Study: 80% M’sian Muslim women feel pressured by conservative & traditional values

A study by womenâ€™s rights NGO Sisters In Islam (SIS) revealed that Malaysian Muslim women are quite conservative and traditional in their beliefs and ideals.

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The survey titled, Perceptions and Realities: The Public and Personal Rights of Muslims in Malaysia, was conducted between 2018 and 2019 involving 675 Muslim women aged between 18 to 55-years-old from across the country.
Hereâ€™s what they found:
1. A good wife MUST obey their husbands
97% of Muslim women believe that the definition of a â€œgood wifeâ€ is determined by her obedience to their husbands.
Even more concerning is that 21% of these women believe that a husband has the right to strike his wife for her disobedience.

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This conformity towards a beatdown was made on the basis of the religious concept of â€œnusyuzâ€, where a wife does not abide by the wishes and commands of her husband.
SIS said that a wifeâ€™s beliefs to â€œuncompromising dutyâ€ to their husbands have led to many detrimental situations.
But, it’s also best to point out that Islam is strictly against deliberately hitting women.
2. A man has the RIGHT to polygamy
Though it might be a sensitive topic for many, 70% of respondents agreed that a husband has the absolute right to have more than one wife.
But it is on the terms that IF AND ONLY IF he can treat them ALL fairly.

(Image Credit: Pinterest)

However surprisingly given the aforementioned percentage, ONLY 32% of women would actually allow their husbands to practice polygamy.
And 66% of respondents believe that it was okay for a wife to demand a divorce if their husbands want to marry another.
3. Hijab is still MANDATORY
This comes to no surprise as Islam does outline the necessities for women to appear â€œdecentâ€.
90% of women felt that it was mandatory for women to tudung themselves to project and maintain their image as Muslims.

(Image Credit: DeviantArt)

Another 62% find it alright for Muslim women to go without the hijab.
4. Women face greater CHALLENGES
A major takeaway from the study is the fact that Malaysian Muslimahs felt that they encounter challenges with social norms.
The survey showed that 80% of respondents feel pressured by certain expectations placed upon them by society.

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This fact is made even more clear as the survey shows that 59% of women have faced some level of moral policing, even public shaming for going against accepted social expectations placed on them.

The study underlines the great importance of empowering women and giving them the proper treatment they deserve.
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Motorcycle Collides With MPV In Pekan, Killing Three Siblings

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Three siblings tragically died in a fatal accident involving a motorcycle and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Pekan, Pahang.

The incident occurred on Saturday at Kilometer 7, Jalan Benta-Lamir, near Kampung Langgar.

The motorcycle, carrying Nik Ikram Idwan Nik Mohd Khairul Hisyam, 15, and his two younger siblings, Nik Nur Faqihah, 11, and Nik Ikram Nuqman, 5, collided with an MPV, resulting in the siblings’ death at the scene.
MPV Driver And Passengers Reported Safe With Minor Injuries
Pekan District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin, said the driver of the Nissan Serena type MPV and six passengers, aged between three and 65, were reported to be safe, with only three suffering minor injuries.
According to him, the initial investigation found that the accident was believed to have occurred when the MPV driver and passengers were travelling from the direction of Taman Jambu, the town leading to Kuantan.
The motorcycle ridden by the three brothers is believed to be on their way from Kampung Lamir towards their home in Kampung Langgar.

When arriving at the incident scene, the Modenas Kriss motorcycle ridden by the three brothers is believed to have lost control before skidding into the opposite lane and colliding with the MPV that came from the front.
Pekan District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin, on preliminary investigations of the accident.
The victims were taken to Hospital Pekan for further investigation, and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

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Latest CMCO Rules Updated (AGAIN): Only 4 Pax For Klang Valley Dine-In; No Dine-In For Sabah

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The newest update to Klang Valley’s CMCO rules now state that a maximum of only four people are allowed at a table.

This update came from the National Security Council (NSC) yesterday, featuring its latest version of the SOPs for the CMCO.
Originally, Selangor eateries were allowed to seat a maximum of five people at a table with adherence to the F&B industry SOPs.
Sabah
The latest CMCO rules for Sabah are stricter, as all dine-in is no longer allowed. Only drive-through, delivery, and take-away will be allowed.
Other CMCO Rules Still Apply
Gyms, football fields, and futsal courts are still openPublic parks are open to publicMaximum of 2 people in one carEmployees require a letter of permission from their employers to travel for workNo interdistrict travelHigh-risk individuals and children are not encouraged to go out, especially to open and crowded areas.Interdistrict travel involving areas under CMCO is not allowed (with exceptions for those with medical emergencies or for funeral management). Applications need to be submitted to PDRM for approval.Employees are allowed to cross districts provided they have a valid employee pass or letter from their employer.The government encourages employers to allow employees to work from home.For those who need to cross Selangor or Kuala Lumpur to get to other states, they are advised to get permission from the nearest police station prior to making their trip.Individuals travelling by air through KLIA, KLIA2, and Subang Airport will also need to get police permission.
Economic Activities Within Areas Under CMCO
All business, economic, and industrial activities are allowed to operate.All food and beverage businesses, including grocery stores and convenience stores, are allowed to operate between 6am to 10pm.Purchases of food are encouraged to be done via drive-thru, delivery, or take away.Dining-in is allowed with a maximum of four people per table and compliant with food sector SOPs.Daily markets are allowed to operate from 6am to 2pm only.Wholesale markets are allowed to operate from 4am to 2pm only.Farmers markets are allowed to operate from 6am to 12pm only.Night markets are allowed to operate between 4pm to 10pm only.Farmers market and night markets must strictly adhere to SOPs and will be monitored by RELA personnel.Petrol stations are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm (this excludes petrol stations on highways, who are allowed to operate 24 hours.)All public transport services are allowed to operate.Taxi and e-hailing services can have a maximum of two passengers.Food delivery services are allowed to operate from 6am to 12am.
Medical and Health
Clinics, government and private hospitals are allowed to operate 24 hours.Pharmacies and shops selling medication can operate from 8am to 11pm.
Economy and Industrial Sectors
All vehicles involving industrial, business, and manufacturing are allowed to operate as usual.
Fisheries, Plantation, and Agriculture
Fisheries, plantations, agriculture, livestock, and other activities related to the food chain are allowed to operate.
Ports and Airports
Activities and services at all airports and ports are allowed to operate.
Tourism
All tourism activities involving entering or leaving the CMCO area are not allowed.
Religious Activities
Friday prayers in mosques and surau are allowed, with a maximum of 50 people. The maximum number of people in a congregation for daily prayers have also been increased to 20 people.Maximum numbers of people allowed in mosques for prayers are subject to the size of the prayer halls with one-metre physical distancing.In all non-Muslim places of worship, only six members of staff are allowed.
Entertainment and Cultural Activities
Entertainment and cultural activities are not allowed. Entertainment activities at places such as nightclubs or pubs, theme parks, indoor playgrounds and cinemas are not allowed
Education, Workshops, and Meetings.
All institutions of learning are closed during this period.Students taking examinations with foreign educational institutions are allowed to attend exams only.Workshops, seminars, conferences and other similar activities related to meetings, conventions and exhibitions are not allowed.In-service training that is already in progress can continue as long as it remains within the training area only.Meetings should be held via video conferencing, and face-to-face meetings are not recommended.
Ceremonies and Celebrations
Social gatherings are not allowed.

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Meet The Ampang Boy Who’s Helped Hollywood Create Star Wars & The Lion King Music

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It’s no secret that Malaysia has some pretty talented people who’ve made waves internationally, like Yew Ping Soo -the 29-year-old musician from Ampang has been making his mark in Hollywood since 2015.
You might have heard his audio production and sound engineering work in the cinemas as the Yew has worked on the music for quite a number of notable Hollywood productions like the Lion King, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Aquaman and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
In fact his music work for Solo: A Star Wars Story makes him the first Malaysian to be involved in the Star Wars movie franchise.

Not only that, the graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music has also worked with some of the industry’s best music engineers and composers, from the likes of Hans Zimmer and Alan Meyerson to Shawn Murphy, Stephen Lipson, John Powell and Germaine Franco.
Under Hans Zimmer’s Production Studio as an assistant engineer, Yew worked on X-Men: Dark Phoenix and the Lion King.
He told Bernama that his break came at the end of 2015, when he got to intern as a studio assistant at Heitor Pereira’s studio. There he helped with the production of Angry Birds and Despicable Me 3.
Yew Ping Soo (middle) in the studio.(Credit: Bernama)
This experience then opened doors for him to work with renowned Hollywood composer John Powell (composer behind the music of Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon) as a Score Production Assistant. This is when he got involved with the production of Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2017.
He also told Bernama that his interest in creating music began as a curiosity when a younger Yew would listen to music while doing homework. Often, he would stop to ponder how the music he listened to was created.
I wondered how music was produced, recorded and mixed. I was especially curious about how music for video games and films were recorded as they usually involved an orchestra consisting of 56 to 90 musicians. That was the moment that led me to choose (a career in) music production and engineering.Yew Ping Soo to Bernama.
Yew Ping Soo gained admission into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston at the age of 23.(Credit: Bernama)
Well, it seems that his curiosity has borne fruit as seen in his impressive resume. Not only that, Yew is currently working on the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game.
As for the future, Yew mentions that he would like to help the Malaysian music and film industry to help it reach international standards. In the meantime, we can surely expect great things from this talented young man!

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Source:
Malaysian musician carves a name in Hollywood


WFH Employees Must Get Full Salary & Cannot Be Forced to Take Leave During CMCO

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Malaysian employees are being reminded of their rights as the work-from-home (WFH) requirement for zones across the Klang Valley and Sabah under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) starts on October 22, 2020.

