Stop! Eating That Leftover Rice Could Poison You And Here’s Why

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

We’ve all been there. Cooked too much rice and left it in the rice cooker to eat later. Despite Malaysians boasting our stomachs of steel, eating left leftover rice can be quite dangerous.

You: I always eat leftover rice and I’ve never gotten sick.
The Ministry of Health:

In case you missed it the first time around in 2019, MOH posted on their Facebook that reheating rice can cause food poisoning.
It’s all about HOW we store the rice
If you’re one of those who have never had any incidents of food poisoning from eating leftover rice, it’s probably because you stored the rice correctly.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), uncooked rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
When the rice is cooked and left at room temperature for more than four hours, Bacillus cereus spores can reactivate and grow into bacteria.
Once the bacteria multiplies, it may produce toxins (poisons) that can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
Before you go all myth buster and try to disprove this scientific evidence, symptoms usually kick in 1 to 5 hours after. And while symptoms are relatively mild and usually last about 24 hours, they are also known to be quite serious.
I’ve never heard of such cases…
Although news of individuals getting food poisoning rarely make headline news, there are cases where they have and at times rice has been a suspect.
In January 2019, at least 17 students at a primary school in Ipoh suffered food poisoning after eating fried rice at their school canteen.
Later that year in October, 24 students and five teachers of SK Iskandar Alor Setar, Kedah suffered from symptoms of food poisoning after they all were said to have fried rice for breakfast.
Food poisoning from rice has even affected countries like Singapore that are known to follow strict food preparation procedures.  In 2018, 14 students had fallen ill after eating rice that had been cooked and kept warm in a rice cooker for three hours before being turned into fried rice.
Although the cases in Malaysia were not confirmed to be directly due to improper storage of rice, it is a cause for concern that both incidents involved rice served to a mass gathering.
So HOW do we store rice properly then?
The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom suggests cooling leftover rice within the hour and storing it in a closed container in the fridge immediately after.
Ideally, it is best to serve the rice as soon as it has been cooked.
If you do decide to store (correctly), when you reheat the rice, always check that it’s steaming hot all the way through and for the love of science, try not to reheat the rice more than once.

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


Why Does Singapore Get More Mega Concerts Compared To Malaysia? Time To Revamp The Process

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

We have seen big names performing in Malaysia. From Michael Jackson in the 90s to Bon Jovi several times to Taylor Swift in 2014 and many more.
To say that Malaysia is not attractive to foreign artists is erroneous at best. We have a lot to offer and as mentioned, we have seen mega stars adding Kuala Lumpur to their tour.
However, of late, we seem to be losing out to Singapore. It all started with Coldplay’s one night only in Kuala Lumpur but six nights in Singapore.
To add salt to a still sore wound, Taylor Swift announced her 2024 tour which only includes Singapore in Southeast Asia, and that too for six nights.
Beyonce’s 2024 Renaissance tour is also rumoured to have a Singapore stopover, and no Kuala Lumpur.
When tickets were sold out for Coldplay’s KL concert, many appealed to the band on social media to add more nights here. Their plea was in vain but Singapore secured more shows.
Putting Coldplay and Tay-tay, even Queen Bee aside, the fact that Singapore appears to be the destination of choice raised questions on why they don’t see Kuala Lumpur the way they do our neighbour.
The most obvious reason is politics. When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Coldplay here after they announced their concert date, opposition party PAS went to town denouncing the band performing here. They latched on to Coldplay’s acceptance of LGBTQ+ and remarked that Malaysia should not encourage this type of behaviour here.
READ MORE: PAS Politician Urges Cancellation Of Coldplay Concert in Malaysia
READ MORE: Alife Malaysia: Political Protests Limit Malaysia To One Coldplay Show, While Singapore Hosts Six
But this can’t be the only reason.
We figured it was best to reach out to those who actively engage in live events to get a better understanding of what it takes to organise a live performance in Malaysia.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an event organiser pointed out the currency exchange rate as a possible cause why some prefer to head to Singapore.
To her, approvals and permit pale in comparison to the fees of an international artist, especially those that are paid in US dollars.

Each artist has their own requirement, own technical rider, there is a lot of cost there. Factor in travel arrangements, business class/first class, accommodations, food, their entourage which can sometimes be up to 30 people.
Event organiser
She said what makes it all expensive is the exchange rate. As it stands, US$1 is currently SGD1.35 and RM4.67.
Meanwhile, Livescape Group founder and Group CEO Iqbal Ameer whose company operates in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia and has organised shows in other countries including China, Vietnam and Australia told TRP that Malaysia is the most difficult to get any event up.
This he said detracts from Malaysia wanting to promote ease of business.
Why is Malaysia difficult? Simple answer is the system that we have here.
Iqbal said this system has not seen any changes in years.
“Or I guess the process of even changing these systems is very long and tiring and at the same time, more and more businesses find it very difficult to try and promote concerts in Malaysia.”
The approval process is long as it requires various different steps, involving multiple agencies from the police to the fire department to the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).

They all have very different aspects of the event that they want to look at. So this makes it very difficult because you as an event organiser, you have to talk to multiple different bodies in order to get approved for an event.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape
He said a lengthy process would make sense if the business in question is operating a permanent setup, like a restaurant.

Live events or live entertainment is short, in and out. But we still follow sort of like the same system, that we have to talk to different different bodies and that’s the first thing that makes things very difficult.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape
Puspal Guidelines
What is Puspal? Puspal is, as its name suggests, the central agency for the application for filming and performance by foreign artistes.
We went on the internet to look at the guidelines when it comes to live shows for Malaysia and Singapore.
We found that the Puspal guideline is 74 pages long with lengthy descriptions of dos and don’ts, whereas Singapore’s guide is 4 pages long.
Iqbal is of the opinion that Puspal’s guideline is extremely lengthy by comparison because Malaysia is focusing more on detailing what cannot be done.

We’re trying to be as specific as possible and try to make sure that we cover every single aspect so that nothing falls through the cracks whereas Singapore has taken a very different stance. It is not about (things) falling into the cracks. It is about making sure that you follow the Singapore guidelines and it’s about safety and security and making sure that it benefits the entire country.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape
While the process may be lengthy, Iqbal said Puspal has done a commendable job given the restrictions that they have.

The people that work in Puspal do try their best to understand where event organisers are coming from and what they need to do, but again, it’s because event organisers find it very difficult to follow these extremely strict guidelines that have been set forth by Puspal in the first place.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape
Another downside to the extensive guideline is that they can be interpreted in many ways.
Politics and media
Going back to politics as a factor, Iqbal said it does play a huge role given that Malaysia is fractured as a society, with politicians drumming up the beat, taking advantage of this (concerts) for their own benefit, own gain.

Anything can be seen as controversial.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape
There is also the domino effect where the media tend to add fuel to the fire.
“This changes sentiments of the people who are reading it. If I read that live entertainment is demoralising, and then I watch a video that it is demoralising and I’ve been seeing this for 12 months, it is going to get into my head and I will start to believe,” he said, which then gives credence to the political agenda being spread out there.
The people reading these agendas can be civil servants tasked with processing concert applications or giving their stamp of approval.
This is where the domino effect comes into play and they may translate all these “information” they consumed into not handing out approvals.

A lot of government entities walk on eggshells. Nobody wants to piss anyone off because they’re afraid that they’re going to get fired or reprimanded for taking an action because someone can blame someone.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape
Moving forward
Iqbal pointed out that we are now in an age where live entertainment is recognised globally and that it is an important aspect of growth. It is also the fastest way countries can grow its economy, tenfold.
“It’s a huge outlet for tourism. But yet, we haven’t changed the practices or adapted these practices to how the world has changed around us. And that’s the big thing.
“And if we keep moving our fences according to political whims or reacting to people and political agendas, nobody is looking in the best interest of everyone and we should be looking at the benefits that it has for the nation instead of ‘how I may be looked at if I give this approval’,” he said.
He remarked that countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Australia are all aware of this so government bodies and private companies, promoters, they all work in unison because they know that if an event is a success, then it benefits everyone.

And yes, there will be people that will not be happy with it, but you can’t make everyone happy. Imagine if every movie had to be scrutinised by so many guidelines, no movies will come through. This will affect the cinema industry greatly.
Iqbal Ameer, Livescape

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


MRCS Provides ‘Covid Home Care Kit’ For Underprivileged Covid-19 Patients Under Quarantine

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

Since we’re advised to combat Covid-19 at home, there needs to be more awareness on what patients need to do to keep themselves safe and in check.

While most of us are equipped well to do so, the vulnerable communities such as the migrants, Orang Asli, the B40 community and others may need some help.
As such, the Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS) has prepared the #CovidHomeCare kits to provide support to Covid-19 positive patients, especially those from vulnerable communities.
MRCS #CovidHomeCare Kit
Each handy #CovidHomeCare Kits contains:
ThermometerOximeterBasic medicines such as paracetamol, lozenges, oral rehydration saltsHand sanitisersAn RTK-Antigen self-test kitMasks
Each kit also comes with a deck of helpful notes to explain what to do in quarantine and how to use the items in the kit.
Where to get the #CovidHomeCare kits?

