Freak Storm Hits Penang, Several Areas And Vehicles Damaged But No Casualties Or Floods Reported

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A freak storm caught a lot of people by surprise and caused damage in several areas in Penang on Tuesday evening, 8 February.

Social media was abuzz with videos and pictures of the damage such as uprooted trees and damaged vehicles from locals.
In a TikTok video shared by @aerulbp7, motorists at the Penang Bridge had to slow down their vehicles due to strong winds which started after 5pm.
The video showed the people who were fishing under the bridge facing the rough seas too.
  @aerulbp7 Hti2 rider smua.. Penang ribut #penangmalaysia #fyp ♬ suara asli – MKTI💫SCEI✨JENIKAMILA86✨ – JENIKAMILA_MKTI💫KPCI
Based on comments, those who fish under the bridge will usually tie themselves close to the pillar and hold on strongly.

According to State environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, trees were uprooted in areas along Jalan Zainal Abidin, Jalan Tengku in George Town, and at North Seberang Prai.
One of the uprooted trees at Jalan Tengku fell on top of a car. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The uprooted trees blocked a path towards Bukit Bendera too, as reported by The Star.
Image: Penang Island Official/ FB
The freak storm also damaged the roofs of a food court near the Sungai Ara mini stadium on Jalan Tun Dr Awang and a food stall in Taman Abidin, Jelutong.
Berita Harian reported that the sudden strong winds and heavy rains took everyone at the food court in Sungai Ara by surprise. The torn roof landed on some vehicles too.
Image: Berita Harian
No casualties and floods so far
Despite the heavy winds, there were no floods or casualties reported so far.
The Civil Defence Force (APM) together with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) are carrying out the cleanup process together in the affected areas.
Previously, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a secondary warning on strong winds and rough seas around 5pm on Tuesday. Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds were to be expected over the waters of Perlis, Kedah and Penang.
The forecast predicted strong winds up to 50 km/h and rough seas with waves reaching 3.5m.
MetMalaysia’s long-term weather analysis determined that Malaysia is now in the midst of the North-East monsoon season which will continue into March 2022.
READ MORE: Heads Up Malaysia, Haze, Drought & Storms Are Coming Our Way This CNY Weekend

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Should Parents With Children In Strollers Use The Lift? Some Malaysians Don’t Think So

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Parenting and raising a child is hard, but some people think parents deserve to suffer because they chose to start a family. And to be honest, that’s some messed-up rationalisation.

Recently, a parent lamented that they had to wait for a long time to use the lift at KLCC. Ameen Azizul was waiting for the lift with his baby and his wife, who’s five months pregnant.
Even when the lift stops at their floor, the lift was full of young people who wouldn’t give way. In the end, they decided to fold up the stroller and use the escalator.
Koyak teruk harini. 7-8 round tunggu turn nak naik lif di KLCC. Punyalah ignorant takda sorang pun bagi laluan. Padahal semua muda2, bawan shopping bag je, bukan stroller atau warga emas. Lama sgt tunggu last last kami mengalah, lipat stroller, dukung anak, turun escalator. pic.twitter.com/xDqC1p6YoR— AAA (@ameenazizul) August 14, 2022
On that day, kami dh tegur n dah cakap elok2 minta bagi laluan sebab kami pakai stroller dan wife pregnant 5 months. Tapi memang tiada orang nak keluar dari lift n buat taktahu. I said i koyak bukan sebab penat, but because i had high hopes to us, Malaysians.— AAA (@ameenazizul) August 21, 2022
Netizens have their say
A few netizens empathised with Ameen and shared their experiences as parents in the shopping mall.
A netizen Yana said she once held the lift door open and asked everyone healthy to get out so that her mother in a wheelchair and a baby in a stroller could get in.
Another fellow parent Noraini experienced a similar issue at another mall and was upset at some people’s lack of common sense.
Some netizens also pointed out that the signs outside the lift remind the public to give way to the elderly and parents with young children.
I pernah tunggu lama sangat. I halang pintu lift tuh suruh semua keluar, that time i bawak my mom in wheelchair + baby in stroller. I ckp yg sihat tolong keluar boleh tak, tak nampak ker org bwk stroller, wheelchair lg. In loud voice. Terus kosong lift 😌— Yana | Skin Scandal 👑 (@DiyanaHussin) August 19, 2022
Sakit hati betul aku baca yang reply dan QRT macam tak ada akal ni. Hello! Kita memang kena keluar atau jangan masuk lif kalau nampak ada orang lain yang lebih memerlukan.Dekat setiap lif ada tampal beri laluan pada warga emas dan parents ni kan?Astaghfirullahalazim. Sedih! pic.twitter.com/qUjC8nBBmb— Kakchik Asha (@KakchikAshaKC) August 20, 2022
Pernah juga line up kat icity mall tu tunggu turn nak guna lift, saya, husband dengan stroller n anak2, tapi yg guna lift semua sihat Wal afiat bukan wrga emas ibu mengandung atau bawa baby. Geram sangat sebab takde common sense.— Noraini Syafiqah (@n_rainisyafiqah) August 20, 2022
However, some netizens criticised parents for going out to a shopping mall. They said no one forced parents to go out of their homes and they should accept being tired.
A netizen Firdaus Othman said single people also get tired and parents aren’t the only ones.
Critics also gave advice such as telling parents to use another lift, asking others in the lift to leave each time and using a baby carrier.
Kalau penat takyah lah keluar bawa anak waktu peak hours bodoh. Dah tahu benda tu menyusahkan dan memenatkan, nak buat jugak. Takde siapa pun paksa kau keluar penat2 bawa anak, kau yang nak bawa. So hadap jelah. Nak emo2 salahkan orang lain taknak layan kau macam vip dah kenapa— Lana binti Del Rey (@xisalocin) August 21, 2022
Drpd membiak generasi pemalas,dh tahu ada anak,nk mngelupur jalan2 g mall.dgn mak2 yg uzur naik wheelchair pun paksa kluar jugak sbb celaka ni mngelupo nk jalan mall.usung— Ashton Kutcher (@tehtarikOnIce) August 20, 2022
I pon manusia biasa. Nk cepat dan cepat penat. Beratur dan tunggu turn je nk masok lift tu. Jangang ingat i ni single jalan sensorang tak penat ya.Makin tua makin cepat penat nye.— firdausothmann (@firdaus_othmann) August 20, 2022
Lift ada banyak kot haha takkan PL9 centercourt jugak nak pakai.— AZIZDEAN (@azizzudin) August 20, 2022
Good advise, but why parents yang bawak kids kena find alternative sedangkan lift tu priority for them and the disabled?— PU Ronal (@adiksedaraCR7) August 20, 2022
There are others who spoke against the critics too. A netizen voiced disappointment regarding some of the self-centred comments.
He questioned why the youths insist on using lifts when they could use escalators. People in wheelchairs and parents with children in strollers should be given priority to use the lift because they need more space.
The replies are pissing me off. Obliged to gv way or not, stroller or not, yang muda2 ni apa masalah korang desperate sgt nak naik lift? Klcc tu bukan 10 tingkat pun cb. Escalator pun straightfoward centered style, bukan kena pusing2.— spuh (@spa2luh) August 20, 2022
Pastu wheelchair pun kena lipat la then papah org yg duk kat wheelchair tu? Wheelchair lagi take a lot of space— yoonkin (@ekiyn_ash) August 20, 2022
It’s really just good manners
Giving way to the elderly and pregnant women is just good manners, thoughtfulness and kindness.
A netizen Jeffrey Ryan @jeff_carlito explains it best. By modelling good behaviour, his children will follow his actions and so forth.
Doing little acts of kindness and showing some empathy and care is how society can make the world a kinder place.
Based on the comments in the original Twitter thread, we definitely need more kindness and thoughtfulness in society.
Giving up my seat for the elderly, disabled, pregnant, parents with lil kids✅Stopping the car at a zebra crossing✅Holding the door when someone is coming in right behind✅I follow my Dad's footsteps. My child will follow mine.This is how we make the world a kinder place ✌— Jeffrey Ryan 🤘 (@Jeff_Carlito) August 20, 2022

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Diver Nur Dhabitah Is Through To The Finals For Women’s 3m Springboard!

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Malaysian diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri is through to the Finals for the Women’s 3m Springboard.

In her dive which was scheduled today (31 July) at 2pm local Malaysian time, Nur Dhabitah along with 18 other divers competed against each other to be among the top 12 to qualify for the finals.
She came in 6th place with a final score of 312.60. Her dive score breakdown as published on the official Olympics website is as follows:

The Women’s 3m Springboard Final is scheduled for Sunday, 1 August at 3 pm.

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Alliance Bank Confirms Staff Tested Positive for Covid-19

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Alliance Bank confirmed that a staff member has tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement released today, the bank explained that the non-client facing employee had returned from Sabah on 27 September, but physically absent from work since 12 September before she traveled to the state.
This employee has not had any physical contact with any other employees at the office since then. The employee is currently undergoing medical treatment at an appointed government hospital.Alliance Bank.
The bank assures that they are strictly observing all safety measures in accordance to the Health Ministry’s SOPs.
The Health Ministry had previously announced that those entering Peninsular Malaysia from Sabah between 27 September to 10 October will have to undergo home quarantine and be screened for Covid-19.

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Two Man O’ War Jellyfish Attacks Recorded In Terengganu, Likely Due To The Monsoon Season

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The Northern Moonson season, the reason why the East Coast has been hit by floods has also brought dangerous animals a little bit closer to home as two Man O’ War jellyfish attacks have been recorded over in Pantai Kampung Kelulut dan Pulau Kerengga, Terengganu.

