Similarly, Malaysia faces a weight-health challenge strongly tied to dietary patterns that influence gut health. According to NHMS 2019, 19.7% (about 1 in 5 adults) of Malaysian adults live with obesity and about half are overweight or obese overall. Even more alarming, adolescents in Malaysia are facing a double burden of malnutrition that is closely intertwined with gut health. Among adolescents aged 13–17 years, the Adolescent Health Survey 2022 reports a combined prevalence of overweight (16.2%) and obesity (14.3%) at 30.5%, while thinness affects 8.3% and stunting 6.8%. These findings confirm that overnutrition is now more prevalent than undernutrition, although both continue to coexist. Among younger children, stunting remains high at 21.2% (2022), and wasting has increased slightly to 11% (NHMS series), reflecting persistent nutrition insecurity and suboptimal dietary patterns.

Diets low in fibre and high in ultra-processed, high-GI foods are associated with gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation that undermine healthy weight regulation; conversely, undernutrition impairs the gut barrier and microbiota, increasing infection risk and poor nutrient absorption—further entrenching growth faltering.

BoonY & Co. today unveils its latest inner wellness innovations, Lumibiotics and Fitobiotics, designed to support modern lifestyles with visible results in just 15 days. Lumibiotics supports skin resilience and daily environmental protection, while Fitobiotics focuses on weight balance, energy, and gut health, addressing distinct yet complementary wellness needs.

Build Your Gut From Within
Guided by the belief that true beauty and balance begin from within, both formulations are created for fast-paced routines, offering internal support without quick fixes or compromising ingredient quality. This gut-first philosophy led to the launch of Tribiotics in 2024, a carefully formulated blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics designed to support digestive balance and improve nutrient absorption. Gut health plays a far greater role in overall wellbeing than many realise. The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help break down food, strengthen immunity and even influence mood.

Collectively known as the microbiome, this internal ecosystem contains significantly more genes than the human genome, underscoring its wide-ranging impact on health. By combining prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria, probiotics to replenish them and postbiotics to deliver their beneficial compounds, the formulation works to restore balance and support overall metabolic health.

Postbiotics are often overlooked. While many people focus on taking probiotics, it’s actually the beneficial compounds those bacteria produce that do much of the real work. These helpful substances are created when good bacteria break down fibre from the foods we eat.

But because modern diets are often low in fibre and variety, we may not produce enough of these beneficial compounds naturally. Supporting postbiotics helps fill that gap and ensures your gut can deliver its full health benefits.

Lumibiotics and Fitobiotics build on this foundation, targeting specific lifestyle needs from skin protection to metabolic and weight support.

Lumibiotics – The 2-in-1 Edible Sunblock & Serum
Lumibiotics takes skin care beyond the surface, focusing on three key benefits: Rescue, Rejuvenate, Radiate.

It rescues skin from daily stressors such as UV rays, blue light, and pollution, helping protect against external damage. At the same time, it works from within as the first Tribiotic for skin. Skin prone to acne often reflects underlying inflammation and gut imbalance. When the microbiome is disrupted, it can trigger excess oil production, sensitivity and recurring breakouts. By supporting gut balance and calming internal inflammation, the formulation addresses one of the root contributors to acne rather than simply managing its surface symptoms.

It also supports collagen production, improves elasticity and restores natural glow. Studies suggest it may reduce hyperpigmentation by up to 33%, supporting a smoother, more youthful complexion. This gut to skin approach is powered by liposomal vitamin C and Komecera rice ceramide to enhance absorption and support collagen synthesis. Polypodium leucotomos extract helps defend against ultraviolet related damage, while antioxidant rich botanicals including pomegranate, seabuckthorn and astaxanthin help reduce inflammation and support skin repair.

This gut-to-skin approach is powered by Liposomal vitamin C and Komecera rice ceramide, which enhance absorption and collagen synthesis. Polypodium leucotomos extract acts as an oral sunscreen to protect against UV damage. Antioxidant-rich botanicals such as pomegranate, seabuckthorn, and astaxanthin help repair photo-damaged skin, reduce inflammation, and brighten the complexion. Combined with Tribiotics, Lumibiotics delivers comprehensive gut-to-skin support, leaving skin nourished, resilient, and naturally luminous.

Fitobiotics – 5-in-1 Healthy Weight Loss Support
In Malaysia, obesity rates continue to rise. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 reports that more than half of adults are overweight or obese, with many children also at risk. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and weight gain.

Fitobiotics is the first Tribiotic designed specifically for weight management, combining prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support gut health while addressing weight challenges. Its 5-in-1 Body Reshape approach not only curbs appetite, supports fat metabolism, controls carbohydrate absorption, and boosts energy, but also activates the body’s internal fat-burning system and metabolism. It is specially formulated for those who have been struggling to lose weight and are looking for a healthy, sustainable solution. By supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and reducing inflammation, Fitobiotics helps individuals regain control over their weight while also promoting overall wellbeing, including support for adolescent obesity.