The kit will be available at MRCS centres across nine states: Klang Valley, Kelantan, Penang, Kedah, Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak.
The public can opt for delivery or pick-up at these locations while Covid-19 patients will receive theirs via delivery. The delivery of the kits depends on the availability of the kits.
To secure the #CovidHomeCare kit, you can submit your request via a Google form and an MRCS representative will be in touch.
Mental health support while battling the virus

If you need mental health support while you’re battling the virus, you can reach out to MRCS’s Mental Health Psycho-Socio Support (MHPSS) network.
Peninsular Malaysia: 1700-811-007 or 6012-6901191
East Malaysia: 088-416-911 or 017-803 6911

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


Samsung Galaxy S21: A Great Compact Phone For 2021 [Showcase]

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

For 2021, Samsung has come out with three different variants in the Galaxy S line-up – the S21, S21+ and the S21 Ultra – all of which are 5G-capable.

But moving away from the giant glass sandwich desings of last year, the S21 (non + and non Ultra) is a sleek, compact and pocketable phone with a metal finish and a comfortable plastic back.
The full line-upCredit: Samsung Malaysia
It’s been a week or so since I started using the latest S21 as my daily driver and here are my thoughts about their newest flagship-ish phone and who should get this device.

A Compact Powerhouse
Coming from someone who owns and uses a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, which has a 6.8 inch screen, the S21’s smaller size felt really good to use. So much so that I’m contemplating getting a smaller phone the next time round.
If you’re thinking of upgrading right now though, the S21 is the phone to buy if you care about using your phone with one hand. With a screen size of 6.2 inches, it’s a much more compact phone compared to its other siblings, the S21+ (6.8 inches) and the S21 Ultra (6.8 inches).
It runs on the same processor as the bigger S21 Ultra and has the same 120hz refresh rate, and even though the phone is somewhat small, Samsung has put a 4,000 mAh battery inside the S21 which should be able to last you for a day, if you’re doing some web browsing, watching some videos on YouTube and scrolling through social media.
I personally think that the phone was meant for a different type of audience who want the latest specs but still want it to be pocketable. If you’re the type of person who prefers phone to be more human-sized, this might be the one for you.
The S21 comes in four colours – Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom White and Phantom PinkCredit: Samsung
If you want a phone with a capable camera
It might not have fancy cameras like the S21 Ultra’s 108 megapixel sensor, but the S21 is still a capable phone with a triple camera setup similar to the S21+ and it can even shoot 8k videos.
After some testing, I’ve noticed that the 64 megapixel sensor should be the go-to option if you just want to use it to point-and-shoot but Samsung does allow users to tweak with the settings if you want to fiddle around with the ISO and shutter speeds.
The only downside of using the 64MP camera is the size of the photos which might take up a lot of storage in your phone and you can’t upgrade the on-board memory using an SD card.
In terms of the pictures, they do have a bit of punchy contrast to them which is great if you like taking photos of flowers because the colours will pop.
As for the front camera, it does the job well and I appreciate the fact that it doesn’t over-smoothen your face – making the pictures look a bit more natural.
In case you want to look at the pictures, we have some samples taken from the S21 camera.
Credit: TRP
If you want a gaming phone
Although not marketed as a gaming phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 does have the capabilities of playing graphic intensive mobile games without breaking a sweat.
I noticed that the gaming experience was relatively smooth when playing Call Of Duty Mobile with no noticeable hiccups.
As with other phones, using your phone to game might affect battery life but Samsung has also equipped this bad boy with super fast charging – a handy feature to quickly top up the 4000mAh battery.
Gaming actually looks good on thisCredit:
A few things to consider before jumping in
While this is a great phone, if you already own a Samsung Galaxy S20, you might want to skip this one as both phones have relatively similar specs (same camera, screen size) with the only difference being the S21 having a newer chipset.
Another thing to point out is the lack of Micro SD support, which is present in last year’s model. So, if you’re a user that likes to use expandable storage, then it might be best to keep that in mind if you want to upgrade to this phone.
Credit: TRP
But it’s a good all-round phone
The Galaxy S21 is a solid package if you just want a smartphone that works as it can game, take good photos and has a good battery life.
Although yes, it might not be the very tippy top smartphone that Samsung is offering right now (that now belongs to the S21 Ultra), but if you’re looking for a phone that works, this is one to consider especially if you have an older Android phone and are looking to upgrade.

Price
For a future-proof 5G phone, the S21 is priced at a reasonable RM3,499 for the 128GB model while the 256GB variant will cost you RM3,699.

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


“Rushing To Pick Up Boss” Police Probe Viral ‘P45’ Van Caught Cutting Kelantan Traffic

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

So the video of the black van that people claimed belonged to a Malaysian Deputy Minister that was caught cutting through traffic recently, finally made its way to the cops.

Read More: “More Than A King” Car Caught Breaking Traffic Rules In Kelantan Allegedly Deputy Minister’s
Kelantan traffic police confirm that they have received reports of the incident that occurred on Jalan Bukit Marak in Kota Bharu involving a Toyota Alphard registered under the plates, P45.
The cops say that the van had overtaken other vehicles on a doubled-lane road even as other vehicles were approaching from the opposite direction.
Sources had told Malaysiakini that the police probes found that the vehicle was driven by a 31-year-old personal driver who was alone at the time and was apparently late to pick up his ‘boss’ from home in order to send him to the airport.
The driver on duty was rushing and overtook the vehicles in front, turned on the emergency lights and made sure that it was safe before cutting other vehicles on the double-lined road.via Malaysiakini
Police added that they are now on the case and investigations will commence under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) for reckless and dangerous driving – which if a person is found guilty of, may be punishable by a prison sentence of no less than two years or a maximum of 10 years, as well as fines up to RM20,000.
Previously, Malaysia’s ‘cyber detectives’ on social media had put together a theory that the vehicle seen in the viral video belonged to Pengkalan Chepa Member of Parliament (MP) and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary.
(Credit: abukitol via Twitter)
However, the police didn’t mention or confirmed who the vehicle had belonged to.

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

Source:
Polis siasat Alphard potong kenderaan di garisan berkembar [METROTV]
Polis siasat kes Toyota Alphard P45 langgar peraturan lalu lintas
'Pemandu nak cepat, bos dah lambat ke lapangan terbang'


Singapore & Indonesia Officially Have Higher Covid-19 Cases Than Malaysia

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

 One month into the Movement Control Order (MCO) and it appears that Malaysiaâ€™s Covid-19 case numbers are improving.
As of 18th April 2020, the nation records a total of 5,305 positive Covid-19 cases – an increase of only 54 compared to the previous day- and 88 deaths.

Terkini #COVID19Malaysia 18 April 2020.Jumlah kes baru positif, 54 kes.Jumlah keseluruhan kes positif, 5,305 kes.Jumlah pesakit discaj, 135 kes. Jumlah kes sembuh, 3,102 kes. 49 kes dirawat di ICU, 26 daripada jumlah tersebut memerlukan bantuan alat pernafasan. pic.twitter.com/niX1lAnVaR— KKMPutrajaya (@KKMPutrajaya) April 18, 2020

This is also the second day in a row where Malaysiaâ€™s daily case increases are in the double digits after the rapid spike in March.
These latest numbers indicate that Malaysia no longer has the highest number of cases as Indonesia has reported 407 new coronavirus cases within a 24-hour period, bringing their Covid-19 numbers to 5,923. Indonesia also records the highest death toll in the region with 520 people succumbed to the virus infection.
In the same day, the Philippines had a total of 5,878 infections but latest figures show that the countryâ€™s Covid-19 count has risen to 6,087, while deaths have reached 397.
The situation is also worsening for our southern neighbours as Singapore just reported a daily high of 942 reported Covid-19 cases today (18th April), bringing their total to 5,992 with 11 deaths.
Singapore is almost midway through a month-long â€œcircuit breakerâ€ with strict social distancing measures to stem the Covid-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, Indonesia declared Covid-19 a national disaster on 13th April.

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


3YO JB Boy Dies Of Suspected Abuse By Dad’s Friend & A Foreign Maid

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

A 3-year-old boy left in the care of his father’s friend died yesterday, and there are suspicions that the friend and a foreign maid had abused the child.

According to Johor Police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, the child and his one-year-old sister were being taken care of by the 28-year-old suspect at a house in Skudai for the past three months.
Kamarul said that the victim’s father had paid his friend, who works as a salesman, RM2,800 a month to take care of his two children.
Johor Police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat at the scene of the crime. (Credit: Bernama)
“The father works in Singapore and the mother works in Yong Peng.
“Initial investigations revealed that there were several injuries on the victim’s body, as well as bruises and a few cuts, however, we are waiting for a comprehensive report following the post-mortem,” Kamarul was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The victim’s sibling however did not suffer any injuries.
Kamarul said that the police had arrested the 28-year-old suspect together with a 40-year-old foreign maid to assist in the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Meanwhile, New Straits Times reported that the police have also taken the closed-circuit television footage from the suspect’s house and seized some items for further investigation.
Check out the article below if you suspect that your child has suffered from abuse.
READ MORE: How To Spot If Your Child Has Been Abused

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


‘SUGA: Road To D-Day’ Delves Deep Into The Heart And Artistry Of The BTS Superstar [Review]

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

SUGA is ready for his moment.

