Malaysian Makes Art “Painting” With Microsoft Excel And It’s Super Realistic

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Twitter user @sfrnfzl_ has recently made social headlines for her impressive render of the Tasek Gelugor KTM station using Microsoft Excel – Microsoft’s spreadsheet programme that compiles data, make tables, graphs etc…

Old artwork (2-3 days)Artwork Name : KTM Tasek GelugorSoftware : Microsoft Excel pic.twitter.com/TvDpOYjZaD— ARI 🇲🇾 (@sfrnfzl_) August 29, 2021
Her unlikely union of business software and art has since received over 10k likes, close to 6k retweets and even the official Microsoft Store Twitter account was mind blown by it.

 “Not an artist!”
Despite @sfrnfzl_ or Safarina’s realistic depiction of the KTM scenery, she writes in her Twitter bio that she is not an artist, but she does create art using Microsoft Excel and also low poly art with Adobe Illustrator.
Her interest in the unique craft didn’t just start with the KTM portrait. She tells TRP that she first started making art using Excel in 2016.
When asked how she first got into Excel Art, she told us that she had randomly come across an article about Tatsuo Horiuchi from Japan who used the number-crunching software to create “incredibly amazing” art.
Safarina’s Sifu
A screen grab of Tatsuo Horiuchi working his magic in Great Big Story’s feature “The Michelangelo of Microsoft Excel” (Credit: Great Big Story / YouTube)
Tatsuo Horiuchi, the man that inspired Safarina, is an elderly gentleman who is now in his 80s.
He has won competitions with his work – most notably winning first prize at the Excel Autoshape Art Contest in 2006.
And a lot like Safarina’s work, Tatsuo’s are also remarkably intricate, but of scenic view and natural landscapes in Japan.
Meanwhile, Safarina tells TRP her inspiration for the KTM “painting” was from a picture she took herself because she just loved the scenery and how calm and peaceful it looked.
What’s on the train ride ahead?
With Safarina’s work going viral, she insists she’s doing it for fun as a hobby and for now has no intention of commissioning any of her work.
She has, however, turned her most popular piece into a mini postcard.

To follow on her journey excelling in Excel Art, she has pinned a reference thread of the work she’s done here.
There’s a lot of portraits of her favourite Thai actors, and one of a loft bed too.
Turns out, the KTM Tasek Gelugor piece she did was from July 2020!
Funny how sometimes things go viral a year after they first happen but nonetheless, an amazing feat on her part and we look forward to seeing what other artwork she creates in the near future!

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Artists Can Win Up To RM100K In  ‘2022 UOB Painting of the Year’ Art Competition

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

UOB Malaysia has launched the 2022 UOB Painting of the Year (POY) competition and is inviting established and emerging artists to create innovative artworks that showcase their artistic mastery.

The top country winner will receive RM100,000 and a chance to compete for the prestigious UOB Southeast Asian POY award, which carries a cash prize of US$10,000.
In conjunction with UOB Malaysia’s 71st Anniversary, the Bank has also introduced UOB Malaysia 71st Anniversary Special campaign as part of the 2022 UOB POY (Malaysia) competition.

The winning artwork of this special campaign will be displayed on the exterior of a public mass rail transit (MRT) that will travel around the Klang Valley.
This campaign is part of the bank’s commitment to making art more accessible to the wider community while raising the profile and the work of the winning Malaysian artist.
Through our annual UOB POY competition, we will continue to discover artistic talent in Malaysia, and promote them locally and regionally. As the leading patron of the arts in Asia, we hope to nurture the next generation of artists and help them realise their dreams.CEO of UOB Malaysia Ng Wei Wei
Submission details
Submissions will be received digitally and will open from today until 31 July 2022. The winners of the 2022 UOB POY (Malaysia) competition will be announced at an award ceremony in October 2022.
The competition is open to all Malaysia citizens and permanent residents.
More details of the competition can be found at www.UOBandArt.com
The panel of judges this year include:
1. Ms Bibi Chew, Industry Advisory Panel (Visual Arts) for CENDANA Malaysia and Head of Illustration and Senior Lecturer at the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
2. Mr Choy Chun Wei, Leading Malaysian contemporary artist, whose works have been exhibited internationally across China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, Pakistan, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
3. Mr Ahmad Fuad Osman, Leading Malaysian contemporary artist and judge of National Art Gallery’s Young Contemporaries Awards.
Who won last year?
The winners of the 2021 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) are:
Established Artist Category
Walk in Silence, Don’t Walk Away in Silence by Saifu Razman.
2021 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) Award Winner – Saiful Razman
Gold – Lee Mok Yee
Silver – Mohd Azrul Azrai bin Mohamad Mohyi
Bronze – Fadilah Karim
Highly Commended – Lau Pik Yoke
Emerging Artist Category
Hi by Jaclyn Teh Ya Zi
Most promising Artist of the Year Award Winner – Jaclyn Teh Ya Zi
Gold – Nik Ashri bin Nik Harun
Silver – Sack Tin Lim
Bronze – Raden Hisbullah bin Radin Abu Bakar
Alumni winners enjoy a residency programme abroad
To encourage artists to develop their knowledge and hone their artistic skills, UOB provides alumni winners with an immersive experience through a month-long residency programme at various prestigious art museums in Asia.
This also provides artists with the opportunity to learn about the art culture in their respective host countries and various approaches to art creation.
The 2021 winner Saiful will join an artist residency programme at the UOB Art Gallery in Shanghai, China as part of the 40th Anniversary of the UOB POY competition.
Cheng Yen Pheng and Sabri Idrus, the 2019 and 2020 UOB POY (Malaysia) winners, were selected to attend the artist residency programme at the renowned Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Keeping Your Homes, Offices, Business & Other Places Clean From COVID-19

The global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is keeping the public steady on their toes and reasonably concerned about their health and well being.
Since news broke of a new deadly virus that’s plaguing humanity, public spaces are relatively emptier, protective facial masks are sold out at the stores, and products such as hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays are harder and harder to come by.
(Credit: The Star)
And as the number of COVID-19 infections in Malaysia surpasses well over 100 cases, we began seeing several offices, buildings and businesses being temporarily closed and their workers sent away for self-quarantine to stop the spread of the viral contagion.
Though itâ€™s always a good thing to be cautious when dealing with outbreaks of infectious disease, experts note that some of the steps being taken by Malaysians in trying to stop the spread of COVID-19 might have gone a little overboard.
No need to panic
Despite the growing number of infections both in the country and around the world, health professionals maintain the stance that the COVID-19 outbreak has yet to reach pandemic proportions and that the most basic â€œbest practicesâ€ are able to contain its spread.
(Credit: Hari Anggara/Malay Mail)
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the chances of you getting infected with COVID-19 is still relatively low, unless youâ€™ve either travelled to an area where the coronavirus is spreading, or had contact with someone positive for the infection.
Meanwhile, Malaysiaâ€™s Director-General of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah made it a point to inform the public that it was unnecessary to shut down places and premises with known COVID-19 cases.
According to the good doctor, a regiment of disinfecting and cleaning procedures where someone whoâ€™s infected with COVID-19 had been would suffice at ensuring that these spaces remain clear.
(Credit: Malay Mail)
Scientists conclude that one of the most effective ways to counter the spread of microbial diseases such as COVID-19 is through the act of maintaining good hygiene by disinfecting and cleaning frequently touched surfaces and areas thoroughly and regularly.
This easy process of â€œkeeping things cleanâ€ has been implemented in most public places like hospitals, airports, government buildings, public transportation and even in shopping malls accross Malaysia and the world in order to contain COVID-19.
Pray for my dad and all their cleaning staff at Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor from infection of Coronavirus ..Siapa kata yang kerja cleaner ni mudah je, time kena mcm ni sangat mencabar bagi mereka..#coronavirus #nCoV pic.twitter.com/w9PeFWzYq5â€” FarisMahadi (@mdfar8_) January 26, 2020
To kill a microbe
COVID-19 can easily spread between people through close contact with one another or through environmental transmission via respiratory droplets or bodily fluids produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even breathes.
Infections can happen as easily as touching or coming in contact with a contaminated surface or object, and touching your own face, eyes, nose and mouth after.
(Credit: Twitter)
However, just like any other microorganism such as bacteria, archaea or fungi. Viruses are relatively easy to kill when it is exposed outside of the body of a host.
According to the WHO, COVID-19 can survive between a few hours to several days on any given surface, depending on what kind of surface it is as well as the temperature and humidity of the object in question.
These contaminated items can be simply disinfected through the use of chemicals such as alcohol, bleach, or household antimicrobial agents and cleaning products.
Keeping things clean
As weâ€™ve already established that COVID-19 can be killed through basic hygiene practices, hereâ€™s a quick and simple guide on how you can properly clean and disinfect your home, offices or businesses from contamination.
Cleaning surfaces
Simple low-cost measures can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your home and workplace.
Start by ensuring that you have the appropriate protective gear on so that you donâ€™t get yourself infected when youâ€™re busying with the â€œspring cleaningâ€ routine. Have disposable gloves, surgical masks and to be super safe, disposable gowns or aprons available during the cleaning process, and to only use disposable cleaning materials such as single-use sponges, rags and towels.
(Credit: JESHOOTS.COM/Unsplash)
You can begin by cleaning the most â€œhigh-touchâ€ surfaces and items around you like the desks and tables, doorknobs, light switches and electronic devices, and even the sink and toilets, before moving on to other areas around the house or workplace.
Also, remember to clean and disinfect areas in or on your personal vehicles too.
If the particular surface or item is dirty or dustier than usual, then try and clean it using detergent or soap and water before you begin wiping it down with disinfectants.
(Credit: CDC/Unsplash)
Any household disinfectants and antimicrobial cleaners will do fine to rid of contamination. But, do make sure that the product youâ€™re using has not expired.
You can also prepare your own disinfecting solution by mixing 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. This works pretty well at killing those pesky germs and viruses.
Wipe each and every surface thoroughly, at least twice daily to ensure the best protection for yourself and the people around you and remember to not touch your face, eyes, mouth and nose, and to immediately wash after cleaning.
For soft and porous surfaces like carpets, rugs and drapes, use the appropriate cleaners and detergents available for them or simply toss em’ into the washing machine or send them away to be professionally cleaned.
Cleaning clothing and textiles
Textiles and clothing materials can be washed as per usual. However, itâ€™s best to use the warmest appropriate wash and dry settings available on your machines to ensure that you properly decontaminate the clothing.
(Credit: Dan Gold/Unsplash)
When putting clothing into the washer, try not to shake the laundry too much to minimise the possibility of dispersing contagions through the air and to always clean and disinfect your hampers and laundry baskets after.
And laundry from patients infected with COVID-19 can be mixed and washed together with other peopleâ€™s items without any fear of cross-contamination.

