Here’s What You Will Get From Selangor’s Covid-19 Stimulus Package

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The Selangor state government has just announced a RM73.877 million economic stimulus package – Pakej Kita Selangor – to assist the rakyat who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Below is the list of allocations under the package.
Credit: Amirudinshari.com
Free screening
The State Government has announced an allocation of RM 6 million to implement a free Targeted Screening Test which will benefit 50,000 citizens in Selangor.
This program will focus on targetted groups such as high-risk senior citizens, especially those at Elderly Care Centers and Hemodialysis Centers throughout Selangor, the B40 group and Selangor students.
Food for frontliners
RM3 million will be used to provide Food Assistance to all 9,822 medical personnel in hospitals and District Health Offices throughout Selangor as well as 3,500 members of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) stationed at roadblocks (SJR) and statewide SOP compliance operations.
They will be provided lunch and dinner.
Selangor Smart Buses to send patients to MAEPS
Selangor Smart Buses will be used to send patients from home to the Low-Risk Treatment Centre (PKRC) in MAEPS, Serdang and it’ll be free of charge.
Program Mesra Rakyat
RM100,000 for each of 56 DUN and RM50,000 for each parliamentarian under the Program Mesra Rakyat.
With this announcement, said Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the programs or activities involving the procurement of basic supplies such as rice, cooking oil, flour, canned food and others can be implemented directly.
Rental exemptions, deferments for PPR tenants
The State Government has agreed to implement the rental payment exemption for one (1) month for January 2021 as well as the deferment of rent for two (2) months for February and March 2021.
This will involve a cost of RM 1.7 million and benefit 2,361 units of PPR tenants.
The deferral of rent for three (3) months is also given to 450 units of tenants under the Smart Rental Scheme for January, February and March 2021 with financial implications of almost RM1 million.
Credit: Amirudinshari.com
Write-off for Yayasan Selangor borrowers
The State Government has disposed of write-offs for 762 Yayasan Selangor borrowers.
This initiative was implemented after Yayasan Selangor conducted a study on the ability of payment as well as the current situation of borrower’s income.
The total loan disbursed has a financial implication of RM 7.177 million.
Food basket for the needy
Food basket consisting of daily necessities for taxi drivers, school bus drivers, PPR tenants, solid waste truck drivers operated by Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad Waste Management (KDEBWM) and assistance for Indigenous people amounting to RM 1.3 million.
Vouchers for farmers, fishermen
Fishermen will be given a voucher of RM 300 per person for petrol.Livestock feed and agricultural inputs will be channeled to livestock and aquaculture operators.Food baskets and raw materials will be delivered to farmers.
In total, Amirudin said, this will benefit 10,160 farmers with an allocation of RM2 million.
Free childcare for frontliners’ children
The State Government is implementing the Cakna Anak Barisan Hadapan Initiative which is the opening and operation of nurseries and Temporary Care Centers in Public Hospitals and Temporary Premises for the care of frontliners’ children.
Parents who work as staff at the Hospital or Health Office in Selangor, members of the Police and Army involved in efforts to address Covid-19 can send their children to this Nursery and Temporary Care Center for free for a period of two (2) months starting 25 January.
This initiative costs RM1 million and will benefit almost 400 families in Selangor.
Selangor Freelance
Amiruddin said RM10 million will be used to expedite the implementation of Selangor Freelance.
This initiative will be implemented through the collaboration of several freelancers to create job opportunities and additional income for the people of Selangor through the gig economy.
These include digital marketing services, accounting, programming, management social media accounts as well as blue collar work such as electricians, plumbers, house cleaners and so on.
It is estimated that over 1,000 freelance opportunities will be created.

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RM519 Million For Istana Negara Maintenance, JKR Clarifies It’s For 7 Year Period

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The maintenance cost of Istana Negara caught the attention of Malaysians after it was revealed that a company was offered a contract worth RM519m for the project.

The Public Works Department (JKR), in responding to an online report, clarified that the amount is for a period of seven years which ends this month.
JKR said in a statement that the scope of work comprised an area of 24.1.3 acres and involves several key components.
JKR also emphasised that all maintenance works are carried out as per government guidelines on building maintenance.
It went on to add that the maintenance works are necessary as the palace represents the sovereignty and identity of the nation.
MAKLUM BALAS MEDIA JABATAN KERJA RAYA (JKR) MALAYSIA TERHADAP ARTIKEL YANG DTERBITKAN OLEH https://t.co/4jZUd2O0DF BERTAJUK “M’SIANS OUTRAGED TO FIND THAT MINISTRY OF WORKS IS PAYING RM519 MILLION TO MAINTAIN ISTANA NEGARA”. pic.twitter.com/dbxG9wHiHV— JKR Malaysia (@JKRMalaysia) June 1, 2022
It’s Always About the Money
Netizens have questioned the wisdom of spending such a colossal amount when the people are struggling with rising prices.
The concerns among the public about the expenditure focus on several areas amid a feeling that tough questions have not so far been asked:
Whether it is right to commit taxpayers’ money at a challenging time for the public finances.There are concerns that the government could incur further liabilities in the future.In 2015 the maintenance contract was only RM82 million, but seven years later it has increased to RM519 Million which is 5 times more.The RM519 million price is enough to build a new university or hospital.And all this money is the people’s money.
Imagine in today’s news, a high-schooler fall down from a bridge to cross to get to her school.Past few weeks, news of poor uni hostel maintenance caused accidents. And yet we spent THIS amount for Istana Negara. You guys babi memang babi. https://t.co/kfbOTVnfP6— chad 🇲🇾 (@arsyadshah_) May 31, 2022
Takleh blah la… Annual maintenance Istana Negara sampai lebih RM519,000,000.00 untuk apa? Duit tu boleh guna untuk…• Perbaiki jalan raya!• Perbaiki system perparitan!• Perperkasakan ekonomi negara!• BOLEH JADIKAN B40 KE M40!— Alli คอมแบท (@24thcenturydude) May 31, 2022
The company is a public-listed investment holding company which is principally involved in construction activities and integrated facilities management services.
It has been active in the business since 90’s and have now diversified into many sectors such as construction, facility management.
What Do The People Know About The Government’s Finances?
The people are unlikely to shed any tears if the government trims down on maintenance expenses.
They are convinced that the government can ill afford to spend so much money on it.
Netizens said the writing is on the wall since the government is considering to bring back the GST.
PM Ismail Sabri reinforces the view that UMNO will reintroduce GST. The last time is was introduced poor implementation and GST-related inflation contributed to the party’s downfall. https://t.co/nz2yeJqQyz— Bridget Welsh (@dririshsea) May 31, 2022
There is also the debt of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) that continues to put a heavy burden on the country.
16Billion to service 1MDB debt alone pic.twitter.com/zPe1K5gNbf— Ir_ Riaz🏴 (@riaz_ir) June 1, 2022
At the same time, people are concerned about the expenses incurred by the ministers.
People are sceptical if the overseas trips are necessary, not to mention the retinue of civil servants who usually accompany the ministers abroad.

https://twitter.com/folkloreswifty/status/1529123523427704832

Hopefully the ministers will get inspiration as they travel across the globe, on how to save taxpayers’ money and use it wisely for the welfare and development of the country.

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Over 7,000 Orang Asli In Kelantan Cut-Off From Civilization Due To Floods

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Over 7,000 Orang Asli living in communities across Gua Musang, Kelantan have essentially been cut off from civilization, due to heavy thunderstorms and floods.
These included villagers in Pos Tohoi, Pos Simpor, Pos Gob, Pos Belatim, Pos Hendrop, and Pos Bihai.
Reportedly, days of heavy rain had caused rivers to overflow, landslides and mud floods that damaged and destroyed trails and bridges leading to and from the settlements.
A destroyed bridge on the trail leading to the Orang Asli communities.(Harian Metro)
The incident left many Orang Asli families in the district confined to their homes and faced with food shortages.
The situation had also left more than 600 primary school students from the Orang Asli communities with no way of getting to school.
Apparently the community residents are working on repairing their damaged infrastructures and hope that the government would intervene to help the people that are stranded.

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Source:
Banjir kilat di 10 kawasan Gua Musang
Orang Asli terperangkap, jambatan runtuh
Heavy rain causes flash floods around the country
Over 600 Orang Asli students stranded due to heavy rains
Rains & Floods Expected To Continue Despite Malaysia’s Supposed Dry Season


Klang Valley water to be cut for 4.4 million in April

If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, Klang/Shah Alam, Petaling, Gombak, Kuala Langat, or Kuala Selangor; TAKE NOTE!
There’s going to be water cuts between April 24th and April 27th due to water supply improvement works by Syabas.
You can read the full statement and search through a PDF here for your location as some places will have cuts for 3 or 4 days.
Over 4 million people will be affected so if you’re one of them, be sure to go and buy those large tanks and fill them up before April 24th!

Or you’ll end up queuing up behind other people like yourself who were unprepared and there’s usually so very very many.(Pic Credit: The Malay Mail)


More Than 100 Hikers Volunteer To Carry Supplies 10KM Through Rainforest To A Remote School In Sabah

https://www.facebook.com/borneoecho/posts/197022731764252
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More than 100 hikers volunteered to help a school teacher carry much-needed supplies 10km through the Croker Range to a remote school near Penampang, Sabah.

The group made the trip over the weekend to Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Longkogungan, located in the interiors of Sabah about 70km from Penampang, after the teacher Harry Yanto Bikal posted the request for help on social media platforms, including WhatsApp.
The expedition was headed by Harry himself and co-managed by tourism student Siscariell Maikol from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The group of hikers transported an impressive and surprising array of things. According to Bernama, some of the things included different types of cooking equipment, several bags of cement, bed linens, and computers, all of which were donated by Junior Chamber International Kota Kinabalu and Mercy Malaysia.
(Credit: Bernama)
Speaking to reporters who also joined the expedition, Harry said that the hike began with the volunteers gathering at Gunung Emas.
All the volunteers gathered at Batu 32, Jalan Penampang-Tambunan, or better known as Gunung Emas, before the charity climb and jungle trek started.Harry Yanto Bikal via Bernama

The journey required the hikers to cross all kinds of treacherous terrains, such as rivers, a log bridge and steep slopes.
Their challenging expedition ended happily on Sunday (26 July) with SK Longkogungan headmaster Sunny Yong Ken Vun graciously thanking the hikers for their help in safely transporting the supplies to the school.
(Credit: Bernama)
This isn’t Harry’s first inspiring expedition for his students, as he’s actually made headlines before when he carried a 40kg refrigerator on his back through the forest to the school.
When deciding how to make a similar trip with the latest load, Harry had the idea to ask his hiking friends for some help and received an overwhelming response.
Siscariell shared that he was inspired to make this trip, which would ordinarily take about six hours on foot, a success after he watched the video of Harry determinedly carrying the fridge on his back.
Harry carrying the 40kg refrigerator on his back to the school. (Credit: Buletin INFO 1 Malaysia/Global/Facebook)
FYI, Harry’s feat with the refrigerator did not go unnoticed, the dedicated teacher received the Guru Adiwira award from the Sabah Education Department during a state-level Teacher’s Day celebration.