After gaining worldwide recognition as a member of the popular band BTS and sharing his solo mixtapes and collaborations with fans, the talented 30-year-old rapper has finally released his debut solo album, D-Day. This journey was documented in a new Disney+ film, SUGA: Road to D-Day, set for release on 21 April.
Credit: Disney+ Hotstar
What to expect?
The documentary takes viewers on a trip with the chart-topping South Korean performer from his hometown of Seoul to destinations such as Tokyo and Las Vegas in search of inspiration as he creates D-Day.
SUGA, under the moniker Agust D, has previously revealed that the Agust D series was designed to be a space where he could produce the kind of music he was most passionate about, free from the confines and expectations of a traditional album structure. Following his previous mixtapes, 2020’s D-2 and 2016’s Agust D, the trilogy comes to a conclusion with D-DAY, the first official full-length project in the series.
The documentary features footage of him discussing writer’s block with fellow musicians and reflecting on past traumatic events to inspire his work for D-Day. It provides an insight into his creative processes and musical principles, showcasing his dedication to creating music that is honest, personal, and liberating. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges that arise when producing popular music with unique sounds while staying true to one’s artistry.
In the film, SUGA peels back the layers of his artistry — providing an intimate look into his creative process, and sharing his vulnerabilities with viewers. The ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ documentary offers glimpses into the life and artistry of one of the most talented musicians in the world today, with conversations that show the hard work and dedication that go into producing music that resonates with fans worldwide.
Credit: Disney+ Hotstar
The End of an Era
The inclusion of a verse from the BTS version of “Life Goes On” in the trilogy’s conclusion feels intentional, as SUGA reflects that despite the world changing, things remain the same between him and his fans. This documentary showcased the conclusion of a journey that serves as a fitting farewell to the Agust D persona.
SUGA’s Agust D trilogy represents a path towards acceptance, culminating in 2023. Although SUGA may retire his Agust D persona in the future, his body of work will continue to captivate listeners for years to come. It is worth mentioning that SUGA’s talent, dedication, and humility are truly inspiring, and this documentary does an excellent job of showcasing his journey to D-Day.
Overall, ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ is a must-watch for any BTS fan, but also for anyone interested in the creative process and the human side of the music industry.

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


Decomposing Female Body Found In Suitcase At Kulai Bus Stop

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

A woman’s body was found in a trunk at a bus stop in front of the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) building in Kulai.

Kulai District Police Chief, Superintendent Tok Beng Yeow, said his men received information from a man regarding the discovery of the skeleton at 1.50 pm on Wednesday (12 April).
According to him, when the corpse was found, it had already decomposed more than 50 per cent in addition to maggots.
The body was then sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Bahru for the post-mortem process. The woman is believed to have been killed more than two weeks ago, however the cause of death is still under investigation.Superintendent Tok Beng Yeow commenting on the grim discovery.

The results of the autopsy found that the gender of the corpse was a woman aged approximately 25 years, with injuries under the skin of the head.
Police said the woman is believed to have been killed more than two weeks ago.
However, the cause of death is still under investigation,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Beng Yeow added that the investigation into the case was carried out under Section 302 of the Penal Code, and the offender could be sentenced to death.
The police request the public’s cooperation with information regarding the incident to come to the Kulai District Police Headquarters.
They can also contact the Investigating Officer, Assistant Superintendent Sivachandran, at 016-2850204.

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


M’sians can explore Antartica for a whole month FREE by volunteering with Airbnb

You heard that right: Malaysians are eligible to apply for a month-long, all-expenses-paid, first-of-its-kind scientific expedition to Antartica.

Picture credit: Airbnb

Did we mention that it’s free?
Airbnb is inviting applicants to be a Citizen Scientist on their Antartic Sabbatical program for a month starting November 18. The team, to be led by environmental scientist Kirstie Jones-Williams, will investigate snow core samples to study microplastics.

Picture credit: Airbnb

The Antartic Sabbatical starts in Chile, before moving on to Antartica for snow samples, and returning to Chile again to prepare the findings for study.
These findings are crucial in understanding how microplastics are spread around the Earth and what public policies need to be put in place to change it.
Airbnb is in partnership with Ocean Conservancy to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. In addition to educational and advocacy efforts, Airbnb is committed to providing options for sustainable travels.

Picture credit: Airbnb

Applicants must be:– a resident of Malaysia (or other eligible countries) – over the age of 18– speak conversational English– in good physical health for the harsh weather conditions in the Antartic
If you are interested and meet all the requirements, simply apply for the Antartic Sabbatical here by October 8. (Again, it’s free!)


Klang Valley Residents Who Want To Skip Covid-19 Vaccine Queue Can Volunteer For AstraZeneca Jabs

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

It’s official, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur residents who wish to get their Covid-19 vaccinations can now volunteer to take the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Science, Technology & Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines will only be used on a voluntary basis in Malaysia.
According to Malaysiakini, special vaccination centres (PPV) will be set up in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to administer the vaccine, with the aim to boost the country’s vaccination rate.
Yesterday, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had Tweeted about considering opening walk-ins for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine after public opinion was split on accepting the vaccine due to the rare side effect of developing blood clots.
READ MORE: Health DG Suggests Walk-Ins For Anyone Who Wants AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine
Perhaps we should open a walk in for AZ vaccine. No need to wait. What do you think?— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) April 27, 2021
AstraZeneca vaccine & blood clots
Several cases of rare blood clots were identified by the regulatory body in the United Kingdom – the MHRA – after people received the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The blood clots occurred in veins in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, CVST) and the abdomen (splanchnic vein thrombosis) and in arteries, together with low levels of blood platelets and sometimes bleeding.
Credit: ANNE WESTON/FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE VIA WELLCOME

According to BBC, 79 people – two-thirds of them women – experienced clots after receiving a first vaccine dose. Nineteen of them died.
This is in contrast to over 20 million AstraZeneca vaccines doses already administered across the UK by the end of March 2021.
The MHRA said about four people in a million would normally be expected to develop this particular kind of blood clot – though the fact they are so rare makes the usual rate hard to estimate.
Nonetheless, the MHRA states that benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine far outweighs the risks of the virus – hospitalisation and death – especially for the elderly. It does say though that under-30s with no underlying health conditions should be offered an alternative vaccine where available.
The European Medicines Agency safety committee (PRAC) concluded that unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects for the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, PRAC stresses that the reported combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is very rare, and the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing Covid-19 outweigh the risks of side effects.
KKM has also made the decision to proceed with the vaccine, based on clinical data which proved the benefits outweigh the harm.

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

Source:
AstraZeneca vaccine to go to those who volunteer - KJ


Voters Over 18 Can Now Check If They’re Registered Under MySPR

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

MySPR has opened their pre-registrations today and Malaysians who are above 18 years old can now check and verify via the Election Commission (SPR) website.

The Star reports that those who pre-registered to be automatic voters will be able to check the status of their registration from 1 to 31 October.
You can check your details here at https://mysprsppa.spr.gov.my.
SPR Secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak was quoted saying that the Committee will be putting up information of the 5.8 million would-be voters on public display, so they will be able to do verifications.
READ MORE: Government Won’t Appeal Against Undi 18 Order, Will Implement By End Of The Year, Says Law Minister
How to check your info
In the website, you’ll have to key in your IC number and fill in the captcha before the page will show your details such as the district that you can cast your vote and address.
If the info is correct, you can proceed to confirm your details on the website.

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


Victims Of V2K Telegram Group Come Forward To Report Abuse

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

Victims of the obscene V2K or Vitamin4Testicles Telegram group came together to lodge a police report for cybercrimes and sexual harassment.

The local private chat group had been exposed for posting and sharing unsolicited as well as pornographic images and videos of Malaysian women and underaged girls.
Reportedly, the chat group had over 40,000 users made up of married men, students and rich businessmen.
The group’s existence and others like it came to light when a number of women had come forward after discovering their images being shared without prior knowledge and permission on the channels.
Screenshots taken of the private Telegram group chats.(Says/World of Buzz)
The victims were accompanied by members from the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) to submit their statements at Bukit Aman.
AWAM claims that the chat group had committed several criminal offences including criminal intimidation, breach of data and privacy as well as sexual abuse against children, and urged the government to take action and reforms towards protecting women and victims of sexual harassment.
The group had also started an online petition to expedite the passing of Malaysia’s long-awaited Sexual Harassment Bill, which was previously due to be tabled in Parliament by the end of 2020.
(Change)
According to reports, police are currently looking into the reports made by the victims and investigations are underway.
Previously, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) also said that the matter had been raised to Telegram and has also brought the case to the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.

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

Source:
Women lodge harassment reports after photos leaked on Telegram
Local Telegram Group With Over 35,000 Members Is Spreading Women's Photos & Child Porn
Harassment From The Streets To Social Media
Five victims of ‘V2K group’ lodge police reports
Long Anticipated Sexual Harassment Bill To Be Tabled In Parliament In 2020
Sexual Harassment Bill to be tabled by year end, says minister
MCMC Notified Telegram Over Local Groups Spreading Women's Photo & Child Porn


New Burger Joint In Town – Say Hi To NY’s Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes In Sunway City

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

With Five Guys already in Malaysia and Shake Shack coming this year, we now have a wide variety of artisan burgers to choose from.