Paranoia and fear are natural human responses that no one should feel embarrassed about.
But just remember that a lil’ common sense and some good ole’ fashion hygiene is more than enough to keep you and your loved ones protected from illness.
Share with us your COVID-cleaning rituals on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Bedak Sejuk: Our Grandmothers May Have Been Right All Along

Ask any Malaysian grandmother for some beauty tips and sheâ€™d swear by something called bedak sejuk.Â
Literally translated into â€œcooling powderâ€, Malaysian women once slathered this fermented rice-based powder it all over their faces before bed as an ingenious beauty hack that kept them looking young and fair.
This is actually an old Asian woman. Lol just kidding! (Credit: Lubuk Seni)
Some even insisted that the powder was effective in relieving the painful effects of sunburn and the annoying itches you get from measles.
Are bedak sejuk benefits real?
Slathering fermented rice powder all over your face in hopes that itâ€™ll keep you looking young sounds pretty absurd. Is fermented rice the ingenious and cheap beauty hack itâ€™s made out to be?
Bedak sejuk beads are still being sold until today. (Credit: Gvado)
It turns out that there has been some initial research on rice and rice water as beauty products. These findings suggest that there might be some real benefits to the practice after all.Â
Hereâ€™s what the science says
A study conducted last year by researchers at University Kebangsaan Malaysia found concentrations of amino acids and fatty acids in bedak sejuk.
According to their study, some of these amino and fatty acids were the same ones used in the beauty industry to help keep skin moisturised and promote tissue and cell regeneration.
Rice is the key ingredient in bedak sejuk. (Credit: Marco Verch/Flickr)
A separate study conducted in 2016 found high concentrations of phenolics in rice panicle extracts.
Phenolics are apparently a source of antioxidants that are anti-ageing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. The study also found that these phenolics absorbed into the skin really well.
FYI, this whole thing is a panicle of rice. (Credit: Flickr)
So, we guess you could say that grandmama might have been on to something after all when she nagged you to use bedak sejuk every night.
But even if it doesn’t work as well as modern (and more expensive) cosmetic products, you can at least be sure that it won’t be dangerous for you.
Bedak sejuk is made into little beads that you mix with water before applying it to your face. (Credit: Info Santai)
In 2013, researchers from University Malaysia Kelantan actually tested bedak sejuk made from grocery store-bought rice and filtered tap water for traces of harmful bacteria and heavy metals. The study found both to be within safe levels of use.
How to make this cheap beauty product at home
Making bedak sejuk is fairly easy and would cost next to nothing if you cook rice at home on a daily basis. All you really need to make the powder is two ingredients: rice and water.Â
First, steep the rice in the water inside a closed container. Your rice should be fully immersed, with the water level being about an inch or two above the rice.
Clean the rice and steep it in a closed container. (Credit: Pixabay)
Steep the rice for at least 3 months to up to a year in a closed container. The longer you steep, the better. To prevent the powder from having a sour smell, change the water regularly, about once every 2 weeks or so.Â
Once your rice is steeped for your preferred duration, rinse it in a sieve until it no longer smells. Youâ€™ll see that your rice has become fragmented and broken. Dry it slightly and then mash it until it becomes a paste.
Once it’s mashed, it becomes a creamy white paste. (Credit: Going Places Magazine)
If you like, you can add some natural ingredients to it at this stage. Traditionally, pandan leaves, charcoal, lime juice, bunga tanjung (spanish cherry flower) or bunga cempaka was added to make the powder smell nice or increase itâ€™s whitening, brightening or cleansing effects.
Traditionally, people used to load the rice paste into a mango tree leaf, or a banana leaf. But you don’t have to do that. Just put it into any old piping bags and pipe the paste into little beads resembling tiny white Hershey Kisses on a piece of cloth. Leave it outside to dry in the sun for about 2 days.
Bedak sejuk beads look like tiny white Hershey Kisses chocolates. (Credit: Gvado)
Once dry itâ€™s ready to use.Â
To use bedak sejuk, simply pick out as many beads as you like, add a little water to it to turn it back into a paste and apply it all over your face as a mask. Use it weekly or nightly for best results.

Do you still use the age-old tradition of bedak sejuk? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!


Turtle Eggs For Sale Online Are A Cause For Concern

Subscribe to our new Telegram channel for the latest updates on Covid-19 and other issues.

Turtle eggs, or telur penyu in Malay, are a local traditional delicacy from sea turtles that lay their eggs on our beaches.
Malaysian sea turtles populations are at risk as their nests are often plundered by humans. While sea turtles are protected in East Malaysia, enforcement is often lacking and eggs are still openly sold.
However, turtle egg traders have grown bolder by now offering the eggs for sale on online platforms such as Shopee and Facebook marketplace.

KINI TELUR PENYU BOLEH DIDAPATI DI SHOPEEJika dahulu di pasar tempatan, penjual dan pembelinya kita boleh kira dengan jari. pic.twitter.com/QaOP8qdCmN— ZoologiMY (@ZoologiMY) May 13, 2020

A collection of screenshots from Twitter account @ZoologiMY notes the audacity of such open sales. They claim to have seen many sellers promoting the culture of eating turtle eggs during the fasting month, claiming that eggs are now plentiful and enough to be sold for profit.
Di bulan puasa ini, semakin ligat juga penjual mempromosi budaya memakan telur penyu. Jadikan kurma menu wajib, bukannya telur penyu atas dasar mengidam. Mereka kata telur ini banyak dan boleh dijual untuk ambil manfaat. pic.twitter.com/dpPIgqVtD9— ZoologiMY (@ZoologiMY) May 13, 2020
Each individual state in Malaysia have their own legislature for dealing with the sale and consumption of sea turtle eggs. Only in Sabah and Sarawak are they totally banned, even though you can still easily obtain turtle eggs in those states.
The rest of the states have some regulation through trade concessions, except for Perlis and Selangor which has no regulation at all due to insignificant nesting areas, although this also means that many turtle eggs are traded through these states.
Conservatory groups and local activists have pushed strongly for more enforcement and additional protection, especially for green turtles that nest in Terengganu.
Despite conservation efforts, these eggs are still sadly available and sold online.

The small piece of good news is that listing for turtle eggs can no longer be found on the online e-commerce platform Shopee anymore, most likely due to multiple reports made on the app by concerned netizens.

Turtle egg sellers will not stop selling the eggs for profit unless demand for the eggs stop. Even though many countries report an increase in turtle nesting sites and successful hatches due to decreased human activity on the beaches, the human appetite is insatiable and must not be left unchecked.

Share your thoughts with us on TRPâ€™s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Everything You Need To Know About Malaysian Income Tax

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

As the saying goes, nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes, and it seems that Malaysians have been busy educating themselves and their fellow taxpayers on the ins and outs of the country’s income tax system.

MASIH RAMAI YANG TAK TAHU BILA KENA DECLARE TAX KAN? 1. GAJI > RM34,000 selepas potongan KWSP Boleh refer dekat EA form korang sebab situ gaji dia dah lump sump kan setahun berapa so korang dah boleh tahu lebih dari RM34,000 ke tidak pic.twitter.com/DQ7xSlIAXi— FAA (@f4teyhaa) March 17, 2021
But what the heck is this income tax thing anyways? And do I really, really need to pay up?
Well… the short answer would be yes if you’d like to avoid paying a hefty fine or not spend time in jail.
Under Section 114 of Malaysia’s Income Tax Act 1967, evading taxes can cost you a fine of between RM1,000 and RM20,000 or up to three years imprisonment, or both.
Not paying your taxes can also bar you from travelling out of the country. Here’s a mime explaining what a “stoppage order” is for tax evaders.

