would work with our supplier to make it better.Lotus’s Malaysia Head of Customer Proposition Fariz Yusof.
And although the raw material used for their range of hot drinks were sourced from overseas, its exceptional tastes, recipes and production are 100% made-in-Malaysia.
“The formula and recipe are very important,” quipped Datuk Ean Yong Tinsing, the founder and chairman of Orgabio Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, the company that produces and supplies Lotus’s Malaysia’s line of instant premixed beverages.
Orgabio’s mixing and testing facilities making sure that they get the “Malaysian taste” just right.(Credit: TRP)
He boasted that Malaysia’s blend of premixed coffee and tea is a favourite not only in Asia but also across Europe and the Americas.
“You can call it Malaysian 3-in-1 coffee taste. It’s accepted by everyone. Even the mat salleh like it,”  he said with a smile.
With Lotus’s Malaysia being the company’s top 5 customers, he hopes that together they’ll continue giving the world a taste of Malaysia.
If you’re wondering what the Malaysian coffee taste is like, try out Lotus’s Malaysia’s range of rich, mild and regular 3-in-1 premixed coffee selections.
Or treat your taste buds to a refreshing cup of instant teh tarik recipes made the original or less-sugar way, just how locals like it.
(Credit: TRP)
Don’t forget to grab yourselves a container of Lotus’s butter cookies to munch along while you enjoy your beverages hot or iced, anytime and anywhere.
Head on over to your nearest Lotus’s hypermarket today or check out their Facebook page for details, promos and more!

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Save Money & Stand A Chance To Become A Millionaire With BSN SSP

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In an attempt to get rich (or die tryin’), most of us would already be aware of the familiar concepts to make more money – acquiring assets such as properties, or trading cryptocurrencies.

While these are perfectly acceptable ways to increase your wealth, the capital and risks are too high for some to consider.
But what if there was an easier and safer way for you to stand a chance to become a millionaire?
Start saving to win!
(Credit: TRP)
Stand a chance to win monthly prizes of RM1 million, BMWs 320i M Sport (2022) Runout Edition, travel vouchers, iPhones and more with BSN Sijil Simpanan Premium (BSN SSP).
Opening an account couldn’t be any easier. Walk into any BSN branch near you with your IC and:
Deposit at least RM10Be at least 10 years old
For every RM10 saved, you’re eligible for one entry into the various prize draws. The more you save, the higher your chances of winning.
BSN SSP from Bank Simpanan Nasional is renowned for offering amazing prizes and has been around since 1978.
As of August 2022, BSN SSP has created 79 millionaires, and you could be next!
Road to RM1 million with BSN
BSN SSP is a savings product, hence, your money is secured. From the Special Draw to the new Gender Draw introduced this year, you can achieve your dreams with no risky investments.
Click HERE to find out more about the 7 draw categories, and watch the video below!

What’s special about BSN SSP Special Edition
BSN SSP Special Edition (BSN SSP SE) gives you a profit rate of 2.35% per annum, with the added bonus of being in the running to win RM1 million and other fabulous prizes.

You are only eligible if you hold your savings in the BSN SSP SE account for 12 months.
This is exclusive to new and existing BSN customers aged 12 years and above, with a minimum savings of RM3000.
What are you waiting for?
Don’t miss out on the chance to live the life of your dreams. Head on over to your nearest BSN branch to open your account or submit your details here for a representative to get in touch with you.
The campaign ends on 31 December 2022. You can check the draw results here to find out if you won!

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Are Mâ€™sian fish really â€œturning gayâ€ because of river pollution?

Itâ€™s no secret that something is going on with
Malaysian rivers.
Weâ€™ve heard news of dead fishes turning up in Damansara and Gombak rivers. Weâ€™ve also heard recent news of Sungai Kopok turning black in Pasir Gudang.

Credit: NSTP/FARIZUL HAFIZ AWANG

But todayâ€¦ Today we read something that absolutely boggled
our minds..
Chemicals in Malaysian rivers are apparently turning fish
â€œGAYâ€!
Shocked Shookt GIF from Shocked GIFs

An article published by The Malaysian Insight on the 15th of August has reported a warning from an expert that endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are turning the fishes in our rivers â€œgayâ€ and even â€œtranssexualâ€!
South Park Kanye West GIF from Southpark GIFs

How does this even happen?
According to the article, itâ€™s by changing their hormones, which then affects their sex.

Credit: QuickMeme

This shocking declaration was made by Prof Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Professor of Hydrochemistry at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) at a SPAN seminar on river pollution.