Its foundation in Tribiotics strengthens gut health, while clinically studied ingredients such as Bifidobacterium Breve B-3-EX, Morosil Red Orange Extract, ABG+® Black Garlic Extract, Garcinia Cambogia, and green tea extract work together to help curb cravings, support fat burning, and boost energy. Blended with lychee, rose, saffron, and seabuckthorn, Fitobiotics is a botanical beverage that combines taste and science, offering a practical, well-rounded approach to maintaining wellness without feeling deprived.

“With Lumibiotics and Fitobiotics, our goal is to offer practical wellness solutions that support people from the inside out,” said Fam Swee Ying, Co-founder of BoonY & Co. “Both products build on the foundation of Tribiotics, combining gut-first science with natural, homegrown ingredients to help people feel healthier, balanced, and confident. They are designed to fit seamlessly into busy routines, making it effortless to care for your skin, metabolism, and energy.”

Made with clean, mindful formulations and containing no added sugar, sweeteners, hormones, or laxatives, Lumibiotics and Fitobiotics are suitable for all skin and body types, offering an accessible way to support inner wellness while helping people feel nourished, energized, and confident in their everyday lives.

Both Lumibiotics and Fitobiotics will be available via BoonY & Co’s official website and partnering pharmacies from CARing PHARMACY, BIG Pharmarcy, Threewoods Pharmacy, Wellings Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, Health Lane and Watsons (selected stores) for RM119.00 and RM139.00
respectively.

*University students in Malaysia: roughly 7 in 10 report current or recent acne. • Source: BMC Dermatology study of Malaysian university students (cross-sectional). htps://bmdermatol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-5945-12-13
** NHMS 2019 (Institute for Public Health, MOH)
***Report_Malaysia_nhms_ahs_2022.pdf, PAGE 26/40.

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1. Mr. Xu Xiao Bing (徐小兵), General Manager, China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd 
2. YBrs. Dr. Tan Awang Besar (陈亚旺), Director General, National Housing Department 
3. Datuk Wong Seng Tong (黄圣栋), Group Deputy Chairman, GD Properties
4. YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming (倪可敏), Minister of Housing and Local Government
5. Ms. Lee Yuen Yee (李讌倪), Executive Director, GD Properties
6. Mr. Heng Yeow Hee (王耀喜), Chief Project Officer, GD Properties
7. David Mizan Hashim, President, VERITAS Design Group

GD Properties announced today it has officially broken ground on KL360 @ Menara GD, its RM1.37 billion gross development value (GDV) mixed-use development in the Kuala Lumpur central business district (CBD), adjacent to the Raja Uda MRT Station along Jalan Tun Razak.

The project revives a long-abandoned development with a bold new vision for an architectural and tourism landmark in KL, marking a new chapter for buyers who had waited for nearly a decade for progress. Besides delivering on promises made to buyers and stakeholders, the development of KL360 @ Menara GD is expected to contribute to local economic activity through job creation, business opportunities and increased commercial vibrancy in the surrounding area.

On Saturday, a ground breaking ceremony was held on the project site, officiated by YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, the Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), said:

“The revival of this project reflects broader national efforts by the Government, spearheaded by KPKT, to address abandoned housing developments and safeguard the interests of homebuyers. Today is not merely the beginning of construction works. It represents the restoration of confidence, the rebuilding of trust, and the fulfilment of a responsibility that has been delayed for far too long. Every revived project represents real families, real aspirations and a renewed future for homeowners.”

Datuk Wong Seng Tong, Group Deputy Chairman of GD Properties, said:

“At GD Properties, we are a firm believer in the role of public-private sector collaboration as a driver of positive social impact. Through this project, we are firmly aligned with KPKT’s aspiration to achieve zero abandoned housing projects by 2030.

Today’s ground-breaking event reflects our commitment to ensuring this development is delivered successfully and responsibly. We understand the significance of this project for those who have waited for years to see it move forward.

By taking on the role of a “white knight” to revive and deliver this project, GD Properties will revitalise this project with a renewed vision, strengthened execution framework, and strategic partnerships.

We wish to thank the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, as well as all our strategic partners including Bank Rakyat and China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, for their support and confidence.”

According to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), more than 1,500 housing projects involving over 176,000 residential units with a combined GDV exceeding RM140 billion have been successfully revived or removed from abandoned status since 2023 through various government-led initiatives.

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To celebrate the 618 Mid-Year Shopping Festival, Taobao Malaysia is offering an additional 700,000 shipping vouchers, available daily at 12 PM, together with air delivery that can reach key cities in as fast as five days. This enables Malaysian users to easily shop for celebrity-inspired fashion and lifestyle products from top stars such as Zhang Linghe and Esther Yu without leaving home.