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Meet The New Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, Azalina Othman

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Datuk Seri Azalina Datuk Othman has become the first female Deputy Speaker of Dewan Rakyat after she was appointed by Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, who was also minted as the new Speaker.
Both them will start the post effective today 13 July.
Before becoming a Member of Parliment for Pengerang from 2004 until now, Azalina started out her career in law after receiving her Master of Laws (Laws) certification from London School of Economics and Political Science in 1990.
She then became a legal assistant at Messr Raja Darryl & Loh law firm (1988–1989, 1991–1994).
A few years after, she became an associate partner of Azalina Chan & Chia law firm (1994–2001) and with Messrs Skine (2001–2002).
In 2002, she formed a partnership with Messrs Zaid Ibrahim & Co (2002–2004).
She even had a gig in television before politics, hosting talk shows discussing political, economic and social issues.
Throughout her years as a United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) member, Azalina held a few positions in the party.
Pro tem Head, Puteri UMNO Malaysia (2001–2002) Appointed by the then President of UMNO, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as the Pro Tem Head of Puteri UMNO Malaysia, in April 2001.Head of UMNO Civil Action Bureau (2000–2004) Appointed as Head the Civil Action Bureau of UMNO Malaysia (BTS UMNO), which is based in Sungai Way, in August 2000.Head of Puteri UMNO Malaysia & Vice-President of UMNO (2002–2004) Elected the first Head of Puteri UMNO Malaysia, on 1 November 2002.Member of UMNO Supreme Council (2000–Present) – Appointed to sit as a member of the UMNO Supreme Council, the highest decisions-making body of the party, in July 2000, by the then Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad who was also the president of UMNO.
Besides that, she also held various Ministerial posts previously, including:
Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia (31 March 2004 – 7 March 2008).Minister of Tourism Malaysia (18 March 2008 – 9 April 2009)Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (29 July 2015 – 2018)

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Sapura Debate Is On The Way And It Will Be Televised, Says Anwar Ibrahim

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PKR strategic communication director Fahmi Fadzil has been tasked to set the time and date for the highly anticipated debate between former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This is after both politicians announced their agreement to debate on Najib’s proposal for the government to bail out Sapura Energy Berhad (Sapura) which is experiencing cash flow issues.
“He (Fahmi) was also asked to discuss with the media to air the debate which I believe should be broadcasted widely,” Anwar said in a Facebook posting on Tuesday.

Several local media outfits namely Sinar Harian, Astro Awani and Sin Chew Daily have agreed to collaborate and organise the debate.
Najib had previously suggested that the government intervene and solve Sapura’s cash flow issues by providing easy interest loans or loan guarantees to Sapura.
The Pekan MP also mooted for the government to instruct Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) or Khazanah Nasional to take over ownership of Sapura.
This, however, irked PKR veep Rafizi Ramli, who claimed that Najib’s proposal only benefits a “handful of elites”.
Rafizi subsequently challenged Najib to debate on his idea, of which Najib’s agrees to and asked for Anwar’s involvement during the debate.
Read More: “Let’s Rock!” Najib Accepts Debate Challenge On Sapura Against Anwar & Rafizi

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“When Will It Be Digitised?” Vivy Yusof Went Through A Long Process To Register Baby Idris

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Local entrepreneur Vivy Yusof safely gave birth to baby Idris in December 2021. However, she didn’t know how tedious it could be to register Idris as a Malaysian citizen and wondered when the whole process would be digitised.

Vivy shared on Instagram that after she gave birth, the nurse at the hospital told them they could book online to register their baby.
When her husband Fadza did it, he got an appointment to register Idris in February. They thought it was late but chalked it up to Covid-19 delaying the process.
Come February, Fadza showed up for the appointment only to be told he was late to register. When he explained to the officer that it was the appointment he was given, the officer said the SOP had changed.
Fadza asked how would he know that if no one was informed. In reply, the officer said they advertised in newspapers and radio.
More forms to fill and pictures to take

Fadza had no choice but to go straight home. He had to print many forms such as forms to take an oath, forms for late registration, forms on parents’ details and each siblings’ details.
They also had to take a bunch of passport photos for each child in two sizes: passport and 4R.
After that, they had to paste the pictures one by one on the forms. The forms also needed MyKad, MyKid, birth certificates, wedding certificates and the utility bill.
Vivy shared how she had to take Idris, who was still asleep, to take his passport photo but that wasn’t allowed.
So they came back the second time and this time, Idris cried uncontrollably. Vivy said that Idris’s picture was not frameable to illustrate the situation.
Next, both parents and Idris had to go to court to take an oath. They also had to drag along a witness who was their friend, Seth, and signed the papers there and then.
The final stretch
Vivy Yusof with Fadza and Idris at JPN.
The journey doesn’t end here. Right after that, they had to drive to a Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) nearby, take a number and wait.
Vivy covered Idris the whole time because she was afraid he’d be exposed to Covid-19.
However, they found out that they filled the forms wrong so they had to fill out the new forms again.
Fadza had to go to another place to photocopy the identification cards (ICs). Meanwhile, Seth and Vivy had to go to the ‘marriage and divorce’ room to submit their witness forms.
When they got to the counter, they had to pay RM10, but only in cash, so they had to find an ATM while trying to soothe Idris who was crying.
They quickly rushed back to the immigration room because it was near closing time, and Idris was finally registered as a Malaysian citizen.
Throughout the whole ordeal, Vivy said it felt like they had just won in the Amazing Race.
Is this because we said he’s the last baby so it’s like the grand finale?Fadza jokingly told Vivy.
Child 15.
Vivy also found a ‘fun fact’ of sorts during the whole process. Apparently, the form had spaces to list a maximum of 15 children.
Vivy jokingly said the officers can have that page back to be recycled because there was no way she was going to have 15 children.
Netizens found the process tedious
Netizens were shocked that the government still uses old school ways to disseminate important information.
They also found the whole process tedious and pitied baby Idris.
Some of them couldn’t believe that the officers are still using cash instead of card transactions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here’s to hoping that the registration process will be all digitised soon, so it’s easier for everyone.

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PJ Police Chief Quarantines After Meeting With Covid-19 Positive Personnel

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The Petaling Jaya police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal will undergo a 14-day quarantine after coming into close contact with other parties who tested positive for Covid-19.

He had taken part in a series of meetings with a Petaling District Medical Officer regarding the planning and operation of Covid-19 within the Petaling Jaya area.
The Medical Officer had also previously met with the security manager of the Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, regarding the outbreak of Covid-19 cases within the workers’ dorm at the golf club. The security manager later tested positive for Covid-19 as well.
Petaling Jaya police chief Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal speaks to reporters during a press conference in Petaling Jaya April 12, 2020.(Credit: Miera Zulyana/Malay Mail)
As a precaution, ACP Nik Ezanee will be undergoing self-quarantine until the results of the Covid-19 screening of the medical officer is known.
He held a press conference for members of the media regarding the Emergency Movement Control Order (EMCO) situation at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort just hours before the security manager tested positive.
As a result, reporters present at the press conference have also decided to self-quarantine.

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Lee Zii Jia Banned From International Tournaments For Two Years And Netizens Are Furious

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A few days after former national shuttler Lee Zii Jia announced that he will leave Malaysia’s Badminton Association (BAM), the governing body dropped a bombshell by imposing a two-year ban on the athlete.

According to Team Malaysia on Twitter, he will not be able to participate in any international competition starting from 2022.
READ MORE: Lee Zii Jia Cut Ties With BAM, Fans Blame Association For Loss Of Talent
Recently, the All England winner decided to cut ties with the association after handing in his resignation letter on 11 January, The Star reported.
TERKINI: Setelah melakukan perbincangan @BA_Malaysia, mengesahkan mereka mengambil keputusan untuk menggantung Lee Zii Jia 2 tahun daripada menyertai mana-mana kejohanan antarabangsa bermula 18 Januari 2022. #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/TX4Xpff5l4— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) January 21, 2022
Netizens fuming at BAM
Malaysians who saw the news couldn’t hide their disappointment towards BAM for taking such actions on the World #7 shuttler.
Some pointed out that the association’s actions actually hurt the sport rather than help it grow.
Badminton Malaysia baru nak naik balik and you put down such talented player like this just because he wanted to play independently? Shame on you @BA_Malaysia . Fly high LEE ZII JIA! SHOW THEM WHAT THEY LOST BY LETTING YOU AND US DOWN LIKE THIS https://t.co/54ShP6OCFw— Dear🧣 (@antelope2822) January 21, 2022
Netizens also said that the penalty is too harsh, considering that Lee is one of the brightest current prospects in badminton to finally bring home the Olympic gold.
so lee zii jia can’t achieve his target this year to be a world ranking top 5 player ☹ why are they doing this to one of the atheletes who has the most chances to win a gold medal for olympics paris 2024 😭 ik this is the consequences of his action but still, too much la weh 🙁 https://t.co/jg50tRoZFh— wa (@najwargh) January 21, 2022
Meanwhile, Berjaya Group Chief Executive Officer also chimed in on the issue, saying that it’s inappropriate to affect Lee’s livelihood just because he doesn’t want to play for BAM anymore.
If any athlete feels they can do better as independent, and raise their own funds they should be allowed to do so. It reduces BAM’s burden as well. We had Nusa Mahsuri once, so this is not new. Why the need to ban him and affect his rice bowl? https://t.co/VSKd0yuGqq— Jalil Rasheed (@jalilword) January 21, 2022

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Elusive Black Panther Prowling N. Sembilan Kampung For Food & Killing Livestock Caught After One Month Of Traps

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The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) successfully caught one of two black panthers which had been prowling the jungles near Kampung Tengah in Negeri Sembilan, since last November.

