Covid-19 Test; When Is The Best Time To Use It For The Most Accurate Result?

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Why are people testing positive and then negative on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test?

If your Rapid Antigen (RTK) test yesterday was negative, do you have to do another test today?
Why do some people test negative for saliva test, but positive for swab test?
Is it necessary to wait 3-5 days before testing for Covid-19?
These are some of the frequently asked questions during the pandemic.
How exactly can Covid-19 be detected accurately, what is the method and when is the best time to detect it?
Dr Erna Nadia and Dr Arisman Abdul Rahman share the following advice.
How Is Covid-19 Virus Detected?
Dr Erna pointed out that Covid-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-COV-2, from the Coronavirus group.
In order to measure the level of its seriousness, one needs to look at its viral load.
The higher the viral load, the higher the number of viruses in the body.
In other words, it means the level of infection is higher and the situation is more serious.
The highest viral load in the body is usually between 3-5 days after the virus has entered the body.

That is why most people will start experiencing symptoms during these 3-5 days.
It’s best to do a saliva or swab test 3-5 days after there are already symptoms, as the viral load in the body is high during that time.
She added that if someone went for a check-up after coming into close contact with positive individuals – even if there were no symptoms – the result could be negative.
Why? There are 3 reasons.
The test was made too earlyProbably not infectedMaybe the virus is yet to fully develop

So, When Should You Do An RTK Covid-19 Test?
When is the right time to do self testing or a nose/saliva test at home?
According to Dr. Arisman, the self-test should taken during:
The first day that symptoms appear ORThe third day of being symptomatic ORThird day as a close contact, whether symptomatic or not.

The Health Ministry (KKM) has also released guidelines on when you should take a PCR or a rapid antigen test.
Although KKM itself does not require asymptomatic close contact to do PCR testing, the ministry still calls on people to act on their own initiative.

Example Of Real Life Situation
Let’s say you know that one of your friend tested positive, and you just hung out with the friend 2 days ago, so what should you do next?
Please be patient.
If there are symptoms, wait 3 days before checking or if the symptoms are severe but not yet 3-5 days, it is better to go for PCR.
If there are no symptoms, wait for the 5th day to check.
If positive, do not panic. Update in MySejahtera and please quarantine yourself.
READ MORE: Covid-19: What Makes You A Close Contact And How To Declare In MySejahtera
If the quarantine period is over, the PCR need not be taken again.If there are still symptoms, just make sure you wear a mask to protect others and take good care of yourself.

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MCO: Terengganu Man Pretends To Be A Ghost To Scare Neighbours Into Staying Inside

https://www.facebook.com/silkscreen.printing.9/posts/10221333361192976
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The authorities have gone to great lengths to make sure that everyone stays at home during the Movement Control Order (MCO) with business restrictions, roadblocks and even arrests.
However, there are some irresponsible individuals who still manage to slip through the cracks, turning a deaf ear to the warnings of the authorities and healthcare experts.
This is when you need to get a little creative, like this man in Terengganu who decided to dress up as a ghost and stood atop a van to scare his neighbours into staying inside.
 Muhd Urabil standing outside his house, pretending to be a ghost to scare his neighbours into obeying the MCO.(Credit: Muhd Urabil Alias/Facebook)
Muhd Urabil Alias from Kemaman, Terengganu uploaded the spooky pictures of himself onto Facebook, which quickly went viral.
The 38-year-old man told Harian Metro that he decided to pull the ingenious prank because he noticed that there were still a lot of people, especially teenagers, who went out at night and did not comply with the rules of the MCO.
I just wanted to tease the stubborn teenagers in my neighbourhood so that they won’t go out at night.Muhd Urabil Alias to Harian Metro.
So he dressed up in a white robe, put on a white wig and beard and proceeded to stand atop a white van for maximum spook factor.
And it worked! When he uploaded the pictures taken by his wife onto social media, people thought it was truly a supernatural being and they were deathly afraid to leave their homes.
Even netizens who spotted the viral images reached out to ask if it was real, though Muhd Urabil insists that even the caption clearly hinted that it was a joke. Nonetheless, he apologies if he and his wife went overboard with this prank.

 Moral of the story? Just stay at home!

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Source:
'Bukan hantu lah...'


[UPDATED] Anwar Met YDPA, To Hold Press Conference At 2 pm

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(PKR) President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a brief audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at the Istana Negara on October 13, 2020.

His motorcade was seen arriving at the palace gates at around 10.30 am to a crowd of journalists and was said to meet with the King at 11 am.
Anwar has arrived in a black heavily tinted Jaguar for his scheduled meeting with the king at 11 am. Only two cars were allowed in . “ It will be a good outcome “ according to a member from his entourage who declined to be named. https://t.co/HAdvZZ7FwI pic.twitter.com/L48DxjMA2X— Melissa Goh (@MelGohCNA) October 13, 2020
He later left the palace compound some half an hour later and would reportedly be making an important announcement at 2 pm Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier, the Opposition leader had posted a picture of himself with his wife and Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, hoping that the day would go smoothly.
Semoga dipermudahkan segala urusan hari ini. pic.twitter.com/BzvwkylM5N— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) October 13, 2020
On September 23, Anwar had announced that he had a “formidable” majority in Parliament to form a new government and had since sought the King’s audience to present his proof.
However, their meeting was postponed due to His Majesty’s being admitted to the hospital.
Read More: Anwar Ibrahim’s New Government: Who Said What So Far

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Source:
All set at Istana Negara, sources say Anwar's audience with King at 11am (updated)
'Anwar umum hasil jumpa Agong, jam 2 petang ini'


With Fresh Covid-19 Outbreaks, Some Countries Are Reinstating Lockdowns

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While Malaysia mulls the possibility of reopening international borders and in talks with several nations about this, a report by global news agency AFP states that fresh outbreaks of Covid-19 cases in other countries across the globe have resulted in the reinstatement of localised lockdowns.
Australia has put several thousand residents in high-rise apartments in Melbourne on lockdown for at least five days since Saturday.
In Wuhan, China, 70 residential neighbourhoods have been swiftly reimposed with restrictions after just coming out of one at the start of April.
Tamil Nadu, India has ordered a restriction of movement in its capital Chennai, and surrounding districts starting 19 June. The move affected around 15 million people.
Several states in the United States have stopped plans to reopen or relax lockdowns. Bars in California, Texas, and Florida have closed, as well as beaches in California and Florida.
Police speak to residents outside one of nine public housing estates which have been locked down in Melbourne on 4 July, 2020 with more than 3000 residents in 1,345 units required to stay home due to an outbreak of COVID-19. (Credit: William West/AFP)
In the Italian municipality of Mondragone, on the coast of the Campania region north of Naples, 700 people were ordered to remain indoors in four council housing blocks on 22 June.
The city of Leicester in Britain began a two-week-long localised lockdown on 30 June, shuttering non-essential shops.
In Spain, a lockdown on Saturday has affected around 200,000 residents in an area in the northeastern Catalonia region. Nobody is allowed in or out of the area, visits to retirement homes have been restricted and gatherings of more than 10 individuals are banned.
Portugal implemented a lockdown at home since 1 July for two weeks to around 700,000 residents in the Lisbon region.
Local lockdowns in Germany were announced on 23 June in two neighbouring districts, Guetersloh and Warendorf in the North Rhine-Westphalia state, affecting 600,000 people. Meanwhile, Coesfeld in western Germany was put on lockdown on 18 May.

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After Invited For Job Interview, Nigerian In Malaysia Told To Leave Because “No Foreigners”

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Benice Nkpokiti, a Nigerian national living in Malaysia, has taken to social media to document an alleged act of racism during a job interview at Allianz Malaysia.

On social media, Benice shared a video of the interview process where a woman is heard saying that the company isn’t allowed to hire foreigners, despite inviting him over after viewing his CV and him sharing his picture prior to the interview.
Credit: @benicefestus/Instagram
I was booked for an interview after posting my resume/CV online and was contacted by Allianz Malaysia on WhatsApp and sent a clip to them clearly showing who I am as well. Then after this day I rented a car, went for more than 1hr 30mins drive without breakfast as due to excitement being called for an interview for the first time after 6 years.Benice Nkpokiti via Instagram.
But things took a bad turn when he showed up at the office.
Benice writes that he was rudely asked by an employee, “what are you doing here?” and allegedly told him that they don’t hire foreigners and barely hired Indians. These statements were not recorded on video, however.
I had to quickly get my phone out to start recording as proof so that people won’t think it’s just a story and she noticed it and tried to be polite but still saying what she said. I was like how can she say such things with such confidence.Benice Nkpokiti via Instagram.
         View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Ben Ice (@benicefestus)
Though he sounded understanding of the rejection on the video, Benice expressed his disappointment on Instagram.
You see, the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter is a registered nurse with a double degree in nursing and business administration and was dejected by the treatment despite sharing his status as a foreigner beforehand.
         View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Ben Ice (@benicefestus)
Many companies in Malaysia have internal policies that restrict the hiring of foreign nationals, but the incident caused quite a stir online with Malaysians calling out Allianz Malaysia for the alleged disrespect.
Allianz Malaysia responds
In a statement, Allianz Malaysia insists that the company practices inclusive hiring and fair employment for all while embracing inclusivity and diversity.
The statement also notes that the company is “equally distressed” that such an incident has transpired and that the allegations on racism and unethical behaviour is “deeply disappointing.”
While we understand Mr. Nkpokiti’s anger and disappointment, we are equally distressed that such an incident has transpired and any allegations that Allianz Malaysia would even resort to such unethical tactics or racism is deeply disappointing.Allianz Malaysia.
Allianz Malaysia also states that they have gotten in touch with Benice Nkpokiti to apologise and explain their hiring practises.
An internal investigation concluded that the allegations are uncorroborated.
Following our investigation, we acknowledge that due diligence was not exercised by our agency when shortlisting Mr. Nkpokiti for the position of an insurance agent. The incident is deeply regrettable and we assure the public that appropriate actions are being taken to address shortcomings on our part in this matter.Allianz Malaysia.