Think of income tax (or any other tax) as a “fee” that you need to pay the government for the money and assets that you have – where the more you have, the more you are taxed.
The government then uses this money to provide for essential and non-essential services that make the country function as it should.
READ MORE: Why you should pay your income tax (even without billions in donations)
Since 2015, anyone who makes an annual employment income of RM34,000 after deducting one’s EPF contributions needs to file and pay their taxes.
Both Malaysian citizens and foreigners with residential or non-resident status are required to pay income tax.
The Malaysian government considered everyone in the country, regardless of nationality, as a tax resident if they fulfil certain requirements. For more details on foreign taxpayers in Malaysia, check out this explainer by CompareHero, HERE.
So how much do I need to pay as a citizen?
That would depend on your total annual income for that particular tax year derived from your chargeable or taxable income, such as;
The salary earned from employment or pensionsRevenue earned from businesses or if you’re a landlord collecting rentDividends and interests earned from investments and annuitiesRoyalties and payments collected from copyrights or patentsPerquisites including claims, loans, credit cards and benefits offered by employers that can be converted to cash.
TRP
Because Malaysia employs a self-assessment tax system, you’d need to figure out your taxable income as well as responsible to submit or declare your income tax return to the government on your own.
Additionally, some portions of your taxable income are also eligible for tax exemptions, deductions and relief, essentially reducing the overall tax that you need to pay and thus making it important to keep all of your spending receipts handy when and if you need to file your taxes.
Examples of tax exemptions;
Spending made on vacationsMedical and dental benefits provided by employersCompensation for loss of employmentPurchase of certain consumer products
Examples of tax deductions;
Donations and gifts made to charity and approved organizations.Monthly Tax Deduction (MTD) or the tax you paid through your employer.
Examples of tax relief;
Reliefs gave based on how many dependants are under your care.If you own insurance and other policiesIf you are paying student loansPurchases of certain consumer products like books, devices and equipment.Payment of monthly bills.
READ MORE: Things To Buy Before 2020 Ends For Your Income Tax Relief Next Year
Malaysians are also eligible to receive tax rebates or reductions made to the amount of tax you pay after your annual tax calculation.
This is different from tax reliefs and deductions that are made to your taxable income.
Individuals with a taxable income of less than RM35,000 are eligible for a rebate of RM400 each, while couples can claim an additional rebate of RM400 each if either spouse has no income.
Tax rebates are also given to Muslims that pay Zakat based on how much they paid during the tax year.
Rebates will be given automatically to those who file their income tax return with the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
Besides rebates, those who made excess tax payments through their MTDs will also be reimbursed directly once their taxes are filed, thus making it important for everyone, really, to file their income tax returns.
For more information, check out this definitive guide to Malaysia’s income tax process made by imoney, HERE.
So how do I file and pay my income tax?
Income tax payments can be made online on the LHDN site via online banking and credit cards. Additionally, payments can also be made through over the counter services at participating banks or with POS Malaysia.
Malaysians can register, file and access their tax information through the official MyTax website or mobile application.
It’s my first time, what do I need to do?
For first-timers, you would first need to register for an account with LHDN.
Have a snapshot of your IC or MyKad ready and visit the MyTax portal, HERE, to proceed to the “e-Daftar” menu and fill up the online registration form.
(LHDN)
Once you’ve submitted your registration form, you would then need to acquire a 16-digit PIN number from LHDN to access open and access your account for the first time.
To do this, you would need to head on over to a separate login site, HERE, click on “First Time Login” and make an online application for the PIN number.
(LHDN)
To request a PIN, users would need to head on over to a separate request page, HERE,  and click on the “Form CP55D” to download a copy of the form.
(LHDN)
You would then need to upload the filled-in form together with your IC snapshots to complete the PIN number request. LHDN would then email you the PIN number that you can use to log in, HERE.
Once you have access to your account you can then begin e-filing your tax returns through the menus available on the site.
For a more comprehensive tutorial on how to register and file your income tax return for the first time, check out this easy-to-understand guide made by Mr Money TV on YouTube.

Or check out the user manual on how to use the MyTax platform, HERE.

Share your thoughts with us on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Source:
Apakah jenis potongan cukai dan rebet yang boleh dituntut?
Income Tax Malaysia: What’s New For YA2020?
e-BULETIN HASiL
Why you should pay your income tax (even without billions in donations)
Income Tax For Foreigners Working in Malaysia 2021
Your Responsibility  Taxpayer Responsibilities
Income Tax Rebates For Resident Individual With Chargeable Income Less Than RM35,000
Malaysia Personal Income Tax Guide For 2021
ByrHASiL, e-PCB, e-Data PCB and e-CP39 Through FPX Services
Things To Buy Before 2020 Ends For Your Income Tax Relief Next Year


[Watch] Kelana Jaya LRT Line Back In Business, Free Rides For 7 Days

Subscribe to our new Telegram channel for the latest updates and stories.

The Kelana Jaya LRT line returned to full-service today (14 November) at 6am after the completion of repair works and tests.

As compensation for the five-day disruption, the train rides are free for 7 days.
Caretaker transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong made the announcement after taking a test ride on the line involving 16 stations from Kelana Jaya to Ampang Park.
In a statement on Facebook, Wee said all parameters such as the train’s automatic system (ATC) are stable and working.
The overnight tests supervised by the Rail Enforcement Division, the Rail Planning Division and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) also showed that the train’s critical safety systems were working.
APAD also verified that the line is safe to be back in operation.

Meanwhile, Rapid Rail and the technical team from Thales Group, the original equipment manufacturer for the signalling system, will keep an eye on the system.
In addition, Prasarana will continue providing feeder buses at hot spot stations as a precaution.
Wee added that Prasarana has been asked to expedite the replacement of the Automatic Train Control system to ensure the issue doesn’t reoccur, with the first phase costing RM150 million.
In regards to the issue of compensation for affected travel pass holders, Wee said to wait for an announcement by Prasarana.

What happened to the trains?
Previously, 16 stations on the Kelana Jaya line were closed due to a fault with the train’s automatic system on Tuesday, 8 November.
The issue first reared its ugly head on 5 November but it was temporarily fixed before reoccurring a few days later.
READ MORE: [Watch] Some LRT Stations On Kelana Jaya Line Closed
The initial plan was to close all 16 stations between Kelana Jaya station to Ampang Park for almost a week for repair work.
Since the line services the busiest part of the city, this enraged many Malaysians who depend on the train to get to work and more.
The issue also made some Malaysians urge Wee to step down and for former transport minister Anthony Loke to take his place instead.
READ MORE: 16 LRT Stations On Kelana Jaya Line Closed Until 15 Nov
READ MORE: Netizens Slam Wee Ka Siong, Call For Anthony Loke To Return After Rapid KL’s Poor Service
READ MORE: Wee Ka Siong Says Two More Days Of Tests And LRT Service Should Return To Normal Soon

Share your thoughts on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Experts See Recession On The Horizon If COVID-19 Worsens

There’s a possibility that Malaysia is heading towards a recession if the situation with COVID-19 worsens and the country extends the movement control order (MCO) according to experts.
Economists said the current “twin crises” – health and the economy – requires the government to take bold and creative actions.
Malaysia’s economy has been hit after the spread of the coronavirus affected local businesses, especially small enterprises as they have to temporarily suspend activities.
Picture Credit: Yahoo News
Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia (ICMR) board of directors chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Munir Abdul Majid also pointed out that the country wasn’t performing well before the outbreak started.
The outbreak has not only affected Malaysia’s economy but globally as analysts do not rule out the likelihood of a global recession if countries still struggle to fight the coronavirus.
Although the economy has been out-of-shape because of COVID-19, analysts said the government should first address the health issue at hand such as containing the virus besides ensuring the food supply remains sufficient throughout the MCO.
Picture Credit: Malay Mail
During a recent televised broadcast, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision on whether Malaysia extends the MCO will be based on a National Security Council (NSC) meeting.
Malaysians will know whether or not the order will be extended on March 30, a day before the order was originally planned to end.

 For more updates on COVID-19, check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!


Conservationists worried that durian may destroy Malaysia’s rainforests

Malaysia has been on a durian crazeâ€¦
From durian beer, durian frappes, durian burgers, durian pizzas, even durian flavoured condoms!
ç‰å¾… å¼€çŽ©ç¬‘ GIF from ç‰å¾… GIFs

The popularity of the fruit skyrocketed with China catching the durian-bug, to a point of even flying tonnes of em over in private jets.
But how are we keeping up with the demand for these thorny treasures?
The short answer = PLANTATIONS.
And how do these plantations pop up?
Whelp, conservationists are worried that the king of fruits fame might come at the expense of Malaysiaâ€™s rainforests.
The fruit which used to be planted in family orchards and small kebuns are now being taken over by big money corporations who are bent on turning a profit, clearing away land in order to do so.
Durianruntuh Duit GIF from Durianruntuh GIFs

Tree huggers from the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC) cautioned that this industrial durian-lution is destroying the countryâ€™s jungles.
According to global nature watchdog Global Forest Watch, 12 million hectares of tropical forests were lost in 2018, with Malaysia high on the charts biggest losers.

And with the government aiming for a 50% jump in durian exports by 2030, the fear of indiscriminate deforestation is rather real.

(Image Credit: imgflip)

TRCRC sees durian as the next big threat to the nationâ€™s depleting forests and jungles if there are no checks and balances in place.
Though Malaysia is making efforts to reform its ancient forestry laws, a huge change in attitude is needed if we are to protect our TRUE national treasures.

(Image Credit: WWF Blog UK)

Let’s hope to be mindful of the planet instead of just our pockets as we move towards the future.


Malaysian Chinese With 3 Birth Certificates Lost Her Citizenship

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

The average person only has one birth certificate, but this teenager has three.

The first one shows that she is a Malaysian citizen.
However, after the second and third updates, she became a non-Malaysian citizen and could not obtain identity cards.
A woman adopted Amanda Lam Kai Xin, currently 17 years old, after her biological mother secretly gave birth to her and abandoned her in a clinic in Kuala Lumpur 17 years ago.
The parents’ information on the first birth certificate stated her adoptive parents’ names and that they were Malaysian citizens.
Although her adoptive mother told her she was not their biological daughter when she was 8, nothing changed.
When she was 12, and it was time to apply for a MyKad, fate dealt her cruelly.

The National Registration Department (JPN) told her the birth certificate could not be used as an identity card, and she was asked to apply in Putrajaya.
Then the National Registration Department in Putrajaya told Lim they would check her birth certificate.
She told Sin Chew Daily that, in the end, this wait lasted for four years.
When she was 16 years old, she got her second birth certificate, but all the parents’ information was not there, and she became a non-citizen.
They asked her adoptive parents to go through the adoption process and told Lim that she might be a Malaysian citizen or a non-citizen.
Finally, the adoptive parents went through the adoption process, and she got her third birth certificate at the beginning of this year.
However, the result was not what she wanted, and the third birth certificate still brought terrible news.
The State Of Being Stateless
With a MyKad card, she could have gotten a driver’s license or opened a bank account.
After reporting to the school this year, her status became an international student, and she needed to pay the international student’s tuition.
JPN informed her that to obtain an identity card, she needs to solve the problems surrounding her citizenship.
She had prepared much information and handed it over to JPN, which will then be handed over to the Home Ministry and then wait for 11 months to see if it was approved.
Lam said she was disconcerted by the third result when she was still listed as a non-citizen.
During this waiting process, she was told that her chances of obtaining citizenship would be higher if she could find her biological mother.
Looking For Actual Mother Through Social Media
Because of this, she posted on Facebook, hoping her biological mother could see her post and come to her, and netizens enthusiastically forwarded her post.
She said there are only four years left before she turns 21, and she is very nervous.
Her future will be at a loss if she still needs help getting her citizenship and identity card.