Berita Harian quoted the state’s Fisheries Department Director Ruzaidi Mamat who mentioned that the monsoon season is believed to be the main cause of the jellyfish drifting into the East Coast waters.
A survey of the two beaches today found four jellyfish stranded. As a result of the findings, we do not rule out the possibility that there are still species of jellyfish in the coastal area.Terengganu’s Fisheries Department Director Ruzaidi Mamat
They’re still venomous even though they’re dead
It’s reported that the last time they were found in the waters of the East Coast was back in February 2020 where the Fisheries Department recorded more than 1,000 jellyfish floating in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
The jellyfish move along with currents or wind.
Ruzaidi said the average length of tentacles of the species can reach more than nine meters and are covered with nematocysts that are filled with venom and used to paralyze, kill fish and other small creatures.
The sting from these translucent water creatures can be very painful to humans and he warned people to stay away from dead jellyfish that have washed ashore because their tentacles can still sting you.
People are advised not to touch the carcass as studies have shown that it is still toxic and can endanger health. Those who are stung are advised to seek treatment immediately at a nearby clinic or hospital.Terengganu’s Fisheries Department Director Ruzaidi Mamat

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[Watch] Kampung Bukit Tinggi Flooded, Roads Collapse As Heavy Rain Wreaks Havoc

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Inclement weather wreaked havoc in Kampung Bukit Tinggi, with mud-brown water flooding homes while roads collapsed.

Netizens posted videos and photos of the disaster unfolding on Sunday (12 Feb).

Muddy water flowed rapidly down the hill to the Bukit Tinggi town area since the afternoon, causing many vehicles passing through the area to become stranded.
Bentong Fire and Rescue Station said there were no casualties or casualties as of 8.30 pm.
However, the Bukit Tinggi-Janda Baik and Bukit Tinggi-Genting Sempah routes are closed to all vehicles as a safety measure.
Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman was on the ground to assess the situation.
She urged the public to be careful despite a receding water level as the day enters into the night.

Meanwhile, the Bentong Public Works Department (JKR) had sealed off part of the FT68 route from Simpang Janda Baik leads to Genting Sempah and from Simpang Janda Baik down to Bukit Tinggi.
The roads are completely closed temporarily due to a 100m-long landslide.
Road users can take the Simpang Janda Baik to Bukit Tinggi secondary school route as an alternative.

Better Safe Than Sorry
Meanwhile, some 300 residents have been told to evacuate.
The Star quoted village head Young Meow Foong saying that a landslide may be triggered, so she advised the people to move out as a safety precaution.
Some conscientious camp operators are not taking chances and have closed their operations until further notice.

The concern is understandable.
Less than three months ago, the nation was shocked by the landslide at Batang Kali.
The landslide trapped 92 people under a collapsed slope; most were guests at the Father’s Organic Farm.

Father’s Organic Farm was a camping-style farm cum homestay, some 30-minute drive from Bukit Tinggi town via Gohtong Jaya.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 31 people, while 61 were rescued, with 8 requiring hospitalisation.

In late December, police investigations into the landslide tragedy at the Father’s Organic were said to be 90% completed.
The government then said the full report on the landslide tragedy was expected to be finished by the end of January.
To date, no one has been charged over the incident.
READ MORE: Father’s Organic Farm Expresses Sympathy And Condolence, Says Natural Disasters Are Inevitable

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Transport Ministry Mulls Over Idea To Build Maglev Train System In Putrajaya

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The Malaysian Transport Ministry was recently briefed by South Korean railway experts about plans to build a potential maglev (magnetic levitation) train system in Putrajaya.

Transport Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong shared on Facebook on 13 June that he has been advised by EP Korea Railway managing director Yoo Jai Tark, who was part of the contingent of major South Korean industry players.
Wee also said there would be talks held between the Transport Ministry and the Ministry of Federal Territories to develop the maglev network and integrate it with existing rail and public transport services in Putrajaya.

Benefits of a maglev train
A maglev train uses magnetic levitation to lift the train off the track surface and propel the train forwards.
With less moving parts and rolling friction as compared to the traditional rail system, the maglev tech helps to lower maintenance costs and potentially leads to better energy efficiency at higher speeds. It’ll also help the trains to move quieter than traditional trains.
Back in 2016, New Straits Times reported that there were proposed plans to build a maglev train service in Johor Bahru.
While the benefits are enormous, the high construction costs and technological complexity stopped many countries from implementing it.
So far, only South Korea, Japan and China have maglev train systems. Based on a 2021 report by Free Malaysia Today, China is home to the fastest maglev train in the world and it’s capable of moving 600 km/h.

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Did You Know This PJ Mosque Has A Special Playgroup Just For Children With Autism Of All Faiths?

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In Malaysia, one often looks at a mosque as a place purely of worship and reverence. But the Kampung Tunku mosque in Petaling Jaya shows us that it can be a safe haven for people of all faiths, especially special needs children with autism.

That’s right, the Kampung Tunku mosque has a dedicated playgroup especially for autisctic children of all faiths!
The special playgroup called Kumpulan Anak Autisme Masjid Playgroup, or KAMI Playgroup, has been a sanctuary since November 2017 for children with autism to play and socialise with volunteers, parents and family members.
Credit: KAMI Playgroup/Facebook
Regardless of one’s belief, the children get to engage in numerous activities such as stimulating arts & crafts as well as fun games that help the young kids develop their motor skills.
Credit: KAMI Playgroup/Facebook
Credit: KAMI Playgroup/Facebook
One of the founders of KAMI Playgroup, Adline Abd Ghani, revealed in her personal blog that the idea stemmed from a friend, Hasniyati, who works with Kampung Tunku mosque and is also a mother to an autistic child.
Hasniyati was inspired to start a playgroup for children with autism after hearing the founder of Autism Cafe Project (ACP) Adli Yahya on the radio.
Adline explained that while the mosque gave Hasniyati the green light to proceed, the journey wasn’t exactly smooth sailing as she had no one to assist her.
Thankfully, fate brought us together and I volunteered to help her with the playgroup.Adline Abd Ghani
But the two decided to just push ahead for the good cause and that’s when things started really rolling.
A local early childhood education institution who caught wind of the project volunteered to have one of their teachers, who is also an occupational therapist, stationed at the centre for two months to share her experiences with KAMI Playgroup.
And so, KAMI Playgroup was launched in November 2017!
Credit: KAMI Playgroup/Facebook
Though it was meant to run as a pilot project for 6 months, the centre was so popular that it became a permanent fixture at Kg Tunku Mosque and is now fast approaching a three-year-strong run.
In an interview with FMT, Adline explained that their success was in part due to it being an affordable place for low-income families at only RM30 per month in contrast to the three figure fees at private autism centres.
However, with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the centre is currently closed, but plans are underway for them to reopen with SOPs tailored for autisctic children and their guardians.
Anyone who’d like to help out or enroll at KAMI Playgroup can reach out via Facebook (HERE) and Instagram (HERE) or drop an e-mail at kamiplaygroup@gmail.com.

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The Launch of KAMI, a special playgroup for Children with Autism @ Masjid Kg Tunku, Petaling Jaya
This PJ mosque has a play centre for autistic children of all faiths


K-KOM Finalising New Regulations For International Acts, To Be Unveiled By End Of The Year

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The government is expected to release new guidelines for international acts performing in Malaysia by the end of the year, refocusing attention on concerts.

According to Datuk Seri Mohd Mentek, the secretary-general of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, the amended guidelines will take into account all of the public’s sensitivity.
The Star reported in an exclusive interview that it is now being finalised by a committee inside the ministry-affiliated Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).
The system will be able to handle the entire application procedure for international filming and foreign performances, from the planning stages to the end.Datuk Seri Mohd Mentek
Currently, all performances by international artists in Malaysia must follow Puspal’s regulations. This will include restrictions for organisers and a code of ethics for performers, including how they dress and conduct themselves on stage.
It was said that they have been working to finalize it since 2019.
Mohammad also stated that a new system is in the works to handle the application procedure for permits for performances by foreign artists and filming by foreign film crews. This aims to facilitate applications more efficiently.
Puspal, which is now in the process of developing the system, expects that it will be available by the end of 2023.

PAS Youth is concerned about international concerts in Malaysia.
Last month, the subject of concerts by foreign acts gained centre stage as PAS Youth demanded that the government cancel all scheduled concerts involving artists otherwise, they would hold nationwide protests. They claimed that such events promoted hedonism.
Ahmad Fadhil Shaari, the wing’s chief, stated that concerts by international artists do not fit with the value standards of Muslims in Malaysia.

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Les’ Copaque Boss Responds To Backlash On Facebook, Shares Photos Of Expensive Cars

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Les’ Copaque Productions, the renowned animation studio behind the beloved Malaysian animated series “Upin & Ipin,” recently faced backlash after a podcast episode was released, featuring comments made about their staff.

READ MORE: Local Animation Company Faces Backlash For “Toxic Employee Gossip” In Podcast
In the podcast, the managing director, creative content director, lead scriptwriter, and human resources manager discussed workplace “drama”.
Netizens quickly condemned this behaviour as unprofessional and toxic, pointing out that the employees were likely unaware of the discussions happening among their superiors.
While they did not specifically name any staff member, the topics discussed included employee bonuses, salary comparisons, medical leave, and even minor instances of tardiness.
In response to the criticism, the company’s managing director, Burhan Radzi, took to social media to address the hate while showcasing his success by posting pictures of his cars and his book (umm okay?).
In a Facebook post, he noted that after reading through numerous comments, many of which came from former employees, he acknowledged that most of the negativity stemmed from resentment towards the company’s achievements.

However, he expressed concern that the comments had escalated into slanderous accusations against the company.

After reading all the comments, mostly from my ex-staff, I can safely say it’s mostly hated comments toward our success. Now it started to become slanderous with all the accusations towards our company.
Les’ Copaque Productions managing director Burhan Radzi
To shed light on Les’ Copaque’s journey and his personal success, he also encouraged those interested to know more about the company’s success to read his book, available in both English and Bahasa Malaysia at major bookstores and online platforms.

Those who want to know about Les Copaque and how I built my wealth please read my book. It is in English and Bahasa Malaysia and its available at all major book shops and online platform.
Les’ Copaque Productions managing director Burhan Radzi
In an effort to move forward, he also emphasised the importance of leaving the negativity behind.
He acknowledged the dedication and hard work of his loyal staff, consisting of over 200 individuals who are currently focused on various projects scheduled until the end of the year.
Promising exciting developments, he revealed that Les’ Copaque Productions would soon be announcing several new ventures aimed at advancing Malaysia’s digital economy.