The animals were believed to be the culprit behind a number of livestock killings which includes two cows belonging to villagers in the area.
News of the big cat’s capture came at three in the morning when 52-year-old Kampung Tengah resident, Mohd Azman Daud, heard the animal’s roars when it was caught. A trap baited with a dead lamb carcass had been set for the animal, close to his home.
Perhilitan setting up steel traps with aid from villagers.(perhilitanofficial/Facebook)
Mohd Azman was quoted as saying that the cat’s capture proved that the kampung was facing a real threat from the wild animal.
Villagers believed that the panthers had been attacking their livestock since late October. People had reported seeing the big cat crossing the road at night and Perhilitan even warned residents not to leave their livestock to roam freely due to the risks of them being prey.
Footage of the captured feline showed the animal loudly roaring from behind steel bars as wildlife handlers worked to transport it into the back of a pickup.
“Senyum, senyum, senyum.” said the man behind the camera, telling the panther to smile as it arguably tries to claw at his face.

Perhilitan said that the panther was in good health and would be relocated once its undergone a full medical checkup.
Perhilitan also plans to set up more traps to capture the remaining panther lose in the kampung.
Black panthers are super rare
A panther is an everyday term given to big felines like jaguars, which are native the Americas, and leopards that live across Africa and Asia – those that are black are commonly referred to as “black panthers“.
(Uriel Soberanes/Ash Edmonds/Unsplash)
The reason why these cats are black instead of having spots like other members of their species is due to a genetic mutation called melanism, which causes them to have an excess of black pigments in their bodies.
Leopards in Malaysia are said to be particularly special because almost every single one of them here are black.
Though scientists are still unsure why, studies have found that Peninsular Malaysia’s jungles are home to more black leopards or black panthers, than anywhere else in the world.

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Source:
Harimau kumbang baham lembu masuk perangkap
Villagers seek help over panther menace
Perhilitan nasihat jangan biarkan haiwan ternakan berkeliaran
Panther
Black panther
In the kingdom of the black panther
Into the Heart of the Jungle: Tracking the Black Panthers of Malaysia


Ever Tried A Belacan Burger? This Vegan Restaurant Just Made It A Thing

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Belacan is one of those things that you just can’t get a good substitute of. The pungent aroma of fermented shrimp paste is a truly Malaysian condiment that is deeply loved and lends a unique taste to food.

The ingredients of belacan are shrimp and salt, which is then left to ferment multiple times until it is a literal brick of powerful umami. So how did it end up in a burger, and a vegan one no less?
Our first look at the Burger Belacan at SALA.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
Fauzi Hussein, the founder of the vegan restaurant chain SALA Malaysia, explained that he hasn’t had belacan since turning vegan 5 years ago. In fact, he had resigned himself to giving up many of Malaysia’s most delicious tastes… until the birth of vegan belacan, made by experimenting with Phuture Food’s new vegan seafood products.
Fauzi Hussein shows off the vegan Burger Belacan.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
Paired with a plant-based patty from Phuture Food, the Belacan Burger is said to be a treat for the taste buds yet is completely meatless. We tried it out.
The Taste Test
The burger itself is actually really simple. You’ve got the basics of buttered toasted bun, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, with a plant-based patty. The interesting stuff is the belacan spread on top of the patty and the deep-friend tortilla chips for an extra crunch.
The burger itself tastes pretty basic at first bite. Then, the flavour of the belacan slowly releases as you chew and you get a pretty strong flavour after a while.
There is no doubt that the vegan belacan smells and tastes exactly like what you’d expect from belacan. For a vegan substitute, the accuracy is impeccable.
A generous spread of belacan.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
It has the strong powerful smells of belacan and spicy base notes that linger on your tongue.
The patty itself was a touch on the dry side as it was cooked in an air fryer instead of grilled traditionally, but the texture was indeed like a beef patty.
However, thanks to the rest of the crisp ingredients like the lettuce and tomatoes, the flavour of the belacan gets balanced out with some freshness, and the tortilla chips gives it a nice crunchy texture.
The Belacan burger topped with crunchy tortilla chips.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
The Verdict
If you are a belacan lover, you should give this Burger Belacan a shot just to try it out and wonder in amazement that it’s completely plant-based. If you’re vegan, you should certainly give it a shot too just because you probaby haven’t had belacan in a while.
I doubt people would realize that the burger is vegan because it certainly tastes very much like the real thing, with real beef and real belacan. Yet, it just goes to show that where there’s a will, there’s a way. If vegans really want to eat belacan on a burger, they’re going to make one from scratch.
The Burger Belacan looks unassuming, but packs quite a punch.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
And they might want to bring their meat-eating friends along for the ride who will enjoy it just the same.
The Burger Belacan is a limited-time menu item in conjunction with our national day holidays and they are available at all SALA outlets (except for SALA Avenue K). Best pick one up to try before it’s gone!

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Xiaomi’s Mi 10T & Mi 10T Pro Unveiled, Available Starting 16 October

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Xiaomi has released two new smartphones, the 5G-capable Mi 10 T and the Mi 10 T Pro in Malaysia which packs serious hardware at a reasonable price point.

The Mi 10T will cost you RM1,699 while its more powerful sibling, the Mi 10T Pro is retailed at RM1,999.
Both are packing the Snapdragon 865 chip, and will have refresh rate of 144hz which they said will make games appear smoother.
They will also have a huge 5,000mAh battery and a multiple camera setup.
How the Mi10T Pro looks like hands-onPicture Credit: TRP
The difference between the two is the number of megapixels as the Mi 10T Pro will have a 108MP rear camera (which they said is the world’s first), which is able to shoot 8K videos while the Mi 10T has a 64MP camera.
Besides the main camera difference, they both offer the same triple camera setup with a 13MP ultra wide-angle, 5MP macro and a 20MP front cam.
Both phones will be in  two colors, Lunar Silver and Cosmic Black with Aurora Blue version of the Mi 10T Pro expected to arrive in Malaysia later this month.
It’ll be available on Shopee and Lazada starting 16 October and if you want to purchase it offline, the company said it’ll be available later this month in all of their Mi Stores.
The Mi10TPicture Credit: Xiaomi Malaysia

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6 Klang Valley Highways To See Reduced Toll Fares Starting 20 October

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Six major highways in the Klang Valley will see a toll fare reduction as part of the government’s effort to alleviate the rakyat’s rising cost of living, says caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

According to The Star, the government has also agreed to the proposal to restructure four concession companies under Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas).
The restructuring will save the government RM8.8 billion in compensation which is supposed to be paid to the concession companies involved.
Credit: PLUS Malaysia via Malay Mail
The four highways under Prolintas will have reduced toll fares coming into effect at 12.01am on 20 October.
The four highways are:
Ampang–Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)Kemuning –Shah Alam Highway (LKSA)Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
Another two highways under IJM Corporation Berhad will see a fare reduction on 1 January 2023.
The two highways in question are:
Kajang-Seremban Highway (Lekas)Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya)
The announcement comes ahead of the 15th general election (GE15), which is expected to be held in early November and before the monsoon season.
According to The Vibes, Ismail Sabri also said flood mitigation works will be conducted on the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 to manage the constant flooding on the road.

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Student Ostracised At University, Ashamed That He Is From Kelantan

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Where do feelings of shame come from?

For a student from Kelantan, his state of origin made him feel insecure.
It triggered a shame response in him, causing him to become extremely self-conscious, self-critical, and embarrassed.
His story went viral on social media after sharing his sad experience at a university.
TikTok user @_.mecaomel posted an 8-second video showing a man sharing the experience of being left out by his university friends while on a bus.

https://www.tiktok.com/@_.mecaomel/video/7154399687972228378?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7137208732668495361

The video shows that no one is willing to sit next to him while the other seats are full of students sitting together.
Another video, which is also 8-second long, showed the man being sidelined after telling people that he originated from Kelantan.

https://www.tiktok.com/@_.mecaomel/video/7155140710994316571?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7137208732668495361

The post drew sympathy from netizens, with many saying they also encountered the same when studying abroad.
Others said they could relate as they had read about such incidents on social media.
i kinda feel bad for non problematic kelantan ppl 💀 that dude in my class macam baik ja pastu lect tanya sapa dari kelantan pastu dia tak ngaku sbb malu dia dari kelantan 😭— wan (@wnmhrh) September 26, 2022
At the same time, some said the prejudice also affected Kelantanese from finding a life partner.

https://twitter.com/ieqaakarim/status/1570999013398450176

Pride And Prejudice
The stigmatisation could be due to Kelantan having among the lowest average income and highest incidences of poverty.
Some said the prejudice is because Kelantan is a hotbed of crime, including drug abuse and sex crimes.
The negative perception resulted in Kelantese being accused as religious hypocrites, as the state is also known as the corridor of Mecca (Serambi Mekah) and the bastion of Malay culture.
Kelantan also has a stricter implementation of social norms than other states, such as banning cinema and gender segregation in public places.
2. Dadah jenis ini adalah yang paling banyak disalahgunakan di Negeri Kelantan. Kebanyakan dadah jenis ini diseludup melalui Sempadan Negara Thailand seperti Sungai Golok. Pil berwarna merah ini mempunyai saiz yang sangat kecil berukuran kira-kira 0.5cm pic.twitter.com/5eLsL5KQCb— Hyperhidrosis Malaysia (@HyperhidrosisM) December 28, 2020
Orang Kelantan ni acah alim dan suci. Bila mereka keluar negeri, mereka pergi tengok wayang, buat maksiat. Oh, maksiat tu tak perlu buat kat luar negeri pun. Dadah, rogol, rempit di Kelantan banyak. Paling munafik.— aria — (@thefigurative) June 30, 2022
The negative perception resulted in the Kelantanese being accused of being religious hypocrites, as the state is also known as the corridor of Mecca (Serambi Mekah) and the bastion of Malay culture.
Now, it seems like things have reached a crucial juncture.
The severe and selective bias had become so bad that Kelantan is a byword for ridicule and disdain, even for things which happen outside of the state or had nothing to do with it.
bayangkan habiskan RM20,202 but still nampak macam rempit kelantan 😭 https://t.co/vB6EClx9OZ— caer (@SyaheerAhmad) September 20, 2021
Kampung, rempit and Kelantan. Why are eccentric individuals sometimes affiliated with either one of these groups? I thought Malaysians were against stereotypes and discrimination.— احمد تقي الدين (@taqiyradzi) January 24, 2019

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GRS Coalition Won! Sabah Now Has A New State Government

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Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has emerged victorious in the 16th Sabah state elections, claiming a majority of 38 out of 73 state assembly seats.