Ye Tian, General Manager of Taobao & Tmall Overseas said: “More than 200 markets worldwide now offer access to high-quality Chinese goods through Taobao. Last April, the Taobao app ranked first in downloads in 16 overseas markets. Thanks to the efforts made in recent years to improve the localized experience in various markets, Taobao’s overseas market business has achieved a milestone of doubling
in size. These achievements demonstrate that the global demand for purchasing China’s most innovative and distinctive products through Taobao continues to grow steadily.”

He further emphasised: “Malaysia is one of Taobao Overseas’ key markets. This year, we will continue strengthening our differentiated merchant and product offerings, investing in localised services, increasing marketing efforts, and accelerating the adoption of AI applications. We hope to encourage more users to discover the unique merchants and products available on Taobao and experience the appeal of cross-border shopping on the platform.”

This “treasure hunt” browsing and shopping trend, driven by platform optimization, is also reflected in the booming popularity of celebrity-related stores on Taobao. Malaysian consumers often start with celebrities they are familiar with and then gradually explore more niche brands and categories. For example, sunglasses and other products endorsed by Zhang Linghe in China, as well as Esther Yu-inspired
pyjamas, dresses, shapewears often serve as entry points for discovery. Lifestyle products such as premium home-care brand LYCOCELLE, associated with Cheng Yi, further showcase the diversity of products users encounter as they browse across categories.

On the shopping experience, Taobao continues to enhance its platform features while introducing exclusive offers tailored for Malaysian consumers, serving as a key driver behind this growing trend. For instance, during the 618 mid-year shopping festival, a limited number of RM12 shipping vouchers, totalling approximately 700,000 throughout the campaign, were made available daily at 12pm for users to redeem. This, coupled with air freight delivery services that can arrive in as fast as five days, has significantly improved the convenience and enjoyment of cross-border shopping, further encouraging Malaysian users to embrace more exploratory purchasing behaviours.

Against this backdrop, Taobao Malaysia’s 618 mid-year shopping festival, held from 21 May to 21 June, is widely recognised by Malaysian consumers as the most worthwhile and value-driven shopping window of the year. After weeks of building up their wish lists, users are now presented with a wide array of promotions and sitewide surprise discounts, making it easy for browsing behaviour to translate into actual purchases, marking the perfect moment to finally check out their carts.

Key 618 Campaign offers include:
● 700,000 exclusive shipping vouchers: A limited number released daily at 12pm for redemption. Users can enjoy an instant RM12 off air freight shipping, with delivery to major cities in as fast as five days.
● Limited-Time Instant Discount (18 June & 21 June): Spend RM340 to enjoy RM68 off, or RM300 to enjoy RM30 off, unlocking greater savings with higher spend.
● Limited-Time 3% transaction fee waiver: Eligible orders can enjoy a waiver of up to RM8 payment processing fee.
● Exclusive Promo Code for Malaysian Consumers: Enjoy RM15 off with a minimum spend of RM150 by entering the promo code TB618WOW at checkout.
● Exclusive RHB Credit Card Rewards: Customers who pay with an RHB credit card during the campaign period stand a chance to win a luxurious two-day, one-night stay for two at the prestigious Merdeka 118 Park Hyatt hotel, valued at over RM1,950.

For full details on the 618 campaign and updates, follow Taobao Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit the app.

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In conjunction with the celebration, Luckin is officially declaring June as “Coconut Month” for Malaysia, a month-long campaign themed “Make It All Coconut”, dedicated to celebrating coconut culture through creative coconut beverages, irresistible collectibles, and exclusive promotions. Through Coconut Month, Luckin Coffee Malaysia aims to modernise and elevate these familiar flavours into a new-age coffee experience designed to match Malaysians’ lifestyles.

Beyond flavour innovation, Luckin Coffee continues to prioritise ingredient quality and sourcing consistency. Early in March 2025, Luckin owned and operated a coconut island supply base in Banggi Island, Indonesia, supporting fresher coconut sourcing while strengthening its Southeast Asian connection through regional craftsmanship and production.

Upgraded Experience of Coconut Latte Throughout June

Launched on 6 June 2026, the new Triple Coconut Latte is crafted for coconut lovers seeking a richer and creamier experience. Featuring a triple-layered coconut profile in one sip with coconut cream topping, coconut milk sourced from Southeast Asia, and coconut milk jelly. Balanced with Luckin Coffee’s award-winning IIAC coffee profile, the beverage delivers a smooth, tropical taste with a bold, aromatic finish.

Responding to overwhelming popular demand from our Malaysian fans, Luckin Coffee Malaysia is excited to bring back two refreshing favourites on 19 June: the Iced Minty Coconut Latte and the Iced Minty Chocolate Frappe. These returning classics offer an extra-cooling, indulgent treat perfectly suited for Malaysia’s tropical climate.