It’s time we move on as my loyal staff, more than 200, will be very busy until the end of the year. Soon we’ll be making announcements on several new exciting projects to bring the digital economy of Malaysia to the forefront.
Les’ Copaque Productions managing director Burhan Radzi
Despite the controversy, Les’ Copaque Productions remains open to welcoming former staff members who wish to return to the company. The boss extended an invitation for them to apply for available positions.
However, he also urged those who were unsuccessful in their application to move on graciously.

For those out there who feel like coming back, you are welcome to apply. If you fail to be hired, please move on. Thank you
Les’ Copaque Productions managing director Burhan Radzi
He concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to those who have supported Les’ Copaque Productions throughout the years and reassured fans and followers that the company’s commitment to creating quality content and contributing to the growth of the Malaysian animation industry remains unwavering.

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Netflix Reduces Video Quality In Malaysia From Today Onwards

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The one respite from staying indoors all day 24/7 during the Movement Control Order (MCO) is the liberty to binge on all the shows and movies that we never had time for.
Among the most well known streaming service that facilitates this addiction is Netflix, but it seems that tragedy has befallen when they announced a reduction on their video quality in Malaysia from today (31st March) onwards.
According to lowyat.net, Netflix made this move to provide some relief on the stress put on their network infrastructure in Malaysia due to the increase in traffic during the MCO. The streaming service also says it’s to make sure that their subscribers can still Netflix & chill, even with the surge in traffic.
So for 30 days beginning midnight 31st March, the streaming service will reduce 25% of its traffic in Malaysia that will affect the video quality. However, Netflix insists that their subscribers can still continue watching the shows at the resolution they paid for, except that itâ€™s a slightly lower quality.
Speaking of what you paid for, Netflixâ€™s reduction offering only applies to their streaming quality and not their fee.
Original image via Reddit.

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Netflix Is Reducing Its Streaming Quality In Malaysia


Otak-Otak Muar Is Not The Only Otak-Otak In Malaysia – Here’s A List Of Others

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Have you ever gone to an outdoor food court, got a table and suddenly this random lady will slowly hand you a basket of those thin rectangular leaf parcels? Those are not free complimentary snacks, okay.

If you don’t know what that is, that’s called Otak-Otak or if you translate it directly,  ‘brains’. They’re called that because of their appearance, color and texture, that’s similar to mashed brains (appetizing meaning, wouldn’t you say?).
However, what they actually are, are fish pastes or specifically fish flesh mixed with other ingredients and cooked in leaves. They may look unconvincing, but once you try them, you’ll never get enough!
There are actually many kinds of fish pastes that you can find in Southeast Asia. They come in different shapes and are called by different names. There are also plenty of those in Malaysia too.
Here are the types of fish paste that you can find in Malaysia:
Otak-Otak Muar
Now, remember the ones that the lady slowly handed to you? Those are the Muar (Johor) style Otak-Otak. Different from other Otak-Otak in Indonesia and Penang, this one is red in colour because it has red chillies in it. They come in a thin flat rectangular shape.
(Credit: Melissa Suraya Ismail / TRP)
The ingredients used to make these are fish flesh, coconut milk and a bunch of spices as well as herbs. When the paste or puree is ready, they’re placed into coconut leaves or banana leaves, folded and secured, then grilled on a charcoal fire. They can also be cooked in ovens or occasionally steamed. The grilled version has a drier taste than the others but it is exceptionally good.
They can also be found in shapes like these. (Credit: @wilfreeed5, bellardiyanti / Twitter)
Otak-Otak Nyonya
The Peranakan style Otak- Otak in Penang is different from the Muar one. It has almost the same ingredients but its signature star component is the wild betel leaf (daun kaduk). This one comes in a thick triangular prism or box shape.
(Credit: @CafePenang / Twitter)
After the ingredients are pureed, they’re placed into banana leaves and steamed. Apart from fish, you can also find other seafood flavours for this kind of Otak-Otak like prawn, squid, and crab. This version of Otak-Otak is usually yellow or orange in colour and the texture is wet, succulent and super soft.
(Credit: @ZarinaHolmes, @NicFoodPhoto / Twitter)
Satar
Satar is a version of fish paste too but they’re grey or brown in colour and come in a triangular pyramid shape. You can see this in Terengganu where they originate from.
(Credit: @OhMyTranung / Twitter)
Besides the fish, the star ingredient used for satar is grated coconut. After the fish is cooked and mixed with the other ingredients, it’s folded into a pyramid in a banana leaf and then poked on a bamboo stick. With three to five satar (depending on size) on one stick, they’re then grilled on a charcoal fire. The texture of satar is a bit more chewy (thanks to the grated coconut) and has a more prominent fish taste than the others.
(Credit: @ahmadmaslan / Twitter)
Pipus
This is also a version of Otak-Otak but is especially popular in Sarawak. With recipe originating from the Melanau ethnic, it is said that Pipus is popular among the locals in Daro, Mukah.
(Credit: @Sarawak_ritok / Twitter)
Pipus can be in various flavours like sardine, pirang, puffer, gonjeng and also squid. They are wrapped in special leaves called the Iseng leaves or Nipah leaves. Instead of grilling and steaming the dish, Pipus is slowly smoked until cooked so that the flavours of the paste will properly infuse with the fish.
The different flavour of Pipus. These are wrapped in Nipah Leaves.(Credit: @mr_rule07, @babblingnia / Twitter)
Some of them look exactly like the Muar Otak-Otak but is said to taste more like the Terengganu Satar. Locals there are keener with the original flavours of the food, without extra additional seasoning, so if it’s a fish Pipus, you’ll get that authentic fish taste.
Pepes
Pepes is another type of food similar to Otak-Otak which originated from Indonesia. It’s also available in Malaysia, though not as popular as Otak-Otak or Satar.
Example of chicken pepes in Johor.(Credit: @elle_e77e / Twitter, @chombahar / Instagram)
 Here, they’re popular in Johor and processed like Otak-Otak; the fish is shredded and mixed with the paste. Chicken pepes is also quite popular here too. The shape varies in size but most of them are rectangular and they can be steamed or grilled too. They’re said to taste spicy and sweet at the same time.
In Indonesia, they’re not actual fish paste but they’re a chunk of fish (one whole fish or smaller parts of fish), marinated in a type of seasoned paste with herbs and wrapped in banana leaves.
Batok (left) and the Indonesian Fish Pepes (right). (Credit: @_acabellas, @domestixgoddess / Twitter)
Pepes can also be associated with Botok and Pais, another two dishes where the whole marinated fish with a few other ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked either by steaming or grilling.
Nowadays, you can have these ‘fish paste’ or Otak-Otak in different flavours like chicken and other seafood flavors. You can also get them frozen in little plastic packages or wrapped in popia skin (spring roll pastry). There are endless ways to enjoy these!
Do you think we’ve missed a few types of food similar to Otak-Otak? If you know of any other variations of these fish pastes found in Malaysia, do let us know! Which one of these have you tried?
READ MORE: 14 Top Foods To Try In Each & Every Malaysian State [Part 1]

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[Watch] “The Kick Was Unintentional” FAM Clears Referee Suhaizi Of Any Wrongdoing

There will be no further action taken against referee Suhaizi Shukri following a kicking incident in last week’s FA Cup quarter-final match between Sabah and Selangor.
According to New Straits Times, The FA of Malaysia (FAM) cleared Suhaizi of any wrongdoing after it was clear that there is no ill intention from the referee when he appeared to be kicking in the direction of Selangor’s Fazly Mazlan.

pic.twitter.com/jyh5e1s6af— No Context Bola Malaysia (@nocontextbolamy) July 23, 2022
Upon reviewing the video of the incident, it was found that no contact was made, which was confirmed by FAM referee committee chairman Datuk S. Sivasundaram.
According to the report, Suhaizi’s act was spontaneous as Fazly had stepped on his foot after protesting a yellow card decision following a foul on a Sabah’s player .
“Fazly was yellow-carded in the 45th minute for unsporting conduct. The player walked up to protest and accidentally stepped on the referee’s foot.
“The referee raised his leg towards the Selangor player’s leg, but it was unintentional. However, there was no physical contact.
“The referee did not reprimand Fazly for initially stepping on his foot as he felt it was unintentional,” FAM secretary-general Saifuddin Abu Bakar was quoted as saying by the English daily.
He also added that Suhaizi, 43, a Fifa-level referee, has a perfect record as he has never been punished for errors in matches.

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Chinese Vape Giant Calls For Regulations In Malaysia

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The world-renowned Chinese based vaping brand, SnowPlus, believes that Malaysia can play a crucial role in the success of the global e-cigarette game besides lowering the number of cigarette smokers – we just need to set up the right pieces on the board.

The company’s Co-Founder and Head of Overseas Business Derek Li, was convinced that the implementation of a proper regulatory framework for the industry here in the country can create a healthy and proactive atmosphere for businesses, the government as well as the public at large.
SnowPuls Co-Founder and Co-Founder and Head of Overseas Business Derek Li.
Derek explains that regulators and policymakers must work together with industry players to ensure greater safety and commerce standards for the entire vape market.
“Such a move will also help secure consumers’ and governments’ approval, facilitate the administration of flexible regulations, and maintain healthy competition in the industry,” he said, adding that there is a clear need to monitor, certify and specify standards for the industry in Malaysia.
(Credit: Unsplash/iMoney)
Having the right rules and regulations for the industry also brings positive benefits to public health and reaffirms our nation’s goals of eliminating cigarette smoking in the country.
A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death around the world – causing more than 7 million deaths a year.
In comparison, vape products are said to be substantially less harmful than conventional cigarettes.
According to Public Health England (PHE), e-cigarettes are estimated to be 95% less harmful than traditional tobacco products and provides a greater potential to help traditional smokers quit.
As a safer alternative to traditional tobacco use, the vape industry has attracted attention from regulators and policymakers globally. As public awareness regarding the harmful effects of combustible cigarettes continues to increase, consumers have been looking for less harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco products.SnowPlus Co-Founder and Head of Overseas Business Derek Li
(Credit: SnowPlusMY via Facebook)
Founded in 2018, SnowPlus began its global expansion in 2020 and has experienced four-fold international annual growth despite the global Covid-19 crisis.
Derek said that the company’s success in Malaysia has helped paved the way for its growth in other parts of the world and was adamant that the country can provide a strong foothold for its brand and the vaping industry.
As the vape industry evolves and matures, we will continue to grow and innovate at a fast pace. Driven by our commitment to delivering a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes, we believe we will continue our journey as one of the world’s leading vape brands.SnowPlus Co-Founder and Head of Overseas Business Derek Li

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Special Committee Set Up To See If Parliament Can Reopen, Says PM

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A committee has been set up to look into the important aspects before the Parliament can reconvene, according to the Prime Minister.