The official results were announced by the Elections Commission (SPR) at close to midnight on September 26, 2020.
Warisan+ is reported to have gained 31 seats with 3 other seats won by independent candidates.
(SPR)
Sabah now has a new State Government under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) leadership, lead by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Sabah would also welcome a new Chief Minister who is yet to be decided.
Election ballots were cast from 7 am to 5 pm, and according to the SPR, 58% out of a total of 1,088,711 eligible voters in Sabah turned up for polling day, with another 14,935 votes cast by mail.

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Dine In A Luxe Rainforest RestoGrill At Ferria KL [Review]

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Right at the heart of the city at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, a new grill and bar restaurant named Ferria has opened its doors.

The luxe rainforest theme in the restaurant enhances the sensorial and gastronomic experience. Guests can choose to dine outdoors and enjoy designer drinks at the outdoor bar as well.
Ferria KL’s exterior decor. Image: Farahin Fadzil/TRP
Ferria KL’s interior decor and seating. Image: Farahin Fadzil/TRP
Ferria’s forte is its grilling techniques with chefs specialising in charcoal grilling and cutting-edge techniques to bring the best grill bar to fellow KL-lites.
At Ferria, you can expect the freshest variety of meat, poultry, and seafood selection such as lobster, freshwater prawn, black cod, Wagyu, lamb, and chicken, that are grilled to perfection.
Here’s what we got to try:
Starters
Jungle JewelUntamed Seared Tuna SaladWatermelon PoppersFrittered Prawns with Wasabi Mayo
Mains
XL River Monster RollRocky Wild ChickenLamb CrossieJungle BranchesTarzan ArrabiataOceanic OlioWild-Spiced Lamb Pizza
Dessert
Grilled Crystal PineappleTiramisu
Drinks
Pink Flamingo (Cocktail)Amazing Green (Mocktail)Wild Wild Passion (Mocktail)Forest Asam (Mocktail)
The Taste Test
Clockwise from top right: Watermelon Poppers, Prawn Fritters, Untamed Seared Tuna Salad, and Jungle Jewel. Image: Adeline Leong/TRP & Ferria KL
The starters were excellent, especially the Jungle Jewel when it’s served hot from the stove. The Jungle Jewel is a tasty snack of sweet corn tossed in chicken lard for that delicious taste.
The Watermelon Poppers are topped with a tangy trio sauce which gives a fresh and thirst-quenching taste in the hot weather.
The Untamed Seared Tuna Salad also offered an excellent fresh snacking alternative while we waited for the mains to arrive.
If you don’t want the salad, the Prawn Fritters is another tasty snack as it comes with wasabi mayo for a slight spice kick.
Clockwise from the top left: Lamb Crossie, Jungle Branches, XL River Monster Roll, Wild-Spiced Lamb Pizza, Oceanic Olio, and Tarzan Arrabiata. Image: Ferria KL
For the mains, the XL Monster Roll was delicious with its soft homemade milk brioche and giant freshwater prawn with crispy French beans as the sides.
The Rocky Wild Chicken was roasted for 48 hours to bring out all the herb and spice flavours. However, I couldn’t really taste the chicken so I preferred the XL Monster Roll over this dish. It comes with a bed of crushed potatoes.
Up next was the Lamb Crossie which is literally a better lamb satay. The meat was cooked until it was soft so it was easy to eat and tasted good with the sour cream dip. You don’t need to play tug of war while eating this satay.
The Jungle Branches are French bean fries with wasabi mayo. While the others enjoyed the taste, I wasn’t fond of it after tasting the other flavourful food and drinks.
For spice lovers, they’ll love the Tarzan Arrabiata. The Tarzan Arrabiata has a nice spice kick and the soft-shell crab and clams were fried well. The crab was properly crispy and not soggy while the clams were juicy.
The Oceanic Olio is served with a huge fresh prawn and scallops, perfect for a simple dinner.
The final main dish for the night was the Wild-Spiced Lamb Pizza which consists of grilled lamb with a toum garlic spread. I find the flavours very mild so it’s not something to order if you’re looking for a savoury pizza.
Clockwise from left: Pink Flamingo (Cocktail), Amazing Green (Mocktail), Forest Asam (Mocktail), Wild Expedition Tiramisu, Grilled Crystal Pineapple. Image: Adeline Leong/TRP
For the desserts, the Grilled Crystal Pineapple is unique because it comes with coconut ice cream, a marshmallow, and vanilla butter crumble.
The ice cream was smooth with a mild coconut flavour and the grilled pineapple brought a sweet balance to the dessert.
Cake lovers will enjoy the Wild Expedition Tiramisu which is made of mascarpone, espresso, lemon zest and cocoa powder. The result was a cake with a zesty and creamy coffee flavour.
The Verdict
Image: Farahin Fadzil/TRP
Overall, the top winners from our table are the starters, XL River Monster Roll, Lamb Crossie, Tarzan Arrabiata, and Oceanic Olio.
For the dessert, I preferred the Grilled Crystal Pineapple over the tiramisu. I find all the drinks we had were refreshingly tasty.

Ferria KL
Ferria KL’s interior decor and seating. Image: Farahin Fadzil/TRP
Address: Level G, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur.
Operation Hours: 12pm- 12am
Contact: +6010-303 1122
Instagram: Ferria KL Instagram
Facebook: Ferria KL Facebook

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Malaysian Tycoon Sues UK Casino For Letting Him Gamble 72 Hours Straight: Loses £4million (RM22.47 Million) In Baccarat

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Gamblers usually blame themselves for not noticing the signs of gambling addiction.

But a Malaysian gambler is suing a Mayfair casino at the High Court in London for the £3.9 million (RM21.91 million) he lost within 72-hours.
Malaysian tycoon Lim Han Joeh, 62, is blaming private members’ club Aspinalls for not adhering to the UK’s 2005 Gambling Act.
The law protects vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
In his writ, it was stated: ‘Rather than forcing the claimant to stop and rest, Aspinalls increased his credit to £2 million (RM11.23 million)’.
According to Daily Mail, Lim was a member of the exclusive establishment since 2014 and his privileges include cashing cheques up to the amount of £600,000 (RM3.37 million).
The Crown Aspinalls Casino in London. (Credit: Aspinalls)
Lim accused Aspinalls of taking advantage of his losing streak, by extending his credit to £1.9million (RM10.67 million).
Lim was playing the card game double chance baccarat, a new variant on the traditional Punto Banco with additional winning chances.
The card game – made popular by James Bond in Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel Casino Royale – is a new variant of the traditional Punto Banco with additional winning chances.
However, that didn’t stop Lim from blowing another £2 million (RM11.23 million) in credit, which the casino extended to him.
Chow Yun Fat and Andy Lau in the God of Gamblers series. Gambling is often portrayed as an exciting adventure in Chinese movies and dramas. (Source: Facebook)
A Long-Standing Legal Battle
Lim’s marathon session of the card game happened in 2015.
According to a High Court writ, Lim played for 72 hours with ‘limited breaks’.
Four years later, Aspinalls won a case against Lim. The casino took him to court because he did not pay the money he had lost.
The judge also fined him £100,000 (RM561,669) for contempt of court as he had breached four court orders.
The judge also rebuked Lim for giving ‘deliberately dishonest oral evidence during the hearing’.
Aspinalls said it would defend the suit and had refused further comment.
Corporate Figure

Lim is former Executive Director at Yinson Holdings Berhad from 1996 to 2016.
Yinson is an energy infrastructure and technology company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
The company is founded by his brother Lim Han Weng.
He is a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
Upon graduation in 1984, he took up the position of Operations Manager in Yinson Transport (M) Sdn Bhd.
In 1986 he assumed the position of Executive Director of Yinson Corporation Sdn Bhd (YCSB). He is primarily responsible for the overall management of YCSB.
Lim, who is reported by British media to be worth £40 million (RM224.68 million), has business interests in property, steel and computer chip manufacturing.
He also owns properties in Malaysia and London.

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Who Needs The World Wide Web When You Have Amma’s Witty Wisdom

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“Mother knows best,” is a phrase that I’ve tried my very best to never give my own ‘Ibu’ the satisfaction of saying.

As a millennial born into a mixed Malaysian family, you can say that playing by the book has never particularly been part of my mixed vocabulary, and throughout my youth, I’ve always turned a deaf ear to what I’d initially thought to be nothing more than the maternal ramblings of a woman out of time.
Plus, being called a “mama’s boy” never really jived with my mostly urban upbringing: most, if not all of my cool buddies at the time were all getting informed through the amazing new technology that was the internet.
(Credit Artezio via Unsplash)
Even today you’d still see people heading online, rummaging through blogs and DIY videos on how to do normal, everyday things and even hitting up celebrities on social media for life advice.
Which was why I couldn’t help but laugh yet feel all mushy on the inside after catching the 2021 Deepavali special made by Maxis, realising what a dumb kid I was growing up, knowing now how much of a huge influence my own mother has been in my life.
(Credit: Maxis)
Looking back, I’ve always gone and done things in the exact opposite of what my mother said and always a little too late at heeding her motherly wisdom.
“Don’t go climbing that tree,” she would say – before I’d no doubt fall and hurt myself.
“Go do your homework and study,” she’d remind me – before I unwittingly failed my exams.
“That girl’s gonna break your heart,” she’d warn – before I’d inevitably be left brokenhearted.
But despite my foolhardiness, never has this one incredibly patient woman failed to keep giving me her guidance, support, and a few good ol’ slaps to the face along the way – keeping me grounded to reality and uplifting my hopes and dreams just as a mother should.
(Credit: Maxis)
If there is one thing that my mother once told me that I try to keep in practice till this day is that: to never let people dictate your emotions and measure your self-worth on the words of others.
I remember how when I was young, I’d feel down whenever an estranged relative would compare me with their own children – sneaking in those low blow comments of how their sons and daughters were “performing” way better at the things they did than I had.
Noticing my distress, my mother would say (and I am paraphrasing here) that: people, even strangers, have a funny effect on you. They say and do nice things that can make you feel good and happy, or the exact opposite, and leave you down in the dumps. But always remember that everyone walks their own path, and you should never be distracted or embarrassed when someone on the sidewalk points at all the holes in your shoes.
(Credit: jcomp via Freepik)
This, in retrospect, is a piece of advice I personally find not too different from all the influential and enlightening content that we’d hit ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ to on TikTok and YouTube. Don’t you think so?
Now before you go on and say that I’m being overly sentimental about this, know that even science has a lot to note about this unique brand of motherly love.
Experts with the World Health Organization (WHO) fully recognise the importance of the procreator and actively promote healthy relationships between mother and child in different stages of life.
The agency’s practical manual for the International Child Development Program (ICDP) titled ‘Improving Mother/Child Interaction To Promote Better Psychosocial Development in Children’ explains that the presence, direction and guidance provided by parental figures, especially mothers, is critical in conditioning a person’s physical, mental and emotional health.
A mother’s guiding hand helps us develop into stable and well-adjusted people, and naturally, a child needs a solid and loving relationship with their maternal motivators to empower them to live long fulfilling lives.
(Credit: pressfoto via Freepik)
So just as mother nature had intended: I’d say it’s best for all of us to seek the light of mother’s wisdom whenever we’re going through some dark times in life. Because as they say, “mothers always know best” or in my case, a mother always knows just what to say.
For more motherly content, be sure to check out how much of a headache our boi Jiven Sekar was for his mother growing up, and what good advice his ‘Amma’ had given him this festive Deepavali season.