“Make It All Coconut” With More Surprises

To elevate the celebration, Luckin Coffee is also introducing a line of exclusive merchandise and special offers that are easy to grab.

• Coconut Latte Pendant (Launched on 4 June): A mini cup Coconut Latte pendant for fans to collect at RM 17.90 with the purchase of 2 cups of coconut series beverages.
• Coconut Plushie (Launching on 19 June): Designed in two colours: green coconut and old coconut. These adorable plushies can be purchased at RM 22.90  with the purchase of 2 coconut series drinks.
• B1F1 Coconut Deal via Grab (4–18 June): Enjoy an exclusive Buy 1 Free 1 offer on Grab for any coconut drinks from 4 to 18 June.

For more information about Luckin Coffee, please stay tuned to Luckin Coffee Malaysia’s official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and XiaoHongShu social media channels or visit the Luckin Coffee app.

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The refreshed attraction forms part of Sunway Lagoon’s continued efforts to elevate Malaysia’s tourism and entertainment landscape through innovative, experience-driven attractions designed for both domestic and international visitors.

Developed in collaboration with The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company, the refreshed SCREAM PARK builds on the attraction’s 18-year legacy as one of the signature components within Sunway Lagoon’s multi-park offering, alongside the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, X Park, Sunway Lost Lagoon and Night Park, home to Captain Quack Land.

Originally launched in 2008, SCREAM PARK transformed an indoor space into a themed entertainment destination and later became a significant foundation for the park’s internationally recognised NIGHTS OF FRIGHT® event.

The refreshed SCREAM PARK introduces enhanced environments, immersive walkthrough experiences and original intellectual properties aimed at expanding Malaysia’s themed entertainment offerings while celebrating both regional and international storytelling traditions.

A MULTI-LAYERED ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

.The refreshed SCREAM PARK experience features three interconnected attractions that collectively blend local heritage, cinematic fantasy, and immersive live entertainment.

Hantutu’s Theater – Hantu Hunters
A newly created daytime-exclusive film experience, Hantu Hunters explores Malaysian and Southeast Asian folklore through an AI-enhanced cinematic storytelling format featuring regional supernatural legends and cultural mythology.

The production introduces audiences to iconic folklore characters including the Pontianak, Penanggal, Pocong, Toyol, Langsuir, Hantu Raya, and others.

The attraction also marks the return of HANTUTU, first introduced during NIGHTS OF FRIGHT®11, now reimagined through a hybrid live-action and animation format developed specifically for daytime audiences.

Horrorwood Studios Wax Museum of Monsters
The Hollywood-inspired Horrorwood Studios attraction returns with refreshed environments, expanded creature concepts, and enhanced immersive elements inspired by classic monster storytelling and cinematic horror traditions.

The (Not-So) Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Headlining the refreshed SCREAM PARK is The (Not-So) Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a large-scale immersive walkthrough attraction inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the original 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum.

The attraction takes guests through iconic environments including the iconic Kansas farmhouse, the cyclone experience, Munchkinland featuring the yellow brick road, Emerald City, the Scary Forest, and the Wicked Witch’s domain through a darker reinterpretation inspired more closely by Baum’s original literary work, all before arriving safely at Glinda’s Castle. The production also features Malaysian performers, including Siti Khadijah as Dorothy and Nadia Brian as Glinda, reflecting the company’s continued emphasis on showcasing local creative talent within large-scale entertainment productions.

SUPPORTING MALAYSIA’S TOURISM, CREATIVE ECONOMY AND INNOVATION LANDSCAPE

Michelle Soong, General Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Sunway Theme Parks, said the refreshed experience reflects Sunway Lagoon’s ongoing role in advancing Malaysia’s destination-led tourism offerings.

“As the tourism industry continues to evolve, visitors are always on the lookout for experiences that are meaningful, immersive, and memorable. Our refreshed SCREAM PARK reflects our commitment to continuously elevate Sunway Lagoon as a destination that captures the heart of our nation and beyond, Sunway Lagoon is not only defined by what people see but by how they feel when they are here.”
Lynton V. Harris, Chairman and Global Creative Director of The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company said the concept focuses on immersive storytelling and audience engagement.

“This refresh was built around moving beyond traditional walkthrough attractions by placing guests directly inside the story itself. From regional folklore to globally recognised narratives, the experience is designed as a journey of imagination, discovery and transformation within a fully immersive environment.”

STRENGTHENING MALAYSIA’S IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT OFFERING

The refreshed SCREAM PARK is positioned as part of Sunway Lagoon’s continued expansion of immersive entertainment experiences that integrate cultural storytelling, global intellectual properties and emerging production technologies.

By combining local mythology, cinematic world-building and literary adaptation within a single attraction ecosystem, SCREAM PARK contributes to the development of Malaysia’s experiential tourism landscape and strengthens the country’s competitiveness in the regional themed entertainment industry.