Bernama quoted Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who said that it will comprise both government and oppositions representatives.
He said that the committee are discussing whether the next session should be physical or a hybrid sitting and added that the government needs to to refine all matters to reduce any mishaps after Parliament is open.
I will need to closely look into this. I understand (the matter) very well and I was advised not only by the Minister of Law but by the Attorney General that my actions and those of the government must be in line with what is stipulated in the Constitution.Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin via Bernama
The Prime Minister said that he does not intent to delay Parliament but they need to address those issues before it can reopen.
I asked the committee comprising representatives of the government and the opposition to evaluate the matter and only after that will they inform me whether they are ready or not to commence the parliamentary sessionPrime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin via Bernama

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Yuna Now A Vogue Icon For Being A Powerful Asian Feminist

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Malaysian songstress Yuna proves once again that the sky truly is the limit as she graced the cover of Vogue Singapore’s April 2021 issue, and subsequently featured on the Vogue Global Network.

Vogue Global Network unites all of Vogue’s digital platforms around the world via a central editorial team that celebrates global talent. It touts itself as the “go-to for world-class fashion photography and intelligent, thought-provoking interviews, opinion and news.”
Yuna on the cover of Vogue
On the Vogue Global Network Instagram account, an impeccably dressed Yuna gazes into the camera with utmost confidence. This very confidence is what landed her on the cover of Vogue Singapore in the first place.
Women just need to bring it. You shouldn’t apologise for being yourself, especially Asian women. You deserve your time to shine.Yuna Zarai to Vogue Singapore.
The Malaysian singer-songwriter admitted to the esteemed publication that her journey in the industry hasn’t been the easiest journey. “Being a Muslim southeast Asian woman in the American music industry, I’ve gone through every single thing — being put in the Muslim box, or the hijabi box, or the southeast Asian box, or the ‘we don’t know where to place her’ box — but I’ve managed to find my people, those who understand what I’m doing and listen to my music.”
         View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Vogue Global Network (@vogue)
Vogue describes this incredible talent as someone who lets nothing but her talent define her and “constantly challenging stereotypes while staying loyal to her faith.”
Following this incredible feature, the Kedah-born musician took to Twitter to express her amazement with the most Malaysian statement ever – an exclamation of “Wehh” along with three emojis.
Wehh😭🙏🏽❤ @vogue pic.twitter.com/qw7kfTQ9gj— YUNA (@yunamusic) March 31, 2021
Malaysians online have also flooded the Vogue Global Network with declarations of love and support for this Malaysian icon.
It’s not the first time Yuna has represented Malaysian talent globally though –  she was previously featured twice on a digital billboard in Times Square in 2016 and 2019, and once again on a billboard in New York City (NYC) in May 2020 for the US celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM).
READ MORE: Yuna featured on Times Square billboard in New York AGAIN

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Source:
Yuna’s style evolution: From vibrant popstar to edgy fashion maven


New Low-Cost Carrier ‘MYAirline’ Promises Cheaper Tickets And Better Service

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AirAsia might have to compete with another low-cost airline soon. Nikkei Asia reported that a new Malaysia-based low-cost carrier, MYAirline, plans to begin operations by the end of this year.

MYAirline CEO and co-founder Rayner Teo suggested that his company could have the winning edge by selling way cheaper airfares, better real-time customer support and punctual flights. AirAsia must be sweating right now.
We believe we can easily offer cheaper flights based on cost structure.MYAirline CEO and co-founder Rayner Teo

Based on a report by Malay Mail, MYAirline is starting with an impressive team and managed to recruit a few former AirAsia employees.
The company has recruited Kathleen Tan as MYAirline’s chief executive adviser. She has worked for 13 years with Tony Fernandes. Together with another investor, they led the purchase of AirAsia in 2001.
Joining her is MYAirline’s cabin operations manager Mohd Izwan Razak who worked in AirAsia for 17 years.
Teo himself worked in AirAsia for 15 years until July 2019, leaving as the group head of sales.
He told Nikkei Asia he hadn’t planned to fill MYAirline with ex-AirAsia staff but he had simply recruited those who had lost their jobs or been placed on furlough over the last two years due to the pandemic.

How many planes does MYAirline have?
MYAirline has received a license to operate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and plans to start with three secondhand Airbus A320s. The company aims to increase the fleet size to 50 within the next five years.
We have signed some attractive deals with very large lessors.MYAirline CEO and co-founder Rayner Teo
MYAirline will use Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as its central hub and start flying domestic routes before expanding to international flights after a year.
While this sounds like good news for travellers, analysts say MYAirline might face some challenges in competing on cost against established carriers like AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
The airline is being marketed as an ultra-low-cost carrier, which is an interesting concept as AirAsia’s average cost per seat is one of the lowest in the industry and hard to beat.Shukor Yusof of Endau Analytics.
Judging by the increasing number of complaints regarding delayed flights and highly-priced tickets from other airlines, travellers might welcome a new low-cost airline with open arms.

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Will Zahid Heed Calls From Within Umno For Him To Resign?

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‘Returning the mandate to the rakyat’ was the basis of Umno insisting the 15th General Election (GE15) be held this year. Even so, the views within the party were split.

Leading the charge for GE15 to be held immediately was Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Perhaps they were riding high on the hope that Malaysians will return them to Putrajaya after successful state elections post-GE14 which saw them rise to resounding victories in Johor and Melaka.
Wanting a strong majority to form the federal government, Ahmad Zahid led BN into GE15, which was held amidst the northeast monsoon season and saw the polling for one parliamentary seat (Baram) suspended midway due to bad weather.
The outcome for BN was far worse than their performance in GE14 where they lost a federal election for the first time.
Not only did they lose again, but they also lost three state assemblies which had been under them prior to dissolution last month.
BN went from winning 79 parliamentary seats in GE14 to a mere 30 last night. Even the two postponed parliamentary seat elections (Padang Serai and Baram) would not help them.
Not only did BN and Umno fare poorly, Ahmad Zahid’s own Bagan Datuk outing saw him win by a razor thin majority of 348 votes.
This speaks volumes as Bagan Datuk has been his stronghold since 1995. The lowest majority for him prior to GE15 was in 2013 but even then he still managed to win by 2,108 votes.
With no one coalition able to obtain a simple majority to form a government, Ahmad Zahid is now faced with calls from within Umno for him to resign.
Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan who lost in Alor Gajah resigned from his post today while calling for Ahmad Zahid to take responsibility and do the same.
Umno Youth exco Datuk Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin also called for Ahmad Zahid to step down.
Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar and state BN election director Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi urged for the same thing, saying that former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak had also stepped down after their GE14 defeat.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim who was dropped by BN for the Arau seat made the same call. This was after he successfully retained the seat, but under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) ticket.
So will Ahmad Zahid step down? Or will he ignore the calls and remain as Umno president until the next party election?

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Think You Know Malaysian Fruits? Try These 15 Local Fruits That You Might Not Even Heard Of

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When we mention Malaysian tropical fruits, you must have these fruits in mind- Durian, Mangosteen, Rambutan, Mango and Cempedak, right? Well if we show you these fruits, would you recognize them?