She also sought politicians’ assistance on this matter, but there has yet to be a follow-up.
Lam has minimal information about her biological mother.
She only learned from her aunt that her biological mother was an 18-year-old student who was about to go to university and gave birth to her secretly.
Her adoptive parents did not know who they were and did not go through the adoption process back then.
They only underwent the adoption process after she got the second birth certificate.
She wants her birth mother to see that she is looking for her and resolve her citizenship issue, so she does not become a non-citizen.
Lawyer: Abandoned Children Court Application Can Get Identity Card
Meanwhile, a lawyer told Sin Chew Daily three types of people in Malaysia could not get MyKad and how the situation could be dealt with.
The first type is the child born abroad to a Malaysian mother and a foreign father; the second type is conceived out of wedlock, and the mother is a foreigner.
The third type is abandoned children whose biological parents cannot be found.
The lawyer added that for abandoned children, in terms of law and cases, this kind of person can get a MyKad card through a court application.
There is no need to find the mother, but it would be better if one could.
He pointed out that Article 19B of the Second Schedule of Part Three of the Federal Constitution clarifies that any newborn baby found in our country can be deemed to be born by a mother who is a citizen.
The date when the newborn baby is found will be the date of birth.
There is a legal presumption that if an abandoned child is found, it means that the baby’s mother is a permanent resident here.
Child Born In Malaysia To A Permanent Resident
The child is entitled to citizenship unless the prosecutor proves the mother was not a permanent resident here.
In any case, he said that the abovementioned provisions must be supported with other documents.
These included whether the adoptive parents went to the police when they found the child and whether they published in newspapers to find the child’s biological parents to prove that she was an abandoned baby and not a victim of child trafficking.
The application process can take some time, so starting the process as early as possible is important.

Share your thoughts on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


2 Foreign Women Nabbed In Connection With Child Kidnapping Attempt In Genting

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

The two foreign women that purportedly involved in a child kidnapping attempt in Genting Highlands as alleged in a recent viral TikTok video had been detained by the police to assist in its investigation.

According to Bentong police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar, the 42 and 50-year-old suspects were detained at about 11.30am on Tuesday.
Zaiham said that the children’s father, a local 33-year-old Malaysian man, had lodged a report two days before the arrest.
“The case is being investigated under Section 363/511 of the Penal Code for kidnapping, which is punishable with imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine if convicted,” Zaiham said in a statement.

On Sunday, a TikTok user @alfitry_azmi52 uploaded a video urging the public to be wary of a child kidnapping syndicate at the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park in Genting Highlands.
He said that one of his employee’s children had almost become a kidnap victim by a Pakistani and an Indonesian woman.
The man claimed that the child’s mother was surrounded by several individuals who tried to snatch the child away from her when the boy’s father was on a roller-coaster ride with his friends.
The 1-minute and 20 seconds video has since gone viral over social media.
READ MORE: Police Probing Genting Highlands’ Child Kidnapping Attempt Claims Made Viral On TikTok

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Slammed Over “Rude” Tutorial Video

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

No one likes being cut off, bumped into or the recipient of a terse email.

Yet it happens all the time — both to us and if you think hard enough, you can probably think of something you did or said not too long ago that someone else may have seen as not so nice.
As such, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) recently came under fire due to a video tutorial on how to act if a consumer found a price variation on a product.
Their tweet which read: “Ini bukan masalah saya, ini masalah awak #KPDN”, showcased a video which shows how a consumer or customer should handle the issue of price differences on the shelf and on the counter.

Ini bukan masalah saya, ini masalah awak#KPDN pic.twitter.com/JfbWzUINbJ— KPDN (@KPDN_HQ) March 16, 2023

In the video, the customer is seen taking a bottle of dishwashing liquid priced at RM6.90 on the shelf which eventually shows up as RM7.90 at checkout.
Here, the cashier attempts to explain that they have yet to update the price of the item, and in reply, the customer said, “This is not my problem, it is your problem.”
This riled up netizens with many highling the customer’s reply as rude.
Twitter user @ameelms noted that sometimes being rude is not the only way to get things done.
Sometimes, being rude is not the only way to get things resolved. Do better KPDN.@ameelms via Twitter
Another Twitter user @SVXMprotocol questioned:
It’s always the typical ‘masalah awak bukan masalah saya’ then what are you arguing for?@SVXMprotocol via Twitter
On the other hand, Twitter user @abdyns said while it is good that KPDN is educating the public on this issue, it should be done in a more respectful method instead.
User education is good. It’s good to increase awareness. But that dialogue/sentence, it doesn’t fit our eastern values…that’s a rude sentence! It also doesn’t fit with the concept of ‘MADANI’ which was initiated by PMX @anwaribrahim.@abdyns via Twitter
Sharing similar thoughts with @abdyns, Twitter user @RaharjoJoseph said:
Yes, fine, I agree, but I think it’s good to create detailed explanatory content. Later, everyone doesn’t have to answer to the retail workers as such. Sometimes, it’s not even their fault. The content is already good but needs to be done in a better way.@RaharjoJoseph via Twitter
Lastly, Twitter user @iberriesme shared his experience getting comments such as the one suggested by KPDN.
He wrote:
My place of work has always used this method. Until we were mistreated by customers.@iberriesme via Twitter
With this in mind, what do you think about the video tutorial posted?

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Soon To Be Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang?

Subscribe to our Telegram channel or follow us on the Lumi News app for the latest stories and updates.

There is a photo going viral on social media of DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang in a suit and songkok at what looks like a palace setting.

The photo was initially shared by Jeff Ooi who captioned it “Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang (rehearsal)”.
Ooi, who is a former member of Parliament for Jelutong, added in the comment section that the “investiture is on Monday June 5”.
Facebook: Jeff Ooi
Tomorrow is the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah which will see an investiture ceremony of titles and awards bestowed to recipients.
Kit Siang, being a DAP leader, has not accepted any titles and awards previously, in line with the party’s policy not to do so while active in politics.
He last stood for election in 2018 where he won the Iskandar Puteri seat in Johor. Kit Siang however opted to sit out the 15th General Election (GE15) last year, insisting he has retired.
There has been no formal statement from Kit Siang or DAP on the “Tan Sri” title so far.

DAP and titles
DAP has a stand in which they frown upon members who receive titles and awards while still active in political service.
It can be said that not many of their leaders carry the titles of Datuk, Tan Sri and the likes.
DAP leader Karpal Singh was bestowed with a DUPN posthumously which carried the title Datuk Seri Utama.
Back in 2018, according to the New Straits Times, DAP chided several party leaders in Melaka and Sabah who accepted titles and awards.
Then secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said these went against the party’s struggles.
Perak’s former DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham had also accepted an award while he was still in office which carried the title Datuk.
In 2012, Ngeh defended receiving the title saying the party leadership allowed him to receive the title.
Similarly Teng Chang Khim who at the time was a member of the DAP central executive committee (CEC) received a title and defended it by saying there was no such policy that DAP members shouldn’t receive titles while in office.
Teng was the Selangor state assembly speaker at the time.
A life dedicated to politics
Kit Siang dedicated his life to politics, retiring after having been active as DAP leader and elected representative of several constituencies across the Peninsular for 56 years.
He turned 82 in February this year and had always been with DAP from the start of his political career until his retirement last year.
He started out as the party’s national organising secretary in 1966 and held the post of national chairman prior to his retirement.
While he remained with DAP, Kit Siang has served as MP in several states, going from Melaka to Selangor, back to Melaka, and then Penang, followed by Perak and finally Johor.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Pakatan Harapan Still Reviewing Muda’s Application, Says Anwar

Subscribe to our new Telegram channel for the latest updates and stories.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) is still in discussions to finalize the distribution of seats for the 15th General Election (GE15).

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said negotiations are still ongoing.
He added that Democratic Alliance (Muda)’s application to join the coalition is still being considered.
Previously, PH had set up a committee regarding Muda’s wish to join them.
PH vice president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the negotiation was a step to engage with Muda.
In addition, PH is seeking to clarify the conditions for parties that wish to join PH
Naib Pengerusi Pakatan Harapan Salahuddin Ayub berkata bahawa gabungan itu akan menubuhkan jawatankuasa untuk menilai kedudukan Muda, ketika parti itu berusaha untuk menyertai PH.#PakatanHarapan #Muda pic.twitter.com/Mq8YlVKkRO— Nurul Yeoh (@NurulYeoh) September 17, 2022
The president of Muda, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, was previously reported as saying that the party agreed to join PH as one of the component parties in the coalition to face GE15.
Muda said it is open to formal discussions with the PH Presidential Council, with the coalition aiming to resolve the seat negotiation issue by 30 September.
Anwar made the comments after attending the Sanawi Muktamar and the Islamic Cosmopolitan International Conference organized by the Malaysian Islamic Youth (ABIM) today (17 September).
 PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) at the ABIM Annual General Meeting in Bangi. (Pix: ABIM)
Muktamar Sanawi ABIM 51.Ucapan Dasar @faisalaziz_FA – Masa Depan Peradaban Kosmopolitan Islam: Membina Sikap Optimistik Generasi Baharu.#BangsaMalaysiaBangsaMerdeka pic.twitter.com/nIXOggv9Fi— Adli Zakuan (@ADLIZAKUAN) September 17, 2022
ABIM leaders and guests at the ABIM Annual General Meeting in Bangi. (Pix: ABIM)
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim greets ABIM vice-president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin (right) at the ABIM Annual General Meeting. (Pix: Malaysia Gazette)

Stop The ‘Infidel’ Narrative
At the same time, Anwar said he rejected the ‘destructive narrative’ of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s ‘infidel’ behaviour.
I do not agree with PAS leaders in offending infidels, and I do not agree with Tun Dr Mahathir in calling others infidels. Such conduct is not Islamic tradition and should not be defended.Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on paganizing others, saying it is not an Islamic tradition and should not be allowed.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that paganizing others is not an Islamic tradition and should not be defended. (Pix: Sin Chew)
The Port Dickson MP also questioned why the Religious Affairs Bureau and the Department of Religious Affairs did not come out to condemn such acts.
Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (PEJUANG) chairman, had claimed that PAS is now an infidel party.
The Langkawi MP used the derogatory term on PAS for collaborating with UMNO and non-Muslim parties to gain positions.
IKUT TAFSIRAN PAS SENDIRI, PAS KINI PARTI KAFIR – MAHATHIR – BACA DI SINI: https://t.co/oGjpfQFHom pic.twitter.com/rhXGseRwUc— Raggie Jessy Rithaudeen (@RaggieJessy) September 16, 2022

Share your thoughts on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Namewee’s Big Bird Concert In Taiwan Features Muscular Men With Swinging Apparatus

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

You may have heard of Sesame Street’s Big Bird, but Malaysian singer Namewee took the meaning to a whole different level.