The brightest light lives in the wisdom we share. So here’s to the Ibus, Ammas, ‘Ummis’, ‘Mas’ and Mamas out there – our greatest, most-beloved influencers.
Uncover more motherly wisdom at www.maxis.com.my/ammasays.

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Source:
Helping parents in developing countries improve adolescents’ health
Improving Mother/child Interaction To Promote Better Psychosocial Development in Children


Le Tour De Langkawi 2022: Gombak Roads Will Be Temporarily Closed For Stage 3

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Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2022 started on Tuesday, 11 October, and will end on Tuesday, 18 October 2022.

Stage 1 of the race started in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, and ended in KLCC. Stage 2 will be from Kuala Klawang-Raub.
READ MORE: Le Tour De Langkawi 2022: Jalan Ampang And Jalan P Ramlee Closed For Race
Stage 3 tomorrow (13 October) will begin in Putrajaya and end in Genting Highlands, with the riders expected to reach the border of the Gombak district at about 3pm and finish no later than 4.15pm.
As such, several roads around Gombak will be temporarily closed starting at 1pm on Thursday, 13 October 2022.
According to Malay Mail, Gombak Acting District Police Chief Superintendent Noor Ariffin Mohamad Nasir said the roads that will be closed are:
Taman Melati exit to MRR2 Batu CavesShell Taman Melati exitMRR2 from Batu Caves heading to the Gombak toll plazaJalan Sungai Pusu to Gombak toll plaza
Members of the public are advised to avoid using these roads on the day of the race and to plan their travel routes ahead.
For more info regarding the traffic conditions and road closures, the public can contact Jalan Tun HS Lee traffic police at 03-2071 9999 or the KL Police hotline at 03-2115 9999.

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Indian Nasi Lemak Run By A Friendly Akka in Seri Kembangan Draws Multiracial Crowd

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If there’s one thing that unites Malaysians, it’s our love for food — particularly our love for nasi lemak.

Recently, an Indian aunty selling Malaysia’s favourite breakfast went viral after a video of her stall was posted online.
The video which was reposted by @anthraxxx781 under the caption, “Her nasi lemak looks good”, has since gone viral, with several netizens gushing over the two types of sambal available — one for the spicy lovers and one for those who just like it mild.
The video also showed an array of “lauk” choices as well.
The akka (which means sister in Tamil), whose shop is located in Seri Kembangan, is also seen being able to cater to her customers by speaking in bits and pieces of other languages as well.
Not only was the akka friendly, but netizens also pointed out that her portions were also huge and generous.
Netizens flocked to the comment section to discuss how delicious her food looked like.
Twitter user @tinycatina said:
Generous portions. May she be blessed.@tinycatina via Twitter
Another Twitter user @adikshira pointed out that the akka’s nasi lemak not only looked good but was also a complete nasi lemak set.
Her nasi lemak is a complete set. Peanuts, cucumbers, anchovies, an egg..it’s so hard to find a complete nasi lemak like this nowadays.@adikshira via Twitter
On the other hand, Twitter user @deevn_thoughts said:
I love it when you find nasi lemak stalls like this. There’s an option for the sambal which means the stall owner understands those who don’t like spicy foods but also want to enjoy a plate of nasi lemak. I usually buy nasi lemak from Malay makcik and their sambal is usually spicy even though they say it isn’t.@deevn_thoughts via Twitter
Twitter user @faizalhamssin said:
Big portions, large chickens, large prawns, a big variety of lauk, there are even two versions of sambal of varying levels of pedas. I need to try this out. And I like it when a trader ikhlas berniaga. You can see it in the way she deals with her customers. Semoga murah rezeki.@faizalhamssin via Twitter
For any one craving a nice steamy plate of nasi lemak, you can find the stall in front of Hong Leong Bank at Jalan PUJ 3/2, Taman Puncak Jalil, Putra Permai, 43300 Seri Kembangan.
Her stall is open from six in the morning right up till 10 in the morning.

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Rising Covid-19 Cases: Government Likely To Tighten SOP If Situation Worsens

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The government is expected to re-tighten standard operating procedures (SOPs) if cases involving the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic increase over time.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the new cases on Saturday were 9,117 cases which is the highest record in three months.
According to him, it makes a cumulative total of 2,904,131 cases.
Pada 5 Februari 2022, jumlah kes COVID-19 dilaporkan adalah 9,117 kes menjadikan jumlah kumulatif sebyk 2,904,131 kesPecahan setiap negeri (Kumulatif):Selangor – 2,490 (824,437)Johor – 901 (264,121)Sarawak – 42 (252,945)Sabah – 1,205 (251,645)WPKL – 584 (223,002)— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) February 5, 2022
The increase in the number of such cases has caused concern among the people in the country.
Furthermore, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin via Twitter said on Saturday that the new Covid-19 cases are likely to increase sharply in the next few weeks.
He said the expectation is based on the high infection rate from the Omicron variant wave at this point of time.
Our cases will also rise sharply in the next few weeks. This is the highly transmissible Omicron wave. So far, severity is far lower than Delta. Stay vigilant. Get boosted. #TRIIS Singapore reports 13,208 new COVID-19 cases, 6 deaths – CNA https://t.co/cARA5JkMsB— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) February 5, 2022
The latest surge in Covid-19 cases has put the spotlight on the education sector as one of the reasons that contributed to the increase.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has decided that students from non-examination classes, who returned home on holiday in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, will not be allowed to return to their hostel.
Its minister Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin said the decision was made to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection among SPM candidates.
It’s also to let them take the examination in a safe and orderly manner.

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Penang apartment explosion blasts two walls off, injuring 62 yo man

Yesterday (August 18), the neighbourhood of the Desa Green apartment in Penang was shocked by an explosion around 8am.

(Pic Credit: The Star)

The explosion caused a 62-year-old man to suffer injuries to about 15% of his body.
He was rushed to the Penang Hospital and is in a stable condition.
Ambulance GIF from Ambulance GIFs

Luckily, his son, daughter-in-law and grandson, escaped unscathed.
They were sleeping in their bedroom when the blast occurred.

(Pic Credit: FMT)

 (Pic Credit: FMT)

Neighbours reported having heard a loud explosion from within the apartment.
The blast not only blew off 2 walls of the victimâ€™s apartment but also caused cracks in their neighbourâ€™s walls and fragments to fall on nearby houses.

(Pic Credit: Harian Metro)

The senior citizen was reportedly lighting up a cigarette, that triggered the blow-up.
Although the cause of the explosion has still not been ascertained, the Timur Laut Police chief ACP Che Zaimani Che Awang suspects the blast could be caused by gas leaking from the hose of a gas cylinder.
35PSakura Miko Gas GIF from 35psakuramiko GIFs

Here are 2 ways to detect gas leaks from your gas tubing in your home:
1. Using a soap solution
Cover the entire tubing with the soap solution including the area where the rubber tubing and the propane tank inlet meets.
Once you see bubbles forming on the rubber tubing and the tank inlet, REPLACE your rubber tubing with a new one and attach the rubber tubing more securely into the propane tank.
2. Electronic gas leak detector
The easier and safe way would to buy yourself an electronic gas leak detector.
With this device, any abnormal concentration of propane gas (gas from gas cylinders), will trigger an alarm warning you of danger.
Explosion GIF from Loudhouse GIFs


Up Your Instant Noodle Game And Make It A Refreshing And Delicious Experience

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Of all the different food and drink “hacks” and recipes that I’ve come across from the start of the pandemic, there’s one that I still dutifully swear by.