Iâ€™m here to deliver a talk on EDCs from source to tap. @span_malaysia pic.twitter.com/obEIV6yefZ
â€” Dr. Ahmad Zaharin Aris (@ZaharinAris) August 14, 2019

â€œThey changed fish sexual preferences by disrupting their hormones so that males become attracted to males and females to females. In essence, gay and lesbian fish.â€
 â€œThere are also fish born with opposite reproductive organs, such as male fish with female organs and vice-versa. So when we eat too much of these fish, they can accumulate in our bodies.â€
Prof Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Professor of Hydrochemistry at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) via The Malaysian Insight/Today Online.
Prof Ahmad Zaharin also says that the sex changes in fish and shellfish are due to active ingredients used in the production of family planning pills.
What are EDCs?
Basically, endocrine disruptors are chemicals resembling
hormones that interfere with the bodyâ€™s endocrine system.

Credit: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), effects include:

developmental malformations
reproductive interference
increased cancer risk
neurological and immune disturbances

EDCs can be found in a lot of products like plastic bottles, food cans, detergents, food, toys and even cosmetics!
Soâ€¦. Can they turn the fish gay?
The Fresh Prince Is Confused GIF from Thefreshprinceofbelair GIFs

The UK Environment Agency have identified that fish and marine molluscs are at risk of adverse effects from EDCs.
However, they do state that little is known about the â€˜real-worldâ€™
effects of EDCs due to lack of evidence demonstrating EDC impacts on natural
invertebrate populations.

The EPA is also quite cautious in stating thereâ€™s definite proof on the effects on human populations, but they do admit that exposure to low levels of EDC has caused the masculinisation of female marine molluscs.
They also state that there has been several reports on the declining quality of sperm production in humans as well as the rise of certain cancers that indicate endocrine disruption.

Simply put, there MAY have environmental causes, but there’s not enough research to prove the actual cost.

In conclusion, EDCs ARE causing reproductive disruption in aquatic life.
BUT, to say theyâ€™re turning â€œgayâ€, â€œlesbianâ€ and â€œtranssexualsâ€ is an oversimplification that glosses over many complex factors.
Fishes GIF from Kisses GIFs


TikTok – Not just another fad

What’s the â€œthingâ€ for the children of today? Itâ€™s an app from Chinese Internet technology company ByteDance called TikTok.
Here are three groups of people who should be keeping an eye on it.
 1. For Talented Malaysians
Once upon a time, people made it big by singing on YouTube. Remember Justin Beiber?

via GIFER
Today, TikTok is where the stars of tomorrow are being found.
In 15 seconds, Wahida  â€œAi Wahidaâ€ Amalin Atan, grabbed the attention of record label executives at Rusa Music and she’s now set to release her own single.

(Pic Credit: Ai Wahida’s TikTok page)

Her participation in 1 Million Audition (Malaysia) on TikTok gained fans and fame in â€œrecordâ€ time.
Maybe someone reading this will do the same in the next round?
2. For Malaysian Parents
TikTok claims it’s suitable for 12 years-old and up, but this is still the internet weâ€™re talking about.
Parents have to be aware and alert to what their children do online.

via GIFER
The best way to do that is learn about and understand the app and what it allows your children to do.
There will always be dangers online from all kinds of creeps on the internet who could contact your child.
3. For the Malaysian Businesses
Here’s a word for businesses: Advertising.
TikTok is one of the worldâ€™s largest apps in the number of downloads and users.
Most importantly, it can reach all of the tech-savvy generations from a 1990’s kid through to the post-millennial.
Itâ€™s not going away and it will definitely be one of the advertising platforms of the future.


Investigations Underway As Two Women Claim Shocking Sexual Harassment At Police Roadblocks

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The police are investigating its own officers regarding sexual harassment incidents at roadblocks after it went viral on social media this weekend.