Malaysia as a tropical country has a plethora of fruit species cultivated natively here. Some fruits may be popular in the modern world but some might only be familiar to the older generation. Don’t know these fruits? Try and ask your parents or even grandparents!
1. Salak (Snake Fruit)
Salak is called Snake Fruit because of its exterior reddish-brown scaly skin that resembles a snake’s skin. The skin is said to be spiky and the fruit is estimated to be the size of a fig.
(Credit: Buah Salak Madu / Facebook)
The yellowish-white pulp is shaped like large garlic cloves but with inedible brown seeds inside and is said to taste sweet, astringent and also sour, almost like a combination of pineapple and banana.
This fruit is native to Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and more. In Malaysia, this fruit was even featured on the Malaysian stamp under the rare fruit series issued on 27 February 1999.
2. Sentul
Sentul is a fruit that’s considered rare in Malaysia nowadays and the younger generation might not recognize this fruit. You can find the Sentul tree in fruit orchards, village properties and in the woods too.
(Credit: Laman Sayuti, Klangkampunghalamanku / Facebook)
It looks like mangosteen inside but with a thick and soft velvety yellow exterior when ripe. The taste is said to be sourish sweet (some even said it could be sourish astringent) and the fruit skin can also be eaten raw or cooked in some dishes.
3. Pulasan
Some people might mistake this fruit to be Rambutan because of how similar they look. However, they are different fruits, though they do come from the same family!
(Credit: Naufal Zer, Nuru Asikin / Facebook)
The name Pulasan came from the Malay word ‘pulas‘ which means twist, the act of twisting the fruit with both hands in order to open it. With a thick, dark red leathery exterior that’s covered with soft and short spines, they are said to taste sweeter than the average rambutan or lychee.
Unlike the rambutan, the seeds can be eaten raw and taste somehow like almonds.
4. Belinjau (Melinjau)
This fruit is grown as wild tree nuts around Malaysia and the oval fruits will turn red from green when ripe.
The red exterior is sort of like the skin and the seeds (nuts) are the brown ones. (Credit: Hasniyati Binti Hashim, Terengganu Peranakan / Facebook)
The seeds or nuts (which is brown) is the one that can be eaten in many ways such as in dishes or can even be made into chips.
The seeds, which are subtly astringent can be roasted and the brown exterior will come off revealing the white nut-like interior. The nuts are then pounded with a flat mortar to make them as flat as chips.
5. Rambai
The Rambai fruit looks a bit like Langsat or Dokong but it can be differentiated between them by the way it grows on trees. They hang in long clusters of showy strands from older branches.
(Credit: Zakaria Abdul Karim ZKarya, Teratai Jafar / Facebook)
The white translucent flesh is said to taste sweet with a mildly acidic flavour. The skin can also be made into dishes like sambal, pickles and ulam.
6. Jentik
This fruit is similar to Rambai but a bit smaller in size and the flesh is bright orange in colour.
They kinda look like cherry tomatoes in a way.(Credit: @mammalova, @yusl13 / Twitter)
The name of this fruit is associated with how easy it is to get the skin off the flesh – just flick (jentik in Malay) it. It has a sweet-sour taste and most often, it can just be sour if the skin is already cracked.
7. NamNam
This rare fruit is native to Malaysia and can also be found in other Southeast Asian countries as well.
(Credit: Ammar Lotd, Wan Muhamad / Facebook)
This flattened kidney-shaped fruit has a rough, yellowish-brown or green wrinkled exterior surface. The sour and mildly sweet fruit tastes somehow like an unripe apple and can be eaten with salt, rojak gravy or soy sauce sambal.
8. Cermai (Otaheite Gooseberry)
This fruit is also called the Otaheite Gooseberry which can be found native to Malaysia, some other Asian countries and also South American countries.
(Credit: Ziey Naim, Chalet d’bendang Mak Teh / Facebook)
Their appearances are like tiny pumpkins, only whitish-green and they grow in dense bunches on tall trees. The fruits have a very sour, astringent and tart flavour and can be eaten with dippings like salt to lessen the sour taste.
9. Nona (Sweetsop)
This fruit is also called Sugar-apple, Custard Apple or Sweetsop and is in the same species as the soursop, only sweeter.
(Credit: @way_wen, @amanijalil / Twitter)
The surface of the fruit is rough, bumpy and segmented with the segments tending to separate when it’s ripe, exposing the interior. The white flesh has black seeds in each segment and tastes like sweet custard.
10. Kuini (Kwini)
Often confused with Bachang, this Kuini or Kwini is basically in the same family as Mangoes. They look the same too.
The ones in the plastics are Kuinin while the ones slightly bigger are mangoes (left). They look exactly like mango when served, (right) don’t they?  (Credit: @iyanasyazwanie, @izzatisheikha / Twitter)
What differentiates this fruit and mangoes are their size and smell. Kuini is smaller than mango and the smell is actually kinda pungent and strong. The fibrous juicy flesh tastes sourish and sometimes very sweet.
11. Rokam
Similar shape to a Kerkup fruit, this fruit resembles cherries, red when ripe and tiny in size. They are also called Lovi-lovi or Tome-tome as they are also native to Indonesia and the Philippines too.
Flacourtia rukam is it’s scientific name. (Credit: Syed Elyas, Ariana Nazim / Facebook)
They are said to taste sour and acidic but crunchy. They can be used to make jams, pickles and jellies. The tip to eat this fruit raw is to roll them between your palms first before eating it to enhance the good taste.
12. Keranji (Black Velvet)
They look like velvety grapes but taste sour like tamarind. They are also called tamarind plum or black velvet and are native to Malaysia and also Indonesia.
(Credit: Nurul Yie / Facebook)
They have a hard and inedible black shell that protects the velvety brownish-orange flesh. They are said to taste sweeter, and dryer than tamarind.
13. Terengganu Cherries
They look exactly like Rokam, but they’re said to be different. Even the seeds are different, so are their scientific name.
Lepisanthes alata is this one’s scientific name.(Credit: @AfuatAbuHassn / Twitter, Penang Tropical Fruit Farm)
Also called Perupuk, Kelelek and Pokok Johor by the locals, this tree is found native in the state of Terengganu and Johor. Looking like cherries but draping down like grapes, these tiny fruits can be eaten but this tree is mainly for ornamental purposes. It is said that the cherries have a combination of a sweet and astringent taste.
14. Kemunting (Rose Myrtle)
Who said Malaysia doesn’t have berries? This berry-like flowering plant is also called Rose Myrtle and is native to some places in Asia especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
(Credit: Qaseh Humayraa, Roos Morny Ariffin / Facebook)
This tree is usually made for ornamental purposes because of its beautiful pink flowers. The fruits will turn to dark purple when ripe and is usually eaten without the little heads. They are said to taste sweet and aromatic and can be made into jams, jellies, or even fruit wine in Vietnam.
15. Keriang Dot
Another one that looks exactly like grapes, but they’re just not. They’re also called Jambu Arang by the locals in Malaysia.
(Credit: @Edie57929225 / Twitter)
This fruit will turn a real dark shade of purple (or black) when it’s ripe and only then it will taste a bit sweeter (it’s astringent, generally). The fruits can also be made into drinks and can leave a black mark on your tongue when eaten. Be careful with your shirt, they can leave a red stain.
Some of these rare fruits are native, some were cultivated from other regions. While our parents or grandparents may have eaten these fruits before, they are becoming harder to find and fading into obscurity. How many of these do you know and have tried before?
Some of us might not even know these fruits existed, right? So next time you come across these fruits, have a try. You might just meet your favourite fruit ever.
READ MORE: 14 Top Foods To Try In Each & Every Malaysian State [Part 1]

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Some Of Our Favourite F&B Operators Need Help To Stay Alive During The MCO

Our food and beverage industry is struggling to stay alive during the movement control order (MCO) due to the dramatic decrease in demand.
MyF&B, a Malaysian F&B Operators Alliance that includes some of our favourite restaurants and drink shops, have appealed to the government for economic assistance during this time.
In the appeal, MyF&B asks for the government to meet up to 50% of salary costs so that the businesses can maintain their staff.
According to MyF&B, if businesses continue to lose money due to the massive drop in footfall during the MCO, many workers will lose their jobs.
A fully staffed restaurant is unnecessary at this time as there are only delivery orders to be met. Since the MCO, people have reported restaurant staff sitting around with nothing to do.
Just a few of the F&B operators that have joined the Malaysian F&B Operators Alliance.(Credit: MyF&B)
In the UK, the government has already vowed to meet up to 80% of the salary costs of F&B operators to make sure local businesses survive.
MyF&B have also asked for rental relief during this time. Since salaries and rental are the two biggest fixed expenses that F&B operators have to bear, they have requested a moratorium on rental and tax breaks for landlords.
Most of us will be getting moratoriums on our personal loans or credit, but F&B operators currently do not, since they are considered essential businesses and are expected to work as normal.
The impact on our local F&B industry is harsh during the MCO month.(Credit: MyF&B)
The Malaysian F&B Operators Alliance includes favourites such as A&W, Boat Noodle, Tealive, and many more.
While this is the first direct appeal to the government, this is not the first appeal F&B operators have made in the short one-week period of the MCO.
Websites like Food Delivery and Save Our Fave have popped up, urging Malaysians to make delivery orders directly from our favourite local restaurants to keep business running instead of from global restaurant chains.
Food Delivery aims to reintroduce local favourites to Malaysians during the MCO and lists restaurants based on location. You can order directly from the website.

Save Our Fave also aims to support local merchants including services  and lets you buy gift cards online, called “eCards”, so you can support the business and still be able to visit them after the MCO.
These websites promise a platform to promote local restaurants without charging them a fee, taking away from already meager profits.

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5 Reasons Why Malaysia’s Housing Market Will Grow Again In 2021

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The second half of 2021 might see housebuyers’ interests improve again, driven by improved economic and public health climate, said PropertyGuru in their recent Property Market Outlook 2021 report.

The property portal sees that Malaysia’s economy will gradually improve next year, which will positively affect the property market as well, although it will be at a slower pace.
The property market is expected to improve in the second half of 2021, partly driven by an improved economic and public health climate. Strong existing demand for homeownership will likely be unlocked and we will see healthy growth in property transactional activity. However, the recovery is expected to be gradual as we acclimatise to a post-Covid reality.Sheldon Fernandez, PropertyGuru Malaysia Country Manager
They’ve also listed down five key factors that’ll likely drive demand for next year.
Credit: Malay Mail
1. Conducive interest rates to encourage homeownership
PropertyGuru sees that the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), which is at 1.75% as of November, allows buyers to get lower interest rates.
Lower interest rates will mean that monthly loan repayments are more affordable for housebuyers.
2. Continuation of mega infrastructure developments to create multiplier effects
The government allocating RM15 billion to revive several mega projects, such as the Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3) in Klang Valley, Rapid Transit System from Johor Bahru to Woodlands, Singapore as well as Pan Borneo Highway across Sabah and Sarawak.
PropertyGuru said that these mega projects will complement upcoming residential and commercial developments within the vicinity and spur further development of rural areas resulting in a huge economic lift.
Credit: Malay Mail
3. HOC continues to spur buyers’ interest
The reintroduction of the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) by the government which offers a number of incentives to homebuyers is projected to play a more impactful role in resuscitating buyer interest for next year.
First-time homebuyers will also benefit from exemptions on stamp duty and loan financing limits above 70%, which available until May 2021.
4. Rise of creative online property marketing & property technology
PropertyGuru has noted that property players have accelerated efforts to market products and engage with buyers through online initiatives which bodes well with millennials.
5. Affordable housing for the B40 segment
The Budget 2021 revealed that the government will be focusing on affordable housing in the coming year, announcing several measures that will incentivise homeownership among the lower-income (B40) segment of the populace.
This measure will allow private developers to focus more on free-market housing while allowing the government to take the responsibility to provide more cohesive housing for the rakyat.
Credit: Malay Mail

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LRT, MRT, Monorail Lines Operating Til 1am For New Year’s Eve Celebrations

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In conjunction with the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Rapid KL has announced the extension of their operation times for some of the LRT, MRT, and monorail lines.