The Human Resource Ministry (MOHR) stressed that employers cannot deduct workers’ salary or force them to take annual or unpaid leave if they are required to WFH.
Read More: CMCO WFH: Who Can Go Office & Who Cannot
However, MOHR Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan explained that employers can discuss an alternative workaround that would benefit the organization and all parties involved.
The minister said that regulations for the WFH order were in line with the rules set during the nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) period in March.
Read More: Your Boss Can’t Force You To Take Annual Leave For Coronavirus Quarantine
(Facebook/jtksm)
According to MOHR guidelines, employers are required to pay employees their full salaries during the lockdown period and may only offer alternatives subjected to the agreement of both parties.
MOHR’s FAQ on rules during the MCO.(MOHR)
If a company breaks this rule, workers can lodge a complaint to law enforcement authorities or directly to MOHR.
MOHR’s FAQ on rules during the MCO.(MOHR)

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Source:
[UPDATE] CMCO WFH: Who Can Go Office & Who Cannot
Your Boss Can’t Force You To Take Annual Leave For Coronavirus Quarantine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ON MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES (Volume 3)


Halal Bak Chang Gains Popularity Among Muslim Malaysians

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In recent years, there has been a push to make traditional Chinese dishes more accessible to Malaysians of all backgrounds.

Bak Chang, a traditional Chinese dish, is gaining popularity among Muslim Malaysians due to the increasing availability of halal-certified versions.
Bak Chang is a triangular-shaped dumpling rice commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, which Malaysians of Chinese descent celebrate.
I love bak chang too. There is one place in Kluang town selling the halal bak chang. This weekend nak pergilah— musangbatu (@musangbatu) June 22, 2023
It is not always made of pork and can have a variety of fillings, such as chicken, mushrooms, and peanuts.
Bak Chang is a popular dish among the Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, and Hailam communities. Bak Chang Nyonya Peranakan is also popular among the Baba and Nyonya community.
Halal bak chang. Sape pernah try makan. Sedap ke ? Kalau ketupat kita tu letak santan yang ni tak ada la eh pic.twitter.com/YWPUzrOIbx— wanisukarno (@wanisukarno) May 17, 2023
Making Traditional Dishes Inclusive and Accessible
This trend is good news for Muslim Malaysians and the Chinese community in Malaysia, as it allows them to share their traditional dishes with a wider audience.
The availability of halal Bak Chang has allowed Muslim Malaysians to enjoy this traditional Chinese dish without compromising their dietary requirements.
It has also let them experience the rich culinary traditions of different cultures.
Bamboo leaves are used to wrap bak chang because they are natural, abundant, and have a unique fragrance that enhances the flavour of the sticky rice and filling inside the dumpling. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
At the same time, it highlights the importance of making traditional dishes accessible to people of all backgrounds and dietary requirements.
As more and more Malaysians embrace halal food, the demand for halal-certified versions of traditional dishes is expected to continue to grow.
The Origin Of Bak Chang And Its Significance In Malaysian Culture
Bak Chang is deeply rooted in China’s history and culture.
According to legend, the dish originated during the Warring States period in China, when a famous poet and statesman named Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest against the corrupt government of his time.
Bak chang is sold by the roadside in Hong Kong. Bak chang is made and eaten by the Chinese in China and the diaspora across East and South Asia. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
To prevent fish and other creatures in the river from eating Qu Yuan’s body, the people of his village wrapped glutinous rice in bamboo leaves and threw them into the river as an offering.
This later evolved into the tradition of eating Bak Chang during the Dragon Boat Festival, which is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar.
In Malaysia, the Dragon Boat Festival is an important cultural event for Malaysians of Chinese descent, who celebrate it by racing dragon boats and eating Bak Chang.
The dish symbolises remembrance of Qu Yuan and his sacrifice and is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

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“Tun” Isn’t Even The Top 3 Highest Awards In Malaysia

Malaysia titles and awards are complex and confusing.
Most people assume that someone who given the title of “Tun” has been awarded the highest possible rank in Malaysia. But in reality, this is far from the truth.
A “Tun” is a title given when someone receives a high-ranking federal award, given only by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or a Yang di-Pertuan Negeri to those who have done a great service to the country.
But a “Tun” isn’t the highest-ranking award someone can receive. In fact, there are three awards that rank higher than a Tun, Tan Sri or a Datuk Seri and interestingly, these awards don’t even carry any titles.
1. Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa
 Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa medal (Credit: Warisan Permaisuri Blogspot)
Also known in English as the Grand Knight of Valour, this award is the highest federal award that can be granted in Malaysia.
It was created in the 1960s by Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah and is awarded to Malaysians who have shown supreme courage and bravery in extraordinary and highly dangerous situations.
The number of awards given out is not limited and those who receive it also receive a monthly allowance which ends when the recipient dies.
Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah of Selangor was the second Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaya (Credit: Warisan Permaisuri Blogspot)
Surprisingly, the amount received isn’t that much, a measly RM400 a month (not even minimum wage). Upon the death of the recipient though, their next of kin receive an RM20,000 lump sum payment.
To date, a total of 30 people have received this award, with most being members of the military or police force who had put their lives on the line to protect the country.
The first person to ever receive this award was Royal Malaysian Police Special Constable Velu Rajavelu in 1963 for his bravery and community service when he was killed in the line of duty combating piracy in Klang in 1962.
 Special Constable Velu Rajavelu (left) and Abdul Jalil Ibrahim (right) (Credit: Warisan Permaisuri Blogspot and MOC Sarawak)
The only civilian recipient is Abdul Jalil Ibrahim, the assistant general of Bumiputera Finance Berhad (BMF) who had travelled to Hong Kong and was murdered there while investigating an infamous scandal.
2. Darjah Kerabat Diraja Malaysia
 Darjah Kerabat Diraja Malaysia insignia (Credit: BIUPA)
The second-highest federal award is the Order of the Royal Family of Malaysia which is only conferred to Malay rulers who were appointed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (puts the Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa award into perspective, doesn’t it).
This award was created in 1966 and is limited to only 10 living recipients at a time. Yes, this means that if there are already 10 living recipients, we must wait until one of them…dies…before it can be conferred to another.
So, it might be comforting to know that currently there are only four living recipients, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail of Perlis, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan and the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan receiving the Darjah Kerabat Diraja Malaysia award from former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak (Credit: Twitter)
To date, 13 people have been conferred this award.
3. Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara
 Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara insignia (Credit: BIUPA)
The Order of the Crown of the Realm was established in 1958 and can only be conferred to 30 living recipients at any time.
This honour is granted to the Raja Permaisuri Agong (Queen), newly appointed Malay rulers, foreign Heads of State, as well as other distinguished individuals.
Tunku Abdul Rahman (left) receiving the Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara award from fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin (right) in 1970. (Credit: Warisan Permaisuri Blogspot)
Fun fact: Tunku Abdul Rahman also received this award. So, although he was never a Tun or Datuk Seri, he actually held an honour that was higher than these two, only it did not come with a prefixed title to his name.
Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak Hussein are the only two Malaysians who weren’t a Sultan, a Raja Permaisuri Agong, or a Yang di-Pertuan Negeri on the list of 55 Malaysian recipients.
late Cuban President, Fidel Castro (Credit: Wikipedia)
As mentioned above, a total of 67 foreign Heads of State have been conferred this award as honorary recipients, including the late President of Cuba Fidel Castro and Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah.
Mind Blown Anna Kendrick GIF from Mindblown GIFs

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Now Anyone Can Be a Harvard “Graduate”

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While your travel passport sits in a drawer somewhere collecting dust, education is the passport you need to the future. In the words of human-rights activist Malcolm X, “tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today“.

More Malaysians work from home than the global average
As the pandemic continues, more Malaysians are staying at home which gives them more time to reflect on their lives.
Some have lost their jobs while others are re-thinking a career shift. According to an article on Human Resource Director, 91% of employees are intending to upskill or reskill. That’s 1 in 5 Malaysians! And with Ipsos reporting that more Malaysians work from home than the global average, perhaps now is a good time as any for online learning.
Motivation to upskill/reskill:
More than half (55%) want to be prepared for the accelerated automation and digitalisation of work21% are keen on switching careers or work in a different industry13% fear retrenchment
Many are looking to transition into an industry that is perceived to be recession-proof such as technology, research & development, essential goods manufacturers and e-commerce.Jaya Dass, Managing Director, Malaysian and Singapore at Randstad to HRD
Credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels
World-class education from home
Since most of us are doing our part by staying home to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now easier than ever to achieve your academic goals. It’s free and all you need is good Internet connection, a working computer and the hunger to learn.
One of the most appealing is with prestigious Harvard University offering free online courses to advance your career, pursue your passion, and to keep learning. HarvardX is the Harvard-specific branch endorsed by online platform EdX which offers courses free of charge to students across the globe.
At the time of writing, there are 125 free online courses available at HarvardX which you can filter by subject area. There is also an option to choose the duration of the course, difficulty and also start date, though most run year long.
Technology is the present and the future
With technology being one of the top areas Malaysians are looking to build on, HarvardX’s CS50: Introduction to Computer Science is a good place to start. The course, associated with The Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, is currently opened until 31 December 2021 and will last approximately 11 weeks with a time commitment of 10-20 hours per week. Since the pace is at your own speed, it shouldn’t be hard to find a couple hours a day between Netflix binges for you to learn.
There are also more specific courses like Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python and there’s even a free introductory course about Mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19 for licensed medical professionals.
Pros and cons of online courses
One of the biggest pros about doing a course with an impressive name like Harvard attached to it is the branding. What parent wouldn’t be proud to tell their friends “my son/daughter is a Harvard student”. But before it gets to that point, do note that although the education and knowledge you obtain is free, getting a proper certification to add to your CV or LinkedIn comes at a fee. At HarvardX, the price to add a Verified Certificate will cost you US$199 (~RM819) and this includes graded assignments.
Another pro about taking a course online is the duration and flexibility. Courses run anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks and can be done at your own time.
The obvious cons to online courses is it takes away from human interaction that you would typically get in a class setting. Instant feedback from your lecturer is another factor that would be missing since most of these classes have been prepared ahead of time to suit everyone’s schedule.
Credit: Mudassar Iqbal / Pixabay
Harvard and beyond
Harvard University is one of many prestigious universities offering free online courses. Through edX, you can also enrol with other American universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Georgetown University. There are even courses with other international universities like The University of Queensland in Australia, The National University of Singapore, and renowned university with a centuries-old reputation- University of Oxford in England.
Remember, knowledge is priceless though getting proper credentials will come at a price – albeit a small one for you to build on in the new normal.