To add another to the list, American burger chain – Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes – is opening here soon. This New York-based restaurant will open its first store in Malaysia at Sunway City in Kuala Lumpur on March 17.
(Credit: Black Tap Craft Burger & Beer / Facebook)
The restaurant in Sunway City is decorated with art-covered walls and is accompanied by hip-hop and pop music of the 80s and 90s, to provide a similar atmosphere to a traditional American luncheonette in New York.
Malaysian street artist Kenji Chai whose works have decorated the walls of places throughout the country, including Malaysia’s tallest mural, has decorated the interiors of the restaurant.
The restaurant has 165 seats, including patio seats outside and a mezzanine level with its own dedicated bar for private groups of 50 people.
Milkshakes that’ll bring all boys to the yard. (Credit: Black Tap Craft Burger & Beer / Facebook)
Famed cheeseburgers & flamboyant milkshakes
Black Tap is known for its large cheesy burgers and milkshakes that come with over-the-top toppings.
Their milkshakes are called Crazy Shakes (for a reason) as they’re topped with flamboyant desserts such as a slice of cake, a whole muffin or a whole cookie with tons of whipped cream.
Here are some of the Crazy Shake menu:
 Cookie Shake – vanilla cookie shake with a vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a ‘cookiewich’, crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream & chocolate drizzle Sweet ‘N Salty – a peanut butter shake which is stacked with a sugar daddy, pretzel rods, chocolate covered pretzel, whipped cream, and caramel & chocolate drizzle, Cotton Candy shake – a riot of colour with cotton candy, blue & pink rock candy, a pink & white whirly pop, and crowned with cotton candy!
These will surely give you diabetes just by looking at them.(Credit: Black Tap Craft Burger & Beer / Facebook)
They also feature burgers, sandwiches and salads. Some of the recommended burgers are the Texan Burger, the Crispy Chicken Sandwich or the Greg Norman Burger of wagyu beef topped with house buttermilk-dill, blue cheese and arugula served on a soft potato bun.
Mulberry Street Burger (left) and Greg Norman Burger (right).(Credit: Black Tap Craft Burger & Beer / Facebook)
Besides the standard menu, Black Tap also provides a variety of plant-based dishes, including the Black Bean Vegan Burger, Vegan Black Bean Salad, and Vegan Black ‘N White CakeShake, to follow the latest vegan food trend.
Black Tap was originally opened by husband and wife, Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan back in 2015 in New York City. Since then, it has opened in various locations in the US and abroad too such as Bahrain, Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE.
Malaysia was a natural next destination for us within the region and the rich food culture is inspiring.Chris Barish, Owner of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
Tempted to try their burgers and burgers and milkshakes? Head on to Sunway Resort Hotel this 17 March and onwards.
Address: Sunway Resort Hotel, Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, MalaysiaOperating Hours: 11 am – 1 am (daily)
Stay tuned to Sunway City’s Instagram for more updates.
READ MORE: Popular US Burger Chain Shake Shack Will Land On Malaysian Shores In 2023!
READ MORE: Think Five Guys Is Expensive? We Asked Them Why
READ MORE: Team TRP Cuba Burger Dari Los Angeles Di Pasadena Burger! [Review]

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


What Is UEC And Do Their Students Even Sit For PMR or SPM?

Subscribe to our new Telegram channel for the latest updates.

The history of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in Malaysia has been fraught with drama since 1975, especially as the Chinese Malaysian community struggles to get local recognition for the examination in Malaysia even until today.

But a lot of people struggle to understand why the UEC is even necessary in Malaysia, or why Chinese independent schools felt the need to use their own education system.
Why UEC?
The UEC was set up to unify the exams for independent Chinese schools, which uses Mandarin as their language of teaching. The Junior UEC exam is similar to PMR. The Senior UEC exam is intended to be an equivalent to STPM and A-levels, and is recognized as such overseas in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, India, and more. Some students in East Malaysia may also have the option to sit for the UEC exams in English.
However this does not mean that students at Chinese independent schools neglect the Malaysian government school syllabus and do not sit for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams.
Students at independent Chinese schools still sit for all national examinations such as PMR and SPM. The subjects are taught alongside the school’s own Chinese syllabus, and teachers dedicate lesson periods to teaching the government syllabus too.
There’s a lot of studying involved at a Chinese independent school.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
How it works:
The Chinese independent schools separate their high school grades into two parts: junior high and senior high.
Junior high (Junior 1, 2, 3) is equivalent to Form 1, Form 2, and Form 3; while senior high (Senior 1, 2, 3) is equivalent to Form 4, Form 5, and Form 6. However, the Senior 3 year is only one-year long as opposed to Form 6’s 2-year course.
Chinese independent school students take the Junior Middle UEC in Junior 3, and the Senior Middle UEC in Senior 3.
In terms of national examinations, those in Chinese independent schools sit for Junior UEC and PMR during the same year. The subjects are taught side-by-side and cover similar materials in two languages.
Then, students sit for the SPM during their Senior 2 year, and their UEC in their Senior 3 year. There’s no overlap in examinations, so students and teachers can focus on the respective upcoming exam fully.
Just like in government schools where not all students stay on for Form 6 and their STPM, not all Chinese independent school students decide to stay for Senior 3 and the UEC.
A LOT of studying.(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
What happens when students graduate?
However, those who do stay on for UEC will find that their tertiary education will be limited to private schools that do accept their UEC results, as it is not recognized in government universities, unless they use their SPM results and sit for an additional year of Diploma or Foundation studies.
As a result, students who completed UEC will more often than not go into private colleges or overseas to complete their tertiary studies, instead of staying on in Malaysia.
According to the Education Act 1996, private educational institutions where the medium of instruction is something other than the national language is constitutionally allowed.
However, it is not in the constitution that the intended-equivalency exams like the Senior Middle UEC must be recognized, which has led to this continuous back-and-forth between Dong Zong and the Ministry of Education all this while.

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


A Woman Got Lost While Hiking In Penang Botanic Gardens, Search For Her Resumes

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

A woman is believed to have gotten lost while hiking at the Penang Botanic Gardens yesterday evening at 4.04 pm (8 January).

The woman known as Dewi went on a hike for two hours but failed to make it out of the park.
A spokesperson from the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said they contacted her through a phone call.
According to Kosmo, she managed to send her location via Whatsapp to the commander of the operation.
Based on a report by The Star, she’s believed to have started her hike from the Botanic Gardens but has gotten lost around the hills near Surin Condominium around 6 pm.
With help from police and the public, the search and rescue mission continued until 2 am.
However, it had to be called off at 2.15 am when Dewi’s location signal disappeared.
The search and rescue operation resumed today morning at 8 am (9 January), and a Pos Kawalan Bomba (PKB) has been set up at the location.
Here’s to hoping Dewi will be found safe and sound.

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


Malaysia Experiencing Major â€œInternet Pressureâ€, Says Economists

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

A team from Monash University reveals that our internet infrastructure is being put under immense pressure.
With the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of the nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO), Malaysians, now more than ever, are relying on the internet for most of their tasks and needs from; working at home, e-learning, grocery shopping and the ever so important online forms of entertainment.
Dr Klaus Ackerman, Associate Professor Simon Angus, and Associate Professor Paul Raschky, economists at Monash University and co-founders of KASPR DataHaus – a Melbourne-based research company – studied how quarantine restrictions being put in place all over the world are affecting the internet.
Collecting data from countries with a minimum of 100 Covid-19 cases, the team was able to examine how well each nationâ€™s internet performs and created a publicly accessible Global Internet Pressure map that measures the strain the pandemic is putting on global internet infrastructure.
You can check out the Global Internet Pressure map on KASPR DataHaus’s official webpage.(Credit: KASPR DataHaus)
The study exposed significant latency, or speed issues, that are disrupting millions of internet users across the world.
The (current) situation is not dissimilar to a family trying to make their way through a crowded subway tunnel. Your streaming video or video upload during teleconferencing is made up of thousands of small packets of information; these packets need to find their way down copper and fibre-optic cables across vast distances. The more streaming packets trying to make the journey at once, the more congested the pathway, and the slower the arrival time.Associate Professor Paul Raschky, economist at Monash University and co-founder of KASPR DataHaus
This â€œinternet pressureâ€ as the team calls it, showed that Malaysia experienced quite the slowdown to our internet speeds during the first few days of the MCO, compared to just the week prior.
According to the charts, the countryâ€™s internet pressure was second only to Iran, a country that has a population of over 80 million people and reportedly more than 40,000 confirmed infections.
(Credit: Monash University)
The team also pointed out that Malaysiaâ€™s internet pressure readings were greater than countries with the top Covid-19 cases in the world mainly; China, Italy, South Korea, Spain, and Japan, making an educated guess that Malaysians had already been socially distancing themselves and staying at home even before the MCO was set in place.

Have you’ve been experiencing internet connection problems during the quarantine? Share your thoughts on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


How To Withdraw Your i-Lestari Monthly RM500 From EPF

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

With the Malaysian economy shrinking due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account holders can now make a maximum of RM500 monthly withdrawals to ease their financial burden.
The initiative known as i-Lestari is available from 1st April onwards, and hereâ€™s some important details you should know.
Eligibility
The i-Lestari Withdrawal facility is open to:
Malaysian citizens, permanent residents and non-MalaysiansAge below 55Have savings in Akaun 2
Application
EPF members can submit their applications from 1st April 2020 until 31 March 2021, with the caveat that the applications must reach EPF by or before 31st March 2021.
Applications can be submitted via:
Online (use e-Pengeluaran via Memberâ€™s i-Akaun)E-mail to ilestarimohon@epf.gov.myPost with the note (Attention to: i-Lestari) written on the front of the envelope addressed to:Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja, Karung Berkunci No 220, Jalan Sultan 46720, Petaling Jaya
EPF points out that the approval process for online applications is the fastest, as the processing time for manual submissions is longer.
For non-Malaysians, the application can only be submitted manually.
i-Akaun login page for EPF members.(Screenshot from EPF)
Withdrawal
Via this initiative, each member can withdraw anywhere from RM50 to RM500 per month from April 2020 to 31st March 2021.
Once the application is approved, the requested withdrawals will be credited monthly into your registered bank account. The monthly withdrawal amount is fixed and cannot be changed.
If your Account 2 runs out of money before 31st March 2021, then the amount credited will be whateverâ€™s remaining in it.
Credit: Sayuti Zainudin/Malay Mail
Do note that withdrawals can only be made AFTER the application has been approved.
This means that if your application is approved in April, you can withdraw your money from April 2020 until March 2021 for a full 12 months. But if your application is approved in August 2020, you can only withdraw for 8 months until 31st March 2021.
However, the EPF FAQ page states that for withdrawal applications received in April 2020, payment will only be made in May 2020.
If you need more information, you can visit the i-Lestari FAQ page (HERE).