Kicking off his Big Bird tour, Namewee was featured with several muscular men in dildos.
The Namewee Big Bird World Tour Concert not only featured men with swinging dildos but also a number of sexy ladies.
Imagine this taking place in Malaysia. Phew, we could never.
According to a video shared on the Facebook page 完全娛樂 ShowBiz, Namewee shared the stage with Taiwanese Singer, Matilda Tao, who entered the stage dressed in traditional Chinese attire.
Behind her followed the muscular men, also dressed in traditional Chinese attires, which later came off revealing their muscular bodies as well as the star of the show, the dildos.
Spicing things up, Tao was also seen smearing oil on the body and dildo of one of the muscular men present.
This riled up audiences, making them laugh and turning the concert even more eye-popping.
During the show, Namewee also acknowledged that this concert would not have been possible if it had been scheduled to be held in Malaysia.
This is impossible to happen in Malaysia. The authorities will turn on the lights and cut off the music in an instant.Namewee

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Not Compulsory To Download Digital Road Tax, Says Anthony Loke

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Since the announcement of the digital road tax and driving license on 10 February, many people have rushed to download them from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) app and have rendered the app inaccessible.

At the time of writing, the JPJ app is still not accessible due to the heavy traffic.
READ MORE: Private Vehicles And Bikes No Longer Need To Put Road Tax On Display
While some welcomed the move to do away with the finicky road tax stickers, there are also some who do not agree with the change and were wary of the transition.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has issued a FAQ to answer some of the pressing questions from vehicle owners.
He said it’s not compulsory to download the digital road tax and it’s optional. Thus, it’s not an issue for the elderly who do not own a smartphone and for anyone driving in an area without an internet connection.
He also said vehicle owners would not be fined for not showing their digital road tax because the JPJ officers can access the information on their devices.
Vehicle owners can still request the physical road tax and license stickers. They can also print out the road tax to be kept in the car.
Anthony ended his Facebook post by acknowledging that it’ll take time for everyone to get used to changes.
To make the process easier, he promised to answer any questions the best he could and work with JPJ to improve the system.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


U-Turn: Now Kopitiams No Longer Need Licence To Sell Beers, Says Wee Ka Siong

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

In a spectacular turnaround of events, the retail sale of alcoholic beverages no longer need to meet liquor licence requirements.

The Star reported that the Customs Department will rescind its directive to enforce the liquor licence requirements.
The instruction for the cancellation came from the Finance Ministry.
Accordingly, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had spoken to Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz on the matter.
He confirmed that the Finance Ministry had indeed cancelled the above directive and promised to instruct the Customs Department to abide by this decision.Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong on the turnaround
The matter was brought to the MCA president’s attention – and that of Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong – by Malaysia-Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors Association president Wong Teu Hoon.
Previously, coffeeshop operators said they will appeal against the decision as they felt that the notice given is too short.
READ MORE: D-Day For Kopitiams: Can’t Sell Beers Without A License Starting 1 January
Wee recalled that he had in fact spoken to Tengku Zafrul on the matter three weeks ago.
Subsequently, on 23 November, the Finance Ministry issued an official letter to instruct the Customs Department to cancel the directive.
The Ayer Hitam MP said the Finance Ministry had in 1977 authorized all Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers to handle this matter.
It is under their jurisdiction through the Licensing Board of their respective local government.
The Customs Department is part of the Licensing Board of each state and has no power to instruct restaurants and coffee shops to apply for liquor licenses. Therefore, the Finance Ministry cancelled the circular issued on April 7 which requested business owners to apply for liquor licenses from the Customs Department before Dec 31.Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong on the turnaround
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Wee Ka Siong (@drweekasiong)
Wee noted that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country.
As such, non-Muslims have the right to drink alcohol, which should be respected, he said.
In any case, public opinions remain divided.
READ MORE: Why Alcohol Restriction Is The Right Move, Says NGOs

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


When Illegally Parked Cars Block Path Of Public Bus, Heroic Malaysians Spring Into Action & Karma Is Served

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Never a pleasant experience, but it is all too common for Malaysians to find themselves stuck on the road thanks to inconsiderate drivers who parked their cars illegally on the sides. But it’s much worse when the vehicles stuck are public buses ferrying dozens of passengers at a time.

However, it looked like some inconsiderate drivers parked illegally at Taman Tasik Permaisuri in Cheras may have learnt this lesson the hard way.
A clip making rounds on social media showed two MRT feeder busses trapped on a road due to cars parked irresponsibly on both sides of the road.
Unable to carry on with the journey, the bus driver repeatedly honked for the owners to come remove their cars but no one did.
Thankfully, a bunch of Good Samaritans who witnessed the incident quickly jumped in to help by lifting and moving aside one particularly badly parked car to allow just enough wiggle room for the bus to go through.
  @haery_dean Tengok sampai habis🥶🥶 ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
And their efforts worked!
The buses managed to squeeze through the narrow gap between the cars. Though there is success, it appears that swift punishment was delivered to the illegally parked cars.
It appears that some of the cars may have wound up getting scratch marks as the buses attempted to pass. The grainy footage makes it hard to tell, but it is heavily insinuated by the poster.
  @haery_dean Reply to @mochinnie13  sambungan.. 2 bas pulak tu yang lalu😬 ♬ original sound  – HaeryDean
Do NOT park your cars illegally by the roadside, please.
Parking your vehicle outside of a designated parking area in Kuala Lumpur carries a RM50 fine within the first 14 days, after which, increases to RM100.
According to the Road Transport Department (JPJ), it is an offence to park your vehicle in a manner that causes traffic congestion. A RM100 compound will be issued for each offence.
It is also an offence to block traffic and carries a RM200 compound, while a RM300 compound is issued for blocking traffic in a dangerous manner.

Share your thoughts with us on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Source:
JPJ Web


See How Hollywood Celebrities Would Look As Indonesians

We can all agree that the internet is a wonderful, but strange and confusing place.
Today, we stumbled across something so ridiculous that we canâ€™t help but to share the hilarity with you, dear readersâ€¦
Thereâ€™s an Instagram account photoshopping Hollywood celebrities as Indonesians!
The source of this hilarity is Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim), a 30-something year old photoshop master whoâ€™s gone viral in Indonesia for his skillz.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Sep 5, 2017 at 4:24am PDT

According to Indonesian entertainment site, Brillio.net, Indra is a self-taught photoshop master who first started editing himself before graduating to world famous faces.
We gotta say, heâ€™s quite talented! Hereâ€™s some of our favourites:
Meet Umi Keti

View this post on Instagram

jumpa lagi bersama umi katy anak jaksel
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Sep 14, 2018 at 2:08am PDT

A strangely familiar looking local entertainer

View this post on Instagram

Enak ya jadi kamu mas . . #brunomars #dagelan #9gag
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Mar 23, 2018 at 3:21am PDT

Pak Snoop

View this post on Instagram

Rokokku Uangku. . *mungkin ada yg belom liat #repost #reupload #snoopdogg
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Mar 16, 2018 at 2:37am PDT

Hollywood songstress turned celebrity Indonesian chef, Umi Meli

View this post on Instagram

Resep Uni Meli Pas dibuka bukunya Gak taunya resep obat 🙁 . . #apasih #mileycyrus #9gag #dagelan
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Jul 6, 2018 at 5:34am PDT

Latest smash hit, Dia Lupa

View this post on Instagram

Jangan suka dilupa lupain.
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Mar 18, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT

Deden Smit

View this post on Instagram

Masa kecil Deden Smit yg maen tarung derajat kid. *cinta budaya Indonesia . . #jadensmith
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Mar 12, 2018 at 9:21pm PDT

Meet Rianawati

View this post on Instagram

nemu foto si mbak, nyelip di dompet orang 🙁 . Hobinya maen futsal sendiri 🙁 . . *bikin foto ini barengan nicki minaj lulus paud . . #rihanna #dagelan #9gag
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Feb 12, 2018 at 4:17am PST

Just a schoolkid waiting for the weekend

View this post on Instagram

abel (ayo belajar) . . . #theweeknd #dagelan #9gag
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Jan 10, 2018 at 2:24am PST

Mbak Shah Rukh Khan

View this post on Instagram

Pohon itu masih saya pantau, lama-lama saya jogetin. . Tulisan helm tadinya JO-GET 🙁 . Mau makan? Gojekhan aja 🙁 . . . #sharukhkhan #gojek24jam #gojekindonesia #gojek #ojol
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Nov 30, 2017 at 3:48am PST

Just a casual family ride

View this post on Instagram

Biar kata ngantuk, namanya disuruh emak gas terusssss. . . . *harusnya pakai helm ya, cuma kalo pakai helm mukanya malik nanti gak keliatan 🙁 . . #zaynmalik #zayn #dagelan #ngakak #ngakakkocak #photoshopindonesia #photoshop #9gag #humor #joke #indrahakim
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Oct 24, 2017 at 7:26pm PDT

How much, pak?