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15YO Miri Girl Feared Drowned At Coco Cabana Beach, SAR Mission Ongoing To Find Missing Teen

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The authorities are conducting a search and rescue (SAR) mission along the Coco Cabana beach in Miri, Sarawak to locate a 15-year-old girl who went missing after leaving her home yesterday evening.

The SAR was launched this morning following a report of a missing person from the victim’s family at about 7.25am.
No details have been released yet regarding the girl’s identity.
It was not immediately clear whether the victim was lost or had fallen into the sea.

According to The Vibes, the girl had left her family’s home in Miri city centre at about 3pm yesterday and failed to return home.
When her father called her this morning, a stranger answered the phone.
 “The person said he was a public member and had found the handphone placed on Coco Cabana Beach,” Miri Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson Bonny Martin Saging was quoted as saying.
The father then went to the beach, located 1 kilometre away from the city centre only to find her daughter’s belonging – her handbag and handphone, placed neatly on the beach – but couldn’t find her daughter anywhere.
The report stated that the SAR teams – including firemen and police personnel, are conducting searches along the 2-km long beachfront as well as the coastline, which faces the South China Sea.
Coco Cabana Beach is unsafe for swimming due to its strong waves and turbulence.

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They Said We Couldn’t Break The Mould, #YetHereIAm

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Everyone faces criticism from most people in their lives, whether it’s family or friends or complete strangers. Asian culture asks us to fit in, to put our heads down and work humbly, to not rock the boat or stand out too much. But why is that such a bad thing?

Why shouldn’t we ignore the haters and do what we believe in? To be known for breaking the mould and defying the odds and expectations?
To stand out, you have to step out of your familiar comfort zone and try something new. That’s what these people did.
Only shooting stars break the mould
Shawn Lee knew that he loved music and beats since he was young. He wanted to chase this love, but his parents didn’t want to buy him a drum kit. So, he turned to “drumming”– with his mouth.
Shawn Lee didn’t let anything stand in the way of his dream.(Credit: TRP)
The self-taught beatboxer was fascinated by the way beatboxers could make wild sounds and rhythms with only their mouth. Despite being told that his voice wasn’t suitable for the bassy notes of beatboxing, Shawn trained hard anyway.
He ended up defying the odds and became a professional beatboxer, winning awards both locally and internationally.

For Sonya, fashion was her calling. As a child, she has wanted to be a model, but that dream was dashed when she found out she had vitiligo, a skin condition that causes pale patches on the body from a lack of melanin.
Despite the naysayers, Sonya still lives for fashion.(Credit: TRP)
She was bullied and teased for her skin being different in school, losing her self-esteem in the process. But as she grew older, Sonya learned to love herself for the way she was. And so why should she give up her dream of modelling just because of this?
Today, she can walk the runway with pride, confident both in herself and her talents.

Legosam may seem soft-spoken and petite, but the dancer is anything but soft.
Legosam doesn’t let bad vibes get him down.(Credit: TRP)
Resisting the stereotype that boys shouldn’t dance, Legosam has trained in breakdancing since he was a young teen. Despite discouragement from even his family, he continued to do what he loved, dancing his way to gold medals and international competitions.
Dance is his dream, and he never gave up the determination to make it happen.

This applies even for companies, like TRP. As a small media company, no one thought we would be where we are today.
When we first restarted TRP in 2019, no one expected us to make a splash. Yet we did. And when the pandemic hit, the company poured their heart and soul into producing quality, relevant content for Malaysians.
Trust us, we did our fair share of overtime too.(Credit: Pixabay)
They said TRP was just another small media company that would fizzle out in a year or two… yet here we are.
They said businesses would fail during the pandemic. That you can’t write quality articles that speaks to the rakyat and to brands. That you can’t shoot videos with such a small team. That you can’t make magic all the time.
A reminder of where we are today.(Credit: TRP)
But we exceed expectations: from the naysayers who dismissed our work to the ones who are continuously surprised, TRP breaks the mould and does things differently, and we couldn’t have done it without our readers and sponsors who believe in us.
A lasting legacy
The thing is, once moulds are broken, it becomes the new comfort zone.
In 1932, Tiger Beer broke the mould by brewing beer in Asia. It was widely believed that it couldn’t be done, because at that time all beer was brewed in Europe. They said that it wasn’t possible to brew beer in Asia, as the climate was wrong for it.
Despite the odds, Tiger Beer is now the most recognizable Asian beer brand.(Credit: Tiger Beer)
Tiger Beer changed that, was the first to brew beer in Asia, and until today remains the most recognizable Asian beer brand.
Now, no one will ever say it’s impossible.
You can do it too
If talented young people can do it, and even companies can do it, you can certainly do it.
Perhaps like Sonya, you’ve already broken your mould. Perhaps like Legosam, you’re still in the middle of the process.
Regardless, Tiger Beer wants you to celebrate your wins! Share your story on your own customised bottle here.
Tiger Beer advocates responsible consumption and we urge you to #DrinkResponsibly. Do not drink and drive. For non-Muslims aged 21 and above only.

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Sabah teacher staples student’s ear for not doing homework

A primary school teacher in Likas, Kota Kinabalu has allegedly stapled a 10-year-old boy’s left ear for not completing his homework.
The Primary 4 student suffered bleeding in his ear, and was later admitted into Hospital Wanita Dan Kanak-Kanak Sabah.

When staplers move past being regular office stationary. Picture for illustration purposes only.(Picture credit: EuroPics)

The victim’s mother states that she learned of the incident from her sister, who had picked the boy up from school.
His parents have since lodged a police report as well as a complaint with the Sabah State Education Department.
Dr. Misterine Radin, director of the Sabah State Education Department, confirmed receiving such a report.

“We have received a report regarding a teacher who had kind of injured a studentâ€™s ears with the excuse of educating using a stapler,â€
Dr Misterine Radin to the media
Head Stapler GIF from Definitelymaybe GIFs

Dr Radin then stated that the teacher will be sent to counselling as a certainty. However, further investigations will be made and discussions will be held with all parties involved.


May 18 Parliament Sitting – The King’s Speech

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At the opening of the first Parliament session this year, history was made for the first ever 1-day sitting where only the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah gave his customary opening address before it was adjourned.
However, the YDPA touched on some important points in his speech, noting the extraordinary circumstances and hardship faced by Malaysians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Expressing his gratitude to healthcare workers, police, immigration, military, civil defence,  National Disaster Management Agency and other agencies involved in the fight, His Majesty led the entire hall filled with Members of Parliament (MP) and Parliamentary staff to a rousing round of applause for the brave frontliners.
Following the applause, the YDPA spoke about the political turmoil that ensued following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as Prime Minister.
I had to elect a Prime Minister who has the majority support of the MPs. After speaking to every parliamentarian, I found that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had the majority support and elected him as Prime Minister, carrying out my responsibility as a constitutional monarch.Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah
Tan Sri Muhyidding Yassin listening to the King’s speech at parliament.(Credit: RTM)
In his speech, the King also touched on various issues surrounding Malaysians including housing, cost of living, climate change, border defence and the economy. He explained that these are the issues that his government will pay close attention to in the coming months and years.
Despite all these plans and programs towards the formation of a stable and prosperous developed country, the King pointedly stated that it can never be a reality if the nation continues to grapple with corruption.
I urge everyone to remain committed to the national anti-corruption plan so that every national development agenda will not be eroded by corruption, embezzlement and abuse of power. We must plant in the minds of our community that corruption is disgusting, dirty and must be fought to the end.Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The Opposition bench at the 18 May parliament sitting.(Credit: RTM)
The King also advised the parliamentarians to not drag the country into political turmoil once again, especially when Malaysians are plagued by many difficulties brought upon by the pandemic.
He expresses his wish that national unity and harmony begins in the hallowed halls of the Parliament, calling for the MPs to lead by example.
As a leader, you must set the example for the people. Difference in opinions should not resort to name calling. You must show maturity, and protect the well-being of the people and the country.Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The King ended his speech with a prayer for the Malaysians and the country to be  blessed and protected by God, along with a Hari Raya Aidilfitri wish, and a sincere “maaf zahir dan batin” from the royal family.

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Back After 3-Year Hiatus, Malaysia Autoshow 2023 Happening Now At MAEPS Serdang

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After a long gap of three years due to the pandemic, the largest annual Malaysian Autoshow once again welcomed visitors for 2023 with the theme “Mobility Redifined”.