The refreshed SCREAM PARK is now officially open as part of Sunway Lagoon’s daytime park experience.

Location: SCREAM PARK, Sunway Lagoon
Operating Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm daily, with a scheduled lunch break from 1:15pm to 2:45pm. Closed every Tuesday, except on Malaysian school and public holidays.

Note: Entry to SCREAM PARK requires a valid Sunway Lagoon Day Park ticket or Annual Passport for access to this attraction experience.

For more information, visit https://sunwaylagoon.com/attraction/scream-park/ or follow Sunway Lagoon Studios on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and RedNote.

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In my twenty plus years of doing car reviews, there are only a handful of cars which you just want to keep on driving, never mind the destination. Some are very good touring cars while others are great for stitching up corners, after corners. This real deal GR Toyota is one of them, excelling in the latter while not any less at home for highway cruising.

The Yaris brand-name can be a confusing one. There is the plain-vanilla Yaris 1.5 G being a hatchback version of the last generation Vios, which was reviewed here a few months ago. Very recently launched by UMW Toyota, there is the Yaris Cross. This is a B-segment SUV being rebadged as the Perodua Traz. While in Europe, there is a totally different bodied and slightly smaller Yaris Cross SUV.

In Thailand, the Yaris Ativ is actually Malaysia’s Toyota Vios sedan. In Japan and also Europe, the Yaris hatchback is a B-segment vehicle in two flavours: 4-door regular hatchback and a rally homologation model for FIA World Rally Championship, honed by Gazoo Racing to become the Toyota GR Yaris with GR-Four permanent AWD. It was launched by UMW Toyota in Jan 2025 with prices of RM315,600 for the 6-speed manual while the 8-speed automatic goes for an eye-watering RM325,600.

If one were to judge this little Yaris from its exterior you would be hard pressed to justify the asking prices. The GR Yaris has a small frontal face with slanty headlamps, a small nose and a huge butt, both ends being flanked by massive, bulging sculpted wheel arches. Staring at the lower section of its front bumper, you will see a rather large intercooler peering through the lower air dam. A water jet spray helps keep it cool should you decide to keep on piling on the turbo boost on hot afternoons.

On the inside, two contrasting items were glaring at me once stepping inside. First, the dark grey and black hard plastics on the dashboard, centre console and door trims are reminiscent of the 2010s era JDMs. Heck! Even the smell gives a nascent nostalgia of a Toyota Wish or JDM Caldina of yesteryears. Also that of the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart which I had sometime at the turn of the new millennium Y2K – in grey-import WALD trim. In absolutely lovely contrast are the superb GR sport bucket seats and the chunky rim real leather-stitched GR steering wheel.

Since this is a rally-bred GR Yaris, how does it drive?
In two words: enthralling and exhilarating. In this age of ever-advancing EVs with instantaneous torque, this ICE hot hatch still hold its fort with instantaneous power delivery (more so in SPORT mode) with the sweet spot of 3000 to 5000 rpm being kept on the boil by the Engine Control Unit and Transmission Control Unit to deliver immediate torque of 400Nm at the tap of your right foot. With a sporty exhaust note to match – something not usually associated with a 1.6L 3-pot with a big turbocharger which usually impedes sweet sounding exhaust symphony.

Initially I didn’t think much of this automatic version of the GR Yaris. Since in the last gen GT86 the auto version was not much of a joy to push hard. However in this GR Yaris, this is no lame 8-speed auto tranny. It isn’t as quick as a DCT but in isolation you wouldn’t find it hunting for gears or being wishy-washy matching correct ratios to the engine speed (RPM). I would reckon it to be as good as the famed ZF 8-speed automatic in another legacy continental make. As such, it makes overtaking a breeze afforded by those addictive blasts of rolling acceleration with superb steering agility to match. Ride quality is largely comfortable despite its short wheelbase of 2,560 mm and compact dimensions. Maximum power output is 304ps (300hp), enabling the GR Yaris to Vmax at a claimed 230 km/h. From standstill it completes the century sprint in 5.2 seconds.

Flicking this hot hatch into corners the rather skinny tyres of 225/40 R18 and relatively smaller tracks gives the GR Yaris a rather playful character. I found the GR Yaris to have a tendency to lean and slide to the outer edge of a cornering line, yet all is good with the sticky UHP Bridgestone Potenzas.

At higher speed, it gets a little bumpier for the rear occupants while at the front axle, the GR Yaris delivers excellent and firm body control over uneven and undulating roads. So what’s not so good about the GR Yaris?