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Home Ministry On The Hunt For 60 Rohingya Fugitives, Reminds Public Not To Shelter Them

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The Home Ministry (KDN) continues to intensify efforts to hunt down 60 Rohingya refugees who escaped from the Relau Immigration Temporary Detention Depot, Sungai Bakap, Kedah.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said his party, especially the Immigration Department, continued to carry out operations and raids.
I would like to emphasize that the operation to hunt down the 60 foreigners who escaped will continue. We will make a large-scale raid until all of them are caught.Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin on the ongoing effort to track down the remaining Rohingyas on the run.
The minister made the statement after participating in a special enforcement operation at the Meru Central Market recently.
#There in Malaysia immigration raided in Rohingya refugees in the evening time and arrested many Rohingya men but they didn't arrest women but the arrested had UN card with validity date. some of them who had UN cards with validity date were arrested. pic.twitter.com/3NcttoInDK— Rohingya Media (@MediaRohingya) May 27, 2022
On 20 April, 528 Rohingya refugees fled the detention depot after breaking block gates and barricades.
The incident at 4.30pm resulted in six of them dying in an accident while trying to cross Kilometer 168 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near Jawi, Penang.
READ MORE: Sungai Bakap Depot Rohingyas Break Out Due To Fear Over Deaths
  @dauz_apiz Angpa kalut lari nak pi mana,kesian perempuan dan ank kecil yg kelaparan 🤦🤦🤦#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ #tiktokmalaysia #frontliners #rohingya ♬ original sound – safuanamalik – safuanamalik®
Provide Better Condition For Refugees
Meanwhile, human rights activist and religious leader Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the government need to improve the facilities at the depot.
These include proper meals, clean water and facilities for prayer and education for the children.
He said the government must also spell out a clear time frame on how long the Rohingyas will be detained.
Mohd Azmi, who had been assisting the Rohingyas here and abroad in Bangladesh, also called on those on the run to turn themselves in peacefully.
He also calls on the Malaysian public to have empathy for the Rohingyas.
There are many reasons why people seek to rebuild their lives in a different country. The Rohingyas have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race and religion.Human rights activist and religious leader Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid on why refugees want to leave their country.
Nearly 180,000 refugees and asylum seekers are registered with the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, in Malaysia, more than 101,000 Rohingya and 52,000 others also from Myanmar. Refugee community groups estimate tens of thousands more are undocumented, awaiting UNHCR appointments.— DiemC (@DiemC10) May 27, 2022
Never Ending Problem
In a related development, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate a case involving four local men of whom two are civil servants.
They are suspected of being involved in smuggling 119 Rohingyas into the waters of Sungai Kedah, Kedah recently.
Kedah MACC director Datuk Shaharom Nizam Abd Manap said the MACC’s initial action was to identify the offence if it detected any evidence of corruption.
The MACC will take action if there is evidence of corruption. We take the incident very seriously and any party should be warned because human trafficking can threaten national security.Kedah MACC director Datuk Shaharom Nizam Abd Manap on crimes of human trafficking.
The public is also advised to channel any information related to the case to the MACC.
Sinar Harian reported that an attempt by four local men to smuggle in 119 Rohingya ethnic groups in the waters of Sungai Kedah failed.
They were arrested by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone on Tuesday.
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) akan menyiasat kes membabitkan empat lelaki tempatan termasuk dua penjawat awam yang disyaki terlibat menyeludup masuk 119 etnik Rohingya di perairan Sungai Kedah,#Malaysia #berita #hariinihttps://t.co/2SebLffi7L pic.twitter.com/QlljDTadT2— We admire Kedah (@WeKedah) May 27, 2022

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M’sian millennials are desperate and exploited in the workplace

At this point, it’s no secret that millennials are the burnout generation and we are all just frazzled, high-strung young adults struggling with anxiety and depression.
Many of us feel a strong conflict between self and duty- to family, to work, to friends. As Malaysians, we have a constant sense of kiasu (not as much as our neighbouring Singaporeans, of course) and feeling like we always need to be better.

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That leads to overworking and the eventual burnout. Millennials are constantly exhausted and it’s because of the unrealistic expectations we have to carry.
While fresh graduates face competitive employment opportunities and a dismal starting wage, those employed struggle with wage stagnation and long working hours without OT.
Horrible boss stories are as common as the cockroaches in SS15: they’re everywhere, hiding in the corners, and they jump when you least expect it.

via GIPHY
Worse still, there are horrible bosses who seem really nice at first and bribe you with lunches; then suddenly you are working 12 hours shifts, picking up calls at 11pm, rushing reports over the weekend, and listening to pep talks about “passion” and “hustle hard”.
Yet, you hesitate to say anything, because at least you have a job and sometimes you get free food. It’s not all that bad, is it?
Let’s be clear: being asked to work after designated working hours is illegal, not to mention detrimental to employee’s well-being (not that anyone cares, other than HR).

via GIPHY
Fresh graduates are the most vulnerable to predatory company practices. “Industry standard” simply means that it’s an acceptable practice to exploit employees.
It also means that if you’re not willing to do, there is always a desperate fresh graduate or unpaid intern who will do it.
Thanks, capitalism.

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So if you’re stuck in that situation, what do you do about it?
Don’t feel guilty
Unless being available 24/7 was explicitly stated as part of your job description, never feel guilty for not responding to work after work hours. Emails can wait until the next morning.
Don’t feel obligated
If you have actually completed your work for the day, you’re not obligated to work overtime, especially without compensation. If things do have to be rushed, it’s a favour you’re doing.

via GIPHY
Take note of after-hours communication
Though technically illegal, many employers still expect work to be rushed overnight. It’s good to keep a record of work that you’ve done while off the clock. If you realize that you’ve been working off the clock far too often, it’s time to reflect on why that happens.
Work hard then leave
For some reason, Malaysians tend to think that hours spent in the office is proportional to dedication to work. This leads to a lot of people physically in the office mentally doing nothing. If you’re done with work, leave. Jangan kacau orang lain, tau?

via GIPHY
Take breaks when you need to
Human brains aren’t wired to be working 24/7, especially with the mental load that we have to deal with each day. Don’t feel embarrassed to take an off day when it’s necessary for your health.
Remember, burning out is a sneaky thing, so if you find yourself crying in the office toilet, it’s time to take a day off.

Don’t let yourself be exploited. You have your own life to live! Tell us your worst boss stories on our Facebook page here.


Selangor Seller May Be In Trouble For Selling Sex Dolls That Look Like Children

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It has come to light that a seller based in Selangor is selling sex dolls that look like young children on Shopee.

Based on TRP’s checks, the seller has been active on the popular online shopping platform for 3 years. However it is unclear how long the seller has been using the account to sell sex dolls and sex toys.
They have a 97% chat performance and scored a 4.8 out of 5 rating.

An “adorable little cutie girl” sex doll is going for RM1,500 and has one buyer so far.
Another “little cute girl sex doll” comes in three different breast sizes ranging from small to big. It has been bought 9 times with one of the reviews saying: “memang puas hati.”
A “super adorable little Q catdoll” has several types and ranges from a whopping RM3,325 to RM4,940. It has three previous buyers.
All of these items are sold on a pre-order basis.
When social media users got wind of these items which resemble children, Shopee responded and said they have forwarded the matter to the relevant department for further action. They also asked for buyers to alert them should they come across items that go against their policy.
@TProofessor Terima kasih atas laporan anda 🙏 Jangan risau, kami telah maklumkan pasukan berkaitan bagi mengambil tindakan lanjut. Sekiranya anda menemui penjual atau senarai produk yang tidak mematuhi polisi Shopee, anda boleh membantu kami dengan melaporkan mereka ya 🙇♂NR— Shopee Malaysia (@ShopeeMY) June 30, 2023
The listings mentioned above are no longer available on Shopee while the shop in question has also been banned from the platform. Prior to that, the shop changed its username.

However, this is not the only seller that we have found selling sex dolls on the online shopping platform.
Another shop that is based in Kuala Lumpur stated in the description section that these dolls would ship from overseas and would take seven to 10 working days to be delivered.

While it was available earlier, checks later found that this too has failed to load, which means it has been removed from the platform.
Earlier today, a Twitter user shared several screenshots of these items on the microblogging site, expressing her disgust at how sex items that look like children were available on Shopee.
So my friend was browsing through shoppee and she came across sex toys (which is fine) but what’s not fine is that its sex toys replicating a child’s body and guess which population bought it? Of course meleis. Mmg berpuas hati?????? This is so sickening and disgusting????? pic.twitter.com/fpggaTwn0U— Masitah (Taylor’s Version) (@masitah96) June 30, 2023
In a statement to TRP, Shopee said they immediately removed the listings from the platform the minute they were alerted to the matter.
Shopee also informed they have permanently banned the associated seller accounts.
They reiterated that “this type of abhorrent content” has no place on their platform and they are in the midst of conducting a site-wide review to ensure users are protected from such listings, apart from investigating the sellers involved.
Shopee expressed their continued commitment to provide users with a “safe, reliable and enjoyable” shopping experience and that they have “zero tolerance” for sellers who market offensive items through the platform.