View this post on Instagram

Ciluk Babeh. . . . . #jayz #photoshop #dagelan #meme #memes #humor #joke #funny #funnyaf #lol #indomeme #photoshopindonesia #instagood #instagram #beyonce #indrahakim
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Oct 4, 2017 at 6:49pm PDT

Tu Pak Shakur

View this post on Instagram

Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real. #2pac . ada beberapa yg bilang kalo kematian 2pac adalah konspirasi semata 😂 jadi sebenernyaâ€¦ foto ini gak pake watermark
A post shared by  Indra Hakim (@indra.hakim) on Jan 1, 2019 at 8:48pm PST

We hope youâ€™re as entertained as we are by the images.
Let us know which oneâ€™s your favourite on TRPâ€™s Facebook, Twitter orInstagram!


The Legacy of Malaysia’s Education Ministers

As Malaya became Malaysia, education of the population is a key component in nation building. With the exception of Tunku Abdul Rahman, every Malaysian prime minister has held the position of Education Minister, alluding to its importance and prestige as the stepping stone to prime ministership.
With 18 Education Ministers at the helm since the ministry’s inception in 1955, we take a look at how its leaders have impacted the education system.
Tun Abdul Razak Hussein (1955 -1957)
Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.(Credit: Wikipedia)
As the first Education Minister of the country, Tun Abdul Razak’s education legacy rests on the Report of the Education Committee 1956, or Razak Report 1956, that formed the basis of the Malayan education system.
The Razak Report was instrumental in transforming Malay language as the National Language. Through the report, two types of primary schools were established; National Primary School (SRK) which used Malay language as a medium and National Type Primary School (SRJK) which used Mandarin, Tamil or English as the medium of instruction.
The Razak Report was later enshrined in the Education Ordinance 1957 and the Malay language was made into a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools. This marked the first time that the Malay language was taught in National Type Schools.
Tan Sri Mohd Khir Johari (1957-1960) & (1965-1969)
Tan Sri Mohd Khir Johari.(Credit: Ministry of Education)
Following the foundation set by Tunku Abdul Razak, Tan Sri Mohd Khir Johar was responsible for implementing the Education Ordinance 1957.
The National Language Act 1967, which stipulated the conversion of all English-medium schools to Malay-medium schools was passed during his second time as the Education Minister.
Datuk Abdul Rahman Talib (1960-1962) & (1964-1965)
Datuk Abdul Rahman Talib(Credit: Ministry of Education)
Another key figure in the development of Malaysia’s education system is Rahman Talib who oversaw the 1960 Report of the Education Review Committee, aka Rahman Talib Report.
In the report, he suggested that the Malay language be made into a compulsory subject besides English language. He also emphasised that Malay language must be taught from Standard 1 in all primary schools and be made the passing condition for secondary school students and teacher training centres.
The recommendations of the report based on the policies of the Razak Report resulted in the implementation of the Education Act 1961.
You can also thank him for the school examinations we see today. The Malaysian Certificate of Education, or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) was implemented in 1964.
During his time at the post, Lower Certificate of Education, commonly known as Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP) examinations for secondary school students was introduced. SRP was later renamed to Lower Secondary Assessment or Penilaian Menegah Rendah (PMR) in 1993.
Tan Sri Kapten Abdul Hamid Khan (1962 – 1964)
Tan Sri Kapten Abdul Hamid Khan.(Credit: geni.com)
Kapten Abdul Hamid Khan became the fourth Education Minister in 1962. He was part of Rahman Talib’s Education Review Committee that assisted in producing the 1960 Rahman Talib Report.
He later on went to become the 4th Yang Di-Pertuan, or Speaker, for Dewan Negara.
Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub (1969-1970)
Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub(Credit: Wikipedia)
The Sarawakkian politician took on the post of Education Minister after the May 13 riots of 1969.
Despite his short year-long stint, his legacy is marked by the bold move of abolishing of English-medium education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, replacing it with Malay language. The phasing out of the English-medium schools began in 1970 and was completed by 1983.
He is also credited for the creation of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 1970 and got rid of the Primary 6 common entrance examination, allowing all primary school students to continue their education to secondary school.
Tun Hussein Onn (1970-1973)
Tun Hussein Onn.(Credit: Ministry of Education)
Under his tenure as the Education Minister, the government built ten science-based boarding schools to promote science and technology.
Tun Hussein Onn also introduced the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 to provide for the establishment, maintenance, administration and matters connected to universities and university colleges.
Besides that, admission quotas to vital courses in universities such as Law, Medicine, and Engineering were implemented in 1971.
Tan Sri Mohammad Yaacob (1973-1974)
 Tan Sri Mohammad Yaacob. (Credit: Ministry of Education)
Tan Sri Mohammad Yaacob was the Education Minister from August 1973 until July 1974.
(We couldnt find any significant educational policy changes during his time, but let us know if you have any information!)
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (1974-1978)
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad(Credit: Ministry of Education)
Dr Mahathir oversaw the 1975 amendment of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, which was triggered by student protests in Baling, Kedah who were supporting rubber tappers struggling with the collapse of global rubber prices.
In 1975, the amendment banned students from taking part in political party and trade union activities within the grounds of universities and colleges.
During his time as the Education Minister in 1975, all English primary schools were fully converted into national primary schools.
He also produced the Cabinet Committee Report on Review of Implementation of Education Policies (Mahathir Report) in 1979 which highlighted the importance of making Malay language as the main medium of instruction and teaching English as a second language.
Tun Musa Hitam (1978-1981)
 Tun Musa Hitam. (Credit: Ministry of Education)
In 1978, the Education Ministry established the National Committee for Total Communication and standardised sign language in Malay language for hearing impaired students.
Tan Sri Amar Sulaiman (1981-1984) & (1991-1995)
Tan Sri Amar Sulaiman.(Credit: Ministry of Education)
Under Tan Sri Amar Sulaiman, the New Primary School Curriculum (KBSR) was implemented in the education system, following the 1979 Mahathir Report. The SPM-based New Secondary School Curriculum (KBSM) was implemented later in 1988.
KBSR and KBSM stressed an integrated approach to education using knowledge, skills and values.
He also oversaw the commencement of the Malaysian Higher
School Certificate, or Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) in 1982.
The Malay language became the medium of instruction for all levels of schooling in 1982 and for all university courses in 1983.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (1984-1986)
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. (Credit: Ministry of Education)
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s stint in the Education Ministry was marked with educational aid for the disabled.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Registration and Placement of Disabled Children and State Child Placement Committee were established in 1984, followed by the Braille Publishing and Printing Pilot Unit of the Ministry of Education and National Council Meeting for Welfare Services in 1985.
Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim (1986-1991)
 Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. (Credit: Ministry of Education)
As the Education Minister, Anwar Ibrahim continued on with his predecessor’s educational aid.
He oversaw the Implementation Committee for Education of Children with Learning Impairment and issued a directive study extending full assistance to children with mild autism behaviour which led to the formation of the National Advisory Board for the Education of Children with Special Education Needs in 1991.
Under Anwar Ibrahim, the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) was introduced in 1988 and the national language was renamed from Bahasa Malaysia to Bahasa Melayu.
Datuk Sri Mohd Najib Razak (1995-1999)
 Datuk Sri Mohd Najib Razak (Credit: Ministry of Education)
Under Najib Razak, the Malaysian education system underwent a major change when the 1961 Education Act was revised and amended to Education Act 1996.
The new education system was focused on building human capital for Malaysia and smart schools were established together with increased use of ICT in education.
Najib also oversaw the establishment of the 1996 Private Higher Education Institutions Act, which allowed foreign universities to establish degree-conferring schools in Malaysia. This was to create more educational opportunities for Malaysians while attempting to position the country as a regional learning hub.
As the Education Minister, he also upgraded the teacher training college (Maktab Perguruan Sultan Idris) to a university (Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris) and teaching qualifications were switched from certificates to diplomas.
Tan Sri Musa Mohammad (1999-2004)
 Tan Sri Musa Mohammad.(Credit: Ministry of Education)
The highlight of Musa Mohammad’s educational stint was the 2002 Education (Amendment) Act which led to compulsory primary education from 2003 onwards.
His time as the Education Minister is also marked by the implementation of the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in English (PPSMI) in 2003.
Datuk Sri Hishamuddin Hussein (2004 – 2009)
  Datuk Sri Hishamuddin Hussein(Credit: Ministry of Education)
In 2004, the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) was established to separate tertiary educational policies from pre-school to secondary education.
As the Education Minister at this time, Hishamuddin oversaw pre-school to secondary education. Under him, all national schools introduced Chinese and Tamil languages as elective subjects in 2005.
In 2008, school fees for primary and secondary schools were abolished and the Textbook Loan Scheme (SBPT) was opened to all students, regardless of economic background.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (2009 – 2015)
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.(Credit: The Star)
Muhyddin’s tenure as the Education Minister saw the reversion of PPSMI in all government primary and secondary schools in 2009 and mathematics and science subjects were taught in the Malay language again.
Students taking SPM in 2009 were also informed of a new grading system where previous 1A, 2A, 3B, 4B, 5C, 6C, 7D, 8E and 9G grades were switched to A+, A, A- and so on to G.
Later in 2014, the ministry made the sudden decision to abolish PMR and introduce the school-based Form 3 Assesment (PT3) three months before implementing the new system.
Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (2015 – 2018)
 Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.(Credit: 4.bp.blogspot)
MOHE was split from the Education Ministry again in 2015 and
Mahdzir Khalid became the Education Minister.
In 2017, the ministry considered allowing students to bring smartphones and electronic gadgets to school.
He is currently being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) regarding a solar hybrid power project to supply electricity to schools in rural Sarawak.
Dr Maszlee Malik (2018- 2020)
Maszlee Malik.(Credit: Mukhriz Hazim/Malay Mail)
MOHE merged with the Education Ministry again in 2018 and Mazslee Malik became the Education Minister.
While his tenure at the head of the nation’s education was mired with controversies regarding the introduction of Jawi in schools and black school shoes, Maszlee has managed to accomplish numerous things in just under 2 years.
Under Maszlee, the number of classes for disabled students were increased, exams were abolished for lower primary students to focus on a “learning centred” approach, removal of the PTPTN blacklist, free breakfast for all primary students from 2020 onwards and more.