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

Source:
BASIC FAQ i-LESTARI WITHDRAWAL


Nada Music MY – A Gathering Of Malaysia’s Unsung Talents

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

On almost every Friday night since early this year, aspiring Malaysian musicians and music enthusiasts from around the world have gathered for a live performance unlike any other.

The weekly event was started by three heroes of the local music industry, the singer-songwriter and talent magnet Zee Avi, the educator and master guitarist Az Samad, and the underrated musician and joke master Brendan De Cruz.
Despite the movement control order, Nada Music MY has happened 11 times before. They even had Nico Franc of Crave Sessions, from the USA as a guest performer.
By musicians for everyone
It all began with an idea, to create a space where young independent musicians can take the stage, sing their song, play their music, and share their experiences in a safe environment. There will be no judges, just folks who appreciate good music.
The three of them came together in early February, and within a week, the first Nada Music MY open mic session was held.
The first few shows were freeform, but soon it gained a structure. Az would be the master of ceremonies, Zee would welcome the musicians, and Brendan would tell jokes between performances.
Performers range from the established to the inexperienced, from the brave to those who were encouraged by friends, and from music lovers to those whose love for music rekindled while on stage.
Within more than 3 months, Nada Music MY managed to establish a community of regulars and attracted returning ‘open-micers’.
Alumni
There are many notables among Nada Music MY’s alumni. There’s the ridiculously talented Ronnie, the soundscape space guitarist Alvin Seah (Angqasa), the “I can’t believe he doesn’t have a recording contract” Khair Zulkefli, and many more.
Within the span of Nada Music MY’s existence, alumni like Titania, Clinton Jerome, and Lisa Kamal (yes that Lisa Kamal) released singles.
The weekly gatherings have been a boon to many young, independent, unsung, and aspiring musicians. It doesn’t show any signs of slowing down despite the total lockdown either.
That’s because Nada Music MY happens on Clubhouse, the live streaming audio-based digital platform that’s now available on Android and iOS.

So if you are musically inclined, come and have a listen or even perform. Sign-ups happen every Thursday at 9:30pm and shows happen on Fridays at 9:30pm. You can find Nada Music MY here.

Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!


Hishammuddin Accidentally Tweets Photo With Playboy Book In Background

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

A photograph of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has been making rounds on the internet but it seems innocent enough till you zoom in and look a little closer.

On the shelf of books behind Hishammuddin is a white book with the words “PLAYBOY” just barely visible on the spine.
 We got this from WhatsApp.
Realising this, Malaysians are having a bit of fun, because of course you would after finding out that a Minister has a book by Playboy, was photographed with it, and then tweeted out the picture himself.
Just took a call at home tonight from 🇬🇧 UK’s Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, The Rt Hon @DominicRaab. Our discussion focused on 3 aspects – education; #COVID19 treatment plans; and @ASEAN as a regional grouping and the #Commonwealth pic.twitter.com/nR76l9Jxmh— Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) April 20, 2020
Playboy, if you didn’t know, is a publisher of a famous magazine which showed women in the nude and was founded by Hugh Hefner, who lived in a mansion with dozens of girlfriends.
It might not even be the most controversial thing on that shelf.
So is Hishammuddin a purveyor of naked women? We checked, and sorry to pop that bubble, but it’s the Playboy The Book of Cigars Hardcover by Aaron Sigmond  (Author), Nick Kolakowski  (Author), Ian Spanier (Photographer).

There’s still some racy pics in it because it’s still Playboy, but since Hishammuddin is known to smoke cigars from time-to-time and has a famously beautiful wife, it’s probably for the smokes.

Me n my wife at the summer palace Beijing this morning. pic.twitter.com/lrxmuQ6VhF— Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) September 22, 2014

We checked with a source close to Hishammuddin and they admitted that it was an amusing “scandal” and everyone was having a bit of a giggle at the Minister’s expense.
Also on the shelf, by the way, are numerous books about guns and swords, so make of that what you will but it seems like Hishammuddin Hussein Onn is actually a bit of a “lad“!

Hope you had a bit of a laugh. If you did, let us know on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!


Woman Returning From Umrah Dies After Leaving Plane In KLIA

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

A woman’s umrah journey ended in heartbreak for her loved ones when she died on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

KLIA District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Imran Abdul Rahman said the death of the umrah pilgrim, who had just returned from the Holy Land, was due to complications of high blood pressure.
According to Imran, the police was alerted about the incident at 1.10 pm, involving a 53 -year-old local woman.
The police received a call informing of a death at aerobridge Gate C12 for flight MH8021 and the physical examination on the deceased did not find any suspicious effects.Assistant Commissioner Imran Abdul Rahman elaborating on the incident.
Based on the results of the investigation, the victim was found to have high blood pressure.
Jemaah umrah wanita meninggal dunia saat tiba di KLIA Seorang jemaah wanita telah menghembuskan nafas terakhir di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) sebaik pulang dari Tanah Suci Mekah.https://t.co/Of25Bw4Nfi pic.twitter.com/E4ilTgsP30— Ummah Today (@ummah_today) June 5, 2022
According to a report from a mutawif (guides of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage), the woman is understood to have collapsed and fainted as soon as she came out of the plane door.
The victim was also assisted by the plane’s crew and medical team but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the meantime, police said the remains were managed according to Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
 The remains were sent to Serdang Hospital for further action.
Advice To Prospective Pilgrims
After two years of delayed Hajj due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a total of 298 pilgrims became Malaysia’s first Hajj group for the 1443H/2022 season to leave for the Holy Land recently.
Saudi Arabia has set a pilgrimage quota of one million pilgrims for the 2022 season of which 85 percent is allocated to foreign pilgrims.
The number of one million pilgrims is 45 percent of the 2.5 million people in 2019.
Malaysia’s quota decreased to 14,306 pilgrims from the 31,600 pilgrims allowed in previous years.
The allowed pilgrims must be 65 years old and below, have no chronic disease, with Covid-19 vaccination certificate and must submit a negative smear test (PCR) result within 72 hours from the time of departure.
Prospective Malaysian pilgrims have been advised to abide by certain health conditions set by the Saudi Arabian government.
Those who failed to pass the health screening, and rejected from going, have been told to be open-minded.
More than 1,000 prospective Malaysian pilgrims who accepted the offer to perform the ritual for the 2022 season, had to reject the call due to various factors, including health problems.
YAB Perdana Menteri Malaysia DS @IsmailSabri60 mengucapkan selamat jalan kepada kumpulan pertama jemaah haji Malaysia di KLIA td.. Semoga mereka mendapat Haji Mabrur dan selamat pergi & balik Aamiin Ya Rabbal Alamin pic.twitter.com/ESzSpJX5g7— Rosdi Ramli@Megat Renta Ledang (@RosdiRamli8) June 4, 2022