The following routes will be extended until 1am on 31 December 2022:
LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line (Masjid Jamek, Maluri, IOI Puchong Jaya, PWTC)LRT Kelana Jaya line (KLCC, Masjid Jamek)MRT Kajang (Bukit Bintang, Maluri)KL Monorail line (Bukit Bintang)
The other stations will be closed at the usual time but passengers can still exit from these stations.
Commuters are advised to ensure their TnG cards are sufficiently topped up for a smoother journey.
They’re also reminded to wear their face masks while travelling on public transport.
READ MORE: New Year’s Eve At Dataran Merdeka Cancelled, Says PM
READ MORE: Fun Events In The Klang Valley This Weekend From 29 Dec 2022 To 1 Jan 2023
READ MORE: There’s A NYE Pool Party Happening And I Don’t Want You To Know About It [Review]

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[Watch] Random Man Throws Himself At A Moving Car As A Scam Tactic, Plan Foiled By Dashcam Video

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The importance of having a dashcam was made apparent when a woman, Sam Ke Ting, was charged for running into 8 teens on ‘basikal lajak’ and causing their deaths.

READ MORE: 6 Years Jail And RM6,000 Fine For Woman Involved In “Basikal Lajak” Accident, Johor High Court Ruled
A separate incident further supports the need for a dashcam in cars. In the video caught on dashcam, a man suddenly threw himself on a car that was coming up the corner of a road in Klang heading up to Kapar.
The impact cracked the windscreen and the man slid to the ground when the car came to a stop.

Not long after, some members of the public gathered around the ‘victim’ to help him up. Without a dashcam, it might seem that the driver knocked the pedestrian and there were witnesses of the accident although it was a sham.
The driver told the group to wait for the police because he has dashcam footage. Luckily for the driver, the group immediately dispersed upon hearing this.
According to paultan.org, the police allegedly said it’s a modus operandi used by scammers to extort unsuspecting motorists.
Since there’s no way to fully avoid scammers, extortionists and road ragers on the road, having a dashcam offers some protection for drivers.
In light of recent events, it’s time to equip your cars with front and rearview dashcams to be safe because you’ll never know when it happens to you.
The suspect has been caught
Berita Harian reported that the pedestrian in the video has been caught.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested at his workplace in Jalan Shahpadu in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan around 10am today (15 April).
The incident is said to have occurred at Jalan Goh Hock Huat on 7 April and the driver lodged a police report at 12pm on the same day.
The police said the suspect would be remanded to assist in investigations. They also believe the suspect acted on his own and was not part of a syndicate.
The case is classified under Section 336 of the Penal Code.

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For Some Malaysians, A Bar Is A Symbol Of Community And New Opportunities

As Malaysia officially enters the recovery phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO), more economic sectors are reopening and all businesses activities seem to have gone back to normal.
Our favourite hangouts and bars are also gradually resuming operations with safe distancing measures in place. However, it may take time for the owners to see a smooth recovery of lost revenue from previous months. It is reported that they were already experiencing up to 85% drop in sales since early April.
And while customers do not experience the same stress felt by bar operators, some have shared that they would also feel sorry should their favourite bar have to shut down permanently.

Because, for some, a bar is like a community

(Credit: Uncle Don/Facebook)

It is no surprise that customers who frequent bars would often find themselves within a ‘community’ due to their shared interests. It can be as simple as bonding over supporting the same football team, or bonding over the fact that you grew up in the same neighbourhood.
Gavin has always felt a sense of belonging when he visits the place:

Everyone knows you, and you know everyone. You help someone through a divorce; they help you through a work change. A bar is a community.Gavin, 38

The sense of community is not limited to just among customers; but sometimes include the bartenders and owners of the place as well. Some customers have their favourite bartenders, while others regard the owners like old friends.

The staff at my favourite bar remembers you by name, they remember your orders and the little preferences you have, some even happily book a taxi for you if you need. It’s always nice to go back to a place that treats you like a friend more than a customer.Lim, 45

While for others, a bar is a place where new opportunities are found

(Credit: Charles Deluvio/Unsplash)

More often than not, a bar is a place to socialise and meet new people. This is also how a community is formed.
While the majority of new connections do not go beyond being a familiar face to say hi to whenever you visit the bar, some of these people could end up being a friend and even a business partner.
There’s a bar near my ex-workplace – I sometimes go there after work to chill. It’s also where I met clients who prefer a casual meeting, since the place serves really good food, too. That’s how I met my current business partner.Ken, 28

There are also a few who described their favourite bars as “sanctuaries”

(Credit: RUYI & LYN 如意/Facebook)

Describing a place as a “sanctuary” implies that it is a place where one can seek refuge from unwanted things. For a small number of people, the bar is exactly that – a place where they can relax and forget about work-related stress for a while.

I think the reason why my favourite bars are ‘hidden bars’ is because when you finally find it, you are rewarded with this little space, tucked away, where you can get a nice drink. In a way, it’s like, an escape from real life for a while.May, 31

On the other hand, the reason why Evelyn described her favourite bar as a “sanctuary” is because of how familiar she is with the place.

I remember a few years ago my girl friends and I would always visit this bar. It’s not a big place, quite small and cosy, and over time I grew familiar with that area. The bartender, who’s a girl, was super nice and we can talk about anything. It’s my sanctuary, the vibe it gave me was just very assuring. Evelyn, 30

In return for the great memories our favourite bars gave us, it is time for us to help them now

(Credit: Carlsberg)

There are some simple things we can do to show support to our favourite bars: Dine in when they are open for business; purchase cash vouchers from bars that are still not operating (if any) to use when they are allowed to do so; or tag them on social media and recommend to other friends.
Carlsberg has also launched an innovative way for people to support their favourite bars in the form of adopting a keg. According to the brewery, their Adopt A Keg campaign aims to help bars regain consumer footfall while rewarding fans of Carlsberg for consuming their beer at home during this period.

Banking on the momentum of our beer sales via e-commerce and off-trade consumption during the MCO, Adopt a Keg aims to reward our consumers with free draught beer on us while supporting their local F&B outlets.Carlsberg Malaysia Managing Director Stefano Clini

Basically, you can support your favourite bar by purchasing cans or bottles of Carlsberg beer from supermarkets or online stores, scan your receipts, and a ‘virtual keg’ that you ‘adopt’ in your chosen bar will be filled with the amount of beer purchased. Once the keg is filled, you can redeem two free beers from the chosen bar. Below is a simple step-by-step guide:

(Credit: Carlsberg Malaysia)

Most importantly, we should help each other by celebrating responsibly

Whether it is during the ‘new normal’ during the pandemic, or ‘back to normal’ should the pandemic be over, it is our responsibility to drink and celebrate responsibly.
Practise social distancing, and always have a designated driver or use an e-hailing service should you intend to enjoy some drinks at your favourite bar. It is important that we stay safe not just for our sake, but for the sake of others as well.
#CelebrateResponsibly #SocialDistancing

Help your favourite bar come back stronger by adopting a keg with Carlsberg and celebrating responsibly.
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[Watch] Penang Man Grateful For A Kind Driver After 4 Drivers Refused To Take Him

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Sometimes we find ourselves in a quandary and a small help from a kind stranger can mean so much.

A Malaysian man Misha (@mishaomisha3) in Penang had a tough time getting a Grab car in the wee hours of the morning.
He wanted to get from the bus stop at Seberang Jaya mosque to Penaga around 2am. The four drivers he initially got told him to cancel unless he paid them extra.
After trying to get other drivers for some time, he breathed a sigh of relief when a kind Grab driver agreed to fetch him with no extra charge.
  @mishaomisha3 bila 4 grab driver melayu minta cancelkan request aku dan minta extra charge namun uncle India ini muncul Dan sudi hantar aku balik walaupun jam dah 2 pagi. tq uncle #terimakasihuncle #andaterbaik ♬ Syukur Alhamdulillah – Wafiq Azizah
Misha was grateful to get such a kind driver in the middle of the night and paid the driver extra at the end of the journey.
While talking to the driver, he found out that the driver lived about 30 minutes away from Misha’s pickup point but was willing to make the drive just to make ends meet.

Just like Misha, netizens were touched by the driver’s kind gesture. They praised the driver for helping out another person and his professionalism.
For the netizens, the other drivers who turned Misha down weren’t behaving in a professional manner.
They also voiced their gratefulness that there are still kind people in the world and said helping one another is what 1 Malaysia is all about.

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Seremban-Sg Petani Bus Passengers Urged To Come Forward Over COVID-19 Fears

https://www.facebook.com/PejabatKesihatanDaerahKulim/posts/577229402892349
Passengers of a bus that travelled from Seremeban to Sungai Petani on 16 March 2020 are urged to check in with the Kulim district health office as they may have been exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
The health office says that the bus had departed Seremban last Monday night on 16 March 2020 at 8.30pm. This is the same night that the movement control order (MCO) was announced but had yet to come into effect.
The bus also made stops in Shah Alam, Ipoh, Kamunting, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Nibong Tebal, Kulim, Butterworth, with its final stop in Sungai Petani.
The bus had the license plate number PLQ9689 and was operated by Bas Express Jasmine.
All passengers who boarded the bus are uged to contact the Kulim district health office immediately at 04-4949121.
If you or someone you know have boarded this bus, please call the office to check in.