This year’s show has an upgraded line-up, new features and improvements which include the Malaysia Bike Show, Malaysia EV Show and Charged.
Present at the launch was International Trade and Industry Ministry Secretary General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
“I have also been made to understand that this year’s autoshow has one of the strongest line ups we have ever gathered, with many new brands joining us for the first time. There is also an increase in the number of EV brands – both passenger cars and 2-wheelers.”
With more than 100 exhibitors and over 300 displays featuring a variety of automotive technology products and services, the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 generates more excitement this year.
This gives motor enthusiasts a glimpse into the goods and services that are provided by their favourite brands.
At the 6th edition of the autoshow, manufacturers from every market segment are showcasing their most recent products, including more 2-wheelers and electric cars.
The autoshow is now open to the public at MAEPS, Serdang until 7 May.
It is divided into 4 halls which are Hall A, Hall A1, Hall D and Hall C. All these venues are packed with an incredible set of line-up and exciting activities for automotive fans to enjoy.
BMW
If you are a fan of Bavarian engineering, then you will not want to miss the opportunity to take a glimpse into the newly launched BMW iX1.
Pic via email
You can also view the BMW i4 M50’s first ever public display.
Pic via email
However, the beast of the line-up is the XM prototype which resembles the rawness and the engineering marvel of BMW.
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz is known for its range of luxury cars. However, at this autoshow, they launched their brand-new hybrid performance car, the Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance.
Pic via email
The first performance hybrid and most powerful series-production model of the Affalterbach brand to date is the four-door coupé.
The combination of the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine and electric motor packs a punch of 843 horsepower and 1400 Nm of torque.
The 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine and electric motor work in tandem to ensure great driving performance, outstanding driving dynamics, and amazing efficiency.
Perodua
Perodua’s success traces back to the Kancil and continued with Myvi, and the carmaker has now reached new heights with the announcement of their new concept of a full fledged Perodua Ev vehicle.
There is a miniature design of the car which is displayed at the centre of the Perodua stand for the visitors to look at and indulge in the growth of our very own Malaysian brand.
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
There are also two entertainment stations set up for visitors to enjoy. One of them is a game station and the other is virtual headset station.
Proton
Proton has unveiled its new R3 concept of the Proton X50 in conjunction with the R3’s 20th anniversary.
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
Although the car on display is being called a concept, bookings for it have already been opened to the public.
Only 200 units of this vehicle will be available and bookings for the vehicle can only be done at the autoshow.
The pricing of the car starts from RM113,000.
GWM
The sleek flagship Ora Good Cat from Great Wall Motor (GWM) was featured in a new light at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023.
Pic via email
This particular vehicle has a unique design that it attracted many eyes and camera snaps.
GWM also displayed their GWM Cannon pick-up truck, GWM Haval H6 and GWM Haval Jolion Hev Hybrid.
Pic via email
Visitors can take a look at the outstanding designs of these cars and can also explore the reliability, function and other aspects of these vehicles.
There is also an exclusive offer for customers who purchase the Ora Good Cat during the autoshow.
Neta
Intro Synergy Sdn. Bhd, the sole distributor of Neta in Malaysia unveiled the Neta V, Touchable Smart EV at the autoshow.
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
It is one of the most affordable EV cars with an on-road price tag without insurance of RM99,800. To sweeten the deal, the first 100 customers to book the vehicle will receive a limited special value package discount of up to RM10,000.
Bookings for the vehicle can be done during the autoshow through the official website of Neta until 10pm on 7 May.
Other than these brands, there are also other brands that have a lot to offer at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023.
There is an entire hall dedicated for motorcycle fans, test drive opportunities, various entertainments and food choices.
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
Pic by Keran Raj Harideran/TRP
Tickets can be purchased at www.autoshow.my at the price of RM15 for Malaysians and RM25 for Non-Malaysians.

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Health Ministry Expects Spike In Covid-19 Cases In Next 2-3 Months

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The Health Ministry is expecting a spike of Covid-19 cases in the next two to three months.

According to Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the spike is due to the tendency of people getting infected with flu and cold illnesses during winter seasons.
He said the spike of Covid-19 cases during winter is a common concern shared by the Malaysian Health Ministry, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and countries in the European Union.
They are expecting the number of cases to increase sharply, especially during the winter season, where there could be an increase in cases of the common flu or common cold. Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah via NST
(Credit: Venngage)
If both flu and Covid-19 infections are seen together during the winter seasons this year, Dr Noor Hisham said that there could be a higher impact on the health of patients.
He pointed out that other countries have already shown spikes in the number of Covid-19 cases even before the winter seasons hit. This was seen in India, while the United Kingdom expected to record up to 50,000 new cases in 24 hours.
Yesterday, Malaysia crossed the 1,000th mark for active Covid-19 cases, as its three-digit streak of daily new cases continued with another 115 reported.

https://twitter.com/KKMPutrajaya/status/1310560961317617664

We urge all our readers to continue protecting yourself and your loved ones from the Covid-19 virus by practising the proper health safety precautions. We’ve got a good guide on what you should be doing here.

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Only 31 Hotels Have Halal Certification In Selangor, No Ramadan Buffet If No Cert

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A large number of hotels in the state of Selangor have yet to obtain the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM).

According to state exco for Islamic Religious Affairs, Consumerism and Halal Industry, Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni, only 31 hotels in the state have obtained the halal certification.
He was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that hotel operators which have yet to obtain halal certification are reminded not to use the term ‘Ramadan buffet’.
A Ramadan buffet advertisement. (Source: Malaysian Foodie)
He said the term Ramadan buffet means halal and cannot be used arbitrarily as it is a form of trade description.
Doing so be against the Trade Description Act 2011 said Mohd Zawawi.
The use of the term Ramadan buffet among non-SPHM holders is a violation of the law that can lead to enforcement actions.State exco Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni warning hotels not to use the term ‘Ramadan buffet’ arbitrarily.
Mohd Zawawi urged all hotels, traders and food industry operators which have yet to apply for the SPHM to do so immediately.
Otherwise, they will not be allowed to hold Ramadan buffets during the fasting month.
Consumers are usually alerted to fake halal food when they see that the halal logo looks different.(Source: Facebook)

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Haze: Mâ€™sian palm oil company named among 10 with LARGEST burnt land in Indonesia by Greenpeace

While the haze may be dissipating, its annual presence remains
a source of worry and discontent for Malaysians.
The source of this toxic smog has consistently been fires in
Indonesia set by landowners who want to clear their plots to plant a new batch
of crops.
Forestfire From Http://headlikeanorange.tumblr.com/ GIF from Forest GIFs

Most often, the accusatory finger points to pam oil firms
with vast plantations stretching for thousands of hectares.

Credit: Zamzami/Mongabay Indonesia

As the fires and the haze continually worsen over the years, Greenpeace has released a report on the land burning in Indonesia between 2015 and 2018.
In their findings, a Malaysian-owned palm oil company is named among the top 10 companies with the LARGEST area of burned land in Indonesia.

NASA satellite photo showing Borneo covered in smoke on 15th September 2019.(Credit: NASA)

The environmental group estimates that 8,100 hectares of land owned by the Malaysian company was burned between 2015 to 2018. Thatâ€™s 81 kmÂ² of land, just 10% smaller than the entire Petaling Jaya (97.2 kmÂ²).
Greenpeace also found that no palm oil companies had
their licences revoked for the devastating forest fires that occurred between
2015 and 2018.

Credit: Bjorn Vaughn

Besides that, only two of 12 palm oil groups with
largest burned land area has serious actions taken against them by the government.
None For Gretchen Weiners GIF from Nothing GIFs

Things might change as Channel News Asia reports that Indonesian authorities are considering harsher penalties to companies responsible for the burning.
Meanwhile, Malaysiaâ€™s Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok is calling for the public to stop blaming palm oil companies for the annual haze as there are other factors that come into play.
Wasn’t Me GIF from Shaggy GIFs

You can read Greenpeaceâ€™s full report on the fires HERE.


Sultan Abdullah and Dr Noor Hisham Visit Viral Murals And Meet The Artists Who Painted Them

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Intrigued by the viral mural, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah paid a visit to Taman Cahaya Alam, Section U12 to see the artwork for themselves.
Their arrival at 3pm yesterday (10 July) was greeted by the artists of the giant mural, Muhammad Suhaimi Ali, Abdul Hadi Ramli, and Muhamad Firdaus Nordin.

https://twitter.com/miealimural93/status/1281745197458571264

Also accompanying His Majesty were the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and their children Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah and Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah.

https://twitter.com/tengkuafzan1/status/1281528527855083521

Dr Noor Hisham also shared a picture of himself with the mural, saying that he really appreciated local brilliant and talented artists.

I was there this morning & I felt the strong patriotic spirit among Malaysians. I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the brilliant talented artists with their extraordinary skills & artworks. It goes to show that everyone has a role in this pandemic crisis pic.twitter.com/DpHEhX2K9K— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) July 11, 2020

Twitter users couldn’t help but respond to his post saying how cool he looked in his sunglasses and tasteful batik shirt.
Speaking of the Agong’s visit, Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said it was an initiative of his Majesty himself, who is very concerned about the country’s youth.
During the 1 hours and 30 minutes visit, his Majesty also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the artists who painted the mural, praising them for expressing their respect towards the leaders who have worked hard for the country.
(Credit: Bernama)
Al-Sultan Abdullah also reportedly gifted the artists with letters of appreciation and souvenirs, and his family also enjoyed a meal with them before leaving.

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5,000 Families In Muar Provided With Food Banks By MP Syed Saddiq

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Muar MP Syed Saddiq has been relentless in his work for the people of his constituency. This time, his notable food bank donation to 5,000 families in need drew the attention of Malaysians outside of Muar as well.

Syed Saddiq proved the amount of good that could be done when people and businesses work together. Accoding to his Twitter post, the food was provided at a steep discount by KK Mart, while six 20-tonne trailers were provided for free by TheLorry.
6 buah treler 20 tan untuk bawa Foodbank kepada x5000 Keluarga di Muar!!!Runding, runding, runding untuk Muar! Saya mahu dapatkan harga terbaik.KK Mart beri Super discount & TheLorry beri 6 buah treler 20 tan percuma!! Selagi boleh bantu, saya bantu Muar! pic.twitter.com/BoBgM7pl65— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) July 10, 2021
Because of these generous cost-cutting measures, the original donation amount which was budgeted for 3,000 families could be stretched out to help 5,000 families.
The food aid included pantry basics such as a 10kg bag of rice, bihun, cooking oil, flour, kicap, chili sauce, biscuits, tea, and canned sardines.
Rallying support
Netizens shared an outpouring of support to see such good deeds being done, especially after the nationwide #BenderaPutih movement to call for aid.
Thank you for working so hard. You gave us some hope for Malaysia. I hope you will be blessed with good long life to change Malaysia back to what it shd be..a united Malaysia.— 🌻ℓoveℓife🍀ℓurveEXO🌸 (@chickylee12) July 10, 2021
Im very impressed. Well done and thanks to those offering discounts and services. During these difficult times any help is much appreciated. If all our country’s leaders are even half of @SyedSaddiq, we will be in a better position. Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk.— 💜 에밀리 💜 (@milkteddy86) July 12, 2021
Muar is simply the best performer right now.Kalau di uni, dah dapat Anugerah Dekan.— Ahmad Nazneen (@ahmadnazneen2) July 10, 2021
Some netizens called on other MPs to emulate what Syed Saddiq is doing– helping the people directly.
This is crazy, dia sorang je boleh tolong sampai 5000 family kat Muar tu and mungkin lepas ni satu johor dia bantu. Yb yang lain tu buat apa? Duk kumpul harta lagi? Ke rebut kerusi lagi— 🦁 (@Pophitsyou) July 10, 2021
Even his fellow peers applauded him, claiming that while young, he had much to teach the older generation of politicians.
Never treat youngsters as a competition instead treat them as colleagues or teachers. Learning always goes both ways. We can share our experience, they can share their creativity. As a senior politician, it's time to learn and adapt on the new ways of politics. Bravo @SyedSaddiq https://t.co/P0AhoBoPBN— R. Kaliyappan (@PRKaliyappan) July 11, 2021

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Thomson Hospital Installs New Automation System To Help Speed Up Time On Blood Tests

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Thomson recently launched their automated laboratory systems which will help increase efficiency in conducting blood tests and reduce the risks of human error which would help doctors better diagnose their patients.