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


Malaysiaâ€™s Largest Mural Is Actually A Heart-Warming Story of Family Love

A little-known building on Old Klang Road in Kuala Lumpur is
now not so invisible as it has become home to Malaysiaâ€™s largest mural.
The previously nondescript Indah UPC has managed to capture the eye of Malaysians with the stunning 2,500 square metres â€œTree of Hopeâ€ mural depicting hornbills and owls peeking through oil palms and rainbow-hued foliage.
While many headlines have focused on the architect-cum-artist, Fadzlan Rizan Johani, not much has been said about the family dynamics that went into adorning the 6-storey building.
Yep, the journey to create Malaysiaâ€™s largest mural actually started out as a family project for Fadzlan and his sons.
Fadzlan Rizan Johani and his two sons during the painting of the “Tree of Hope” mural at Indah UPC.(Credit: Fadzlan Rizan Johani/Facebook)
The mural work is commissioned by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) to DP9 Studio, where Fadzlan is the General Director while his eldest son, Azhan Rizan, serves as the Creative Director.
19-year-old Azhan revealed in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) that DP9 Studio began as a simple art studio in 2008 called Papan9 when the family was living in the UK.
However, they only began serious commercial work in 2014 after registering themselves as Dipapansembilan Studio. Then in 2018, they rebranded as DP9 Studio in a push for a more professional branding identity.
Fadzlan (left) with his eldest son, 19-year-old Azhan Rizan, who also serves as the Creative Director of their art and design studio.(Credit: Imgur)
One of their first mural works was in 2014 for Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) where they won a competition to beautify Laman Seni 7. Fadzlan, and his sons now aged 19 and 17 respectively, worked together to conceptualise their design and won first place!
In an interview with Malay Mail, Fadzlan recounted that the family wasnâ€™t aiming to win, but took it as a fun family activity. But as luck would have it, their creative work won the hearts of MBSA and they were commissioned to do another project.
So how did they wind up creating Malaysiaâ€™s largest mural?
It all began with MRCB embarking on a corporate social responsibility
initiative for the neighbourhood to complement its nearby development â€“
envisioning it being surrounded by nature.
In the Reddit AMA, Azhan explained that the theme of a palm oil plantation and its diversity was at the behest of MRCB, but the entire artwork was designed at their own discretion.
Fadzlan hard at work during the painting of “Tree of Hope” mural. (Credit: Fadzlan Rizan Johani/Facebook)
While Fadzlanâ€™s family is often involved with his mural work,
the teenage boys sat this one out due to school. But that didnâ€™t stop them from
joining their dad at the site from time to time.
On his personal Facebook, Fadzlan meticulously details the progress of his painting work, interspersed with the beaming smiles of his two boys. Whenever his sons appear onsite during the project, Fadzlan often playfully teases about them showing up just for a photoshoot and cheekily points out their clean, paint-free shirts.
In this picture shared on his Facebook, Fadzlan points out the suspiciously clean shirts of his sons(Credit: Fadzlan Rizan Johani/Facebook)
Nonetheless, Fadzlan clearly has great love for his sons. When discussing the mural with The Star, the freelance architect reveals that the hidden message of the mural is; a fatherâ€™s hardship.
Humbly stating that while this may not be the greatest artwork in the world, he believes it shows that the impossible can be achieved if you put your heart to it, and also the sacrifice a father makes to provide a better future for his family.
The father of two actually spent a few years building his career in the UK as an architect and designer.
However, upon the familyâ€™s return to Malaysia in 2010, his children had trouble adjusting and the doting father quit his job to focus on their well-being. As a result, heâ€™s been working as a freelance architect since 2014.
Fadzlan’s sons lending a helping hand for one of their father’s mural projects in 2014. (Credit: Fadzlan Rizan Johani/Facebook)
Admitting to the challenges of being a freelance contractor, Fadzlan is still deeply grateful to the opportunities heâ€™s had, making sure to express his gratitude to wife who helped him in the planning and organising of this project as well.
We struggled as a family (though there are those worse off than us). There are times we argue and lose patience with one another. But in the end, it taught us the meaning of sacrifice together. All thanks to love.Fadzlan Rizan Johani/Facebook.
Needless to say, the sacrifice was worth it in more ways than one. Images of his mural have since gone viral and Fadzlan now finds himself in the spotlight with local media clamouring to interview the talented architect-artist. Thereâ€™s even whispers of making the mural a heritage site for conservation purposes, though nothing’s been confirmed.
The before and after pictures of Indah UPC that went viral.(Credit: Fadzlan Rizan Johani/Facebook)
While Malaysians rejoice in the beauty of this artwork, itâ€™s made even sweeter knowing the heart-warming story of family love that went into its creation.

What do you think of this stunning mural and the heart-warming family story behind it? Let us know on TRPâ€™s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Source:
Architect-cum-artist turns Old Klang Road apartments into mural masterpiece
Malaysian artist spends 9 months painting six-storey KL building by himself
We're the studio behind the 'Tree of Hope'; the largest mural in Malaysia to date. Ask us anything!


Le Tour de Langkawi Turns 25

Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has been around for more than 2 decades since it first started in 1996 with cyclists coming from all over the world, competing against each other in the yearly multi-stage race.
It was conceived by current Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who saw it as a way to woo tourists into the country and put Malaysia on the map.
Although some might think that after more than 20 years, the Tour has lost its luster, it still attracts dedicated local fans who would travel hundreds of kilometers to support their favourite cyclists and teams.
LTdL 2020, which is in its 25th year now, will commence for ten days, starting in Kuching before culminating at Langkawi.
What is Le Tour de Langkawi?
One of the biggest in Asia
The 2020 tour is the 25th edition of the prestigious race and covers a distance of 1,114.9km in seven states and two federal territories — Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.
To put that into perspective, it’s only 20km less than the distance between Johor Baru to Krabi (1,133km).

Teams confirmed this year include one World Tour team, five Pro Continental teams, 14 Continental teams and one national team (Malaysia).
Besides the main 10-day event, there’s also two other competitions as well: Malaysian International Criterium Race and the Malaysian International Classic Race.
The Malaysian International Criterium Race is for Under 23 professional or independent elite riders from around the world who hold a UCI elite-racing license while the Malaysian International Classic Race is a one-day 160km road race in Langkawi that features national champions.
Picture Credit: Le Tour de Langkawi
Different colours, different champions
Do you notice during some parts of the race, they would present coloured jerseys to cyclists at the end of the stage? What does it mean?
Although you might think the tour’s multi-stage race is the only competition that’s happening, actually there are different competitions that are going on at the same time.
The most prestigious is the famous yellow jersey given to the overall leader, the green jersey is given to the sprinter who excelled at sprint sections where the leader is based on points, while the red jersey is for the best climber in mountain areas – hence the name, king of the mountain. The white jersey is presented to the best Asian rider in the tour.
Picture Credit: Le Tour de Langkawi
A tour to bring tourists
Le Tour de Langkawi is the brainchild of Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad during his first stint as the country’s premier who envisioned the country as a sporting destination.
The multiple-stage bicycle race was first held since 1996, where it’ll usually begin in Langkawi before cyclists race past landmarks such as Genting Highlands and Dataran Merdeka.
Making a comeback after more than 20 years for the 2020 tour is Sarawak and Sabah as the first stage of the tour was held in Kuching while the pre-race criterium was held in Kota Kinabalu.
1997 was the last and only time Sabah and Sarawak were included in the tour.
The race is now sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a ProSeries race under UCI’s three-tier race structure and is among the biggest in Asia. It’s also part of the UCI Asia Tour.
ProSeries events are second-tier cycling tournaments which are below the UCI World Tour but are above the UCI International Circuits.
Picture Credit: UCI
Highs and lows
With it being an international event, there have been world-class cyclists who have competed in Le Tour de Langkawi with the inaugural winner being Damian McDonald from Australia.
Although Le Tour de Langkawi is an international sporting event, it has produced local talents who can compete with world-class cyclists such as Anuar Manan – the first Malaysian to win a stage and wear the green jersey in 2010.
Close to a decade after was Hariff Saleh’s to create history, becoming the first Asian to win two stages of the Tour de Langkawi after registering his first-ever win in Stage 2 from Senawang to Malacca in 2019.
Picture Credit: Le Tour de Langkawi/Facebook
Although it did give Malaysians a platform to compete on the world stage, the also tour has its fair share of negative press which mainly revolves around the issue of late payments, up to the point where organisers have to reassure cyclists the payment will be given on time.
There are reports about how teams are paid 6 months after the tour ended in 2017 due to mismanagement. What makes it even more shocking is that the team that received the late payment was a Malaysian team.

How much do you know about the Tour? Let us know on TRPâ€™sÂ Facebook,Â Twitter, and Instagram!


Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s Daughter Nurul Hidayah Gets Flak For Posting A Stranger’s Picture Without Hijab In Mecca

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

Datuk Nurul Hidayah Ahmad Zahid’s decision to post a picture of a woman without her headscarf in a Starbucks in Mecca drew criticism from the netizens who question why she felt the need to disgrace others when performing Haj.

The eldest daughter of UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi posted the picture with the caption “Insulting Islam?”
She also wrote that she was unsure whether the woman is a Muslim or otherwise, saying that she was unsure whether non-Muslims are allowed in Mecca since Saudi Arabia introduce the “Tourist Visa”.
Nurul Hidayah said that she intended to go and ask the blonde woman, presumably why she took off her hijab but was stopped by her husband.
        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid (@nurul.zahid)
She ended the post by reminding her followers that doomsday is upon us.
Reacting to the post, an Instagram user commented hoping that Nurul Hidayah to combat graft in Malaysia, saying that this is too an indication that the end of days is nearing.
Nurul Hidayah replied to the comment by saying that graft, slander and usury (riba) is rampant these days that they can be battled by one or two person alone, adding that it is better for one to repent rather than to look at other’s fault.
This prompted netizens to troll Nurul Hidayah as the irony was not lost with them, condemning Nurul Hidayah’s act of posting the picture without the woman’s consent.
Gitu kan akhir zaman.. dah memang saudi arabia benarkan wanita bukak hijab, al azhar pon. Hijab kecoh, pecah amanah dan kemungkaran melibatkan politik dan salah guna kuasa kau kesah tak? 😕 pic.twitter.com/2i1b9htKWg— Terrytidur 💤 (no headspace – resting) (@ConferWithTerry) July 18, 2022
Twitter user Eida Sharif sarcastically said that is a very ‘Muslimah’ act by Nurul Hidayah to highlight the woman’s supposed wrongdoing on social media, while courting followers to “witch hunt” the unidentified woman.
membuka aib dengan tangkap gambar individu lain dan paparkan dalam akaun social media sendiri dengan tujuan menghighlight perlakuan mengumpan followers untuk witch hunt individu tersebut – sangatlah muslimah perbuatan ity— Eida Sharif (@dytiaaurinh) July 18, 2022
Another Twitter user A A points out that posting the woman’s picture only exposes her aurat to more people.
Tulaa could be mualaf yg x biasa berhijab. Point nya x prlu disebarkan lgi aurat org tu pd lebih ramai org. Apatah lagi medsos ni. Nasib dia x tegur sbb English dia pon berterabur.— A A (@qieynes) July 18, 2022
There are also those who said that the woman is just enjoying her meal and Nurul Hidayah should have left her alone.
Kalau betul pun perempuan tu Muslim & bukak aurat, apa hak kita ambil gambar dan sebarkan ke socmed pulak auratnya tu? Tak paham la orang macam ni 🤦🏻♀— Sarah Hills #AttackOnCovid19 🇲🇾 (@marukewl) July 18, 2022
Boleh jadi dia baru masuk islm, rmai je yg muallaf still belajar nk pakai tudung, kot rasa panas lagi nk pakai tudung. Dia sempurna ke ehh? mmg geram. Terpaling betull— Hehe (@cantbemid_) July 18, 2022
While it was not immediately clear whether the woman in the picture is Muslim or not, the wearing of hijab or any other form of head covering is not required in Saudi Arabia since 2019.
This is part of social reforms pushed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler.