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Sarawak, The Land Below The Wind Or The Land Of The Hornbills?

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Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian is appalled at the wrong nickname for Sarawak in an article printed in the Malaysia Airline’s in-flight magazine Going Places.

Sim made the matter known on his official Facebook account and included a picture of the page in question.
The article’s subhead in the June 2023 edition read, “Four hotels to book on your next trip to the Land Below the Wind.”
The correct nickname for Sarawak is the “Land of the Hornbills.” The “Land Below the Wind” refers to the neighbouring state, Sabah.

Have you found my shock? It’s hard to be #SegulaiSejalai while Sarawakians are expected to know West Malaysia but West Malaysians are still making mistakes on some of the most basic ideas of Sarawak.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian

“Segulai Sejalai” is an Iban phrase from Sarawak which means “Together in Unity.”
The phrase caught Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s attention at the recent state-level Gawai dinner. Anwar voiced his intent to adopt the phrase as the motto for unity in the country.
Netizens lamented that most West Malaysians always confuse Sabah and Sarawak.
Criticisms were also lobbed at Malaysia Airlines for making the mistake. It’s seen as an unacceptable error since the airline is at the forefront of the country’s tourism efforts.

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[Watch] 6 Men Arrested For Fighting And Damaging Car In Miri Mall Parking Lot

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A recent viral video showed a man hitting a white Honda Civic with a bat in a parking lot. The shirtless man hit the car windows repeatedly while another man joined in by kicking the car.

While this is all happening, two women could be seen huddled near the back of the car. In another clip, a woman could be heard screaming at the shirtless man while a few people tried to keep them apart.
Wow apa kes? pic.twitter.com/UdcaRHFlhn— @ (@anthraxxx781) January 8, 2023
According to the police statement, the incident happened in the parking lot of Bintang Megamall in Miri, Sarawak.
Upon receiving a report around 11am yesterday (8 January), the police arrested six local men, aged between 19 and 34, believed to be involved in the fight.
The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with weapons, and Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief.
The motive of the fight has not yet been ascertained, but the police urge the public not to speculate on the incident as it could interfere with the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Miri Central police station at 085-433222.

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We May Soon Get A Vaccination Passport To Travel Or Pray

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Malaysia may soon introduce a vaccination passport as the country gets closer to achieving herd immunity and Singapore may be the first country to recognise it.

More than just for international travel, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah suggested that the proof of vaccination could be used for inter-district and interstate travel, and even as permission to participate in group activities such as for congressional prayers at houses of worship.
Dr Noor Hisham noted that an SOP for how the vaccination passport is to be used must be laid out first. He is also confident that Malaysia would reach herd immunity by November or December if the number of vaccinations administered increased.
It’s too early
He said that currently less than 10% of the population is fully vaccinated so it is too early to implement the vaccination passport.
Dr Noor Hisham was reported to have said this at the webinar on Islam and current affairs organised by Pertubuhan Intelektual Negara and Persatuan Ulama Malaysia on Saturday (June 19) night.
Entry to Singapore and booster shots
Meanwhile, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that Singapore may be the first foreign country to recognise the MySejahtera app as Malaysia’s vaccination passport.
This would allow fully vaccinated Malaysians to enter the island state with their MySejahtera as a verification of their vaccination status.
When asked if vaccine booster shots or yearly vaccination would be needed, Khairy told The Star that it will depend on the Covid-19 variant.
He added that Malaysia will continue its serology tests (the study of antibodies in the blood) to monitor the duration of effectiveness of the Covid-19 on individuals.

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Ministers Take 2-Month Pay Cut For COVID-19 Fund

The salaries of the  Prime Minster, Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers will be cut for two months to be redirected to the COVID-19 fund, the government announced today.
The government issued the statement announcing that the move was done in the light of COVID-19 and as a testament towards the government’s commitment to combat the coronavirus.
Launched on March 11, the COVID-19 fund was made as response to the pandemic that has affected many Malaysians. Currently the fund has collected around RM8,493,103.48.
It was previously reported that the Prime Minister receives around RM22,826 monthly while the Deputy Prime Minister gets around RM18,170.
As for Cabinet Ministers, they receive around RM14,907 monthly while Deputy Ministers earn around RM8,847.

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Toll Jumper Who Skipped Paying 59 Times Finally Caught And Fined RM256.20

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Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) recently caught another toll jumper.

On 15 October, Prolintas Kajang SILK posted that its highway personnel managed to catch a toll jumper who managed to skip paying 59 times!
The errant driver had to pay a total sum of RM256.20 including administration fees on the spot at the Kajang SILK highway.
In the same post, Prolintas advised members of the public not to avoid paying tolls.
Kali ini, pemandu kereta Honda pula kantoi selepas 59 kali terlepas bayar tol, dgn tunggakan bayaran sejumlah RM256.20 termasuk caj pentadbiran.Kejadian berlaku mlm tadi di Lebuhraya Kajang SILK. Amaun kerugian telah dikembalikan pada masa & lokasi sama oleh si pelaku. #Kantoi pic.twitter.com/5ttTffmELR— PROLINTAS Kajang SILK (@SILKHighway) October 15, 2022
The incident didn’t make netizens happy because they believe the driver got away with a light fine.
Some of them think the driver should be fined more than 5 times what he currently paid in order to teach him an expensive lesson.
On the other hand, a netizen said the punishment should be more severe such as putting toll jumpers in prison or hauling them to court on top of paying a fine.
A netizen believes a stronger punishment is needed because toll jumping can risk the safety of another driver, especially when they drive close to the car in front to skip paying the toll.
Others also suggested the relevant authorities catch more toll jumpers on other highways.
Sepatutnya kene denda 5X dgn jumlah dia kene bayar..baru ada akal..tak nak bayar toll..lalu jalan luar.. membahayakan pengguna ikut rapat2— Sany Bidin (@SanyBidin) October 15, 2022
Kenapa tak kenakan denda yang lebih tinggi? Contoh 5x atau 10x nilai tunggakan tu. Baru lah sedar dan insaf. Ni bayar amaun yg sama dengan caj pentadbiran yg berapa ringgit je tu.— Menantu Pak Nasir (@Abe_Gosling) October 16, 2022
Patut buat denda ke penjara ke. Byk kali keta aku kena cucuk sbb pencuri2 ni.— BeCivics (@BeCivics) October 15, 2022
Saman di mahkamah— Wong CK (@wongshu04twitte) October 15, 2022
Saman jelar mangkuk2. Bg pengajaran dengan yg lain. Cucuk rapat2 nak elak tol nih membahayakan pengguna lain.— md scid (@mdscid) October 15, 2022
Bagus, tolong buat operasi kat GRAND SAGA Batu 9. Pada 03 OCT 8:19am ada kes macam ini di lorong RFID. Kereta saya tak ada cam belakang. LLM patut beri arahan kepada semua pengelola tol untuk menangani gejala sedemikian yang mengundang keadaan yang tak diingini.— Michael Loh (@MichaelLoh117) October 15, 2022
Why do people try to skip paying tolls?
Aside from trying to save money (or going extremely frugal), sometimes drivers can fail to pay the toll when they encounter technical difficulties at the toll plaza.
As seen in some videos, sometimes the payment system fails to work or the boom gate fails to open.
Hopefully, all these kinks are sorted out as we gradually move to a barrier-free toll system by 2025 or road users might face surprise fines.
READ MORE: [Watch] Driver Of RM2.27 Million Luxury Sportscar Caught On Camera Slipping Out Of RM2.50 Toll Fee
READ MORE: Tailgater Lashes Out After Failing To Cheat At Shah Alam Toll Plaza
READ MORE: No More Toll Bars And Boom Gates By 2025 To Reduce Toll Plaza Traffic Congestion

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Father’s Organic Farm Operator Takes Responsibility Although Landslide Didn’t Occur On Their Land

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The operator of Farmer’s Organic Farm, Frankie Tan, expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families who were affected in the Batang Kali landslide incident that occurred on Friday, 16 December 2022.

Speaking to the media, Frankie apologised again and said they would not absolve themselves of responsibility although the landslide did not occur within their farm.
READ MORE: Father’s Organic Farm Expresses Sympathy And Condolence, Says Natural Disasters Are Inevitable
He promised that they would help the victims and their families in any way they can.
However, the landslide did not happen within our campsite but on another piece of land. The landslide area is government land, which is about 2 to 3km away from the farmland we leased. Plus, the landslide site was a large forest that had never been developed.Father’s Organic Farm operator, Frankie Tan
Frankie also admitted that he’s facing tons of pressure from all sides such as assisting the search-and-rescue team and receiving vitriol from families who were suffering.
Some survivors and family members have cursed at me. I fully understand and all I can do now is to bow my head and let them vent their feelings.Father’s Organic Farm operator, Frankie Tan
In addition, he thanked the rescue teams for assisting the rescue mission and a funeral service company for providing free funeral services to all the victims.