TMC Life Sciences Berhad Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Wan Nadiah Binti Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob said that this would help reduce the time to process samples by 30% and reduce the dependency on labour which can be redistributed back to do more high-value and productive tasks.
What we’re trying to do with the lab is really to make it a lot more efficient, a lot more accurate, and a lot more cost-effective which will have an impact to improve patient care and patient experience. Because, I think laboratory tests are the most basic tools that any doctors will use to actually diagnose and treat a patient. So I think that it’s really important that any hospital, including ours, would really work towards achieving the best that we can in terms of laboratory and diagnostics.TMC Life Sciences Berhad Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob to TechTRP
Advanced tech for better care
The installation of the automated system is a collaboration between the hospital and American medical equipment manufacturer Abbott.
Nadiah said that they are the first private hospital in the country to use the system, and mentioned that they will be looking to improve the system as time goes on.
The system makes it possible to save time, she added, which allows the hospital to test more blood samples and help the overall medical care process.
Credit: TechTRP
When you cut down the time, that means you can handle more patients and more samples in the same amount of time, so we obviously can see better productivity and efficiency. The quality and the test and reducing the errors and interventions would make clinical practice a lot better.TMC Life Sciences Berhad Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob to TechTRP
The machine is called AlinIQ Analyzer Management System (AMS), a scalable solution that can connect any analyzer or automation system to the Laboratory Information System (LIS), to better manage the flow of data throughout the entire workflow process.
According to their brochure, Abbott says that it helps medical institutions to drive and enable standarised decision-making, reduce overall errors, alleviate staff shortage impacts and significantly reduce operational costs.
Credit: TechTRP
Thomson looks to serve more patients moving forward
Thomson has always been a women’s and children’s hospital, but in the last five years, they have grown as a tertiary subspecialty hospital because there’s a need in the community.
There’s a lot of development in Sungai Buloh, Rawang, Kota Damansara… And we just completed the expansion of our building. With the capacity of 556 beds, that makes us one of the largest private hospitals in Malaysia. Our aim is to really provide the best standard of care, make that care accessible to people, [and] work on our quality and productivity so we can serve as many people as possible in the most efficient way.TMC Life Sciences Berhad Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob to TechTRP

Looking to the future, Nadiah said that the business will be looking at expanding more services, improving the quality of current services, introducing new technologies, opening up more beds and providing healthcare beyond Klang Valley.
She also mentioned that they’re looking to collaborate with insurance companies to make it more accessible for patients.
Locally, Nadiah said that Thomson is currently building a hospital in Johor Bahru and outside of Malaysia, she said that the medical care provider is currently operating in Singapore, but they’re looking at markets like Vietnam and Indonesia as potential countries to venture into in the future.
Looking at the performance of their TMC Fertility clinics, she said that it has shown promising signs that they might be able to expand on that business as well in the future.
Currently, Thomson has 6 clinics in the country.

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Burst Bund Floods Tanjong Karang, Family Of 7 Forced To Evacuate

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A family of seven in Tanjong Karang, Selangor, was evacuated by the fire and rescue department today morning when their house was inundated with flood waters.

Selangor fire and rescue department director Norazam Khamis said the victims, 4 men and 3 women, have been relocated to a relative’s house.
According to Sinar Harian, the flood was caused by a burst bund which then led a nearby river to overflow.
The fire department received the emergency call around 4.07am and sent eight members with machinery to the scene.

The river water from the burst bund initially overflowed around Tanjong Karang town but did not affect residential areas.
However, the fire department realized the water rose to 1 metre in the Tanjong Karang Public Market area around 5.24am.
As of 6.13am, the water has started to recede and the fire department is continuing to monitor the area.
Berlaku sekali lagi Ban pecah di Tanjong Karang, air pasang besar pagi tadi, berita dari Tanjong Karang. pic.twitter.com/x6ggncBVAw— Mohamad Yusof Bin Yahya (@MohamadYusofBi6) November 6, 2022
Norazam advised residents to keep their younger kids from playing in flood waters and to watch out for poisonous animals such as snakes, scorpions, and centipedes, Berita Harian reported.
It’s not the first time a burst bund caused a flood in the area; the latest flooding was the third time.
Previously, two bunds in Pekan Tanjong Karang and Jalan Masjid Buroh burst on 11 October.

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Goodbye ntv7, Malaysians Say Farewell To 20 Years Of “Feel Good” As Channel Becomes MOE’s DidikTV

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Malaysian are saying goodbye to their “feel good” channel when it was announced that ntv7 – a local free-to-air TV channel – will be taken over by the Education Ministry’s (MOE) edutainment TV network, DidikTV.

Starting 17 February 2021, “DidikTV KPM” will be broadcasted on the former ntv7 channel for 17 hours a day from 7am till midnight.
DidikTV is a channel made to provide access to quality education for students across the country following the Covid-19 pandemic and to supplement the Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR) program.
DidikTV’s “Road To Success SPM 2020” program aired live on ntv7.(ntv7MALAYSIA Official/YouTube)
Programs on the channel are said to be designed specifically based on MOE’s curriculum with contents such as news, internationally made programs and content made by homegrown Malaysian students.
Several DidikTV shows that are currently on the air also witnessed educational programs being hosted by local teachers and being audited by students live through online classroom sessions.

Felt so good
A slight sombre mood falls on social media as Malaysians take a trip down memory lane to give one last send off to ntv7, a TV channel which has been on air since 1998.
Netizens collectively reminisce over shared nostalgia of growing up to their favourite local sitcoms like “Spana Jaya” or how they were introduced to the best TV contractor in Singapore, JB and some say Batam, “Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd” via ntv7
Farewell #ntv7. You will be missed https://t.co/kUQP9mFa69 pic.twitter.com/wLdVRCxclF— Rekomen Filem🇲🇾 (@RekomenByAsrul) February 15, 2021
Others relished in moments of watching episodes of Bahasa Malaysia dubbed cartoons like “Doraemon” and “Crayon Shin-chan” as well as other once popular animated shows.
Goodbye ntv7. Gone for good, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/voYEmgfCvr— Syahir Van Sabri (@syahirvansabri) February 15, 2021
Some, like celebrity Sarimah Ibrahim, recall how ntv7 made not only her career but added enjoyable memories to her life.

TRP sends our own goodbye to ntv7, thanks for the memories and specifically for “Istana Takeshi“.

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This 77-year-old Korean Grandma quit her hospital job to model instead

Thereâ€™s a stereotypically unlikely fashion star in South Korea.
Choi Soon-Hwa is the oldest professional model in the country, at 77 years old (in Korean years. Yes, thatâ€™s a thing)

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 ë‚´ì¼ 1ì‹œ Cpbc ë³´ì´ëŠ” ë¼ë””ì˜¤ Nê°„ ë² í…Œëž‘ íœ©ì“¸ê³  ì˜¤ê² ìŠµë‹ˆë”~🌹íœ˜ë¦ – ë‹¤ë“¤ ë“¤ì–´ì£¼ì‹¤ê±°ì£ ~? – @theshowproject_ma – – #ë”ì‡¼í”„ë¡œì íŠ¸ #í‹°ì—ìŠ¤í”¼ëª¨ë¸ #ëª¨ë¸#íŒ¨ì…˜ëª¨ë¸ #ê´‘ê³ ëª¨ë¸ #ì¼ìƒ #íŒ¨ì…˜ #ìµœìˆœí™” #ëª¨ë¸ìµœìˆœí™” #photography #female #femalemodel #followforfollowback #ì‹œë‹ˆì–´ëª¨ë¸ #photo #ì¼ìƒ #photographer #ì´¬ì˜ #í¬í†  #fashionmodel #koreanmodel #seniormodel
A post shared by  ëª¨ë¸ ìµœìˆœí™” (@soonhwa01) on Jun 12, 2019 at 3:48am PDT

Formerly a care worker who worked 20 hours a day in a hospital, Choi Soon-Hwa is very happy with her latest gig.

â€œIt was hard to even get myself lunch. The stress was excruciating â€“ it was as if a volcano was about to erupt inside me.â€
Choi Soon-Hwa viaAgence France-Presse.
Nearly half of the elderly population in South Korea are poor. And before Choi became a model, she too was swimming in debt, using all her earnings to pay off loans.