Share your thoughts on the legacy of Malaysia’s Education Ministers on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!


KL manager quits job; starts selling 50 sen nasi lemak in Penang

Despite the fact that working in Kuala Lumpur means you can make a lot of money, most of the people living and working in KL are highly stressed and likely donâ€™t live the healthiest of lives. Burnout is a real thing, folks!
Picture credit: Daily Motion
Wong Kum Soon was formerly working as a regional sales/trading manager at a ceramic tile selling company 7 years ago. However, his long hours and frequent travelling caused him to decide to quit his job for a healthier lifestyle.
After his resignation, Wong and his wife retreated to Bagan Lalang in Penang. Then, two years ago he decided to start his own small business to make a couple of bucks.

At first, Wong just sold fried cakes and soya on a push cart. However, business was slow and people werenâ€™t really buying his products.
Being a manager, he knew that if he wanted to make more sales, heâ€™d have to come up with a reason why his products were better and different from the rest.
Eventually he decided to start selling packed nasi lemak. You might be thinking, nasi lemak? Whatâ€™s so different about that? Well…Wongâ€™s nasi lemak is just RM0.50 cents per pack.

When Wong opens his stall at 7am, there is an immediate crowd of customers who gather to purchase several packs of nasi lemak. By 9.30am, Wongâ€™s already sold out and he just continues selling his other snacks.
Wong and his wife prepares between 500 to 650 packets of nasi lemak per day and they come in 4 varieties: eggs, salted fish, prawns or anchovies.
Picture credit: trilinq
Despite selling his nasi lemak for the shockingly low price of 50 cents per pack, Wong still makes at least RM0.10 cents profit per pack.
Which, honestly, makes you think: how much does overhead for nasi lemak really cost? Cause we be paying RM2.50 for one here in KL.


MAS Will Fly With Used Cooking Oil For KL-Singapore Flight This Sunday

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight this Sunday between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will be the national airline’s first passenger flight service powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), made with among others, used cooking oil, Soya Cincau reported.

MAS will be using a Boeing 737-800 for these return flights, in conjunction with World Environment Day.
This is part of the airline’s effort in committing to a sustainable tomorrow, and also marks significant progress toward achieving a clear, more viable fuel source for regular flights by 2025, the report added.
The SAF powered flights this Sunday are – MH603 from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore (SIN) which will depart at 12:25pm and arrives at 1:30pm and also the MH606 from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) which is scheduled to depart at 2:40pm and arrives at 3:40pm.
MAS is also offering a 15% discount for these flights. Passengers can enjoy the discount by entering the promo code SAF2022 when purchasing the flight tickets on MAS’ website.
They are the first airline in the country to use SAF. Its inaugural flight using this fuel was during the MH7979 flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on 17 December 2021.
The SAF, sources from Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and SAF, consists of 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste.
The report also states that in its neat form, the SAF is said to be able to cut down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel use.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Why Does KL’s Sultan Abdul Samad Building Exist Anyway

The nation’s capital of Kuala Lumpur hosts many attractive and historical landmarks that, upon closer examination, are in various stages of ruin and disarray.
As the government announced plans to restore the century-old monuments scattered along Jalan Raja and Jalan Tun Perak back to its original state, TRP takes a walk back in time to examine the fascinating history behind one of KL’s most treasured structures; the Sultan Abdul Samad building.
Conception of a national monument
Commissioned by the British in the late 1890s, the iconic Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad stands proudly along Jalan Raja directly in front of the equally historical Dataran Merdeka.
During the time, KL was nothing more than a small but bustling mining and trading settlement in the heart of Selangor.
(Credit: Sejarah Dataran Merdeka)
The structure was built in order to serve as the new centralised administrative centre for the British colonial government that was originally housed on top of a small hill at Bluff Road or Bukit Aman as we know it today.
Supposedly, the then British Resident of Selangor, William Bloomfield Douglas had wanted the colonial government’s buildings and staff quarters to be located to the west of the Gombak River, away from what he deemed to be the unsanitary and rowdy populous of pre-independence KL.
The old mining town of KL.(Credit: Wonderful Malaysia)
Far enough away so that the Brits would be relatively safe and prepared if the people were to rise up against their occupying masters.
The building was originally designed in the Classical Renaissance style of early 15th century Europe by British architect A.C Norman. However, the structure was later reworked into the more quintessential Indo-Saracenic, Neo-Mughal inspired designs by Norman’s assistant, R. A. J. Bidwell and draughtsman, A. B. Hubback that stands now.
Sketches of the Miru College in Allahabad, India may have inspired some elements of the building’s redesign.(Credit: Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society)
The two-story building is flanked by two towers, with a central 41-meter tall clock tower adorning its middle which are topped with gleaming copper domes.
The bright red bricks, white plastered arches and banding that makes up the structure of the building gives the monument a unique aesthetic some referred to as the ‘blood and bandage’ style of design.
Roughly taking on the shape of the letter â€œFâ€, the building took 4 million bricks, 2,500 barrels of cement, 50 tonnes of steel, 30,000 cubic feet of timber, 5,000 pounds of copper and 18,000 ‘pikul‘ of lime (not your sirap limau lime yeah, in this case, it means limescale, a.k.a calcium carbonate) to build.
When it was completed in 1897, the structure stood as the largest building in Malaya and a grand dinner was held in its honour by British General Resident of the Federated Malay States (FMS), Sir Frank Swettenham.
The building as it is now illuminated with bright LED lights.(Credit: Wazari Wazir)
The building dazzled many with its tall, towering facade and was illuminated by ‘state-of-the-art’ gas burner mantles, the first of its kind in KL at the time.
The great bell tower
The Sultan Abdul Samad clock tower is also completely unique in its own right.
Designed to replicate London’s Big Ben, the Gillet and Johnston Manufacturers bell clock on top of the building’s centre tower was made in 1897 and has kept ticking and ringing every hour, on the hour for over a century
(Credit: Wikiwand)
The clocked first chimed its bells the same year it was installed to coincide with the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee parade in London.
The great clock tower echoed 12 times at the stroke of midnight officially commemorating Malaysia’s independence in August 1957.
Recently, the clock became the face of controversy when it was revealed that its caretaker for over 40 years received only an RM10 raise just weeks before he was meant to retire.
The bell clock is now maintained by a couple of volunteers adamant about preserving another great national treasure.
A witness to history
Throughout its century-old history, the Sultan Abdul Samad building had been put to many different uses.
During its early years, the building was simply known as the ‘Government Offices’ and was the home to various government departments of the colonial FMS as well as the Selangor State Government.
The Malaysian flag being raised on Merdeka midnight.(Credit: SEK KEB Jambongan)
And as mentioned, the monument historically stood as the backdrop to the nation’s independence as crowds gathered at Dataran Merdeka to witness the lowering of the British Union Jack to the chime of the building’s iconic clock tower.
In 1974, the building was officially renamed after the reigning Selangor monarch during its construction, his majesty Sultan Abdul Samad, while the Selangor State Government offices were moved to its current residence in Shah Alam.
The building was also severely damaged during the great KL flood of 1971.(Credit: Portal MyPT3)
Then in 1978, the structure was again renamed as the Federal Court as it housed the Supreme Court, High Court and Court of Appeals, and the building was left vacant for several years after the courts relocated to Putrajaya in 2007.
Now, the building is used as offices for the Ministry of Information Communications and Culture (KPKK) as well as a favourite spot for KL’s many sightseers and tourists.
The building remains one of the top Instagramable sites in KL.(Credit: Le journal de Sara Lisa)

Though some of Malaysia’s iconic monuments might be old and a little outdated against the backdrop of KL’s modern skyline, these historical structures serve as a great reminder of the nation’s past, present and future heading, and should command a great amount of respect and tender care.
Share with us your favourite historical monument on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source:
A History of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in 60 Seconds
Saksi sejarah negara
On a KL heritage walk
History of its building
Kuala Lumpur's heritage buildings under threat
KL's iconic buildings to get facelift
Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society
The Story of Kuala Lumpur (1857 - 1939)
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Picul
After 42 years, clock tower caretaker gets RM10 raise two weeks before retirement
Right on time to maintain it
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
Perpindahan Pejabat SUB Kanan (Pengurusan) Ke Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad


BNM Increases OPR Again By 25bps, Third Hike In 2022

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) today raise the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 2.50%.

This was decided at the central bank MPC’s fifth meeting today.
In its statement today, BNM said that the ceiling and floor rates of the corridor of the OPR correspondingly increased to 2.75% and 2.25% respectively.
“With the positive growth prospects for the Malaysian economy remaining intact, the MPC decided to further adjust the degree of monetary accommodation.
“At the current OPR level, the stance of monetary policy continues to remain accommodative and supportive of economic growth,” the statement reads.
BNM also added that MPC would continue to assess evolving conditions and their implications on the overall outlook for domestic inflation and growth.
“Any adjustments to the monetary policy settings going forward would be done in a measured and gradual manner, ensuring that monetary policy remains accommodative to support a sustainable economic growth in an environment of price stability.”
This is the third consecutive rate hike by the Malaysian central bank in 2022 having raised the OPR by 25bps in May and July this year
For the record, the OPR – the interest rate for financial institutions that lend each other money overnight – was set at a historic low of 1.75% between September 2020 and May this year.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Review Viu Originals’ ‘Seribu Nina’ And Stand A Chance To Win RM1,000

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Viu has released its Viu Originals series titled Seribu Nina, starring Adriana Adnan, Syafiq Kyle and Marsha Milan.