They said that they have received the report from the person who was harassed at a roadblock nearby Jalan Duta.
It was reported by Berita Harian that a 23-year-old woman was stopped at a police roadblock at Jalan Duta before an officer approached her vehicle and demanded she show her breasts in order to avoid a fine.
The complainant was also asked to provide his telephone number. The woman was allowed to leave after the authenticity of the complainant’s identity card was verified.PDRM via Berita Harian
This is not the only incident that the police are looking at as Bukit Aman Standard Compliance Integrity Department (JIPS) director, Datuk Zamri Yahya said that the police party are another case in Pahang.
In the incident Penang, a policeman contacted a woman who had just passed through the blockade with the intention of wanting to get acquainted.
She later shared screenshots of the conversation on social media where it gained traction with multiple input from Malaysians.
Credit: Twitter
What do you do if it happened to you
According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia law lecturer Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, it’s best to:
Note down where it happenedThe name and identification number on the particular officerQuickly lodge a police report.
If a police officer threatens arrest or demand any sort of sexual favours – including touching and looking – action could be taken against them under Section 509 or 354 of the Penal Code.
A Twitter user @sydalfsydrsln has also pointed out that reports can be made at the Standard Compliance Integrity Department in Bukit Aman or by contacting their hotline at 1800-800-222.
You can also email at ispaaapdrm@rmp.gov.my, visit their website or mail your report to:
Cawangan Pengurusan Aduan, Aras B1, Menara 1, Jabatan Integriti dan Pematuhan Standard, 50560, Bukit Aman Kuala Lumpur
Boleh report dekat jabatan intergrity dan pematuhan standard pic.twitter.com/aenempCz9j— syedalif (@sydalfsydrsln) February 12, 2021

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M’sian girl does amazing nail art of your favourite bubble tea brands

Professional manicurist Tiffany Tay has been doing nail art for 5 years, but only recently merged her love of bubble tea and her skills.
In a Facebook post, she jokes that it took her 3 days to “open” 5 different bubble tea stores.

She featured Xing Fu Tang, Chatto, Pin Tea, Shifen Station, and Whale Tea on one hand. Shifen Station nail art also includes milk foam and boba spilling over the top.
The art is intricate and the hand-drawn logos are shockingly accurate to the brands.

Netizens and fellow boba-lovers loved her designs.

“I’m at a loss for words… should be very helpful in saving money. Just look at your hands when you feel like a drink, then leave.”

“Peak level boba fanatic.”

“When you’re bored… just lick your nails.”

“I will feel like getting boba even more after seeing this!”
Though she featured a few different bubble tea chains, it quickly becomes obvious that her favourite is indeed Xing Fu Tang, as shown here in a pretty pastel blue depiction of the chain’s soda flavoured bubble tea.

Her nail art only proves how much we Malaysians love our bubble tea and how big of a social movement the drink has become.
Despite the often strange combinations or halal drama that hounds bubble tea, it still stays a well-loved drink in our hearts.
However, be sure not to consume too much of the super sugary drinks, and instead just get bubble tea nails to satisfy your cravings!

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Historical Rex Cinema Is Now A Uber Cool & ‘Hidden’ Bookstore

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Rex cinema used to stand in the heart of downtown KL as an iconic landmark. While it has long stopped serving movie-goers and has receeded into the backdrop of the city, the space is being revitalized as a cultural community hub– now better known as RexKL.

The latest point of interest is the newly-opened BookXcess RexKL, featuring twisting walkways, hidden corners, and towering floor-to-ceiling shelves. The architecture and layout here is imaginative and whimsical, a far cry from the boxed shoplots you may be more familiar with.
You might need help looking for a book you want.(Credit: BookXcess)
In fact, BookXcess may be better known as the bookstore which sells an Instagram backdrop better than it sells books, as each new outlet boasts more aesthetic backdrops, from their outlets in Penang to Ipoh to Petaling Jaya and now, KL. It functions like a semi-art gallery as well, with plenty of large hanging art of display.
Nooks and crannies for you to explore, and also lots of art.(Credit: BookXcess)
Here, unlike traditional bookstores, books are displayed with its front cover out and placed based on colour, not neccesarily sorted by genre.
The display of books at BookXcess REXKL is fairly different from other bookstores.(Credit: BookXcess)
That being said, BookXcess fits in nicely with RexKL’s artsy vibes, making it a definite must-visit spot even if you’re not meaning to buy books.
The entire bookstore makes use of the old Rex Cinema’s existing architecture, so feel free to get lost in the nooks and crannies.
However, it is also because of this that customers should watch their step, as there are spots with uneven flooring or sudden steps and ledges. This store is also particularly difficult for people with disabilities to traverse in, so do take note of that.
However, if you happen to find a book or two that you like, wouldn’t that be worth your time as well?

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Malaysia Takes Giant Steps To Stub Out Illegal Cigarettes In Budget 2021

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Malaysia, unfortunately, is the global leader in illegal cigarette trade. Yes, 64.5% of total cigarettes sold in the country today are illegal cigarettes; translating to roughly 12 billion sticks of contraband cigarettes sold in a year.