Utusan previously reported that the slope where the Batang Kali landslide occurred was listed among the critical locations identified by the Malaysian Department of Minerals and Geosciences (JMG) in September.
Frankie claimed that he never received any information or an official letter about the matter.
He also claimed that various government bodies, such as the Agriculture Department, told him that it wasn’t necessary for campsite operators to apply for site licenses because campsites aren’t permanent structures like hotels and there was no such license to apply, The Vibes reported.
It is not that we don’t want to apply (for a campsite permit) but there was no way for us to apply for one.Father’s Organic Farm operator, Frankie Tan
The aftermath of the landslide in Batang Kali. Image: TRP File
Previously, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the campsite operated without a license from the Hulu Selangor District Council.
As such, the operators could face up to three years in jail and be fined a maximum of RM50,000.
However, state Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Indigenous Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian refuted the allegations and reiterated that campsite operators do not need to apply for a license.
READ MORE: Minister Says Batang Kali Campsite Is Illegal, But State Exco Says It’s Not

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NSFW Ejen Ali Art Goes Viral, Creators Step In To Threaten Legal Action

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One could say that Ejen Ali is the pride of Malaysia, with the children’s animation raking in awards globally.

However, because this is the internet, it also means that the children’s animated series is not safe from Rule 34, which states that if something exists, then there is porn of it, no exceptions.
Recently, explicit NSFW (Not-Safe-For-Work) Ejen Ali artwork widely circulated social media, allegedly drawn by a Malaysian artist.
In response, even the creators of Ejen Ali had to step in to condemn the art in a press statement.
They specified that the artworks was not created nor endorsed by the studio, and do not condone the creation of such NSFW art.
Whilst we believe in creative freedom, we do not condone the creation of, publication and circulation of the explicit artwork(s).
The studio is also considering legal action against the owner of the social media account.
Press Statement : Inappropriate Use of Ejen Ali on Social Media#EjenAli #ARTvidence pic.twitter.com/dbuzGzAJO7— Ejen Ali (@ejen_ali) January 10, 2022
The big deal over underage porn
For most Malaysians, the NSFW art is problematic not just due to its explicit nature, but mainly because most of the characters in the show are underage.
Titular character Ali and his friends are only 12-years-old canonically.
Sexualizing minor characters and even to the point of sexualizing animal (comot)! This is beyond insane and repair…— Your Darling❤ (@ugoodfren) December 31, 2021
Because the artwork features fanart of a children’s show, it also stands to reason that majority of people who would search for such fanart will be children as well.
Having such explicit artwork on social media could very well mean that young children may be exposed to indecent art of their kid’s shows unwittingly.
Whats super dangerous is she uses tags (on instagram) thats frequented by children :/— lunamxth (@lunamxth) December 31, 2021
If you do happen to come across inappropriate content online, do use the report or flag functions available on most social media platforms.

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The Highway Jam Survival Guide – Malaysian edition

Swallowing bucketfulls of rendang? DONE
Meet & Greet 5000 relatives? SALAM-ED
Questions on your singlehood? DODGED
Hotel? Trivago
All good things must come to an end and itâ€™s time to hit the road back to hell reality.
Hereâ€™s a highway jam survival guide we prepared for you folks who couldn’t afford a helicopter ride back. Good luck.
1. Call the Axe Men
By Axe Men, we mean minyak kapak.

Picture Credit: Leung Kai Fook Medical Sdn Bhd

Thereâ€™s a reason why your mother, father, sister, grandmother, and grandmotherâ€™s father swear on this pungent potion.
Like magic, it alleviates headaches and can axe bad smells really well.

via GIPHY
This is especially useful if youâ€™re the driver struggling to stay awake on the road. Or if youâ€™re stuck on bus where a passenger decided to take off his shoes and give you all a little, um.. aromatherapy

via GIPHY
2. A Dope Playlist
This oneâ€™s a no brainer. With the magic of technology, you can turn your car into a club on wheels, or disco on wheels, or mini concert on wheels or even host your own carpool karaoke.

This is how me and my dad release tension setiap kali jalan jem time balik kampung pic.twitter.com/q8BQLZYftX
â€” Ainanzf (@Ainanzf2) May 31, 2019

Be sure to vary the list though, because the 500th cycle of Taylor Swift will have you swiftly exiting the vehicle, screaming in agony.

via GIPHY
Throw in some funny podcasts or take the chance to educate yourself with some e-books.
There are several options to download podcasts and e-books online. Make sure to download them well before the journey because internet connection on the highway isn’t the best, so your Spotify playlist might be a little, well, spotty.
3. Map out the Journey

via GIPHY
Seriously, do this. Go through [insert preferred GPS map option here] and make note of rest stops, petrol stations, police stations and nearby hospitals.
In case of emergency, having this knowledge will come in handy.
Youâ€™ll also thank us later when your bladderâ€™s about to burst and you have no clue when and where you can stop to relieve yourself.
Speaking of bladdersâ€¦
4. Timing is Everything
Yeah, being stuck in a still car for hours with a full bladder is no fun. So make sure you time yourself and drink a bit of water at half an hour intervals.

via GIPHY
This way, youâ€™ll stay hydrated without the sense of urgency that comes with drinking too much.
Besides that, stop every 2.5 hours for toilet breaks, stretching your legs and some much needed breathing space from the claustrophobic interior.

via GIPHY
5. Treat Yourself
Okay, this might seem a little out there, but a long car ride is honestly a good time for a mini spa. Weâ€™re not talking full blown bubble bath with scented candles, but just a little something thatâ€™ll keep you calm on the road.

via GIPHY
Put on a face mask and let your skin soak in all the goodness. Not many people may be aware of this, but air conditioning in the car can be quite drying for your skin and having a face mask on will keep you hydrated and fresh.

Dab on some invigorating essential oils like peppermint or bergamot behind your ears, crank on some light tunes and youâ€™ll be floating on cloud nine.

via GIPHY
6. Stretch It Out
Can’t stop the car just yet but your legs are killing you? Try out some simple in-seat stretches and exercises.

via GIPHY
You will usually find these guides recommended for flights but itâ€™s essentially the same situation; Stuck in a seat with nowhere to go.
Neck rolls, shoulder rolls, calf raises and deep breathing will help keep the blood flowing and prevent your muscles from cramping up.
Here’s a useful video on yoga moves for an airplane that can also be done in a car:

7. Bring a Jam Survival Kit
The jam survival kit contains all essential items to help you come out on the other side in one piece.

via GIPHY
Must have items are:
Wet Wipes – to refresh and clean yourself since you canâ€™t shower in a car
Power bank – so your phone has enough battery life, duh
Snacks – chewing gum, chocolate, kacang putih. Anything  to keep your mind off the sea of brake lights in front of you. Ps, chewing gum also helps with reducing nausea if you feel carsick.
Travel Pillow – sleep the boredom away *only for passengers*
Hand sanitiser – in case thereâ€™s no soap in the public toilet.

via GIPHY
There you go, our carefully curated highway jam survival guide, guaranteed to keep you (somewhat) sane by the time you reach home. Let us know how these tips worked for you.
Good luck and drive safe!


KJ Clarifies Why Anti-Masker Karen Only Fined RM3k

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An anti-masker Caucasian lady dubbed ‘Karen’ was fined RM3,000 for breaching SOPs and not wearing a facemask.

Many netizens felt that the fine was too little for how she had argued and tried to force her way past security guards at both KLCC and Bangsar Shopping Center (BSC).
READ MORE: Caucasian ‘Karen’ Fined RM3,000, Spotted Trying To Enter BSC
People took to comparing the incident to when locals were fined a hefty sum of RM10,000 when they were caught not wearing masks properly during the MCO period.
Rakyat sendiri kena 10k. Warga asing 1.5k. Apa nak jadi dgn negara kita ni?— Najib Haidin (@najibhaidin) October 31, 2021
It’s not unfair
While netizens are grumbling about the supposed ‘lighter fine’, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin cleared the air with an explanation.
According to him, the RM10K fine was reduced after a huge backlash from everyone earlier this year.
Then, when the State of Emergency ended in August, the Emergency Ordinance was no longer in effect, which dropped the fine for breaching SOPs to a maximum of just RM1,000.
There has been much concern about the compound amount given to an expatriate recently. Comparisons have been made to earlier compounds at a higher amount. Following complaints earlier this year of compound amounts being too high, new guidelines were introduced. pic.twitter.com/nIOnaMgQbO— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) November 1, 2021
The anti-masker ‘Karen’ was fined RM3,000 in total for two offences in KLCC.
Her first offence was the failure to adhere to the directive of the Health Director-General when she failed to scan the MySejahtera app when entering a premise in an area with internet coverage.
Her second offence was the failure to wear a face mask in the said premises.
Both these offences were RM1,500 each.
READ MORE: [Watch] Caucasian KLCC ‘Karen’ Argues With Luxury Brand Staff To Let Her Shop Without A Mask

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[JUST IN] More Businesses Can Open Now Says PM

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Prime Minister Tan Sri Mahiaddin Md Yasin today (15 August) announced the new freedoms for the economic sector that he has been promising. These new rules will take into effect on Monday (16 August).