Stopping at traffic lights, some engine vibrations were felt through the pressed brake pedal. I think this is an unavoidable law of physics for a 3-cylinder engine. Thankfully, taking off from standstill is rather vibration-free, unlike that of a certain 1000cc turbocharged engine in a popular local-make budget SUV There is also that nagging feedback of very slight tramlining upon hard braking from high speed, which I m not sure is due to this particular loan unit having done some 16k kms on the odometer. Improper wheels alignment, prematurely worn suspension parts, worn tyres or warped brake discs issues perhaps? The absence of a 360-deg camera is baffling for its asking price while the infotainment screen is really puny in size, with a thick frame to the display. Storage cubby holes are rather limited at the handbrake and centre console section. Also, this diminutive GR Yaris needs a stronger and louder horn to match its hot hatch performance credentials.

Two-door inconvenience makes limited appeal to its near A-segment size interior space especially at the rear bench. I reckon the GR Corolla may be Toyota’s answer for family use practicality plus the same GR hot hatch performance.

To sum it up, the Gazoo Racing Yaris GR-Four is really something to behold. This rally-bred compact hot hatch that will make you love driving again. It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing but pumped up on steroids. Stealth and incognito it is not. You get quite a lot of validation or recognition in the form of unwarranted challenges to race on the road!

The human-machine interface of classic sporty driving is inspiring and endearing. A pocket rocket in sushi flavour, with a solid chassis and suspension tuning to match. One that makes a case for ICE cars to stay relevant well into decades to come.

Kuala Lumpur-based Dr. Long See Pin is a certified car enthusiast who has previously spent some two decades testing and writing about new cars. He is currently motoring correspondent at Junipers Journal and can be found online @drlongspcars on Insta, FB and TikTok.

He was also a former member of the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) judging panel. As a medical doctor, he specialises in skin & aesthetics @drlongskinclinic.com

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During the exhibition, a historic first-time showcase of the late Almarhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah personal photography collection will set the tone for this exhibition – inaugurating a celebration to His Royal Highness’s lifelong passion as an avid photography enthusiast. Visitors will also be among the first in Malaysia to experience the Xiaomi 17T Series through a specially curated photo exhibition at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. The exhibition presents a gallery of vintage Leica photography and selected works captured across Malaysia alongside photos taken with Xiaomi smartphones co-engineered with Leica, celebrating both global photographic heritage and local visual storytelling.

This year’s Xiaomi 17T series showcase goes beyond product displays, featuring interactive zones around the River of Life area where visitors can test the device’s imaging capabilities through hands-on photography experiences set against Kuala Lumpur’s historic surroundings. 

“Launching the Xiaomi 17T Series in-conjunction with KL Festival 2026 reflects our commitment to bringing innovation closer to people, beyond traditional product showcases. As a platform that celebrates culture, creativity, and community in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, KL Festival 2026 makes the perfect stage for this debut. Through this launch, we want to share not just a new device, but a more meaningful experience that connects technology with the city and its people,” said Xingyu Yang, Country Manager for Xiaomi Malaysia.

The exhibition at Federal Hall 1 & 2, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad is open to the public from 30th May till 1st June 2026. Visitors can peruse the exclusive photo gallery at Federal Hall 1 or check out the Rumah Malaysia Then & Now, Xiaomi’s reimagination of smart homes at Federal Hall 2 for their next smart living upgrade. Beyond the halls, visitors can experience the Xiaomi 17T series smartphones firsthand at the experiential booth at the River of Life, adjacent to Makan Buzz. For a more immersive photography experience, Xiaomi will also be hosting a photowalk led by photographer Yuji Haikal – offering participants the chance to explore creative perspectives while learning practical photography tips and tricks with the Xiaomi 17T series.

The Decisive Moment: A Visual Tribute with Xiaomi x Leica 

Rumah Malaysia Then & Now, Reimagined by Xiaomi

For more event information and photowalk registration link, visit Xiaomi Malaysia’s official Facebook and Instagram page. 

Powered by Xiaomi’s continued collaboration with Leica, “The Telephoto Master” Xiaomi 17T Series launched on Malaysian shores with the global launch on 28 May, 8pm. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, photography lover, or simply looking to be part of KL Festival 2026, this visual tribute showcase by Xiaomi is not to be missed. Come experience the Xiaomi 17T Series, explore the Leica photography gallery, and celebrate a defining moment in Malaysian tech culture, right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

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Tigrox, the #1 selling tiger milk drink brand in Malaysia certified by the Malaysia Book of Records, under Wellous, officially announced a strategic partnership with Watsons Malaysia, Malaysia’s largest health and beauty retailer. With Tigrox Tiger Milk King now available in over 300 Watsons stores nationwide, Tigrox will further promote the “Airway Longevity” concept in the post-pandemic era, making daily respiratory care more accessible to Malaysian families.