It’s easy to make, versatile, requires ingredients you probably already have, and most importantly, it’s DELICIOUS.
They are essentially cold ramyun noodles and referred to as naeng ramyun of Mul Naengmyeon in Korea, which is a popular Korean summer noodle dish.
This particular recipe I follow, however, was inspired while browsing YouTube.
Thank you, Aaron and Claire
As much as I’d love to take credit for this ingenious recipe, it was actually introduced to me by YouTubers Aaron and Claire, a Korean couple living in South Korea who post videos of ways to cook different Korean food.
Their video titled “9 New Ways To Enjoy Korean Ramyun Ramen Recipes hack” was posted about a year ago and has since received close to 7 million views.
Of the nine ways, I’ve only tried three and cold ramyun is hands down my favourite.
While the recipe they have noted is skewed towards a Korean audience, I found that it works with nearly any kind of instant noodles (hello Maggi lovers).
The game-changing recipe

Soupy instant noodles may be good on a cool and rainy day. But seeing how Malaysia is mostly sunny and hot all year round, these noodles will leave you refreshed.
It also makes the noodles look and taste very atas.
The Basics
1 pack of ramyun instant noodles  (any one that comes with flavour packets or soup powder)1/2 a cucumber 1 cup cabbage 1 stalk green onion 1 ½ tablespoons sugar (brown or white)1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce1 boiled egg 200ml cold water3 to 4 ice cubes
The Extras
1 to 2 chillies (according to your prefrence)1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)1/4 cup shredded chicken (or whatever cooked meat you want)
The Procedure
My noodles without broth (L), Noodles with broth (R)
Boil your noodles according to recommended time (DO NOT put the flavour packets in – save those for step 5).Once noodles are boiled, rinse it with cold water, drain and set aside.Slice your cucumber and cabbage up in thin strips (julienne style). Chop your green onion and chilli up.In a mixing bowl, combine your instant noodle powder with 1 ½ tablespoon each of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.Add 200 ml of cold water to the mix and add a few ice cubes for a cooler experience.Place your noodles in a serving bowl, layer on the cucumbers, cabbages, shredded meat (optional) and place half a boiled egg on top.Pour the broth (from step 6).Sprinkle green onion generously. Add chilli slice and sesame seeds if you’re using them.
If you’re more a visual person and would like to know how it’s done, you can refer to how Aaron and Claire do it here:

The verdict
It’s a delicious, tangy, refreshing, and in my case, spicy twist on your pantry staple – instant noodles.
The cabbage and cucumbers give it a nice crunch, which also psyches you into thinking you’re eating healthy.
The sourish, acidic taste of vinegar, mixed with soy sauce, sugar and ramyun powder works surprisingly well together, coupled with ice-cold water which dilutes the strong paste and leaves you feeling rather cool.
Read More: How To Properly Use These 3 Common Korean Pastes

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Apple Rolls Out iOS 13.7 With Covid-19 Contact Tracing Feature

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Apple has deployed the latest update for its operating system, iOS 13.7 which comes with a contact tracing feature – Exposure Notification Express.
The system will be using Bluetooth to curb the spread of Covid-19 where users will be notified if they have been exposed to somebody who has contracted the virus.
Both Apple and Google have agreed on making the exposure notification solution with the latter looking to roll out the feature soon to Android 6.0 devices.
It’s supposed to show up on your phone like thisPicture Credit: 9to5Mac
According to reports, for some reason, the feature is not yet available in Malaysia but Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry said that the government has requested for the application programming interface (API).
Currently, Malaysia has a bunch of apps for contact tracing, such as MySejahtera, MyTrace, Gerak Malaysia and Selangkah to name a few.
I’ve just checked with the team. We have requested for the API. Hope to get it in the next few days.— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) May 21, 2020

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Malaysian Forced To Pay RM1,575 For Screen Protector At Petaling Street

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A netizen shared in a Facebook group a few days ago that he thought he would only pay RM25 for a mobile phone protective film at Petaling Street.

She, however, ended up owning “the most expensive protective film”, which cost her RM1,575.
She took to social media to warn others to be careful about this kind of fraud.
The post also triggered a lot of discussion among netizens.

On the evening of 26 February, she passed by Petaling Street alone.
Suddenly, a salesperson said it only cost RM25 to change the protective film and mobile phone case.
She then followed the salesperson to their mobile phone shop.
After arriving at the store, the salesperson asked her for an ID card.
When she asked why she needed an ID card, the salesperson explained that there was insurance for mobile phone screens and registration was required.
I really thought that insurance was for the warranty, and then when his colleague entered my information into the computer for me to check, I suddenly saw details of an insurance with RM2,099 written on it. I asked what this was. He explained, if the screen is damaged later, a claim can be made.The victim narrating the modus operandi used by the phone shop in Petaling Street.
She asked if she would be billed RM2,099, but the salesperson replied that she would not be billed that amount later on and assured her that only one payment was required.
Shock Of Her Life
After completing the replacement of the protective film and registration, the salesperson charged her RM2,099 plus RM25.
She asked him why it wasn’t RM25 as agreed, but the man said RM2,099 was insurance money.
The woman was deeply dissatisfied because she had been given assurance earlier on.
The salesperson argued that “it is true that the bill will not be sent later, but the money must be paid back immediately.”
She said that the clerk of the phone shop never mentioned RM2,099 from the beginning to the end and only said RM25 all the time.
She thought she understood the insurance charges, but now she has registered and cannot cancel it.
Since she was just a student and her bank account only had RM1,700, the final payment was lowered to RM1,575.
I don’t know why I give the money, instead of just turning around and leave. The salesman who brought me here explained to me that he wanted to ‘help’ me. I really thought he was a good person, so I cooperated with him to solve the problem. I really felt as if he is Buddha reincarnated.The victim on why she decided to cough up the money despite being scammed.
Power Of Social Media
She did not reveal the shop’s name in her post and said she did not lodge a police report.
However, Facebook users left her comments asking her to file a report, saying that this was a fraudulent act. She finally revised the post and repeatedly emphasized that she would report the case.
The original post was shared over 10,000 times.
The victim eventually went to the DAP Bukit Bintang office to have someone accompany her to report the incident.
Eventually, the shop owner involved returned the money.
Now it remains to be seen if enforcement agencies will prosecute the shop owner.

Is Petaling Street A Good Place To Shop?
Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown, is a popular shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur.
It is known for its bustling street markets selling various goods such as clothes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, and pets.
However, like any tourist hotspot, it’s important to exercise caution when shopping at Petaling Street.
Kuat scam betul kedai dekat petaling street ni. Saja tanya harga casing iphone 11 dia dengan selamba sebut rm65 satu. Harey aku beli rm10 je siak kat shopee.— Dele (@DeleAbduls) February 16, 2020
While you may find some good deals and unique items, there are risks, such as counterfeit products, pickpocketing, and fraud.
If you do decide to shop in Petaling Street, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Bargain for the best price: Haggling is expected in Petaling Street, so don’t hesitate to negotiate with the vendors to get the best price possible.Check the quality of the products: Inspect the items you want to buy carefully before purchasing to ensure they are of good quality and not counterfeit.Keep your valuables safe: Keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings to avoid becoming a victim of pickpocketing.Be cautious when buying pets: If you’re considering buying a pet, make sure to do your research on the breed and the seller to ensure the animal’s health and well-being.
While shopping in Petaling Street can be a fun and exciting experience, it’s important to stay alert and cautious to avoid potential risks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34G08bSSxoc

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Wan Junaidi: Govt Will Oppose Sulu Heir’s Bid To Target Malaysia’s Assets In Netherlands

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Malaysia will exhaust all legal options to stop the heirs of a former Sulu sultan from enforcing the RM62.59 billion arbitration award as ruled by an international arbitration court in Paris earlier this year.

“Malaysia will spare no expense in defending its sovereignty and its assets abroad wherever they may be situated,” de-facto law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.
The statement came after the Sulu sultan heirs had yesterday asked a Dutch court for permission to seize Malaysian assets in the Netherlands.
The group had previously seized two Petronas assets in Azerbaijan –  Petronas Azerbaijan (Shah Deniz) S.à r.l. and Petronas South Caucasus S.à r.l. – which was reported to be worth more than USD2 billion (RM8.87 billion).
According to the report, some of Malaysia’s biggest companies have operations in the Netherlands, including the national oil and gas company.
“Petronas’ assets are not assets belonging to the government of Malaysia and it would be an abuse of the process of any court to seek enforcement against such assets,” added Wan Junaidi.
In March, an international court in Paris ruled that Malaysia had violated a treaty signed in 1878 and now will have to pay at least US$14.92 billion (RM62.59 billion) to the descendants of the Sulu sultan, almost 10 years after making the last payment to its heirs.
The treaty was signed on 22 January 1878 by Sultan Jamal Al Alam of Sulu with Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent of the British North Borneo Company that stipulates North Borneo (Sabah) was either ceded or leased (depending on the translation used) to the company in return for a yearly payment of 5,000 Malayan Dollar.
The government was ruled to violate the treaty after stopping the Sulu sultan heirs’ annual RM5,300 cession money payment in 2013 following the Lahad Datu incursion.
Malaysia had filed to nullify the decision at the Paris Court of Appeals in 3 March.
READ MORE: PM: Malaysia Applies To Cancel RM62 Billion Award To Sulu Sultan Descendants

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Pinocchio’s Live-Action Remake Will Make You Wish Upon A Star Again [Review]

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Based on the 1940 animated musical fantasy film with the same title, the live-action remake is now available on Disney+ Hotstar on Disney+ Day.

READ MORE: Celebrate Disney Plus Hotstar Day With Fun Activities And Games At Sunway Pyramid
The idea that was first in inception since 2015 finally made its way to the screens after 8 years of planning. Following the numerous change of screenwriters, directors and producers, the film eventually started filming in March 2021.
Instead of a theatrical release, the film was decided to be released on Disney+ only because of the pandemic back in 2020 and the decision on the screening medium hasn’t changed since.
Nevertheless, the wait for the new Pinocchio was kinda worth it. I know I enjoyed it.
All it takes is a little bit of magic. (Credit: Disney+)
If you don’t know the story (how is that possible?)
Pinocchio tells a story of a wooden marionette doll that came to life and the struggles that he has to face to become a real in-the-flesh little boy.
In a little town in Italy, Pinocchio sets on an adventure with his wise cricket friend as his conscience and went through a lot of trials and temptations – his journey to school, to become famous, to Pleasure Island and into the deep sea (no wonder the film is almost two hours, he went on plenty of adventures!).
This film is also heavily focused on the love that a father (Gepetto, the woodcarver) has for his son and the depths that he would go through just to find his missing boy (this part is a tear-jerker).
I swore I ALMOST cried at this part. Which parent is ready to leave their children on the first day of school? 😭(Credit: Disney+)
Old and new characters
Even though the 1940’s film was way different from the original 1883 story (Pinocchio killed Jiminy the cricket, was burned alive and almost hung to death), Disney always had a knack to turn horror classic tales into happily-ever-after million-dollar legends.
This time, there are not many differences between the original film and the remake but the differences actually quite complement the story with new characters, background stories and songs.
The original animated film is a vast departure from the source material. We use the 1940 Disney version as a template and an outline for our story. We just modernize the storytelling because there was a different sort of pacing in movies 60 years ago than there is now. But we basically kept the spirit and the tone and the theme of the first movie.Robert Zemeckis, Director of 2022’s Pinocchio film
The 2022 film opens up with a little bit of new baggage attached to Gepetto that’ll tug your heart. (Credit: Disney+)
The classic characters are brought to life by talented and well-acclaimed actors such as Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) as Gepetto, Luke Evans (Dracula, Beauty & the Beast) as The Coachman, Cynthia Erivo (Harriet) as the Blue Fairy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer, Premium Rush) as Jiminy Cricket, Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele, Keanu) as Honest John as well as Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Pinocchio.
There are a few additional characters as well in the film such as the seagull and the puppeteer. You’ll also be greeted with the cute and funny theatrics of Figaro (the cat) and Cleo (the goldfish that somehow survived being thrown in the ocean in its fishbowl 🤔).
How is it different?
This 2022 film makes me wanna go hug my ol man. Tom Hanks played the father role very well, as he cared and worried a lot about his wooden son getting lost all by himself. He even set sail to the never-ending sea (with his cat and goldfish too) in futile hopes to find Pinocchio.
The main differences that I noticed in the show are the sad baggage that Gepetto carried in the opening scene (it made the movie a bit more meaningful), how Jiminy tried his best to help the boy without the fairy, the act of being kind to strangers, and the ending. Well, let’s not get into the details too much or else this will be a spoiler article.
More than just a kid’s show
This movie is suitable for children and adults of all ages. Anyone can watch this without rewatching or even knowing the plot from the 1940’s film. The story writes itself. But if you’re into the classics, why not catch the original film too just to make a few comparisons?
If you’re a hardcore Disney fairytale fan, Pinocchio is a must-watch! You’ll probably sing along to the classic ‘Wish Upon A Star’ song.
Catch Pinocchio on Disney+ Hotstar starting 8 September in conjunction with Disney+ Day today.