Suffice to say, Malaysia has a HUGE illegal cigarette problem – which is exactly why the government made a bold move in addressing illegal cigarette trade during the tabling of Budget 2021.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz announced that the government will set up a multi taskforce agency and disallowed transshipment of cigarettes and re-export of cigarettes by small boats, including kumpit boats, and only internationally-recognised intermodal containers will be allowed.
The government will also be freezing the issuance of import licences for cigarettes and impose an excise duty on electronic, non-electronic cigarette devices and vape liquids beginning January 2021 – all in a bid to ensure that revenue sources remain sustainable.
Credit: The Rakyat Post
So, what exactly is transhipment?
Transshipment is actually a very important concept in the logistics and distribution of goods.
At a transit stop, a container of goods is offloaded from one ship and reloaded into another ship to reach its final destination.

When it comes to illegal cigarettes in Malaysia, cigarettes are brought into Malaysia en route to other destinations.
Instead of being declared as cigarettes, these containers are declared as transshipment or non-taxable goods destined for a third country, thereby avoiding Customs checks.
According to New Straits Times, in most instances, such goods do not leave Malaysia and end up being sold in the country. This results in flooding the market with illicit cigarettes and depriving the government of a taxable revenue source.
A source also told the English daily that the country can lose up to RM6.5 million per container of contraband cigarettes.
Credit: @scphotoporto/Unsplash
Tobacco players say enforcement action must be complemented with excise reforms
With so much on the line, the government’s cigarette transshipment ban comes as welcome news to key industry players, such as tobacco companies British American Tobacco (M) Bhd (BAT) and Japan Tobacco International Bhd (JTI Malaysia).
BAT Malaysia Managing Director Jonathan Reed said that moving forward, measures put in place to enhance the enforcement against the contraband marker must be accompanied by excise reforms in order to really address Malaysia’s tobacco black market.
Credit: Miera Zulyana/Malay Mail
He also noted that the price gap between legal and illegal products is currently too wide, creating a situation that enforcement alone cannot address.
Ultimately, we believe Malaysian consumers want to do the right thing. If given a viable opportunity to choose a legal alternative at a reasonable price, most would prefer not to put money in the hands of criminals.Jonathan Reed, Managing Director at BAT Malaysia.
Credit: @klimkin/Pixabay
This sentiment is echoed by JTI Malaysia Managing Director Cormac O’Rourke who welcomed the reinforcement of the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) – together with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) – as a formidable initiative in combating the country’s black economy.
With the Covid-19 pandemic pressuring all sectors of our economy, we hope the government will fast track the proper enforcement of laws and implementation of various key anti-illicit tobacco measures to better address the situation. Any recovery of lost tax revenues by Putrajaya will also help the government financially.Cormac O’Rourke, JTI Malaysia Managing Director.

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Source:
Cigarette-smuggling: Tackling the transshipment threat
Tobacco firms welcome Budget 2021 illegal market curbs
Smoking gun: Msia world centre of illegal cigarette trade
Budget 2021: New excise duty for e-cigs, vapes; tobacco import licence frozen from Jan


Childcare & Day-Care Centres Are Allowed To Reopen With Conditions

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The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) has announced that Childcare Centers and Day-care Centers are allowed to reopen, with conditions, under the current conditional movement control order (CMCO) implemented in most of Penisular Malaysia.

In a circular released today, JKM announced that it has decided to allow these centres to reopen after a census held on 23 to 25 October found that fully-operational Childcare and Daycare were needed for parents that needed to go out to work.
In this regard, the Department has decided that Childcare and Day-care centres that take care of the children or family members of frontliners and parents who need to go out to work during this period are allowed to operate, with conditions.Department of Social Welfare
The Department listed four conditions that need to be met before these centres are allowed to open:
The Childcare/Day-care centre must have a valid JKM registrationThe Childcare/Day-care centre must be constantly adhering to standard operating procedures (SOP) of the Recovery MCO, that is the Post-MCO Covid-19 Transmission Prevention Guidelines for the Safety of TASKA Staff and the Social Care Sector of the Care Center, issued by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community DevelopmentThe Childcare/Day-care centre must obtain permission from the State Director of Social Welfare using a specific form from JKMThe Childcare/Day-care centre must have confirmation letters from the parent’s employer stating the need to work at the office
The Department also stated that this permission to operate during the CMCO period is in line with the enforcement of the Infectious Disease Prevention Act (Act 342), adding that the permission becomes void if an updated order is issued from any relevant authority.
Earlier, JKM had ordered for all Childcare and Day-care centres nationwide to close after CMCO was implemented throughout the peninsular, except for Perlis, Kelantan, and Pahang from 9 November.
Only centres taking care of children of frontliners and parents working with permission from relevant Ministries.
This was to ensure the safety of children and senior citizens who are at high risk of being infected with Covid-19.

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