In most households, respiratory health is often overlooked, only being taken seriously when symptoms like coughing, sore throat, or nasal allergies occur. Once symptoms subside slightly, this attention fades until the discomfort recurs. However, due to uncontrollable environmental factors such as weather changes, smog, air pollution, frequent travel, and contact with crowds, the respiratory system is actually under constant stress. Based on this reality, Tigrox proposes the “Airway Longevity” concept, encouraging modern families to adopt a long-term, daily maintenance approach to respiratory health, starting with daily routines, rather than waiting for warning signs, to establish a more stable and long-term foundation for respiratory health for the entire family.

This collaboration with Watsons marks a significant milestone for Tigrox as it expands its reach from online channels to a wider offline retail network. Through Watsons Malaysia’s nationwide store network and professional pharmacist support, Tigrox will further enhance product accessibility, making it easier for more consumers to establish routine respiratory care habits.

Tigrox Tiger Milk King has been certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as “Malaysia’s highest-selling tiger milk mushroom drink,” solidifying its leading position in the market. Each product contains 625mg of premium tiger milk mushroom, an ingredient traditionally widely used to support lung and respiratory health, and has become a popular choice for many families’ daily health maintenance.

As a core product of the “Respiratory Health” concept, Tigrox Tiger Milk King utilizes Wellous’s proprietary 65°C precise slow-cooking extraction technology to release the beneficial components of tiger milk mushroom under gentle conditions, while preserving the integrity and stability of the formula. Compared to traditional capsule or powder supplements, Tigrox features a ready-to-drink liquid sachet design. The liquid form facilitates faster absorption and is more easily utilized by the body; it is also gentler on the digestive system, making it especially suitable for children, the elderly, and those with swallowing difficulties as a daily respiratory maintenance option. Its no-preparation, portable design also makes respiratory maintenance easier to integrate into busy daily lives, helping consumers establish a consistent drinking habit and thus more effectively support daily respiratory health management.

The collaboration was officially launched at Watsons headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, garnering attention from the media and various sectors. As a significant starting point for Tigrox’s nationwide retail expansion, this launch not only symbolizes the brand’s move from online to broader offline channels but also further promotes the Airway Longevity respiratory health daily care concept to more Malaysian families in the post-pandemic era.

Andy Tan, CEO of Wellous Group, stated, “This collaboration with Watsons is not just about making our products more accessible to consumers, but more importantly, about giving them greater peace of mind when experiencing Tigrox. We’ve accumulated a lot of online attention and understand that consumers want a more tangible experience before trying our products. Through Watsons’ physical stores, we hope to allow more families to confidently access Tigrox and integrate ‘Airway Longevity’ into their daily care in a simpler way, reducing the distress and anxiety caused by recurring discomfort.” Jack Lim, Tigrox Brand Partner, added.

He also shared: “When I was a child, I actually had respiratory problems, and my family had me try many traditional methods, including crocodile meat. At that time, many families relied on experience to take care of their children and didn’t have many options.”

Now, as an artist, DJ, and producer, I rely heavily on my voice every day and am acutely aware of the importance of respiratory health. For me, daily maintenance isn’t about complexity, but rather simplicity and convenience to ensure consistency. What I appreciate about Tigrox isn’t just its ease of consumption, but also the strong product development team at Wellous and the professional support from the Medical and Research Board of Advisory (MRBA) team, providing expert oversight and support for product development, giving me greater confidence in the product. Furthermore, Tigrox’s convenient ready-to-drink liquid sachets make respiratory care easier to integrate into daily life. Now available at Watsons, it makes daily maintenance more accessible to more families.

To further amplify the impact of this collaboration, Tigrox has also simultaneously launched a large-scale brand advertisement at the Bukit Bintang MRT station in Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing the market message of Tigrox’s presence at Watsons in a prime urban location. With this nationwide expansion, Tigrox continues to strengthen its leading position as Malaysia’s No.1 Tiger Milk Mushroom drink brand, while also gradually perfecting its product portfolio in the field of daily health management. In addition to its flagship product, Tigrox Tiger Milk King, a selection of Tigrox products, including Imuglo Elderberry Health Drink and Livetal Antrodia camphorata Health Drink, are also available at Watsons, providing consumers with a more comprehensive range of daily health support options. Consumers can now purchase Tigrox products at select Watsons stores throughout Malaysia and the Watsons official online store.

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The IPO comprises a public issue of 75.0 million new shares and an offer for sale of 52.5 million existing shares. Based on the IPO price of RM0.18 per share, the public issue is expected to raise gross proceeds of RM13.5 million for the Group.

Proceeds from the public issue will be utilised as follows:

• RM2.57 million for capital expenditure for the Group’s Manufacturing Facilities;
• RM4.50 million for the repayment of bank borrowings;
• RM2.93 million for working capital; and
• RM3.50 million for the defrayment of listing expenses.