After Uproar Over High Flight Prices, Minister Says Give Airlines Time To Normalise

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Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has said that Malaysians should give airlines time to “normalise” their ticket prices.
The statement follows earlier social media complaints over expensive domestic flight tickets, especially for flights between Peninsular and East Malaysia costing over RM1,000.

hmmmmmm https://t.co/PIE63Gqxga pic.twitter.com/a4GkuyTlVS— ¯_(ツ)_/¯ (@muaz_zzz) June 8, 2020

After a meeting with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo, the minister took to Facebook to explain that the airlines had been under tremendous financial pressure during the pandemic with 97% drop in passenger volume.
Without passengers, their expenses continue to push them to the verge of bankruptcy.Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, Transport Minister via Facebook.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong meeting with the country’s carriers at the ministry.(Credit: Wee Ka Siong/Facebook)
However, he also stated that airlines should set reasonable prices that do not burden the rakyat, commending the three airline CEOs for doing their best to bring down the fares.
Following feedback from the airlines, Wee said that flight bookings should be done early as fares would not begin to drop drastically especially for short-notice bookings to fly within a day or two.
He explained that the ticket price for flight bookings made two or three weeks prior to departure may be half the price of tickets bought two days before departure.
Bernama had earlier reported Wee stating his hope for airlines to reduce ticket prices with the cancellation of social distancing on board aircrafts in line with International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines.
He told the news agency that the Transport Ministry cannot interfere in ticket sales but are asking for their “good office” (his words) to reduce ticket prices.
The aviation industry was one of the first industries to be crippled by the global spread of Covid-19.
Last week, it was reported that AirAsia will retrench up to 300 employees, including pilots, engineers and cabin crew. Malindo has asked staff to take unpaid leave, followed by up to 50% pay cut, while Malaysia Airlines offered unpaid leave and inducing salary cuts of between 10% and 35% among employees.

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Source:
No social distancing aboard aircraft in line with IATA guidelines
70% of Malindo Air staff to take unpaid leave
Khazanah made no RM5b funding commitment, says Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia's Malindo Air asks staff to take up to 50% pay cut to cushion coronavirus blow


Cholera In Selangor, Careful When Drinking Water, KKM Says

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The Health Ministry (KKM) has given out warnings to the public over the weekend on the dangers of cholera after the Petaling Health District discovered one case.

Selangor State Health Department mentioned that the case was reported on 21 October 2021, involving a 56-year-old patient.
The state’s Health DG Datuk Dr. Sha’ari Ngadiman said in a statement that the results of the investigation found that she experienced severe diarrhea symptoms and had sought treatment on the same day at a private diarrhea facility.
The case was treated as an outpatient and stool samples were taken for testing. Test results from the National Public Health Laboratory showed the presence of Vibrio Cholerae bacteria, serogroup 01, Ogawa serotype. Subsequently, all close contacts were screened including the food handlers involved. Environmental sampling was also conducted.Selangor Health DG Datuk Dr. Sha’ari Ngadiman
To date, he said, no additional positive cases of Cholera have been detected and the patient was also completely cured after receiving proper treatment.
Further investigations have been conducted thoroughly however we have not been able to identify the cause of the infection and no new cases have been received so far. Therefore, in line with the MOH’s recommendation, the Selangor State Health Department would like to emphasize that cholera can spread quickly and can cause death if not treated immediately.Selangor Health DG Datuk Dr. Sha’ari Ngadiman
The public is urged to:
drink treated or boiled water.practice personal hygiene and always wash their hands.do not eat raw or uncooked food. (sorry sushi lovers)
One is advised to seek immediate medical attention if they’ve experienced diarrhea.
The Selangor State Health Department will always monitor the current situation in the state of Selangor to curb any possible spread of cholera.Selangor Health DG Datuk Dr. Sha’ari Ngadiman
Meanwhile, KKM Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tweeted about the incident over the weekend, advising the public to be mindful of what they consume.
Jabatan Kesihatan Selangor telah mengesan satu kes kolera di daerah Petaling, Selangor. Orang awam dinasihati hanya minum air dirawat/dididihkan, jaga kebersihan kendiri, jangan makan makanan mentah/tidak dimasak sempurna. Maklumat lanjut disusuli.— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) November 14, 2021
What is cholera?
According to KKM, cholera is one of the major water and food-borne diseases that’s caused by the Vibrio cholera bacteria.
Those who are infected will experience diarrhea and severe symptoms can be fatal due to severe dehydration.
KKM also mentioned that infections happen through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces or vomit of an infected person.
They also mentioned that the incubation period would last from several hours to 5 days.
Cholera is more likely to spread in areas that do not have a clean water supply and adequate toilet facilities. Cholera outbreaks also exist seasonally in endemic areas of Asia and Africa.Health Ministry

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Want A Small Pet This CNY? Here’s The Ultimate Guide

2020 marks the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Due to this, Malaysian pet stores are seeing an increase in the sale of small pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs.
People are buying lots of pet rodents without fully realizing that the pets will outlast Chinese New Year.
We donâ€™t want to put a price on love, but to properly take care of a pet comes with commitment, financially and emotionally.
Hereâ€™s a very brief breakdown of how much your pet will cost you, if youâ€™re looking for cute companions to join you this year.
Hamsters
Theyâ€™re round, theyâ€™re cute, and they stuff food in their mouths. Plus, theyâ€™re small, so they should be easy to care forâ€¦ right?
Think you’ll find a hamster in your ang pow this year?(Credit: Imgur)
Financial CostAverage hamster lifespan: 2.5-3 yearsCage: RM75 or moreBedding: RM40 (1 month)Food: RM20 (1 month)Exercise wheel: RM20Note: Glass cages are not recommended in Malaysian weather as it can often get too hot and stuffy without proper ventilation.
Time CommitmentDaily:Your hamster should have fresh feed and clean water everyday. Hamsters also need lots of exercise. They need a hamster wheel or to be let out of their cage for at least an hour a day.
Weekly:The bedding will need to be changed weekly or it will smell and grow mould. Since hamsters also like to smuggle food away, you can find stashes of hamster feed in corners of its cage that may have gone bad. Hamsters poop a lot more than youâ€™d expect.
Things To Watch Out ForHamsters should not be left without supervision for more than 3 days. This means that if you want to go on holiday, there should be someone who can keep an eye on your pet.
If you neglect your hamster for a long time (often by 2-3 weeks), they can actually become untamed and start being aggressive. If this happens, you will need to retame the hamster.
Hamsters also need to file their teeth regularly, and will therefore chew on anything and everything- even if they have chew toys. If unsupervised, they will chew on electrical cables, which could electrocute themselves; to their own cages, which could cause digestive issues. Hamster teeth is also incredibly sharp, and can very easily draw blood.
They are prone to environmental stress: they must be in a place that is airy but not drafty and wonâ€™t have large, sudden temperature changes. Their bodies are small and fragile, and can suffer broken bones if squeezed too tightly or dropped from a height. Loud noises can give them heart attacks too!
Guinea Pig
They’re a furry companion for life!(Credit: Unsplash)
Financial CostAverage indoor guinea pig lifespan: 4-8 yearsCage: RM200 or moreTimothy Hay (as bedding and food): RM60 (1 month)Guinea pig feed: RM40 (1 month)
Time CommitmentDaily:The guinea pig has to be fed twice a day. They will also overeat when given the chance, so itâ€™s best to monitor their daily intake. They need an unlimited supply of timothy hay as empty stomachs can lead to gastrointestinal stasis, which often proves to be fatal.Guinea pigs tend to leave smelly poop, so make sure you clear the poop out daily so it wouldnâ€™t get caught in their fur. You will also need to brush your pet to remove excess fur that can cause a buildup of odours.Your guinea pig needs exercise and mental stimulation. The smaller its cage, the more important it is to give it daily floor time to explore and stretch its legs. Even if you get a large cage, free roaming opportunities are crucial.Weekly:Their bedding and cage has to be cleaned weekly and it can start to smell bad quickly. Their smell is proportional to how much you take care of them and their cage.Once every two to three months:Guinea pigs have grease glands that secrete oils that get stuck in their fur and start to become smelly. Thatâ€™s why they need a bath once every two to three months, just to make sure they are clean and comfortable.
Things To Watch Out ForGuinea pigs are social creatures and will often need a friend. However, make sure to get them a friend of the same sex, otherwise you might find yourself with many, many little babies.They also are not able to produce their own Vitamin C, so they need a small serving of citrus fruits such as oranges about once a week.Guinea pigs are also surprisingly noisy and make a variety of different sounds. They squeak, chortle, rumble, coo, and grunt.You also cannot leave them alone for more than a day. They need a constant supply of fresh hay, food, and water. Guinea pigs may try to get out of their cage and get hurt. If you want to go on holiday, you will need to send them to be boarded.
Unsupervised guinea pigs will chew on things such as cables, which can electrocute them or tear up their intestines. They easily get stuck in tight spaces such as behind fridges, inside furniture, or in between shelves. Rescuing them can prove to be traumatic for both of you.
Rat
Contrary to popular belief, pet rats can be really cute!(Credit: Pixabay)
Financial CostAverage pet rat lifespan: 2-3 yearsCage & Nest: RM200 and upBedding: RM50Rat food: RM40 (1 month)Toys: RM200 and up
Time CommitmentDaily:Rats need playtime out of their cage to run around. Pet rats need lots of mental stimulation with toys, friends, and attention from you, otherwise they are more likely to chew up everything they can bite- including themselves.Their nesting boxes should be cleaned every one or two days, because these sleeping holes are often filled with softer absorbent materials that start to smell quickly.Weekly:Their bedding and cage should cleaned thoroughly once a week. Everything, including the floors, walls, toys, and tray should be washed with warm, soapy water and rinsed very well.
Things To Watch Out ForRats are social creatures and will need friends. This means that you will have to get two rats, though the effort to care for two is about the same as caring for one.You will also need to rat-proof your house to keep them from chewing wires. Like other pets, chewed cables can electrocute them or tear up their intestines.Pet rats will often also chew through plastic, wood, and even cloth.

If you think you can love your pet past the initial cute phase, then go for it! But if you don’t think you’re ready for years of daily commitment, perhaps you can consider the many cute stuffed toy rats instead.

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[JUST IN] Malaysia Hits 4,498 Covid-19 Cases Today, Almost 1,000 More Than Yesterday

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Malaysia recorded 4,498 Covid-19 cases today, a jump of nearly 1,000 cases from yesterday.