 View this post on Instagram

 ì—¬ëŸ¬ë¶„ì˜ ëª¸ê³¼ ë§ˆìŒì„ ì Šê²Œ ìœ ì§€í•˜ëŠ” ë¹„ê²°ì€ ë¬´ì—‡ì¸ê°€ìš”⁉ – @harpersbazaarkorea @theshowproject_ma @jwon0808 @choimoonhyuk @ahyoung_makeup @janghyeyeon_ – – #ë”ì‡¼í”„ë¡œì íŠ¸ #í‹°ì—ìŠ¤í”¼ëª¨ë¸ #ëª¨ë¸#íŒ¨ì…˜ëª¨ë¸ #ê´‘ê³ ëª¨ë¸ #ì¼ìƒ #íŒ¨ì…˜ #ìµœìˆœí™” #ëª¨ë¸ìµœìˆœí™” #photography #female #femalemodel #followforfollowback #photo #ì¼ìƒ #bazaar #bazaarkorea #ë°”ìž #ë°”ìžì½”ë¦¬ì•„ #ë·°í‹°#ê±´ê°• #photographer #ì´¬ì˜ #í¬í†  #fashionmodel #koreanmodel
A post shared by  ëª¨ë¸ ìµœìˆœí™” (@soonhwa01) on May 3, 2019 at 8:23pm PDT

But recently, there has been a trend in South Korean of senior citizens becoming social media and fashion celebrities. Choi found an opportunity to change industries after she saw an advertisement about senior models.
Soon after enrolling in a few modelling classes, Choi was picked up by a modelling agency and not long after that, she made her catwalk debut.

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 ë©‹ì§„ë¶„ë“¤ê³¼ í•¨ê»˜í•´ ë” ëœ»ê¹Šì€ íŒ¨ì…˜ì‡¼😊 – – @theshowproject_ma @sungkeun.p – – #ë”ì‡¼í”„ë¡œì íŠ¸ #í‹°ì—ìŠ¤í”¼ëª¨ë¸ #ëª¨ë¸#íŒ¨ì…˜ëª¨ë¸ #ê´‘ê³ ëª¨ë¸ #ì¼ìƒ #íŒ¨ì…˜ #ìµœìˆœí™” #ëª¨ë¸ìµœìˆœí™” #photography #female #femalemodel #followforfollowback #ì‹œë‹ˆì–´ëª¨ë¸ #photo #ì¼ìƒ #photographer #ì´¬ì˜ #í¬í†  #fashionmodel #koreanmodel
A post shared by  ëª¨ë¸ ìµœìˆœí™” (@soonhwa01) on Apr 28, 2019 at 3:52pm PDT

Speaking about the differences between modeling and her previous career, Choi shared something surprising. At her previous position in the hospital, she used to have to regularly dye her hair as patients didnâ€™t like someone who â€œlooked too oldâ€ caring for them.
However, as a model (and despite her new job being based on appearances), Choi no longer needs to dye her hair as her distinctively grey hair is a feature designers are looking for.

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 ë‚´ì¼ ì˜¤ì „ 11ì‹œ! Tbn ì´ìŠˆê³µê° ë¼ë””ì˜¤ ë‹¤ë“¤ ê¸°ëŒ€í•´ì£¼ì„¸ì—¬~❤ – @theshowproject_ma @sungkeun.p – – #ë”ì‡¼í”„ë¡œì íŠ¸ #í‹°ì—ìŠ¤í”¼ëª¨ë¸ #ëª¨ë¸#íŒ¨ì…˜ëª¨ë¸ #ê´‘ê³ ëª¨ë¸ #ì¼ìƒ #íŒ¨ì…˜ #ìµœìˆœí™” #ëª¨ë¸ìµœìˆœí™” #photography #female #femalemodel #followforfollowback #ì‹œë‹ˆì–´ëª¨ë¸ #photo #ì¼ìƒ #ì´ìŠˆê³µê° #photographer #ì´¬ì˜ #í¬í†  #fashionmodel #koreanmodel
A post shared by  ëª¨ë¸ ìµœìˆœí™” (@soonhwa01) on May 15, 2019 at 5:31am PDT

Watch Choi talk about her life as an elderly model in the video below!


Chicken-Based Food Prices To Get More Expensive During Ramadan, Says Consumer Group

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The Kedah State Consumers Association (Cake) expects an increase in the price of chicken-based food sold at the Ramadan bazaar next month.

Cake secretary Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff said based on past experience, the increase in food prices will usually occur when the Ramadan or festive season arrives.
He was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that the increase in chicken-based prices is anticipated due to high demand.
There is no denying that the price of chicken, which reached more than RM9 to RM11 per kilogram, has worried consumers even though the price has dropped back to around RM8.50 per kilogram recently.Cake secretary Mohamad Yusrizal Yusof on the rising chicken prices.
Chicken prices dropped slightly after the government subsidized chicken farmers.
READ MORE: Selangor Sets Ceiling Price Of Chickens In PKPS Centres At RM8, Lower Than Federal Govt
However, there is still the possibility that prices will increase due to high demand during Ramadan.
Mohamad Yusrizal added that most of the bazaar sites in the state such as Jitra and Kota Setar were full.
The stalls are snapped up by traders who wanted to do cash in on Ramadan.
Many traders will be selling chicken-based food such as ayam percik and ayam golek. Hence the high demand and rising prices.Cake secretary Mohamad Yusrizal Yusof on the increased demand in chicken-based food.
He hoped that the authorities would be prepared in the event of such a price hike.

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[Day In The Life] Police Volunteer Reserve Tells Us What Duty Was Like During EMCO

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The Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in the Klang Valley may have ended recently but for some, the event was a humble reminder of the reality that brought the need for it.

TRP shares a day in the life of a policewoman, at the frontlines of our nation’s efforts to curb Covid-19.

Meet Anu Chandra, a full-time administration manager culture attaché to a foreign embassy in Kuala Lumpur and also a part-time Police Volunteer Reserve (PVR) Constable with the Royal Malaysian Police.

As a PVR, her role and duties are the same as a regular police officer including the right to carry and use a firearm, and search and arrest while on duty.
They go through the usual police training and even hold the authority card. The only difference according to Anu is they have their day jobs and only work as regular police officers when they are on duty.
TRP: How does a PVR end up patrolling EMCO areas?
Anu: As soon as EMCO was enforced, we (PVR)will receive a circular from PDRM to schedule our jobs. We will then be assigned to particular areas alongside regular police personnel.
TRP: What’s a typical day like for you as a PVR during EMCO?
Anu: I wake up at 4:30am, bathe, pray and eat breakfast. I reach the police station by 6:30 am and by 7am, I’m at the road block or patrol point.
I patrol a new area every day with instructions only given during roll call at the site.
For example, yesterday you were allowed to go to work with an approval from MITI and your employer, but today no one is allowed to go anywhere (total lockdown) as per the instructions of the day.
Roll call with instructions given that day
TRP: How many people are on duty with you?
Anu: 1 officer-in-charge, 1 Sergeant, 1 Lance Corporal, 2 constables and 3 army soldiers.
TRP: What is the most challenging part of the job?
Anu: Being alert at anytime at any cost.
TRP: What is the best part of the job?
Anu: When the public appreciate our efforts.
We work close with the public to maintain safety. The public also need police to enforce and maintain a functional society.
Checking letters from MITI, employers, and whether delivery riders are transporting anything illegal.
TRP: Are there any inspiring stories you can share while on patrol during EMCO?
Anu: It was late one night at 2.00am and an Indian couple with a baby walked towards us. Most of us on duty do not have any money on us. The man begged for some money as he had nowhere to sleep. The (Malay) Lance Corporal (L/KPL) took out whatever he had and asked the man to sleep in a hotel with his wife and child. That to me is called being human, without racism.
A challenge for both sides
Setting up at a public housing (PPR) area in Batu Muda
In our casual chat, Anu reveals that there have been times where people have tried to escape from the areas which often results in an officer chasing them down with most getting caught.
Coming across unruly people with “a lot of excuses” is very common too.
However, the most heart breaking part of the job according to Anu is seeing the elderly in despair with no food, and with no one sending them any either.
When asked how the whole experience as a PVR during EMCO was, Anu replied:
As you know, police are the most vulnerable to public criticism. They make the public obey law and order at all times. Sometimes it’s dangerous trying to restrain them to go against the lockdown, but this EMCO we had a chance to prove that we are there for the public, and to bring down the spread of Covid-19 by risking our lives. There have been some who try to go against the restrictions and we’ve tried  reasoning with them. As a frontliner serving for  PDRM and working closely with KKM, I am proud to say that I am helping to stop the Covid -19 spread.

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Malaysia Has 42,500 “Sugar Daddies” Says Seeking Arrangement

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Heads up ladies, because the word is out that Malaysia is home to 42,500 affluent “sugar daddies” promising you a life of luxury and success.

According to figures released by SeekingArrangement – an American based dating website which connects sugar daddies or mommies (#feminism) with young and eligible sugar babies – Malaysia ranks third in the top 10 Asian countries with the most number of sugar daddies registered on the platform.
Read More: Private: Is A Sugar Baby Really A Prostitute? We Find Out
The dating site revealed that there are a total of 556,000 sugar daddies in Asia who are seeking “mutually beneficial” relationships;
India – 338,000Indonesia – 60,250Malaysia – 42,500Japan- 32,500Hong Kong – 28,600Taiwan –  27,300Vietnam – 12,000S. Korea – 7,000Sri Lanka – 5,000Cambodia – 3,500
SeekingArrangement’s CEO Brandon Wade explains that Asia is a hotbed for sugar dating, especially among the urban demographic.
A platform like SeekingArrangement helps connect young and empowered women with wealthier, more affluent men who not only bolster their financial woes but also act as a mentor or gateway in catapulting a promising future for these sugar babies.SeekingArrangement CEO Brandon Wade
Seeking sayang?
Marketing data from 2019 revealed that Malaysians spent a total of RM24 million on online dating applications. Additionally, a 2017 research also showed that three out of 10 Malaysians are actively using online dating apps.
Read More: Malaysians Take Up Online Dating After Lockdown Proves How Difficult It Is To Be Lonely
Figures from 2019 also show that the country suffers from a gender imbalance where Malaysian men outnumber women by 107 to 100.

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Source:
Private: Is A Sugar Baby Really A Prostitute? We Find Out
Malaysians Spent RM24 Million On Online Dating Apps in 2019
M’sia Gender Imbalance Means There’s More Men Than Women
Malaysians Take Up Online Dating After Lockdown Proves How Difficult It Is To Be Lonely


This Malaysian Entrepreneur Now Earns 5 Figures A Month Selling Risoles

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As reported by Bernama, a woman started off her business journey with a capital of RM100 selling a popular frozen pastry dish from Indonesia called Risoles. Her business now earns around RM20,000 a month in profits.