Note that these new perks apply to all phases of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) with the condition that the rate of fully vaccinated adults at the state must be at least 50% and individuals wishing to visit these businesses but are fully vaccinated.
Because 64.7% of adults in the Klang Valley has been fully vaccinated, individuals who have complete vaccinations in the Klang Valley can take advantage of these perks when they come into force.
For Trade And Distribution Sector In Phase 1
Jaanus Jagomägi / Unsplash
11 additional businesses are allowed to operate in Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) starting 16 August:
Car wash.Electric and electronic stores.Home and kitchen appliances.Furniture.Sports equipment.Car accessories.Car distribution and sales centres.Morning and farmer’s markets only.Clothing, fashion, and accessories stores.Jewellery store.Barbershops and salons (for basic haircuts only)
Additional SOP will be imposed on clothing, fashion, and accessories, stores: jewellery stores, as well as barbers and salons.
This includes wearing gloves, limiting interaction time between staff and customers, and not allowing the use of fitting rooms.
Premises owners MUST ensure that customers who wish to enter their premises present their Covid 19 Vaccination Digital Certificate.
READ MORE: Prime Minister Announces Perks For Malaysians Who Have Completed Their Covid-19 VaccinationREAD MORE: Official MKN SOP For Phase 1 Of PPN As Of 10 August (In English)
Recreational Park Are Open For Leisure Activities
Oluwakamiye Adelemoni / Unsplash
Those in Phase 1 states are allowed to visit recreational parks for leisure activities starting from 16 August.
These activities are limited to solitary activities such as jogging, cycling, and exercising.
The public may only go to parks in their neighbourhoods and may not cross district and state lines to go to other parks.
For Trade And Distribution Sector In Phase 2
Alfred / Unsplash
11 additional businesses are allowed to operate in Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) starting 16 August:
Photography equipment and services stores.Used items store.Florists and nurseries.Handicrafts and souvenirs shops.Antique store.Toys stores.Carpet shops.Creative content and creative industry equipment stores.Outdoor equipment shops (including camping fishing and other equipments).Cosmetic, skin care, and perfume stores.Tobacco shops (including vape and electronic cigarettes).
Premises owners MUST ensure that customers who wish to enter their premises present their Covid 19 Vaccination Digital Certificate.
Tourism Destination Bubble Pioneer Project
The government is planning to make Langkawi Island a tourism destination bubble in a pilot project.
It was advised that the project will only commence once at least 80% of the population in Langkawi is fully vaccinated.
When this project launches, only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to travel to Langkawi.
Other tourism destinations are being considered for the project as well.
Freedom Of Operation For The Manufacturing, Construction, Mining, and Quarrying Sector
All non-essential activities in the manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying sector may resume operations starting 16 August.
This applies to states in Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 of the PPN.
However, the capacity of operation depends on how many employees are fully vaccinated.
Vaccination rate: 80%-100%Operating capacity: 100%Vaccination rate: 60%-79%Operating capacity: 80%Vaccination rate: 40%-59Operating capacity: 60%
pic.twitter.com/NreI7HC6oS— MAJLIS KESELAMATAN NEGARA (@MKNJPM) August 15, 2021

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Upin & Ipin movie wins BEST FEATURE FILM at international animation film festival in Canada!

Almost every Malaysian has heard of Upin & Ipin â€“ the adorable chatterbox animated characters that has graced our TVs since 2007.
Upin Memperkenalkan Ipin GIF from Upinandipin GIFs

Besides winning us over with their antics on the small
screen, the animated twins are also stars on the big screen.
The March 2019 Upin & Ipin movie, â€˜Upin & Ipin: The Lone Gibbon Krisâ€™ (Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal in Bahasa) was declared as the top earning animated film in Malaysia back in April with a whopping RM25mil earnings at the box office!

While the record now goes to â€˜BoBoiBoy Movie 2â€™, this Upin
& Ipin movie is still making waves overseas.
â€˜Upin & Ipin: The Lone Gibbon Krisâ€™ just won best feature film in Monteal International Film Festival Animation 2019 (ANIMAZE)!

Credit: Facebook

The film produced by Lesâ€™ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd beat out submissions from over 65 countries to bag the big win.
Jonah Hill Yay GIF from Jonahhill GIFs

â€˜Upin & Ipin: The Lone Gibbon Krisâ€™ was amongst 174 films that was showcased at the international film festival and conference on animation that took place in Montreal, Canada from 29th August to 1st September 2019.

Credit: Facebook

Other winners at the renowned festival are Hong Kongâ€™s â€˜Another
Worldâ€™ for best short and â€˜Plastic Plastic Everywhereâ€™ for the Film that
Matters award.

With this win, we can’t help but think that there is some credence to Boboiboy director’s words on Hollywood animation being not as good as Malaysian animation.
Congratulations to the entire Upin & Ipin team!
Standing Ovation GIF from Oscars GIFs


Here’s How To Get Re-hired & Job Seeking Allowances From Socso

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The Social Security Organisation (Socso) reports that over 90,000 Malaysians have filed for unemployment assistance throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of October 28, 2020, a total of 90,470 people have applied for aid under the organization’s Employment Insurance System (EIS) – a program which offers financial and job search assistance to private-sector employees covered under the scheme.
(Reuters/Lim Huey Teng/Malay Mail
Socso’s data from October 22 showed that the pandemic had been especially hard towards workers from the manufacturing industry, with more than 20,000 people losing their jobs.
This is followed by the job losses in the food and beverage (F&B) industry at 13,053 and the retails sector with 12,450 unemployment claims being recorded.
Figures also show that 23,022 people working in the professional category had lost their income this year, followed by 17,240 technicians and 11,762 people working in management positions.
(Shafwan Zaidon/Malay Mail)
Reportedly, the bulk of this unemployment wave hit Klang Valley the hardest, as Selangor notes 27,619 job losses followed by Kuala Lumpur’s 23,882.
Meanwhile, Penang also recorded some 9,489 cases of unemployment.
Socso also revealed that there are over 745,000 unemployed Malaysians who are not protected under the EIS.
As of August, data from the Statistics Department (DOSM) notes the country’s unemployment rate stood at 4.7%.
Assistance and new jobs?
According to Socso, a total of 33,341 Malaysians who lost their jobs during the pandemic have been re-hired through the EIS program.
EIS offers monetary benefits and other assistance to Malaysian citizens are registered and make contributions to the program via monthly deductions from their paychecks and payments made by their employers.
Under the program Malaysians who have suffered losses in income can claim the following;
Job Search Allowance (JSA)-Financial allowance of up to 6-months to replace a loss of income while you look for a new job.Reduced Income Allowance (RIA)-A lump-sum payment for people with multiple sources of income but have lost one or more of them.Early Re-Employment Allowance (ERA)-A lump-sum payment for JSA recipients who’ve already gotten a job.
Claims are only provided based on the person’s previous job salary figure and the amount of monthly contributions that have been credited to Socso.
Checkout Socso’s online Benefit Calculator to figure out what you are owed.(Socso/EIS Centre)
Read more: All The Social Safety Nets We Could Find For Malaysians In Times Of Trouble
EIS also provides assistance through the Re-Employment Placement Programme besides providing vocational training and career counselling in support of those seeking new careers.
Interested job seekers can make their applications online via the MyFutureJobs portal to be matched with suitable vacancies based on their qualifications.
(MyFutureJobs)

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Source:
More than 90,000 job losses reported to Socso
EIS Benefits
Nearly 90,000 jobs lost this year, says Socso
Socso lauds govt decision over recruitment ads for foreign workers
Statistics Dept: Malaysia’s unemployment rate remained at 4.7pc in August
Types of Benefits
All You Need To Know About The Malaysian Employment Insurance System (EIS)
Benefits Calculator
All The Social Safety Nets We Could Find For Malaysians In Times Of Trouble
MYFUTUREJOBS JOBSEEKER PORTAL User Guide


Wanna Celebrate A Malaysian Deepavali? Here’s How To Do It In Style

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In case you’re wondering, not all Indian Malaysians are Hindu Tamil. Hence, not every Indian celebrates Deepavali. We have Malayalees, Telugus, Punjabis, Bengalis, Sindhis and Gujaratis, who are not all Hindus. They may practice Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and even the Baháʼí Faith.