There were also 22 more deaths today as reported by the Health Ministry.
Mutakhir. 7 Mei. Kes baharu hari ini 4,498 melonjak hampir 1,000 kes berbanding semalam. 22 lagi kes Kematian. Kes tertinggi, Selangor (1,424), Sarawak (750), KL (436).#COVID19 #JagaDiriJagaKeluarga— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) May 7, 2021
Selangor recorded the highest number of cases with 1,424 followed by Sarawak (750 cases), Kuala Lumpur (436 cases) and Johor (327 cases).
The government recently imposed the Movement Control Order on the capital, Kuala Lumpur and multiple districts around the country.
Pecahan kes baharu mengikut negeri, 7 Mei 2021.#COVID19 #JagaDiriJagaKeluarga pic.twitter.com/dlB6PldFJh— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) May 7, 2021

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Malaysia was featured in US based article for sending illegally dumped plastic trash back to where it came from!

Late last month, Malaysia cheered as Minister Yeo Bee Yin shipped back 450 metric tonnes of plastic waste that arrived on our shores from countries such as the US, UK and Canada.
Soon after that, the Philippines followed suit and sent back rubbish that was falsely declared as recyclable goods to Canada. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sent the waste back saying, â€œLoad that up on a ship and I will advise Canada that your garbage is on the way. Prepare a grand reception. Eat it if you want to.â€ Ainâ€™t that pretty G.
(Picture credit: Money Week)
Well, it looks like these Western countries are now getting our message cause US based news site New York Times covered the story!
The article explains how Malaysia became one of the main dumping sites for plastic waste after Chinaâ€™s abrupt waste restrictions came into play in 2017. After that, unlicensed trash dumps started popping up all over Telok Gong in Port Klang.
(Picture credit: Malay Mail)
â€œBy March 2018, the peak of the surge, Malaysia was importing about 139,000 tons of plastic waste per month, up from about 22,000 tons per month a year earlier.â€ the article reads.
It also goes on to say that Malaysia got most of it’s illegally imported plastic waste from the United States followed by Japan, Britain and then Germany, adding that â€œIn Malaysia, the campaign against imported waste has been led by Yeo Bee Yin, the 36-year-old environment minister.â€
Besides the New York Times, other foreign news sites also covered the story, like BBC, Business Insider and Independent.

In the reports, Yeo was quoted saying â€œ”Malaysia will not be a dumping ground to the world … we will fight back. Even though we are a small country, we can’t be bullied by developed countries.”
YAASS Yeo Bee Yin, show em we mean business!

via GIPHY


College & Uni Students Can Return Back To Campus Starting 1 March, Says Hishammuddin

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Students from higher learning institutions (IPT) are allowed to return to their campus in stages starting 1 March, with a capacity of between 70% to 100%, according to Senior Minister (Defense) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

He was quoted by Bernama saying that the decision was made after the 12th Covid-19 Quartet Ministerial Meeting.
Among the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the KPT and the Ministry of Health (KKM) are students and staff who are complete and incomplete vaccinations are allowed to enter the campus, but those who are not fully vaccinated must take an RT-PCR test and have a negative result three days before entering the campus.Senior Minister (Defense) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Hishammuddin mentioned that Covid-19 detection tests using the RTK-Ag method should also be done once a week for those who have not completed their vaccinations.
Meanwhile, only fully vaccinated existing and new international students are allowed to enter Malaysia and they are required to undergo a quarantine period of seven or five days if they’ve received their booster doses.
He also said that IPTs must have the capacity to accommodate students who are physically present and always adhere to strict teaching and learning SOPs.
It’s also reported that the government has also allowed IPTs to conduct hybrid or online studies.
Students should also comply with SOPs when it comes to sports and leisure activities, as well as adhering to the general SOPs such as wearing face masks, practicing physical distancing, and maintaining personal hygiene.
In every relaxation given by the government, the safety and health aspects of the people, including IPT students, remain a priority. In this regard, the government calls on all parties, including the administration of IPT, staff and students to comply with the SOP set with full discipline and responsibility.Senior Minister (Defense), Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein

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Malaysians Claim To Witness Law Enforcement Officials Breaking Covid-19 SOP, Here’s Where You Can Complain About It

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Malaysians are yet again calling out double standards in the enforcement of Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) after seeing viral images of uniformed authorities allegedly breaking the rules.

READ MORE: PM Muhyiddin Explains Klang Valley CMCO Decision, “Double Standards” & More
One image posted by Twitter user muhdfrhan_la saw what appears to be a group of Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) officers dining at a restaurant without properly physically distancing themselves from one another.
In the picture, five men in uniform were seen sitting together in relatively close proximity at the outdoor section of the eatery while being attended by what looks to be the waiter wearing a face mask.
Another image shared by Twitter user HezralRamli claimed to have witnessed the same offence being committed by a group of eight officers supposedly from the Sungai Petani Municipal Council (MPSPK) in Kedah, who were dining-in inside a local mamak stall.
Same here in sg petani this morning, penguatkuasa majlis perbandaran yer pic.twitter.com/tiPgmVsMEK— Hezral (@HezralRamli) November 20, 2020
Netizens seem to be pretty salty over the whole debacle with many asking for justice.
While other commenters claimed that they themselves had seen proof of law enforcement officials similarly breaching Covid-19 SOP, but are unsure of what to do with such information.
Apakah iniii!!! I need an explanation ahhhhhhh 😧— 🔥SISBUATSURPRISE RM15🥳 (@cokelatparcel) November 20, 2020
I ada gambar police duduk makan kat kedai beramai ramai tapi takut nak up status so biar simpan jadi pekasam ja lah huhuhuhu— ハフィズさん🇲🇾🇯🇵🌺 (@Hafixsan) November 20, 2020
Same energy. Siap smoking lagi pic.twitter.com/mXmE8soT8A— arieff (@arieffpft) November 21, 2020
#KitaJagaKita
Breaching Covid-19 rules and guidelines is an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 which can carry heavy fines and even jail time.
Malaysians witnessing any rule breaking are advised to immediately make a police report at any nearby police station or directly to the Health Ministry (MOH) through the Public Complaints Management System or SisPAA, HERE.
Alternatively, citizens can also lodge a complaint with the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) if they witness any misconduct committed by Federal law enforcement officials and agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Immigrations Department, Customs Department and others. Official complaints can be made online on the EAIC website, HERE.
Malaysians can similarly report misconducts made by civil servants from agencies such as Municipal Councils to the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) on its official page, HERE.

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Source:
Malaysians (Again) Accuse Government Of Double Standards For Ignoring CMCO Rules
PM Muhyiddin Explains Klang Valley CMCO Decision, “Double Standards” & More
COVID-19: Soalan Lazim Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) Kementerian Dalam Negeri – Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM)
Panduan Pengurusan Aduan Awam


Rat crawls up Johorean girl’s jeans; bites her thigh

Last weekend, on a rainy afternoon, 19 year-old Umirah Mohamad was innocently heading to the supermarket with her mother.
Then she felt something crawling up her leg ON THE INSIDE OF HER JEANS.
She had folded up the bottom of her jeans to avoid them getting wet from puddles of water.

(Pic Credit: Berita Harian)

She thought the thing that had crawled up her leg was a “lizard” the size of a big toe, when it suddenly BIT her.
She felt sharp claws dig deep into her thigh and realised it was a street rat!

via GIPHY
Even after trying to shake her leg, the rat did not seem to budge as it bit even deeper into her skin.
Her mother was forced to kill the rat with her bare hands through Umirahâ€™s jeans because the rodent just would not let go.

 (Pic Credit: Berita Harian)

Umirah was rushed to the Segamat District Hospital for tetanus shots and was allowed home after observation.
Rat bites are dangerous as they can cause rat-bite fever or even worse, rabies! So if you do get bit or even scratched by rats, please do seek medical attention! Kudos to Umirah’s mother who urgently brought her to the doctors.


Mosques & Suraus In Federal Territories Are Open, Hajj Is Closed, Says Minister

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Malaysian Muslims will be allowed to attend communal prayer and other religious activities at mosques and suraus during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period, beginning June 12.
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zulkifli Al-Bakri said that masjids and suraus in green zones within the federal territories will be open for communal Friday prayers and other mass prayer sessions with attendance being limited to one-third of each prayer hall’s maximum capacity.
This means that if a mosque or surau has the capacity to fit 1,000 people, only 333 people would be allowed to attend prayer.
Dr. Zulkifli Al-Bakri speaking during a live broadcast from Putrajaya on June 11.(Credit: Facebook/Buletin TV3)
The minister outlined several other guidelines in accordance with the reopening of mosques and suraus across the federal territories which would presumably be adapted by other state religious authorities accordingly;
Mosque and suraus would only be open to the public an hour before the call to prayer and closed after prayers are concluded.Attendants must enter and exit the mosque in an orderly fashion.Mandatory temperature checks and sanitation procedures must be conducted before entering a mosque or suraus and the recording of attendance is mandatory.Communal prayers are to be coordinated according to social distance measures where attendants must remain 1 meter apart during prayer.Those in attendance are required to bring their own prayer mats and wear face masks.Those in attendance are required to perform their Wudu (ritual cleansing) at home or at designated areas marked by mosque authorities.Those in attendance are prohibited from physical contact with each other, specifically no salam-menyalam after prayers have concluded.Any gathering inside or outside the mosque is strictly prohibited.Women, children above 12-years-old and the elderly are allowed to attend prayer.Those who are sick, showing symptoms of illness, or have chronic diseases are prohibited from joining religious activities.Subuh and Magrib sermons are to be allowed on a limited time frame of 30 minutes.Banquets and makan-makan at mosques or suraus are strictly prohibited.Solemnization or akad nikah at masjids are now allowed.Foreigners are still prohibited from entering and attending religious activities.
Zulkifli also added that the public is allowed to enter mosques and suraus to perform prayers on their own apart from communal prayer sessions.
The minister also reminds the public to abide by Covid-guidelines when praying at prayer rooms and prayer facilities in public spaces such as offices, malls, rest stops, and petrol stations.
(Credit: ekrem osmanoglu/Unsplash)
Meanwhile, the minister also mentions that the 2020 hajj season for Malaysian pilgrims is effectively suspended.

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