Local Machang-born entrepreneur, Hassmira Che Omar @ Che Hassan, 34, said that the idea of selling the snack came from her spending time with her family while eating the risoles.
Risoles/Risol is an Indonesian snack with fillings like meat and veggies that is wrapped in a thin pastry, rolled onto some breadcrumbs and fried.
“At first, as the snack is not commonly known yet, I started selling it to my friends and neighbours in Banting, Selangor. I didn’t expect the snack to get a lot of attention afterwards” said the UMK Business and Entrepreneurship alumni.
She learned how to make the risoles from her sister in law, Evy Widiastuti, 40, who was from Indonesia.
Credit: Risoles My
Social media helped a lot in boosting her products from a small target audience to a bigger one, amplifying her sales and profits. Before having social media, she used to make around 100 to 500 packets of risoles a month.
Now, she successfully produces 6,000 to 10,000 packets of risoles a month in her factory in Jenjarom, Banting, Selangor to be marketed to 70 shops around the country, also with the help of some agents as well as stockists.
Currently having 7 workers under her business, she aims to boost her snack business more to help give more job opportunities for those who need them.
Also thanks to the Selangor Government Agency and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), they also helped in expanding her local business more.
Now, her products come in different flavours from chicken, beef, cheesy chicken, cheesy beef and cheesy smoked beef.
Check out their Instagram here.

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Padang Serai Election Postponed To 7 December

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The Election Commission (EC) announced today that the Padang Serai election has been postponed to 7 December.

The election will not be held together with tomorrow’s 15th General Election (GE15) polling day due to the death of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the seat M Karupaiya.
In a statement, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh said nomination will be on 24 November and early voting is set for 3 December.
Campaign period is 13 days from after nomination until 11.59pm 6 December.
Applications for postal votes can be made online from today until 22 November.
As for voter details, it will be made available from 23 November.
Candidates who have already been nominated will only need to be present for the purpose of the ballot paper draw, while new candidates will need to go through the usual full nomination process.
The other candidates vying for the Padang Serai seat are Datuk C Sivaarrajh from Barisan Nasional (BN), Hamzah Abdul Rahman from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Datuk Azman Nasrudin (Perikatan Nasional), Mohd Bakhri Hashim (Warisan) and independent candidate Ananda AK.

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The Deaths Of 3 Sisters In Kelantan Flood Brings Forth Painful Safety Reminders

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The floods have hit Malaysia’s East Coast (Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang) badly towards the year’s end due to heavy rains.

Unfortunately, there have been a few casualties with the most recent loss reported in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
READ MORE: Two-Year-Old Confirmed As First Flood Casualty In Terengganu
According to The Star, three sisters who were trying to wade to safety died of electrocution in front of a flooded house in Kampung Bendang Surau near Morak around 11.30am on 19 December.
While wading through the floodwaters, one of the sisters slipped. To catch herself, she grabbed a pillar and got electrocuted.
Her two sisters tried to help her but got electrocuted themselves.
Kelantan police said the sisters: Noor Fathiah Nadzir, 27, Sakinah Nadzir, 29, and Nurul Syazwani Nadzir, 33, died at the scene and their remains were brought to Hospital Tumpat for post-mortem.
The mother of the three girls, Zainun Sulaiman, 62, said she didn’t expect such a mishap to happen to all of her daughters.
A neighbour of theirs, Che Zahiyah Che Yaakob, 53, said she had greeted them when they passed by her house and Nurul Syazwani told her they were headed to the canal in front of her home.
A painful reminder
The sisters’ untimely deaths also brought forth warnings from the respective authorities in a bid to prevent similar incidents and the aftermath from happening.
Kelantan police chief Zaki Harun said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) had been informed to cut off the electricity supply in the area and to carry out a follow-up investigation.
In the meantime, TNB reminded the public not to approach or touch electrical installations that are submerged in water in case there is current leakage.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) also issued a statement to stop the spread of the videos showing the dead bodies of the sisters.
MCMC asked the public to respect the family’s privacy, stop spreading the video, and let the authorities investigate the incident.
MCMC has also reached out to social media platforms – Meta, Twitter, and Tiktok – to curb the spread of the videos.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report such sensitive videos that are unfit for public consumption to the respective social media platforms to help stop the spread.
READ MORE: Batang Kali Landslide: Sharing Photos Of Dead Bodies On Social Media Isn’t The Way To Bring Healing
Kenyataan Media AMARAN HENTI SEBAR VIDEO TIGA (3) BERADIK MAUT AKIBAT RENJATANELEKTRIK pic.twitter.com/oJDa8qlcI2— MCMC (@MCMC_RASMI) December 19, 2022

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Should We Consider A Water Feature For The Home, And How Do We Achieve A Desired One?

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We all know that water is the most important substance to all life forms, but did you know that it has also grown to become a positive element that resembles circulation, wisdom, purity, luck, wealth, and other symbolic meanings?

Despite the evolution of human cultures, this belief can be seen deeply rooted in certain cultures with the knowledge that incorporating a water feature as part of the design of our home allows positive energy to flow seamlessly into the household.
Symbolic meanings aside, incorporating a water feature into our homes has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to the many benefits it gives.
One of the many plus points of having a water feature especially in our year-round tropical climate is that the water feature acts as a natural and energy-efficient cooling system to our living space.
Be it indoor or outdoor, the area where the water feature is placed will allow for a natural, cooling feeling to sweep by when we are around that particular quarter.
A water feature in the house not only brings a soothing and peaceful ambiance to the living space, but it also helps to release negativity from our day-to-day life.
While we are being confined at home due to MCO, we cannot deny that coop up 24/7 can have its negative moments, especially when we’re trying to adjust to working from home and concentrating despite all the distractions.
Because of these distractions, it is vital to foster a tranquil environment or a relaxing space that will help us to calm our minds during the stay-at-home practice.
Adding a water feature in the house is a wise choice, as research has shown that there are certain sounds that will release a soothing effect to the environment, and one of those is (of course) the gentle sound of soft trickling water to block out unwanted noises that may distract us from our routines.
Although many would desire to have a water feature to change the vibe of their current living space, most people may flinch at the idea as it is the general assumption that water features are usually associated with outdoor spaces or require spacious land to build one.
On the contrary, it is possible to incorporate water features indoors or in a smaller living area such as condominiums to bring that peaceful nature aura to the home. With careful planning and wise selection of the type of water features, you can enjoy the many benefits of a water feature without spending a fortune!
Not only as a decorative element, water features bring positive vibes to the living environment.
1. Identify that ‘perfect’ spot
The first and most important aspect to consider when installing a water feature is to determine a suitable location in the home, as the selection of the size, style and material of the water feature will depend on the chosen location.
Identify an unused space in your home, whether it is a corner of your backyard, under the stairs, or on a table to spice up your living ambiance without affecting your daily routine.
Additionally, as electricity is needed to keep clean water flowing, make sure to find a location that is safe and easily accessible to an electrical source so that you will not need to run an extension cord all over your house!
The available space in the house determines the type of water feature to be installed.
2. Choose the water feature that fits your interior design and usage
After identifying the spot for your water feature, comes the exciting part: choosing your preferred water feature! There are a variety of fixtures offered in the market that you can choose from according to the available space and your usage.
Some of the water features that can be set up at home include wall fountain, water wall, floor fountain and tabletop fountain. For example, you may consider replacing your wall décor with a wall-mounted fountain as it will not occupy the functional space.
Other than as a decorative fixture, water features such as a water wall can be utilised as a room divider to keep the spaces separated in a unique and artistic way.
For those who are opting for a smaller water feature that does not require much effort to set up and maintain, a tabletop fountain is the perfect go-to as it can be installed easily and is more affordable compared to other varieties of water features.
A wall-mounted fountain is an ideal choice for houses that do not have extra space on ground.
3. Consider the suitable material for your water feature
Just as it is important to choose the right materials that will fit the vibe of your interior design, selecting the materials to suit the composition of your house is also vital to ensure safety and minimise the frequency of maintenance in the future.
Water features are usually made of heavy materials such as porcelain, rocks, marble, fiberglass, ceramic, metal and others. Hence, it is important to choose materials that are suitable for the design of your home to ensure everyone’s safety in the household.
It is advisable to consult a water feature specialist or service provider to evaluate the safety level of the spot that you have chosen to install the fixture. Even if you are opting for a tabletop fountain, make sure the table is sturdy enough to hold the weight.
A small tabletop water feature will be ideal for those who have limited space but still looking to enhance the ambiance of their home.
4. Keep the water flowing and maintain the cleanliness of the water environment
Many are hesitant to build a water feature at home as it requires time to clean and maintain the water environment, especially for those who would like to rear fishes in the feature as the fish feed and the waste produced will create odour to the surrounding environment.
To keep the water flowing continuously at ease, all you need is a pump with appropriate efficacy to release a beautiful and soft cascade of water as well as avoid unwanted splashes that will cause damage to the floor and nearby furniture.
Mr Koo Zao Cheong, Regional Business Development Manager of Waterco said that installing a water feature does not need to be a complicated and expensive procedure if all the right equipment were installed correctly in the beginning.
“The reason why some people have an issue with their water feature after a certain period of time may be due to several reasons, one of them – the most common one – is that the equipment installed may not be right for the usage of the water feature.
“For example, selecting the size of the pump can determine whether you want your water feature to have a cascading waterfall, or that it will send water splashing all over the place instead, costing up a huge amount of water wastage,” opined Mr Koo.
“Anything that has to do with water and electricity has to be handled with care. As such if proper research was done right, there is no reason why anyone is unable to have a seamless smooth-flowing water feature wherever they reside.”
In order to ensure a nice water flow and minimize the scheduled cleaning time, selecting a high-quality and energy-efficient pump such as those from Waterco (leading one-stop solutions provider of safe and healthy water environment company) will not only help to maintain a healthy water environment at ease, but will also reduce the electricity cost of running the pump all day.
It is important to choose efficient pump and water filtration systems to maintain a lively environment for your fishes.
Regardless of the size of your home, it is not as hard as you imagine to incorporate a water feature into your home as long as you understand your living space and need.
Whether you are opting for a large-scale fountain in your garden or DIY a tabletop water feature at the corner of your living room, start planning to bring a natural and soothing atmosphere for yourself and your family.