READ MORE: Attention Malaysia, Deepavali Isn’t An Indian Stereotype
However, since Deepavali is one of the biggest religious and cultural celebrations in Malaysia, let’s talk about how some Indian Malaysians celebrate it.
We asked a few Malaysian Hindus questions on how they prepare for Deepavali in Malaysia and here are their answers.
READ MORE: 7 Things ALL Malaysians Love About Deepavali
The meaning and story behind Deepavali
In Sanskrit, Deepavali or Diwali means ‘Row of Lights’ – it usually falls in late October or early November, according to the Indian lunar calendar. It marks a time to come together and rejoice in the triumph of good over evil, glorifying light over darkness.
Renu, a banker by day and Odissi dancer by night, knows two stories that relate to Deepavali, one is the tale of Lord Rama over Ravana and another one is the tale of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.
Credit: @fiftymm/Unsplash
The tale of Ramayana tells a story of how Lord Rama (hero and son of royalty) went to fight off Ravana (demon king with many heads) that kidnapped his wife, Sita with the help of his brother Laksamana.
Their triumphant journey back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile (caused by his evil stepmother) and after defeating Ravana was celebrated with joy and with rows of lights on the streets. So in this story, Deepavali is associated with the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom.
(Credit: Rawf8 / Envato)
Another tale tells the story of how Lord Krishna defeats Narakasura (demon king covered in filth). Narakasura kidnapped over 16,000 women in his palace and meted out harsh punishments to his subjects that defy him.
Lord Krishna killed the demon and rescued the women from his captivity. Deepavali here honours the victory of Lord Krishna and marks the meaning of freedom.
The Decorations
Before a house is ready to accept guests, it must be thoroughly cleaned and filled with some decorations to show the festive spirits. For Shan, a fresh graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia, the common decorations that his family uses are Kolam, Diyas, and flower garlands.
Kolam / Rangoli
Kolam is traditional decorative art, usually made by using coloured rice grains or rice flour. It is displayed at the entrance of a house or premises, usually at the door.
According to Shan, the outlines of a Kolam are drawn first using white chalk or flour. Then, once the outlines are drawn completely, the coloured rice grains or rice flour will be filled in the designs/outlines, bringing the beauty of Kolam to life.
A peacock inspired Kolam.(Credit: S4SKY Rangoli Kolam Malaysia)
Originally made to feed small insects like ants, Kolam was not meant for decoration and was mostly made with white flour. Over time, it has evolved into a more colourful, decorative piece of art, especially for festivities like Deepavali, Ponggal and weddings.
There are different types of Kolams such as the Rangoli, Chariot Kolams, Symmetrical Kolams, and the most popular one, Kolam with Peacock designs, as you can see from the above picture.
Find out more about Kolams in the article below.
READ MORE: What Are Those Pretty Colourful Designs On The Floor During Deepavali?
Oil lamps – Diyas 🪔
Next, of course, we need lights, come on, it’s Deepavali, the ‘festival of lights’. Okay, another common decoration that we use during Deepavali is oil-clay lamps or known as Diyas.Shan
Being small pots made from clay, they are also called ‘thumb pots’ as they are made by pressing the thumb into a ball of clay and shaping it. Nowadays, Diyas are also hand-painted with designs, and these oil lamps are a great decoration alongside the Kolam.
(Credit: Freepik)
Diyas symbolise goodness and purity, and lighting them up is sort of like dispelling darkness and going into the light. It represents enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge and wisdom.
According to Shan, these oil-clay lamps are filled with ghee or oil before lighting them up. They are often placed inside the house, near the prayer altar, and also at the entrance of a house, creating an illuminating pathway of lights.
It is also believed that the trail of diyas would guide Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth into homes so that its occupants could receive blessings of prosperity.
Flower Garlands
Following Diyas, we also decorate our houses with flower garlands, at the entrance, prayer altar, halls and more.Shan
These flower garlands are available in two variations, synthetic and fresh flowers. Even though fresh flowers are preferred, synthetic flower garlands are gaining popularity nowadays. That’s because they are easier to maintain and can be found in stores easily.
Flower Garlands at Brickfields, KL. (Credit: Hari Anggara / Malaymail)
Because of their bright colours, flowers such as Marigolds (commonly yellow or orange) are usually preferred for Deepavali festivities. In Hinduism, these orange and yellow flowers are considered auspicious, especially for new beginnings and important life events.
During Deepavali, both Ganesh and Lakshmi are worshipped and to honour the gods, many people decorate their homes with marigold flowers or garlands.
Other modern decorations
For modern decorations. We have pre-made Kolams that are made with synthetic coloured beads, so you just purchase them and can be displayed straight away.We also have decorations that incorporate our religious deities such as Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi. These decorative pieces are also installed together with colourful lights, and some of them are even waterproof and battery-powered, how cool is that.Shan
The Usual Practice
The usual routine during Deepavali besides getting the decorations ready is the symbolic oil bath.
The normal practice on Deepavali morning is the oil bath. Basically, the elders in the house will put sesame oil on our heads and we will take a bath with it.Some people will massage the whole body but some of us don’t really have time for a full massage that morning honestly. We just put the oil on our heads, rub it a bit and then we bathe. It’s a belief to cleanse ourselves with oil on Deepavali day.Renu
(Credit: The Star)
And some practice going to the temple to pray. The whole family going temple is also a good ritual on Deepavali morning. However, some people even do their open houses in the morning, hence sometimes, we really can’t make it in time to the temple.Renu
Renu also added that after the morning, the celebration goes as a regular Malaysian festive day goes.
There’s the wearing of traditional clothes, the scrumptious buffet with all the sweets, getting monetary gifts (ang pau/duit raya, hello!) from elders, rejoicing with beloved families as well as friends, and fireworks (everyone looks forward to this one)!
READ MORE: 11 Must-Try Indian Desserts To Sweeten Up Your Deepavali Weekend
(Credit: Yurakrasil / Envato)
Thanks to Renu and Shan, we now have a clearer picture of how some Malaysian Hindus celebrate Deepavali. We just look forward to getting open house invitations and hogging all the food. 🤭
Deepavali is not the only big celebration for Indian Malaysians. They have other celebrations too and they mostly coincide in April. Read the article below to find out more about Vishu, Vaisakhi and Chittirai Puttandu.
READ MORE: Did You Know April Is A Pretty Big Deal For Malaysian Indians?

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Key Points From Ismail Sabri’s Press Conference (10 June)

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Here are a few key takeaways from Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s press conference on the first day of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) on 10 June:
PDRM will withdraw all roadblocks nationwide except for rat trails
Ismail Sabri said that only Ops Benteng will still be conducted by the police along rat trails which are used by immigrants to access the country while roadblocks at interstate exists will cease starting today.
The police, he said, reported that traffic is clear for today and yesterday but anticipate an increase in the next few days as Malaysians take this opportunity to balik kampung and celebrate Syawal with their loved ones.
Malaysians still have to adhere to preventive measures
Even though the country is in the recovery stage of the Movement Control Order with the government starting to ease up on measures, Ismail Sabri said, some measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 must still be observed.
The army will still assist the police
The Malaysian Armed Forces will still assist PDRM despite the government relaxing on the MCO, Ismail Sabri said, as they’re involved in the Compliance Operations task force alongside RELA, Angkatan Pertahanan Awam (APM) and other agencies.
This is to ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are adhered to in business premises, public places, markets, etc.
Car capacity SOP stays for RMCO
When asked by the media whether the SOP has changed for car travel, Ismail Sabri said the same applies for RMCO; Malaysians can fit in the usual number of passengers in a vehicle according to capacity.
The same goes for the requirement that passengers must come from the same household or family.
Rising fees likely for nurseries
Ismail Sabri said that just like any other business, nurseries will have to increase their fees as they in line with rising costs due to sanitation purposes.
He said nurseries should consult with parents on why the costs will increase to prevent any confusion about the fees.
It’s the state government’s policy for swab tests
When asked by the media on why travelers are required to do swab tests for Covid-19 and bear the costs for doing so before going to Sabah or Sarawak, Ismail Sabri said it’s part of the state’s policies that they make the procedures mandatory before entering the state.
Every other activity is allowed except for the 11 banned activities
Ismail Sabri said that any other activity that’s not part of the 11 listed by the government will be allowed to operate or start again.
It was previously mentioned that these 11 activities will not be allowed during the RMCO:
pubs and nightclubsreflexology and karaoke centerstheme parksreligious paradefeastopen housecontact sportswater-based sportstraveling abroadpublic gatherings
He said eventually, when the situation has improved, more activities from the list will be allowed but for now, they will not be permitted by the government.
Food deliveries will also operate until 12 am
After allowing eateries, mini marts and grocery stores to operate until 12am yesterday, Ismail Sabri said even food delivery services can now operate until midnight.

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KPJ Hospital Suspends Staff In Kolam Vandalism Case

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A man who was seen in a viral video stepping all over a Deepavali kolam and destroying the decoration at KPJ Klang Hospital turned out to be a staff member.

When the video went viral, it triggered angry reactions from netizens who thought it was disrespectful to the Indian community and the artist, Nathan De Romeo, who spent hours making the kolam.
The suspect and the person recording the video were then summoned by the police and remanded for three days.
READ MORE: Cops To Summon Man Seen In Video Vandalising Deepavali Kolam At A KPJ Hospital
READ MORE: KPJ Deepavali ‘Kolam’ Creator Shares Message Of Peace On Facebook
Nathan has since written on Facebook to thank people for speaking up about the incident and urged everyone to let the relevant authorities deal with the matter.
Therefore, I kindly request you guys NOT to make the issue viral anymore. Let us stay united and peacefully in this multiracial country. Thank you once again. Love and peace to all Malaysians.Nathan De Romeo wrote in Facebook

KPJ Hospital has suspended the suspects
KPJ Hospital issued another statement to apologise to all Malaysians, particularly the Indian community, for the incident.
KPJ informed that the two individuals concerned have been suspended pending further investigation.
The hospital reiterated that they celebrate and uphold diversity and inclusion of the varied cultures in Malaysia and thus, do not condone the acts perpetrated by the suspects.
Further to this we have lodged a police report on the matter and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities on this matter.KPJ Hospital said in a statement.
Any further updates will be communicated through the hospital’s website at www.kpjhealthcare.com.my

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This Beautiful Flower Lake In Kedah Holds A ‘Stinky’ Secret

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Recently, netizens have been in awe of the elegant scenery people have been posting of beautifully blooming purple flowers floating across a lake in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

But it seems that the magical setting people have come to adore may hold a stinky lil’ secret.
Serene Sewage
A Tiktok user and also an entertainer, @mr_goy, has uploaded a video garnering around 1.5M views and 100K likes of him going to check out the lake, and it spurred comments of disbelief.