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


Perak-born Malaysian hijabi rapper featured in the New York Times

Another Malaysian making us proud is Bunga, or fully known as Noor Ayu Fatini Mohd Bakhari.
A 19-year-old who caught the attention of New York Times Journalist in Singapore last weekend at â€œPesta Rayaâ€ the Malay Arts Festival.
She captivated the audience with her style and rapping skills.
(Screenshot via theNew York Times)
Bunga, who was only recently discovered late last year in November gained popularity when she adorned the baju kurung (on top of being a hijabi) at U Try Rap Please competition in Glenmarie.
That was the competition that started the baju kurung trademark.
Her reason was simple, she just wanted to stand out above the crowd (despite being the only female competitor).

She was then groomed by Hear Me Out before she was signed under Warner Music Malaysia.
Bunga has also been featured in the famous â€˜16 Barisâ€™ in Subang Jayaâ€™s famous barber shop by Joe Flizzow.
(Screenshot via YouTube)

She often writes her own rap lyrics which are based on her own personal life experiences in love, with bullies, and that time she worked at a gadget shop.
On her Instagram account, she often shares her rap bars with her followers.

(Screenshot via Instagram)

Despite being in the baju kurung, it doesn’t seem to slow her down from moving to the grooves.

 View this post on Instagram

 when your part is done. – legaaaaaaaaa
A post shared by  Bisu Tapi Selamat (@bungaisme) on Mar 23, 2019 at 10:06pm PDT

Although rapping wasnâ€™t her initial plan in life, she seems to be doing very well in the field.
Being only 19, she has the potential to go far in the league, like other famous Malaysian female rappers, Hunny Madu and Nadhirah.
We are happy that she is recognised and hope to see more of her in the future.


Malaysian Laws That Protect You When An Ex Threatens To Leak Your Nudes

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

A recent headline we’ve come across in the news is the devastating story of a girl who committed suicide after her boyfriend threatened to share private pictures of her on social media.

What makes the incident all the more tragic is the fact that after the police arrested the suspect, they also found private pictures of other women on his phone and it turns out that this guy has previous cases of extorting women for money or sex using their private photos.
The authorities are now investigating the case under Section 509 of the Malaysian Penal Code for intending to insult the modesty of a woman. We truly hope justice is served against the perpetrator whose actions have resulted in this girl’s death.
Now, reading this case might make you wonder: “Actually, what could I do if my partner/ex-partner ever blackmails me with racy photographs I sent them?”
Well, according to our friends at Ask Legal (tbh, we don’t know them. But, we’re big fans of their work), you have rights.
Oh no! My partner leaked my photos!
What can you do when your private photos have been shared on social media platforms? (Credit: Malay Mail)
If your photos have already been leaked. The first thing you can do is to lodge a report with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and ask them to block the photographs.
MCMC can block the photographs from being further accessed by the public.
After that, you can lodge a report with the police against your probably now ex-partner because disseminating lewd photos online is actually illegal under a couple of Malaysian laws.
Section 292 of the Malaysian Penal Code basically states that anyone who is found guilty for possessing or distributing any kind of pornographic material, this includes sharing lewd pictures of you online, can be jailed for up to three years, or fined, or both.
On top of that, distributing pornographic content (your lewd pics) can also be charged under Section 211(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which states in part:
No content applications service provider, or other person using a content applications service, shall provide content which is indecent, obscene, false, menacing, or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person…Section 211(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
A person found in violation of this Act can be fined up to RM50,000 or sentenced to a year of imprisonment, or both.
My ex hasn’t posted my pictures yet, but they are threatening to do so!
Some victims blackmailed for money in exchange for keeping their private pictures from being shared online.
Obviously, both law sections we mentioned above don’t help you if your pictures haven’t been leaked yet.
If they haven’t leaked your pics but are forcing you to pay them money or have sex with them, the law still has your back.
We know from the original case mentioned above that when a man even intends to spread lewd photos of a woman, he is already violating Section 509 of the Malaysian Penal Code which states that:
Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any person, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen by such person, or intrudes upon the privacy of such person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine or with both.Section 509 of the Malaysian Penal Code
If he is extorting you with money, or sex for the pictures, these actions fall under Section 383 of the Penal Code for extortion.
Whoever intentionally puts any person in fear of any injury to that person or to any other, and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property or valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security, commits extortion.Section 383 of the Malaysian Penal Code for extortion
According to Section 384 of the same Code, anyone found guilty of extortion shall be punished with imprisonment up to ten years or fined or whipped or any two of the punishments mentioned.
But actually right, your ex-partner is not the only one committing a crime here.
It’s a crime to send people your pictures too.
Yes, it is totally wrong for people to betray your trust and either take revenge or extort you over pictures or other things you shared with them in confidence.
However, we thought it might be wise to warn you that in Malaysia, sharing thirst trap pictures of yourself is illegal, regardless if you sent it to someone through WhatsApp, or posted a racy picture on your private Instagram account.
Ask Legal highlights that Section 292 of the Penal code states that both public and private exhibition of any obscene material can lead to a jail sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both.
On top of that, MCMC can also come after you with Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which states in part that anyone who uses the internet to make or share…
…any comment, request, suggestion or other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person…commits an offenceSection 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Though, this should not deter you from seeking action against your harasser. Based on our research, we did not come across any instances of the police taking legal action against victims.
So, we guess at the end of the day the best advice we can give you is this: Don’t share sensitive photos of yourself online.
But if you decide to do so anyway, be smart about it and don’t include your face or identifiable features in the photo.

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


Floods Caused ‘Total Loss’: Umno Man Suggests That Victims Get RM5,000 Each

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

The recent floods which affected several states have caused many victims to suffer ‘total loss’ in damages.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said many victims who were affected the most are those who live near rivers.
Speaking to Umno Online, he said this was because the water current rose so fast that the victims did not have time to save their belongings.
After the flood had receded, many of their belongings were damaged to an extent that they can be neither recovered nor repaired for further use.
Sharkar, who is also the Temerloh UMNO division head, said it is very difficult for victims to recover financially from the disaster.
The reason is that the Covid-19 pandemic, which weakened the global economy, has not yet ended.
Flood victims lining up for aid in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
More Money To The People
Sharkar offered a suggestion to the government on how to help the flood victims.
In my opinion, it is appropriate for the Federal Government and the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to consider a special assistance of RM5,000 for each family affected by the floods this time.Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin on monetary aid for flood victims
He said this is because most of the victims are low-income groups and need government assistance to restore their lives.
With the RM5,000, they will be able to buy damaged household appliances such as electric rice cookers, televisions, washing machines and even refrigerators.
READ MORE: 50,000 Cars Damage By Floods, But 95% Of Owners Won’t Get Insurance Compensation
The interior of a flooded car in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
For the record, the federal government had announced cash aid of RM1,000 for each household affected by the floods.
State governments are also chipping in, such as Pahang which is handing out RM500 to every affected household.

Sharkar also expressed confidence that the victims would be prudent in spending the money in order to rebuild their lives.
What is important is that the government should immediately help the people to recover.Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin on the gravity of the situation
Sharkar, who is also the Pahang Tourism and Culture Committee chairman, added that megaprojects such as the 5G project should be postponed.
READ MORE: 5G Is Here For Keluarga Malaysia
By doing so, the government can focus fully on helping the flood victims, said Sharkar.
Flood victims throwing away their belongings in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

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


Corruption And Bribery Enabled Macau Scam To Continue Duping Malaysians Into Losing Their Life Savings

https://twitter.com/Pelabur_Bijak/status/1312959094626553856
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

Posing as an officer from government authorities and threatening victims is the main modus operandi of the Macau Scam syndicate.

They have been duping victims across Southeast Asia for several years, with the number of victims in Malaysia being particularly high. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) reported that around 6,500 Malaysians fell for the scam between 2018 and September 2019.
“Life-savings lost to Macau Scam”
Earliest reports of the scam occurring in the country surfaced sometime in 2017. Although there were several reports in the past that police had successfully busted the scam and arrested suspects, the syndicate still managed to continue operating.
News reports of housewives, retirees, school teachers, and the like losing hundreds of thousands of their life savings would occur at least once a week. Utusan Malaysia reported that Malaysian victims have collectively lost RM405.7 million to the scam in the last three years.
News reports of several Macau Scam victims who were duped this year. (Credit: Google)
Finally, it seems that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) may have caught its ringleader. The ensuing investigation also appears to have uncovered a deep running syndicate that stinks of corruption and bribery.
It is suspected that the scam was able to operate successfully for so long because it was being protected by high-ranking officers within government enforcement agencies.
Macau Scam Mastermind?
The suspect currently at the centre of the investigation is 32-year-old, Goh Leong Yeong, commonly known as Alvin. At the moment, he is being tracked down by PDRM after fleeing from MACC headquarters.
Alvin had earlier been detained by MACC for his suspected involvement in the Macau Scam. However, they had released him on bail before he escaped arrest by the police.
(Credit: MalaysiaGazette)
The syndicate was reportedly discovered by the MACC Anti-Money Laundering Divisions after investigations were conducted. Following that, five individuals, including men with Datuk and Datuk Seri titles were arrested.
Since then, more people have been apprehended and questioned in the ongoing investigation.
Corruption and bribery kept the syndicate alive
According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, Alvin had allegedly “spent” up to RM4 million a month just to cover up his purported crimes.
Alvin had also apparently used a fake “Datuk Seri” title to reinforce his criminal activities in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Profit from the scam and illegal online gambling activities were divided among various parties who could have reported the illicit activities. According to Malay Mail, up to 100 people may have received money from Alvin.