The story follows Nina (Adriana Adnan), a café barista with a secretive past. After proposing to Amar (Syafiq Kyle), a university professor, she got kidnapped back to her dimension.
The couple soon gets chased by Didi (Marsha Milan), a hired gun from another dimension.
Watch the inter-dimensional love story unfold now on Viu with new episodes every Thursday.
You can download the Viu app on App Store and Google Play or log into www.viu.com to watch.

Join the competition
Be one of the very first to review the show and stand a chance to win RM1,000 cash in the “Review and Win” contest from 1 to 10 June 2022.
All you have to do is:
Upload a video reviewing the Seribu Nina series on your social media platform.Post the video on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.Tag @ViuMalaysia with the hashtags #SeribuNina and #ViuOriginal

The earliest review submissions will receive an exclusive invite for a Meet & Greet session with Adriana Adnan on 14 June at Secret Recipe, Alamanda Putrajaya, as well as an exclusive Viu Malaysia and Seribu Nina merchandise.
Five of the most creative submissions will win RM1,000 cash each too! *Terms and conditions apply.

Share your thoughts with us on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Google Survey Finds Majority Of Parents Letting Their Kids Have More Screen Time

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Parenting in today’s world has become far more different than the kind of parenting most of us grew up with.

Children and teens today are also coming online more than ever before due to the advancements of technology as well as the after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which forced us to move online.
Many also own devices at younger ages.
During a media roundtable held yesterday (March 30), Head of Communications at Google Malaysia Nadia Khan shared that Malaysia has seen a steady increase in online screen time among children.
Unsurprisingly, more than 70% of parents allowed increased screen time for kids during the pandemic with 3 in 4 children spending an average of 1 to 6 hours online per day. And they’re turning to technology for daily activities from remote learning, reading a book, and learning a new language.Head of Communications at Google Malaysia Nadia Khan
On top of that, Nadia said that children are also being exposed to screens at younger ages.
A recent Kids and Families survey conducted by Google Malaysia found that children as young as 10 years old in Malaysia are going online.
Finding that balance of online and offline, setting boundaries, and having those conversations are critical for creating a healthy and safer experience online. As a fellow parent, I know that this can feel daunting, but as they say, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ – and that’s the same for a child’s online journey.Head of Communications at Google Malaysia Nadia Khan
In August last year, Google published its “Kids & Families Safety” survey which was conducted all over Asia-Pacific (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan) from 16 to 26 February last year with a sample size of 4,500 parents with children between 5 and 17 years old.
Some findings include top concerns from Malaysian parents on issues such as privacy and security; inappropriate content and understanding real or fake.
The survey added that as technology rapidly evolves, 72% of parents have proactively looked for information about online safety, an encouraging sign of the priority that parents are placing on online safety.
However, it also found that 30% of parents did not feel that their child was well informed about online safety issues.
This three year gap could be why kids aren’t as informed as they could be, particularly at an age when they are most vulnerable to pitfalls and hard-to-break habits. When it comes to kids and families using our platforms, we know keeping them safe is a priority. That’s why we’ve invested in building experiences that align with kids’ and teens’ developmental stages and needs.Head of Communications at Google Malaysia Nadia Khan
According to Nadia, YouTube Kids comes with a full suite of parental controls such as parent-approved content which allows parents to handpick and curate every video and channel available to their child in the app.
There’s also a built-in timer to help limit screen time by telling kids when it’s time to stop watching.
We also offer tools that give families the power to manage their relationship with technology, such as Family Link, which allows parents to set digital ground rules to guide their children as they learn, play, and explore online while making the right screentime choices for them.Head of Communications at Google Malaysia Nadia Khan
Nadia added that it is critical that parents have conversations about online safety and teach them digital literacy to help protect them against things such as cyberbullying and scams or hacks.
To help with this, we have Be Internet Awesome which is a programme to help teachers and parents teach their kids digital safety. It’s now available in more than 30 countries and in various languages including Bahasa Melayu.Head of Communications at Google Malaysia Nadia Khan
Be Internet Awesome features an interactive game called Interland that helps kids learn about online safety in a fun and engaging way and has helped millions of kids in areas like being civil online, understanding which websites are safe and responding more confidently to cyberbullying.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


12YO Kluang Boy Died From Septic Shock, Not Heatstroke

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

On 1 May, it was reported that a 12-year-old boy in Kluang, Johor, died from suspected heatstroke.

The Health Ministry (KKM) has issued a statement to clarify that the boy died from septic shock secondary to Meningoencephalitis and not from heatstroke.
The boy was warded at Hospital Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom after experiencing a seizure. The seizure took place after the boy had a high fever a day before and was coughing for the past three days.
According to the New Straits Times, the boy was laid to rest at the Kampung Bentong Muslim cemetery.

What is meningoencephalitis?
Meningoencephalitis is an infection in the brain. According to John Hopkins Medicine, the meninges are layers of thin tissue that covers the brain and when it gets infected, it’s known as meningitis.
When the brain becomes inflamed or infected, the problem is known as encephalitis. If both the meninges and the brain are infected, the condition is called meningoencephalitis.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


[UPDATED] Just In: More Than 1,000 Ordered To Turn Back By The Police Because They Wanted To Balik Kampung

Subscribe to our new Telegram channel for the latest updates on Covid-19 and other issues.

[Update] Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri said the figure has doubled on 17 May as 1,248 were ordered to turn back by authorities.
Around 508 vehicles were ordered to turn back after attempting to cross state lines to balik kampung, according to Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Malaysiakini reported that the vehicles were among 238,500 stopped across the country on Day 4 of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
Ismail said that authorities have already stationed roadblocks and authorities have advised as well as warned the public, besides taking other actions such as ordering them to turn back.
He also said that the government has authorised the police to start issuing compounds beginning tomorrow to those caught flouting the CMCO.
The government has started to allow for interstate travel during the CMCO for those travelling for work or those* stranded during the early stages of the MCO and want to return home.

Get the latest COVID-19 updates on TRPâ€™s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram


Covid-19 Cases Spiked Over 3k, Highest Since May, Here’s How You Can Get A Second Booster Shot

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

According to New Straits Times, Covid-19 cases jumped to 3,561 yesterday (6 July) as compared to 2,932 cases on 5 July. It’s the first time the country is seeing daily cases over 3,000 since 13 May.

3,552 of the new cases were local transmissions while 9 were imported.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur registered 1,341 and 994 infections, contributing to the bulk of the cases.
Malaysia: Wed, 06 Jul – Covid19 Updatehttps://t.co/wlgihUQBgaLIVE WORLD UPDATES!@Khairykj @DGHisham @KKMPutrajaya @JPenerangan @mynadma @WHO @WHOMalaysia COVID-19 #COVID_2019 pic.twitter.com/zzPunc0nm1— Covid19.Place (@Covid19Place) July 6, 2022
Prior to this, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin reminded Malaysians to stay alert after more than 110 countries had reported a spike in Covid-19 cases linked to the highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants.
Malaysians are advised to continue wearing a mask and to get their booster shot if they haven’t gotten it, especially the elderly and high-risk groups.
Jangan ambil ringan situasi ini. Ramai disekeliling kita yang tidak dijangkiti COVID-19 sepanjang dua tahun lepas kini telah dijangkiti. Pakai mask di tempat tertutup & sesak, amalkan TRIIS. Dapatkan booster jika belum & booster kedua bagi warga emas & golongan berisiko tinggi.— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) July 6, 2022
Sub-varian Omicron BA.4 dan BA.5 telah tersebar di banyak negara di seluruh dunia termasuk di negara-negara Asia seperti 🇸🇬🇹🇭🇮🇩🇵🇭🇮🇳🇦🇺🇳🇿.KKM ingin mengingatkan agar rakyat Malaysia yang ingin keluar negara mengambil langkah berhati-hati seperti dikongsikan. pic.twitter.com/rlA8VzzbxP— KKMalaysia🇲🇾😷 (@KKMPutrajaya) July 5, 2022
Five deaths had been reported to the Health Ministry (KKM), including two brought-in dead cases in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Since the pandemic started, a total of 4,582,302 people in the country have been infected and 35,792 succumbed to the Covid-19 virus.
Currently, 2,035 recovered yesterday (6 July) while there are still 31,540 active cases.
NST added that 96% of the cases are undergoing quarantine, 1,184 cases are receiving hospital treatment, 40 cases are in intensive care units (ICU) and 26 people are at Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centres (PKRC).
Out of the 40 ICU cases, 23 are ventilated. On 6 July, 506 Covid-19 patients were admitted to hospitals.
You can get a second booster shot
Back in April 2022, Malay Mail reported that individuals aged 60 and above with severe comorbidities and children aged 12 and above who are immunocompromised are recommended to get their second booster shots although it’s not compulsory.
Individuals, who are aged 18 and above, who wish to go abroad and need to meet vaccination requirements of the country of destination are eligible for the second booster shot as well.
Here’s how to get your appointment
For those who are aged above 60 and children aged 12 and above, you can find the ‘booking link’ in the MySejahtera application.
To check if you have the link:
Click on the “Covid-19 Vaccination” tab on the home page.Click on “Vaccine for (your name).”Select “Click here to book your appointment.” It’ll be highlighted and underlined in blue. From there, you should be able to choose from a list of clinics near you and your appointment time and date.
If you don’t want to wait for the booking link, you can also walk into any clinic offering booster shots or apply at the nearest district health offices.
Keep in mind that the elderly can only receive their second booster shot four to six months after the first one and only Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine will be available.
Those who intend to get their second booster shot in order to travel abroad should bring along supporting documents such as their flight tickets or travel documents.
Khairy said that individuals aged 18 and above who are going abroad can receive the second booster dose after an interval of at least one month from the first booster.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.