  @mr_goy Selamat Datang ke Kolam Taik Sungai Petani !! #taik #shit #sungaipetani #mrgoy ♬ original sound – Mr Goy – Mr Goy

In the video, he was seen introducing netizens to Sungai Petani, a place where people hang out and take pictures beside a sewage plant. Then he signaled a stop to the video as the smell there is horrendous.
However, one particular comment from an individual who claims to be a local there said that the place is not actually a sewage plant, but a natural lake that was supposedly misused to dispose of waste from factories nearby.
This, the commenter claimed, was the source of the foul smell coming from the lake.

This was not the first time somebody shared scenes from the supposed sewage site.
A day before, another TikTok user with the username @youzernoutfaun also uploaded similar footage showcasing the breathtaking view of the lake – as if he’s was vacationing in another country.
Credit: @youzernoutfaun / TikTok
His caption was simply, ‘Sungai Petani Sewage Plant’, nothing more. This video went viral with around 685K views and 107K likes.
Comments on the video show people generally making fun of this fact.
“Look, even feces can make a flower bloom. What’s your excuse for being useless?”

“Mom: Where did you go for the photoshoot?
Child: Sewage plant, mom.”

“For as long as I’ve lived, I’m finally contributing something precious to the community”

Another video uploaded on Facebook showed the exact location of this place, which is near Texas Chicken Caltex in Taman Ria Jaya, Sungai Petani, Kedah.
What Kind Of Flowers Are Those?
The purple flowers are actually called Common Water Hyacinth (Bunga Keladi Bunting) with the scientific name of Eichhornia crassipes. They are commonly seen in lakes and ponds.
They can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for the environment, depending on which angle they are seen in.
Credit: @bharianmy, @bernamadotcom / Twitter
The plus side of this is that aquatic plants like these are used as a method for wastewater treatment.
Researchers have found out that water hyacinths flourish on sewage by absorbing and digesting nutrients as well as minerals from wastewater.
On the bad side, in some areas, it is known to be an invasive species due to its fast-growing ability to blanket large portions of lakes and cut the supply of sunlight and dissolved oxygen for aquatic life under them.
But hey, positive or negative, they’re definitely pretty when they bloom like this, right?
Sadly Now, The Area Is Said To Be Closed
Another site closed in the same month, because of the power of virality.
According to a Facebook post by @KedahKini1, the area is closed for public visitation due to the safety of the citizen.
Credit: @KedahKini1 / Facebook
The particular area that was sealed was the little bridge in the midst of the lake. It does look quite unsafe if you give it a better look.
Nevertheless, viral or not, you should all be careful of places like these. Just because of a well-liked picture, don’t simply risk your safety.
READ MORE: Ipoh’s Famous Mirror Lake Closed After Diving Stunt

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[Watch] Rude Customer Slaps Bangladeshi Bartender In SS15 For Refusing To Change Songs

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Working in a restaurant is hard work and it’s not easy to cater to every customer’s whims. A Bangladeshi bartender who got slapped by a customer could attest to that.

On Sunday, 13 March, two customers came into the restaurant in SS15, Subang Jaya, around 10.30pm and treated the staff rudely.
According to China Press, one of them requested a Bangladeshi bartender to play Indian songs.
Since the songs have been set earlier to play the songs accordingly, the bartender politely explained why the request couldn’t be fulfilled.

Instead of understanding, the irate customer stood up and slapped the bartender. In the video, the bartender could be seen looking shocked while cradling his cheek.
The manager of the restaurant, Lee Wen Jing, told China Press that he learned about the incident from the staff that were present that day.
His staff told him that the friend of the irate customer quickly paid for the drinks at the counter before pulling his friend out of the restaurant.
Lee said the bartender has been working for him for four years and maintained a good work performance.
He took the bartender to the police station to lodge a report about the assault. He hoped the police would investigate and deal with the matter impartially.

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Cockroaches are becoming super-resistant, here’s 8 ways to destroy them

PSA: THIS ARTICLE HAS NO COCKROACH PICS BECAUSE THE WRITER IS SUPER GROSSED OUT BY THEM, SEKIAN.
According to this report, cockroaches have become more resistant to, well, everything.
The nasty pest which can already withstand nuclear fallout is developing cross-resistance to multiple classes of insecticides.
In just one generation, the cockroaches increased their resistance to the insecticides by four- to six- times. Considering that they have a 3-month reproductive cycle and have up to 50 offspring each time, it won’t take long for them to just be… invincible.
Ahhh GIF from Scared GIFs
Of course, this study was done in America, but the fear is universal.
So here are TRP’s suggestions for dealing with those terrifying creepy-crawlies without giving them invincible resistant Hulk powers:
1. Avoid SS15 at all costs
SS15 is the literal cesspool of humanity and all the cockroaches (and rats) there have already developed an immunity to poison, humans, and possibly God.
Baby Hulk-cockroaches might climb into your car and fester in the air-cond. Don’t even risk it, not even if the bubble tea there is irresistible.
2. Cockroach glue trap
If you can’t smack ’em, trap ’em. Then just burn the whole thing, because it may probably survive the slow and inevitable death being stuck to industrial-grade glue.
3. Scream really loudly when you see them
Pray that the sound of your screams will strike fear in their non-existent hearts and they would hopefully fly away from you… Hopefully.
4. Like just die I guess, if they fly at you
If they fly, it’s too late. Give up, life is over.
Strangle Choking GIF from Strangle GIFs
5. Smash them with rolled up newspaper
What we asians do better is smacking things with anything we can get our hands on. Cue cockroach-smasher #1: the newspaper roll.
6. Smash them with wooden clog shoes
If you have even been hit with one of these, you know this is a weapon capable of incredible violence. It’s like a 12/10 on the sakit scale.
The bane of all cockroach existence.Picture credit: Culture.com
Cockroaches stand no chance against them. CRUSH THEM!
7. Smash them with your hands (then amputate yourself)
However, if you don’t have anything in reach, your sole and final option is to smash it… with your hand. It’s your most desperate measure, but sacrifices must be made.
Remove thy dirty limb and cast it from light, for it is now forever tainted.
8. If there’s too many to smash, just burn your house down.
Easy, simple, no-fuss solution. #kaotim
It’s worth it.


Govt Administration Must Declare Assets Within 3 Months After Taking Oath

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Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that each member of the government administration must make a declaration of property within 3 months from the date of oath.
He chaired the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) meeting which also has agreed to forward policy decisions reached at previous meetings:
The policies: Hold regular JKKMAR and National Anti-Corruption (JAR) meetings in accordance with the Prime Minister’s Directive in 2018.
Strengthening the accountability and integrity of MPs through the policy of declaring property and accepting gifts.
Implementing the Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) and Corruption Risk Assessment (CRM) across all ministries / public sectors for effective anti-corruption control.
Strengthening the anti-corruption system in the private sector through Beneficiary Ownership and business entities in accordance with the Practical Guidelines
Increase the effectiveness and transparency of public procurement to avoid leakage of public funds and focus on economic issues especially the cost of living of the people.
The proposals made by agencies (agreed in principle): The recommendation of the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC) for all ministries and agencies responsible for issuing permits and licenses to publish the License Application Guidelines which will be published online for general information.
To conduct a comprehensive study to improve compliance with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Report (MACC) and the Integrity Agency Report (SIAP) Report.
The proposal presented by Cyber Security Malaysia for a study to be carried out to obtain empirical evidence of the requirements of digital anti-corruption and to identify relevant legal requirements.
Other things they talked about: To improve governance and integrity through the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019-2023 and ensure the aim of enhancing the economy and the well-being of the people can be implemented in a transparent and effective manner.

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Malaysiaâ€™s Sudden Move From MCO To CMCO Has Local Academicians Concerned