READ MORE: ‘Cars’ Franchise Has A Mini-Series Coming To Disney+ Hotstar This 8 September!
READ MORE: Can’t Watch Thor 4 In Theatres? You Might Get To Watch It On Disney+ Hotstar

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Jho Low Paid RM33 Million To Lobby Trump To Stop Investigating 1MDB

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A former top political fundraiser for US President Donald Trump has been charged for illegally lobbying the US government to drop its probe into the Malaysia 1MDB corruption scandal.

What you need to know: The aide, Elliot Brody participated in a scheme to illegally lobby the Trump administration to stop investigating the embezzlement scandal at the 1MDB Malaysian state investment fund. Court documents revealed that he was recruited by Foreign National A, who was described as “a wealthy businessman living in East Asia who has been separately charged for his role in orchestrating and executing a multi-billion-dollar embezzlement scheme for 1MDB.” Foreign National A is believed to be Low Taek Jho, aka Jho Low.
How did it get here: Court documents reveal that Elliot attempted to set up a golf game between then prime minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and US President Donald Trump in September 2017, in part to allow the Malaysian PM to raise the resolution of the 1MDB matter. Jho Low allegedly paid Elliot USD8 million (~RM33 million) upfront and agreed to pay an additional USD75 million (~RM311 million)“success” fee if the matter – forfeiture of 1MDB proceedings – was resolved in 180 days.  The golf game between Najib Razak and Donald Trump failed to happen.
Read more:
Ex-Trump Fundraiser Charged With Illegal Foreign Lobbying (Bloomberg)
United States of America v Elliot Broidy (Court Listener)

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Source:
Ex-Trump Fundraiser Charged With Illegal Foreign Lobbying
United States of America v Elliot Broidy (Court Listener)


Covid-19: Proton Confirms 50 Members Of Staff Positive

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PROTON has confirmed that 50 members of their staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

According to a media statement released today, their employees were screened after one member of staff tested positive on 14 October.
From the screening, another 49 members of staff were found to be positive as well. This has since been reported to the authorities.
All members of staff are from their Engineering Division in Shah Alam. The company has since requested all non-essential personnel at the Shah Alam facility to work from home.
Close contact tracing of the positive individuals are currently underway, and the company is continuing to adhere to the relevant standard operating procedures to curb the further transmission of the virus.

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Govt Announces Sabah Interstate Travel Ban From October 7 Onwards

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The National Security Council (MKN) has announced a travel ban to and from Sabah that comes into effect on 7 October 2020.

In a statement, Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Yaakob states that the travel ban prohibits anyone from entering or leaving the state for 14 days until 20 October 2020.
However, there are exemptions given to special cases involving emergencies, deaths, necessary services and others with the permission of the Health Ministry.
Only these categories are allowed to enter Sabah during the 14-day interstate travel ban period:
Sabahans holding MyKad code HSpouse to Sabahans who have a valid Malaysian immigration pass issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department, State of Sabah, or proof of marriage and child birth certificate.Essential service workers (essential service) who have a valid pass issued by the Immigration Department, State of Sabah.Non-Sabahan students who have a student card / pass from the Malaysian Immigration Department, State of Sabah.Federal Civil Service members serving in Sabah are required to obtain the stamp of section 66 (1) (d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 at the Immigration office Sabah after entering the state.Permanent resident of Sabah who has a MyPR code H or Entry Permit Card or the endorsement of the entry permit in the passport.Applications to the Chief Minister’s Department through the Office of Home Affairs & Research for consideration.
Those who have obtained permission to enter and leave Sabah must undergo Covid-19 screening test upon arrival at the entry points of their respective destinations.

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Selangor Civil Servants Get Extra 2.5 Months Salary In Financial Aid

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The Selangor government announced the Special Financial Assistance (BKK) of 2.5 months for the year 2022 for members who have served under the administration of the state government.

The Menteri Besar of Selangor, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, said the first-time BKK grant of a minimum of RM1,000 was implemented through a special Rahmah Ramadan 2022 incentive in conjunction with the last Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The second BKK would see a one-month minimum wage incentive of RM1,000 with an estimated financial implication of RM37 million that will be paid on 29 December.Menteri Besar of Selangor, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, on the BKK payout.
Bantuan Khas Kewangan (BKK) diberikan kepada penjawat Awam Selangor sebanyak 2 Bulan setengah.#KitaSelangor #JaPenSelangor#JabatanPenerangan pic.twitter.com/GkVv1Ly4kN— JaPen Selangor (@japenselangor1) November 25, 2022
He said this while recently speaking at the 2023 Budget Presentation at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Session.
According to Amirudin, the third BKK, an incentive of half a month’s minimum wage of RM1,000, will be paid in February next year.
The grant from BKK is to ease the burden on civil servants to cover the school preparations for the 2023/2024 session, which will start mid-March next year.
The granting of BKK is carried out based on the terms and conditions of qualified members.
The Human Resource Development will issue the guidelines for granting BKKDivision (BPSM).
The BKK announcement was well received by netizens, who thanked the state government for easing their financial burden.
Terima kasih Dato’ Seri @AmirudinShari untuk BKK penjawat awam Selangor. Sedikit sebanyak membantu untuk persediaan anak-anak ke sekolah tahun hadapan. shukran jzklh.— AnaAqili (@AnaAqili) November 25, 2022

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Soap-rise! Not All Soaps Are Created Equal And Here’s Why

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Spoilt for choice at the supermarket when it comes to buying yourself a bath or hand soap?

There are many things to consider like budget, fragrance, and ingredients. But before sliding down that rabbit hole of options, determine the TYPE of soap you should be buying for yourself first.
Bath bar soap vs body wash vs shower gels
Depending on your skin type and where you live, the type of soap makes a difference.
Dr Illyse Lefkowicz, a board-certified dermatologist specialising in general and cosmetic dermatology tells Real Simple:
The main difference between a  (soap) bar cleanser and body wash is the form they come in and how they interact with skin.
(Credit: Sincerely Media / Unsplash, Sarah Chai / Pexels, tquynh1112 / Pixabay)
While they both do their job to cleanse, Dr Lefkowicz says bar soaps tend to be harsher than body wash and can remove essential lipids and proteins, or alter the skin’s pH level, which can cause skin irritation.
Body wash on the hand has a milder formula which is best suited for people with normal to dry skin.
Similar to body wash is shower gel. While they are both liquid cleansers, shower gels have emollients to soften the skin and mild surfactants that create a rich, foamy lather.
The main difference between the two liquid soaps? Dr Lefkowicz says it’s in their consistencies and concentration of ingredients. Gels have a firmer consistency with a typically higher concentration of fragrance.
What’s the best bath soap for you?
Soap bars and shower gels are recommended for people with oily skin types or living somewhere hot and humid (hello Malaysia!).
Body washes on the other hand tend to be more hydrating and moisturizing which is useful in colder weather to help avoid stripping moisture away from the skin.
Hand bar soaps vs liquid soap
(Credit: Castorly Stock / Pexels)
When it comes to cleansing your hand, especially in times of Covid-19 where handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the virus, here are some factors to consider between buying soap bars or liquid soap.
First things first, both hand soap types are equally as effective as they will reduce the number of pathogens on your hands.
According to John Whyte, MD, WebMD Chief Medical officer via the Insider, here is a  breakdown of some pros and cons for bar and liquid soap:
Bar soap
Pros:
The friction created by rubbing the bar against your hand can be more effective at removing debris like dirt.Usually more cost-effective.Sustainable option in the way it is packaged. (e.g. thin cardboard vs plastic containing liquid)
In addition, studies show the environmental impacts of soaps and their associated packaging found that bar soaps have a lower environmental impact than liquid soaps including carbon footprint and ecotoxicity.
READ MORE: Kuantan Woman Wows Malaysians By Turning Nasty Used Cooking Oil Into Handmade Eco Soap
Cons:
Tends to dry skin out more.Unsightly when used as they can get slimy or mushy.Can accumulate bacteria when they stay out in the open for a long time.
Liquid soap
Pros:
Dispenser makes it easier and tidier to use.Often has added moisturizers with more scents and varieties available.
Cons:
Costlier than bar soap.
You may also come across foam soap but they may not be as effective as liquid or bar soaps in eliminating bacteria.
The research involved suggests that it may be less effective because it comes out of a pump as lather, whereas the liquid soap lather is built up in the process of handwashing.

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The Dhal You’re Eating At The Mamak Is Not Actually “Dhal”

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Dhal is probably the first introduction to “curry” for many Malaysians. It’s ubiquitous, not very spicy, flavourful, and goes incredibly well with any roti of your choice. Kids love it, adults love it, even the stray cats hanging around eateries love it.