HSS is principally involved in the sourcing of bakery products, trading of bakery and other products, as well as the manufacturing of bakery products. With business roots dating back to 2004, the Group has built more than 20 years of operating experience in the bakery products market and established a broad market presence through its extensive network of wholesalers, distributors and retailers. Its portfolio comprises more than 6,000 SKUs across bakery (cakes, biscuits, cookies and snacks) and other products, marketed under its own brands such as SINAR^®, 合顺成饼家^® and Sa1ko^®, while also supplying customer-branded and unbranded products to serve diverse market needs.

The Group intends to utilise the IPO proceeds to strengthen its production capabilities and operational efficiency. Planned capital expenditure includes installation of a new biscuit production line, enhancements to its existing cookies production line, backend automation for selected production processes, and a new automated cake production line. These initiatives are expected to enhance manufacturing efficiency, expand production capacity and support the Group’s continued product development efforts.

Mr. Goh Chen Chang, Managing Director of HSS Holdings Berhad, commented, “The launch of our prospectus marks a significant milestone in HSS’ corporate journey as we move closer to our listing on the ACE Market. Over the years, we have built a solid foundation in the bakery products market through our wide product range, established distribution network and long-standing customer relationships. Through this IPO, we aim to strengthen our production capabilities, improve operational efficiency and support the continued growth of our business.”

Datuk Bill Tan, Executive Director of M & A Securities Sdn. Bhd., said, “HSS has established a strong foothold in the domestic bakery products market, supported by its extensive distribution reach, diversified product portfolio and more than two decades of operating experience. The Group’s planned investments in manufacturing facilities and automation are expected to strengthen its operational foundation and support its next phase of growth as a listed company.”

M & A Securities Sdn. Bhd. is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter, and Placement Agent for this IPO.

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This year, Malaysia’s leading bottled water brand, introduces Flow With Joy, a new movement inspired by a simple but deeply human belief that life becomes lighter when experienced with more intention, clarity and joy.

For over 30 years, Spritzer has quietly been part of countless Malaysian moments, on dining tables during family meals, in office pantries during long workdays, in gym bags, road trips, school canteens and everyday routines.

But as life became faster, louder, and more demanding, Spritzer began reflecting on a bigger role it could play beyond simply helping them stay hydrated.

Flow With Joy was created in response to the growing emotional exhaustion many Malaysians go through today where stress, pressure, burnout and constant demands have become normalised.

“At Spritzer, we realised many people are constantly functioning, constantly pushing forward, but emotionally running on empty,” said Shiao Chan, Head of Marketing, Spritzer Malaysia.

“There’s so much pressure today to always be productive, always be available, always be doing more. Somewhere along the way, many people stopped allowing themselves to simply enjoy life as they are living it.

“That was the heart behind Flow With Joy. We wanted to create something that reminds Malaysians that joy doesn’t only occur in major milestones. Sometimes it exists in the quiet moments we often overlook, like a walk outdoors, a meaningful conversation, a quiet pause, a breath. These matter too.”

Instead of encouraging drastic lifestyle changes or unattainable wellness ideals, Flow With Joy embraces a gentler, more realistic approach to wellbeing. One centred around more mindful everyday habits and reconnecting with the simple rhythms of daily rituals.

“Being Malaysia’s number one hydration brand was never the finish line for us,” Shiao added.

“We’ve spent decades being part of Malaysians’ daily routines. Now, we want Spritzer to be part of something deeper by helping people become lighter, more present, more connected, and more joyful.”

Flow With Joy reflects something many Malaysians have quietly been feeling; that life has become so busy, we often forget to fully experience it while we are living it. 

Inspired by familiar moments of movement, rest, reflection, and connection, Spritzer’s new cinematic film (available in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese versions) is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the ordinary parts of life a little more deeply.

Throughout the year, Flow With Joy will continue to unfold through stories, collaborations, and everyday experiences designed to remind Malaysians that wellbeing does not have to be complicated or out of reach.

Malaysians can look forward to community activities such as hiking with partnering outdoor group So Hikers, as well as Runliga by running community platform BiiB, with other lifestyle communities slated. On the digital side, Spritzer will introduce the “Capture Your Flow” contest, where participants can win Spritzer products, limited-edition merchandise, and wellness rewards by sharing their Flow With Joy moments.

The platform will also include activations designed to reach busy workers and students during their daily routines, bringing small moments of pause and connection into their week. In addition, Flow With Joy promotions will run at selected retail outlets from 1st to 31st May.

Malaysians are encouraged to stay tuned to Spritzer’s social media channels and the Flow With Joy digital hub at spritzer.com.my/flow-with-joy for upcoming activities and to share their own moments using #FlowWithJoy. 

Ultimately, Flow With Joy is not about doing more, becoming someone else, or chasing perfection. It is about rediscovering what it means to be more present.

“If Flow With Joy can help Malaysians feel even slightly lighter at the end of a long day, more connected to themselves, or more intentional about living, then that is something meaningful for us. Because sometimes, the smallest shift in how we navigate life can change the way it unfolds altogether,” said Shiao. 

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