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The Malaysian governmentâ€™s shocking decision to ease restrictions of the movement control order (MCO) has alarmed local health academics.
The country has begun a conditional movement control order (CMCO) earlier than initially expected in order to start reopening the countryâ€™s economy, andÂ there is a worry that this surprise move could trigger a new wave of infections across the country.
These local academicians also feel that the prime minister may have acted hastily.
The CMCO sees Malaysians out and about across the nation as everyone gets back to work. (Credit: Malay Mail)
Professor Malina Osman, an epidemiologist at Universiti Putra Malaysia and Bulgiba Awang Mahmud, a professor at the Centre for Epidemiology at the University of Malaysia and the secretary-general of Malaysia’s Academy of Sciences praised how the authorities traced infections, its management of the healthcare system and more – but shared reservations about the early end to restrictions.
(Credit: Google)
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Professor Malina called the implementation of the CMCO â€œprematureâ€ saying that she expects potential new cases and clusters.
She shared that she would personally prefer the number of new daily cases to be in single digits before restrictions were eased. Though she also acknowledged that the Health Ministry believes in the countryâ€™s capability of managing the outbreak.
Easing… should be done gradually, not abruptly…ideally, from an epidemiology point of view, the easing should start when there are no cases from local transmission for 14 consecutive days.Professor Malina Osman via The Sydney Morning Herald
Professor Bulgiba Awang Mahmud was surprised that the MCO was being wound back, saying that he doesnâ€™t think that it is the correct time to do so.
I am not convinced that we are out of the woods yet as we have not dealt with a number of issues, one of which is the large number of migrant workers, many of whom are undocumented.Professor Bulgiba Awang Mahmud via The Sydney Morning Herald
Shopping malls have also reopened their doors and resumed operations under the CMCO. (Credit: Malay Mail)
He highlighted that currently there are still risks that seeds of infections are still present in the community and also voiced that the opening of the economy could cause new clusters of infections.
Implemented on 18 March 2020 and due to expire on 12 May 2020, the MCO ordered businesses and schools to shut. It also stopped people from congregating at religious, sporting, arts, and cultural events too.
A blanket curfew was placed across the nation as the public was only allowed out for extremely important matters such as buying groceries and picking up medication.
The order also blocked Malaysians from travelling overseas, foreigners from entering the country and even restricted interstate travel.
However, with the mounting economic costs of having the country basically locked down, the Barclays Bank estimated that the domestic economy was facing losses over RM34 million per day.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the CMCO on 1 May. (Credit: Malay Mail)
After 47 days of MCO, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the order would be loosened and more economies allowed to open starting Monday, 4 May.
That same day, our nation of 32 million people reported 55 new Covid-19 infections, slightly less than the two earlier consecutive days that saw more than 100 new cases each.
As of 5 May, Malaysiaâ€™s Covid-19 tally is at 6,383 total cases, with 106 deaths, 4,567 recoveries and 1,710 active cases.
Under this new conditional order, most restaurants and food courts are allowed to operate, provided they strictly enforce takeaway and delivery options only.Â
Offices and shopping malls have also been allowed to get back to work, and locals are allowed to practice non-contact outdoor sports, such as jogging and biking – an exercise that was absolutely disallowed during the MCO.
Meanwhile, schools and religious institutions remain closed indefinitely.
Malaysia closed its borders to outsiders when the MCO started. (Credit: Malay Mail)
Despite the ease of these rules, the countryâ€™s Health director-general is still urging people to practise caution and remain at home unless absolutely necessary.
The strict lockdown was broadly supported by Malaysians. According to research conducted by the Merdeka Center, an opinion research firm, about 75% of Malaysians approved of how the government handled the Covid-19 pandemic.
These results were based on a survey conducted by the centre in March 2020.
Now, nine out of 13 Malaysian states have indicated that they do not plan to implement the CMCO in their respective areas because local authorities are facing ongoing health concerns.

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Frog-Themed Dishes Served At Sabah Dinner Symbolises Rejection of “Katak” Politicians

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Candidates and parliamentarians from PKR and Warisan Plus had a croaking good time at a frog-themed dinner yesterday.

The event used frogs to symbolise the rejection of politicians who defect as they see fit, jumping to different political parties, which earned them the nickename “katak”, which also ultimately led to this ongoing Sabah state election.
Various frog dishes, including one made with bitter gourd shaped to resemble frogs.(Credit: Teresa Kok/Twitter)
MP Teresa Kok also noted that the special frog dishes were not only delicious, but they could be turned into attractions for international tourists when the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
She joked that frog kuih and frog biscuits can also be made as Sabah’s new speciality dishes.
Majlis makan malam bertemakan katak diadakan untuk meraih sokongan kepada calon PKR dan Warisan Plus di sebuah pusat penjaja di Kota Kinabalu, semalam. #Katak #PRNSabah https://t.co/GaNTIlhyXy pic.twitter.com/VIvdYO0LJd— PAS Shah Alam (@PASShahAlam) September 24, 2020
Candidates Jannies Lasimbang, Tan Lee Fatt, and Christina Liew were joined by MP Teresa Kok and MP Chan Foong Hin to greet the crowd and dig in to the frog dishes.
The politicians in attendance.(Credit: Teresa Kok/Twitter)

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Military Deployed 7,000 Troops During 2nd Half Of MCO

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To help the police to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the second half of the Movement Control Order (MCO), the military have deployed 7,000 of their personnel starting April 1.
Around 5,000 to 6,000 were tasked around the country March 18 to March 31 but the number has increased due to the stricter rules enforced in the second phase.
Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) General Tan Sri Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi said troops have also helped to enforce the enhanced MCO in several areas such as Simpang Renggam, Johor; Sungai Lui, Selangor and Menara City One in Kuala Lumpur by mobilising 20 personnel at one time.
He also added that the army is also actively assisting and monitoring the delivery of essential goods to remote areas such as certain parts of Sabah and Sarawak from last Sunday until this Friday.
Besides providing assistance to the police at roadblocks throughout the MCO, around 5,000 personnel are assigned to maintain security and order at the country’s borders.

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Proton unveils their new logo and it looks oddly familiar

Local auto manufacturer, Proton unveiled their latest logo which marks a new episode in their history and their intentions towards becoming a major force in the local automotive industry.
They even have a new tagline to boot – Inspiring Connections.
As their site puts it –  “A day that signifies the next chapter of Proton. More than just a logo, it is a symbol of our commitment to constantly improve, and help everyone enjoy the benefits of technology.”

via GIPHY
With a refreshed logo, comes new aspirations as well, as Proton targets to become top carmaker in Malaysia and be amongst the top three in Southeast Asia by 2027, according to NST.
Despite the redesign and renewed outlook, the new logo does seem oddly familiar, especially to those who grew up watching a specific cartoon which was popular in the 80’s and 90’s.

via GIPHY
On social media, people saw the similarities between the new logo with the one from the animated television show, Thundercats.

Proton just updated their new logo. Can’t unsee the ThunderCats animated series logo after the first time I realized it. pic.twitter.com/RAcdslcSyA
â€” FM (@FikriMansor94) September 24, 2019

thundercats worshipped the new proton logo since the beginning of time pic.twitter.com/WSp0tbFjId
â€” Raja Ular Sunway (@syafiqnawi) September 24, 2019

The new Proton logo looks awesome pic.twitter.com/MkIuuZtvkR
â€” Salmon Carpaccio (@ZacRazak) September 24, 2019

Similarities (and jokes) aside, the company has been growing steadily as recent sales signals that Proton has been on the rise – backed by the X70, as well as the facelifted versions of their Saga, Iriz, and Persona models.
After two years of the company being acquired by China’s Geely, it seems that Proton is heading in the right direction.


Dubbed Malaysia’s Mother Theresa, Mother Mangalam Dies At 97

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Malaysia recently lost a highly respected philanthropic figure who has always been revered as the matriarch of charity.

Datin Paduka A. Mangalam, or more famously known as the Mother Theresa of Malaysia, dedicated her life to improving the circumstances of countless homeless children and orphans, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Over the weekend, it was reported that the president of the Pure Life Society had passed away peacefully at the age of 97 after being admitted to Assunta Hospital a couple of weeks ago for bronchopneumonia.
Who Is Mother Mangalam?
Born in Singapore on May 17, 1926, she was educated at the Raffles Girls’ School and the Saradhamani Girls’ School in Singapore.
As described in an article by Merdeka Award, Mangalam’s life trajectory was shaped during her teenage years amid the turmoil of World War II. Witnessing the immense pain and suffering surrounding her, she developed a deep desire to alleviate the hardships faced by others.
In 1948, at the age of 22, Mother Mangalam made a courageous decision to leave her family in Singapore and relocate to Malaya.

Mother To All; Helping The Underprivileged Through Pure Life Society
Over the years, the Pure Life Society (PLS) home has provided accommodation and nurturing for a remarkable total of 2,000 children from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.
Serving as the country’s inaugural non-governmental orphanage, the home was established in 1952, standing as a proud symbol of compassion and support for those in need.
After completing her teacher training course, she began her teaching career in Kuala Lumpur.
She was assigned to a Tamil school in Bangsar, where the majority of students came from underprivileged families.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Mother Mangalam devoted her free time in assisting Swami Satyananda, her spiritual mentor, in his charitable endeavors among the impoverished.
In 1949, Swami Satyananda founded the Pure Life Society with the objective of fostering interethnic and interreligious understanding through lectures, forums, and programs.
According to several articles, Mother Mangalam was deeply inspired by Swami Satyananda’s teachings and discussions on religion throughout her childhood.
She was always filled with wonder, even though she did not fully comprehend religion as a child.
Therefore, it was natural for her to seek his guidance as she discovered her life’s purpose.
Driven by her devotion to the Creator and her profound compassion for the underprivileged, which mirrored the values of the Pure Life Society, Mother Mangalam dedicated her life to welfare work.
In 1949, she was initiated into the Pure Life Society with the title ‘Sister’ and later, in 1985, she was honored with the title ‘Mother’ by the Society.

Awards Gotten Over The Years
It comes as no secret that Mother Mangalam’s extraordinary contributions to humanitarian efforts have earned her a series of prestigious accolades.
Notably, she received the Merdeka Award in 2010 in recognition of her exceptional endeavors in advancing the welfare of the underprivileged and fostering national unity.
Furthermore, in 2018, Taylors University granted her an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities, acknowledging her profound contributions.
Despite the recognition and honors bestowed upon her, Mother Mangalam remained steadfast in her unwavering commitment to serving those in need.
Her dedication and compassion were evident, as she prioritized the well-being of the vulnerable and underprivileged over any personal reputation she may have gained within the nation.

Concluding Remarks
Mother Mangalam’s role as a nurturing figure to orphaned children from diverse ethnic backgrounds stands as a testament to the transformative power of a life devoted to serving others.
Her selfless dedication serves as an inspiration, showcasing that a life centered on compassion and service can bring profound fulfillment and joy.
She is often likened to Mother Teresa, and rightfully so, as her unwavering commitment has amplified and instilled love and hope that will resonate for generations to come in Malaysia.

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