This article and pictures were provided by Waterco Malaysia.

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Shahidan Vows To Defend Arau Despite BN Snub

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Perlis UMNO’s big gun Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim insists that he will defend the Arau Parliamentary seat that he has held for the last four terms despite failing to make the cut in Barisan Nasional’s (BN) 15th General Election (GE15) candidate list.

Shahidan stressed that he is still a winnable candidate and will defend his seat under a different party, although he did not mention which party would be his likely choice.
He also took a swipe against BN chairman and UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for allegedly ignoring Arau UMNO’s suggestion of potential candidates for the constituency.
“We (Arau division) have submitted a list of five potential winnable candidates but it was completely ignored by the BN chairman (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi).
“I will contest on the grounds of being a ‘winnable’ candidate’.
“I will consult my supporters in Arau and they are in favour of a party that leans towards Muafakat Nasional together with Pas and Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia),” Shahidan was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.
Interestingly, Perikatan Nasional (PN) in announcing their GE15 candidates last night, did not name a candidate for Arau.
The seat is allocated to PAS, one of the proponents of the Muafakat Nasional chapter, which Shahidan had strongly backed in the past.
Meanwhile, it was also reported that Sabah-based Parti Warisan, which intended to contest 26 Parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia in GE15, is also courting Shahidan to contest under the party’s banner.
Several heavyweights, including Shahidan, incumbent Ketereh MP Tan Sri Annuar Musa, incumbent Tanjong Karang MP Tan Sri Noh Omar and incumbent Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman were dropped by BN which announced its candidate list for GE15 last night.
READ MORE: GE15: Shahidan Out of Arau, Annuar Out Of Ketereh, KJ Goes To Sungai Buloh

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[Watch] Floor Mat Saves Ipoh Man From Parang-Wielding Robber

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A video recently went viral when it showed a homeowner in Ipoh narrowly escaping with his life during a robbery.

A robber, clad in a helmet and wielding a parang, tried to barge into the house through the front door.
Fortunately, the robber slipped on the floor mat that was placed outside the door which gave the homeowner ample time to shut the door in the robber’s face.
The robber then left the house after failing his task.
  @utusantvofficial Kejadian didakwa berlaku di Taman Kemiri Sungai Siput, Perak pada 5 OGOS 2022. Video dimuat naik hari ini oleh @Kak Yong Legacy #beritaditiktok #fyp #trendingnewsmalaysia ♬ original sound  – UtusanTV
Ipoh OCPD Assistant Commissioner Yahaya Hassan said the incident occurred on 5 August around 6.40am at a house in Taman Tasek Indra.
The Star reported that the case is being investigated under Section 393 of the Penal Code for attempted robbery.
Anyone who has information or witnessed the incident is urged to contact investigating officer ASP Fadli Ahmad at 019-2500019.
Netizens were impressed that a ‘cheap’ mat, not a sophisticated security system, managed to save a person’s life.
Some jokingly asked where to get the mat because they want the same mat to ‘guard’ their homes.
With the mat’s sudden high demand, it’s no surprise if the simple mat goes up in price.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Troubled By Protests in the US

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According to a press release from Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Malaysia is urging all sides to resort to an approach of dialogue to find a lasting solution.
He cites concern over the series of violent riots which continue to take place in over 70 cities across the US following the death of George Floyd on 25 May 2020.
In particular, Hishammuddin notes that non-compliance with new norms of social distancing and large gatherings is worrying when the rest of the world is focusing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, actions that result in loss of life, injury, and loss of property and business does not benefit anyone.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that there has been no report of Malaysian citizens who have been involved or injured in these events. The Ministry urges all Malaysians overseas to adhere to safety instructions by local authorities.
Any Malaysian in the US are in need of consular assistance are advised to contact the Malaysian Missions located in Washington DC, New York, or Los Angeles.

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CIMB Customers Rage On Social Media As CIMB Clicks Instant Transfers Go Offline

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Malaysians are throwing a fit on social media as CIMB’s internet banking service or CIMB Clicks goes offline, again.

Every month i question myself why do i still use CIMB 😤— FDF ✨ (@LadyDDayana) January 27, 2021
Cimb forever noob— 🧜 Sauna RM70 JERRRR ‼ (@Deeliciousy) January 27, 2021
Some netizens claimed that they have been experiencing problems with the service for the past few days.
Cimb has been under maintenance for the past 2 days, aiyo why like this. How la I nak online shopping 🙄😤— Ain Najihah (@neanyne) January 27, 2021
Cimb ni memang kena hack ke dgn anonymous mcm musibat dri smlm— 👀 (@sleepyselalu) January 27, 2021
The CIMB Clicks website shows a service notification detailing that the system was experiencing “unusually high traffic today which is impacting your experience,” adding that the bank’s instant transfer service was also temporarily unavailable starting 27 January until further notice.
CIMB also ushered its customers to perform their transactions at an ATM, delayed transfer (Interbank GIRO) or the DuitNow payment app.
(CIMB Clicks)

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Taman Sri Muda Folks Helpless For Two Days: Residents Said There’s No Rescue Despite 999 Calls

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The rain may stop for now, but frustration and despair have just begun to swell for Taman Sri Muda flood victims.

Many had been cut out from the outside world for more than two days, seeking refuge on the second floor of their home.
It was frantic on the ground, as flood victims continue to scramble to dry land and safety.
A rescue boat on standy at Taman Sri Muda. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
The lucky ones made it ‘ashore’ by boats, others wade their way through muddy floodwaters.
It was a heart-wrenching scene at ground zero, as hungry flood victims asked around for food.
Some were asking the authorities to send a boat to their house as their loved ones are still trapped, unable to wade through the floodwater.
Others were seen checking whatever belongings they managed to salvage, including pets.
At the same time, volunteers were seen distributing food packs to flood victims.
READ MORE: #DaruratBanjir Didn’t Deter Malaysians Who Stuck Together Through Tough Times
Flood victims left their homes with what little they could. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
Some were even too tired to eat. They just lied on the ground to take a nap, out of exhaustion or perhaps to temporarily forget the catastrophe in front of them.
People also grumbled that the elected representatives are nowhere to be seen, with one saying that the election is near and it will be ‘payback’ time.
READ MORE: Ministers’ Visit To Flood-Affected Areas Draws Criticism Online
A flooded neighbourhood in Taman Sri Muda. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
Police were seen trying to dissuade people from getting back to their homes, for the sake of their own safety.
It was a scene out of a disaster movie, only this is really happening, right here in the heart of the nation’s most developed state.
Rescue workers rushing a senior citizen to medical treatment. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
Feeling Abandoned
Among the flood victims were retiree Supaya Letchunanan and his family, including his 89-year old mother Alagamal Perumal.
Exhausted but visibly relieved to have made it out safely, Supaya said he made emergency calls on Saturday itself.
The operator said help is on the way. We waited and waited but it never came. Sometimes we see rescue boats passed by and we called out to them, but it was useless. It’s bad, really bad. You shouldn’t treat people like thisFlood victim Supaya Letchunanan to TRP on his family’s ordeal
By Monday, the family could wait no longer and the 56-year-old decided to wade through floodwater to reach the authorities.
After more than 10 minutes of wading through floodwater, he reached them and managed to have them send a boat to his house.
Many of the flood victims were simply too exhausted and slept on the road. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
Supaya said they endured pitch black darkness for two nights as they waited for a boat to come and rescue the family.
When water first entered the house compound on Saturday, Supaya did not think much of it.
I thought it would be just another typical heavy rain. But when water continue to rise, we escaped to the second floor. Soon after, we were cut off from the outside world as our phone ran out of battery.Flood victim Supaya Letchunanan to TRP on the rude awakening
89-year-old Alagamal Perumal being carried to safety by rescue personnel. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
Better Late Than Never? Not Exactly
Another flood victim, 21-year-old Thivya Letchumi, managed to escape with her parents, elder sister and the family’s pet cat.
Thivya, who had lived there since she was born, said it was the first-ever flood experience for her.
She said it was an anxious moment for the family as her mother is paralyzed is wheelchair-bound.
Flood victim Thivya Letchumi holding her pet cat. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
They too endured two nights of darkness on the upper floor of their home, surviving on bread and water.
Thankfully, rescue finally came. It took five rescue personnel to get my mom onto the boat. We would not have been able to do it by ourselves.Flood victim Thivya Letchumi to TRP on her finally family being rescued
Thivya feels relieved not that they reached safety, but she worries for her mother as it had been a traumatic experience for her.
She too felt the authorities could have reached them sooner.
Medics attending to Thivya Letchumi’s mother, who was shocked by the ordeal. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
Not Going Anywhere
While some headed to relief centres (PPS), some made their way back despite their home still being inundated in floodwater.
Among them is Bangladeshi S. Manick, who had lived there for 15 years.
The construction worker said he and his housemates have nowhere to go.
Rescue operations continue in Taman Sri Muda as of Monday, 20 December. (Credit: Fernando Fong)
We came out to get supplies, and now we are heading back. We will try to hold out on the second floor. We are not given accommodations by the authorities and we can’t afford to stay in hotels, so back we go.Flood victim S. Manick to TRP on his plan for the next few days
Like many others, Manick is counting the cost of the flood, especially from a financial standpoint.
He is taking unpaid leave to deal with the situation.
What if it rains again in the next few days? We don’t know. We can only hope and pray for the best.Flood victim S. Manick to TRP on the worst case scenario
Truly, the challenge has only just begun for the flood victims.
A flood victim is seen paddling back home to rescue her father who was still trapped in the house. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

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