There’s even a roti dish called roti banjir where the entire point is to drown a piece of roti in a hefty amount of dhal. The more dhal the merrier!
READ MORE: 17 Special Types Of Roti You Might Not Know At Your Malaysian Mamak Restaurant
The ubiquitous dhal found in mamaks all over the country.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
But you may be surprised to learn that what we love to eat is not actually dhal.
Dhal? It’s Sambar.
The dhal that usually comes with our roti is often a dark yellow watery split pigeon pea (toor dhal) stew with an assortment of vegetables, most often with carrots and potatoes, though some places jazz it up with lady’s fingers or eggplant. There is usually a generous sprinkle of mustard seeds (the small round black spices that like to hide in between your teeth) or cumin seeds (the ones that taste a little like mint when you accidentally bite it) too.
A simple plate of dhal to go with your roti. (Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
Sounds about right? Yep, that’s actually the ingredients and cooking method for sambar, which is actually more accurately known worldwide as a lentil-based vegetable stew.
That sambar does look very familiar, doesn’t it?(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
But We Also Have Actual ‘Dhal’
To make things more interesting, we also have what is actually more often known as dhal. Except we also call it ‘dhal‘.
This dhal is more accurately known as masoor dhal, which is a lentil stew made with red lentils and not pigeon peas. Usually, other than some onion for fragrance and tomato for acidity, other vegetables aren’t added to this.
It is brighter yellow and thicker in consistency with visible lentils in the stew. In Malaysia, it’s usually the kind of dhal that comes with naan.
Masoor dal looks like this. See the visible lentil bits?(Credit: Envato)
The masoor dhal shares similar spices as sambar, which is commonly known as Paanch Phoron (Indian Five Spice) which includes cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and nigella seeds.
A Malaysian Quirk
Much like how Malaysia is probably the only place in the world that calls it roti canai, whereas it’s known as roti pratha everywhere else, we’re also extremely fond of just calling the accompanying stew dhal.
Nothing hits the same like a piping hot roti with dhal and curry.
In fact, we’re not technically wrong in either case. The word ‘dhal’ simply means ‘split pulses, lentils in particular’. In short, ‘dhal’ refers to the main igredient– the legumes.
Of course, every establishment will have different ways of cooking their dhal. Some people like theirs a little more watery, some like theirs cooked down and creamy. In Malaysia, it’s especially common to just agak-agak it and not follow a true set recipe. So perhaps it does make sense to simply call our version ‘dhal‘.
In any case, Malaysians will happily shove it in our mouths anyway. After all, a dhal by any name will taste just as delicious.

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[Watch] Netizens Disappointed With New Look Coleslaw By KFC

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Every now and then, we see various expressions from the public whenever KFC introduces new dishes.

Recently, KFC Malaysia has a new look coleslaw and netizens are not amused.
A customer even took his grievances to social media by posting it on TikTok.
@ezhrjmn expressed utter disappointment that the coleslaw had been replaced with cucumber and corn coated in mayonnaise.
  @ezhrjmn i want my coleslaw back :((( ♬ original sound  – Abe
In another posting, he complained that the coleslaw is often unavailable in many KFC Malaysia outlets in Sarawak.
As such, it is speculated that the management decided to tackle the shortage by replacing it with ‘cucumber salad’ as seen in his TikTok posting.
  @ezhrjmn Reply to @rui__ned_ ♬ original sound  – Abe
No Longer Finger Licking Good
Netizens also expressed their disappointment.
KFC’s coleslaw is loved by many as it is chopped to the right size, and the mayonnaise and vinegar ratios give just the right amount of tangy creaminess
They pointed out that many of their favourite KFC dishes such as fries and potato wedges are also not the same as before.
Netizens added that KFC would be in trouble if they come across picky customers.

Some suggests making their own coleslaw based on KFC’s characteristic flavour.

Previously, netizens had also complained the lack of chicken at KFC outlets, and also the small size of chickens.
KFC Malaysia said the shortage was due to global supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  @kakdk_7 Ayam habissss….. #kfc #untukfyp #malaysiatiktok #fypdooonggggggg #myfoodie ♬ original sound  – Dk_7

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M’sian Author Karina Robles Bahrin Wins Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2022

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Malaysian author Karina Robles Bahrin, 53, has emerged as the winner of the Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2022.

She bested three other finalists from Singapore and won RM77,777.50 (SG$25,000) in prize money.
Her winning submission is titled The Accidental Malay, and it’s set in Malaysia. It tells the story of Jasmine Leong, a workaholic who intends to be the next chief executive of a bak kua company owned by the wealthy Leong family.
However, Jasmine’s dreams hit a snag when she finds out that she’s actually Malay.

In her acceptance speech at the virtual ceremony, Karina said the win was unexpected because it was her first attempt at writing a novel.
I’d like to firstly congratulate all the other shortlisted finalists. I think their books sound fantastic and I’m really looking forward to reading them. And to Epigram, a big thank you to them for continuing to push on and still have this award available to South-east Asian writers despite challenges of the current times. Karina Robles Bahrin said during the virtual ceremony.
As reported by The Star, Nanyang Technological University professor Shirley Chew, who was on the judging panel, hailed her novel as “an intelligent, well-crafted and significant work.”
According to Malay Mail, Karina – who resides in Langkawi, Kedah – also runs a hotel, restaurant, farm and community storytelling initiative on the island.

She’s also the second Malaysian to win the regional award. The first was Joshua Kam in 2020 with his novel How The Man In Green Saved Pahang, And Possibly The World.
The other Singaporean finalists – student Ng Ziqin, 20; private tutor Nisha Mehraj, 37; and general practitioner Tan Lip Hong, 58 – will each get RM16,000 (S$5,000).
The four shortlisted novels will be published in the second half of this year.
Congratulations and well done, Karina!

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Free Roadside Parking In Kuala Lumpur Until 31 August, Says FT Minister

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Starting from today until 31 August, roadside parking in Kuala Lumpur will be free, said Federal Territories Minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said on Twitter that the decision was made to reduce the rakyat‘s expenditures so that they can use it for other means.
I agree that from tomorrow until 31st August, all road side parking in the Kuala Lumpur City area is free. Consumers do not have to pay anything and hopefully the savings can be used to buy necessities for their family.Federal Territories Minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa via Twitter
So far, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall hasn’t issued a statement on the matter and it’s reported by The Star that even officers were surprised, saying that they were not aware of the announcement made by the Minister.
Netizens are equally flabbergasted
Malaysians were also somewhat surprised that the Minister chose to announce the initiative during a time when most can’t even go out of their homes due to the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) and the soon to be implemented Enhance Movement Control Order (EMCO).
Some areas in the capital and also multiple districts in Selangor are expected to be under the EMCO starting 3 July until 16 July.
READ MORE: [JUST IN] EMCO For Several Districts In Selangor And Some Areas In Kuala Lumpur Starting 3 July To 16 July
PKPD = orang x ramai keluar.Annuar Musa"This is the right time to give free parking to all" https://t.co/EflNG0bSK0— Haziq ☝ (@Haziqmahmur9) July 1, 2021
Mesti dia rasa mcm dah terpaling genius dah buat benda ni. Mesti. https://t.co/CMEPcZTTpc— InjangNation🏴 (@InjangNation) July 1, 2021

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Cigarette alternative; IQOS gets US FDA approval

The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has given Philip Morris International the green light to sell their IQOS products there.

 IQOS, which is pen-shaped and comes with a charger, vaporizes mini tobacco sticks by heating instead of burning them. (Pic Credit:  Philip Morris International)

Though not yet approved in Malaysia, an approval by the US FDA is a positive step for the company.
However, whether it is less harmful has yet to been determined by the US FDA.

IQOS is popular among Japanese.(Pic Credit: Vox)

Currently, IQOS is available in most parts of Europe, South Korea and especially in Japan.
IQOS is well received in Japan as the sale of liquid nicotine is banned there.

There is an expected increase in consumption of non traditional cigarettes(Pic Credit: No Fire, No Smoke, Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction)

IQOS does not come in attractive fruity or sweet flavours like previous e-cigarettes, and are expected to have a higher retail price.
These factors are said to be an attempt to ward off teenagers and young adults from consuming the IQOS.
Source via:1. Times, May 1, 2019 (A Device That Heats Tobacco, But Doesn’t Burn It, Can Now Be Sold in the U.S. Here’s What to Know About IQOS) 2. Malay Mail, May 1, 2019 (FDA permits sale of Philip Morris IQOS tobacco-heating alternative to cigarettes)


Hannah Yeoh Condemns Former BAM Athlete’s Racist Remarks

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A former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) backup player Bong Guan Yik stirred controversy in Douyin (China’s Tiktok) just a few days after the case of Hanis Nadiah Onn, the national hockey player, was put to bed.

READ MORE: National Hockey Player Suspended For Racist Comment About AR Rahman Concert
Bong claimed that the country’s national players performed badly at the Malaysian Open 2023 because “BAM is managed by Malays.”
He further went on to claim that the Malay-led management was lazy and “only knows how to eat.” He claimed the management had no intention of improving or advancing the sport in the country.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh caught wind of the video and upon investigation found that Bong is no longer Malaysia’s national athlete.
Bong was a former badminton backup player in 2014 and is no longer living in Malaysia.

Although Bong apologized for his insensitive remarks, Hannah strongly condemns any speech that touched on racial and religious sensitivities.
She clarified that a person’s religious worship does not interfere with their performance as an athlete, saying it has never been a problem in Malaysia.
She reiterated her position that sports must be free from any racial or political elements, adding that national athletes serve as an inspiration to the rakyat.
Hannah also advised everyone to be careful of what they post on social media.
Hannah’s swift action was praised online while Bong’s remarks received criticism. The netizens felt he has forgotten Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious society and culture.
Some of them also believe he should come back to Malaysia to coach the national team and prove his mettle instead of just “talking big.”
Despite all the big talk, some netizens admitted that they do not know Bong and wondered how many championships he has participated in or won.
Although Bong’s remarks were unwarranted, a few netizens acknowledged that BAM’s management needed improvements.
  @ahboy282 Bekas Pemain🇲🇾kata Melayu sembahyang 5kali sehari Takde niat nak jaga BAM …hidup kat tahun 2023 mindset masih mcm ni haizzz##badmintonmalaysia🇲🇾##ahboybadminton##malaysiatiktok##badminton ♬ original sound  – ahboybadminton

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