The Macau Scam is believed to involve several local celebrities who were used to help launder the profits made from illegal means.
This includes influential people, officers and policemen who have been detained or investigated by the MACC. The money was ‘paid’ to protect Macau scam crimes and online gambling as well as provide information if the authorities were planning a raid.Utusan Malaysia source via Malay Mail
On 8 October, MACC arrested 20 individuals involved in the scams. Of those arrested, eight were police officers who, according to MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki, were believed to be giving protection to others also involved in the syndicate.
The lavish lives of Macau Scammers revealed
MACC has since frozen 730 bank accounts with funds amounting to RM80 million, and seized RM5 million cash believed to be proceeds of money laundering and other illegal activities connected to the Macau Scam syndicate.
Besides cash and bank accounts, we seized 23 luxury vehicles, including Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls Royce and some high-powered motorcycles.Datuk Seri Azam Baki via NST
Some of the vehicles seized by MACC in relation to the Macau Scam. (Credit: Berita Harian)
From their investigation, MACC also found that the syndicates had created hundreds of shell companies to launder the money they acquired illegally. Those involved are believed to also lend money to legal business entities and later become share signatories of the companies to ensure the business owners pay them back.
According to Azam, the scammers also sometimes channel the money through loan sharks.
Investigations are still ongoing as we are tracing many other assets that have been acquired through money laundering.Datuk Seri Azam Baki via NST

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


A Super Pink Moon May Appear In Malaysia On April 8

Forbes reported that we will be seeing 2020’s third supermoon this coming week – and it will be â€œthe biggest and best of the yearâ€.Â
And the interesting bit is that – it is called the Super Pink Moon.

(Credit: Supritha Jonnavitulla/Unsplash)

Unfortunately, the moon will not be appearing in pink as per its name – but will rather have a golden hue, which will fade to bright white over time. According to The Old Farmerâ€™s Almanac, it is named Super Pink Moon as the phenomena occurs just when the pinkish phlox flowers bloom.Â
This is also the one day where the moon will be closest to planet Earth, which makes the Super Pink Moon the biggest supermoon we will see this year. It is also said to appear 14% larger than usual full moons.
According to the Time And Date website, the Super Pink Moon may appear in Malaysia on 8 April 2020 at about 10:35am. You can apparently still catch the supermoon 12 hours later.Â
The next supermoon may occur on 7 May 2020.Â

Share your thoughts with us via our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on Covid-19 and other issues.


WFH Ruined My Back, This Ogawa Massage Chair Helped Fix That

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

Like a number of Malaysians across the country, I suddenly found myself plunged into the whole new world of work from home. I assumed it was going to be a temporary situation back in March 2020, but it’s evident right now that I will continue to sit at home hunched over my computer for months to come.

While it has been pretty nice to wear comfy clothes and indulge in more than one cup of homemade chai, unfortunately, my back has been less than delighted by the sudden change. You see, all those hours spent sitting and typing furiously has resulted in acute pain in my lower back which wasn’t going away no matter how much stretching, breaks, or lumbar support cushions I got.
That is until the universe smiled on me and introduced the OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0 into my life (temporarily, for review).
The  OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0 massage chair. Also, not my actual living room.(Credit: Ogawa Malaysia)
Sure, I’ve seen massage chairs before in my life. I’ve had fond memories of messing around with my father’s as a child, giggling at the beeping contraption turning into the cat’s bed, but as a young adult in my late 20s, I assumed it was one of those “old people” purchases. I was wrong.
The OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0 massage chair experience
Suddenly there was a Star Trek-esque massage chair in my living room and I was the significantly less physically impressive Captain Kirk. Gingerly getting into the seat, the chair sprung to life as I tapped commands into the Bluetooth-connected tab.
Credit: Ogawa Malaysia
Built with up to 5,184 massage combinations to provide vast health solutions, the OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0 features advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) including face recognition, Health Tracker and Scanner, and AI-Powered Automated Analyst that uses algorithms to gather and manage data to customise the massage chair with a programmed list of recommended solutions that it says precisely targets your problem area.
In “scanning” my body, the massage chair pretty quickly pointed out that my neck was particularly tight while the rest of my back wasn’t looking too great either. It also revealed some good to know information on my heart rate and oxygen saturation (thankfully normal).
The health scan identifies your problem areas, heart rate and oxygen saturation.
Each massage is roughly 15 minutes and you can choose from the preprogrammed systems like deep tissue massage, Balinese style, spinal stretching, text neck, or even customise your own massage – my personal favorite because I can choose to focus on my sore areas with a variety of kneading or tapping techniques. While the massage is ongoing, the tablet also shows exactly what’s going on along with information on its benefits.
During each massage, the screen provides detailed information on the massage along with the health benefits of the corresponding body part.
After two weeks of having my muscles kneaded into jelly, I’ll say that it works very well for anyone with back issues. I felt instant relief after the first 15-minute waist stretching massage program, a near miracle to me since I’ve been in agony for a good three months now. It was also less embarrassing than having human hands working on your glutes.
You can also customise the massage technique for specific problem areas.
The neck massage was less impressive, mostly because I couldn’t quite get my neck in the right position and the rollers felt too big so it wound up jostling my head around instead. I won’t commit to saying that’s a bad thing because that jostling was gentle enough to lull me into a blissful stupor.
In fact, after every massage, I usually wound up relaxed to the point of a glassy-eyed stare with a blank mind.
Pretty much what it’s like to be in the  OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0, though I’m nowhere near this well dressed during a massage.(Credit: Ogawa Malaysia)
Why it works so well
This particular model is no ordinary massage tool, the OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0 is shown to improve blood circulation and sleep quality according to a study conducted in collaboration with Universiti Malaya.
According to the research titled ‘Investigating the Effects of OGAWA Master Drive AI Automated Massage on Blood Circulation and Sleep Quality’, 100% of the participants showed a significant improvement in blood circulation: 81.32% by using the OGAWA Master Drive AI 2.0 M6 Deep Tissue program, while 100% of the participants recorded an increase in sleep quality, and up to 88.73% progressed in sleep efficiency through the Sweet Dream program.
Credit: Ogawa Malaysia
University Malaya’s Engineering Faculty Dean Prof Dr Saad Mekhilef expressed that this significant study may be useful for future studies and to aid in improving the overall wellness of the nation and potentially increase the life expectancies of Malaysians.
Well-being does not only incorporate healthy diets and consistent workouts, but regular massages can contribute much more to the human soul – from correcting postural stress to boosting immunity. Through this study, we want to convey the major health benefits attached to having regular massages and how it should be considered vital for our overall health – be it to relieve sore muscles, reduce stress, or even boost your immune system, massages will leave a positive impact on your everyday life.Prof. Dr. Saad Mekhilef, CEng (UK), SMIEEE(USA), FIET(UK), Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya.
So if you’re ready for a good night’s sleep, check out the OGAWA Malaysia website (HERE).

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


IKEA Says “No Vax? No Entry”

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

These days, what you can do depends on how much of a Covid-19 threat you pose.

When you go to IKEA, beyond putting on a mask, you also need to have a vaccine certification: a double dose of either Pfizer, Astra Zeneca or Sinovac, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson and Cansino.
The announcement by IKEA on Wednesday had whipped up a frenzy of reactions and a great deal of comments from netizens.

IKEA’s Facebook page is rife with posts disparaging the rule.
Anti-vaxx supporters argue that not everyone who is not vaccinated poses an equal threat. They said IKEA have gone too far and threatened to boycott its products.
But many are also on IKEA’s side.
They said shopping is not a right and no one in their right mind would risk their life and that of others for some furniture.
With less crowd due to Covid-19 restrictions, a customer strolls leisurely at Ikea Damansara.(Credit: Fernando Fong)
The rule is not meant to punishment or force anyone to get jabs, but rather, to protect everyone.
It must also be pointed many other shopping malls and public areas have put similar restrictions in place, requiring visitors to be fuly vaccinated.
People can still get their IKEA furniture online, although its best to get vaccinated for the common good.
Malaysia continues to break records in its daily COVID-19 cases, even though more people have been vaccinated.
Some continue to hold out against vaccinations due to worries on side effects; and skepticism of the jab’s effectiveness.
However, authorities and experts say that only with vaccination can there be any hope of winning the war against Covid-19.

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


Caucasian Man Who Refused To Wear Mask In Ampang Supermarket Has Been Arrested

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

The maskless Caucasian man who verbally abused and made lewd gestures at the security guards at the Village Grocer M-City Ampang branch has been arrested.

READ MORE: [Watch] Caucasian Man Refused To Wear Mask In Ampang Supermarket, Cursed At Guards
He was arrested last night around 8.30pm after he presented himself for questioning at the Wangsa Maju district police headquarters.
According to the police statement, the 44-year-old man is a Canadian who works and resides in Kuala Lumpur.

The suspect is investigated under three different charges, namely:
Section 269 of the Penal Code for the negligent act likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life.Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour with the intention to disturb peace or provoke someone.Regulation 18 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) 2021.
Anyone with information can contact Wangsa Maju police station at 03-92899222, the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-21159999 or any police stations nearby.
Members of the public are also advised to adhere to SOPs as outlined by the Health Ministry.

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