Subang constituents won’t be left without government assistance after Wong Chen’s resignation as its MP with allocations set to continue, says a PKR division leader.

PKR Puchong division chief Zaihasri Jaafar said the allocations would still be channelled through the Prime Minister’s Department, describing the situation as merely a change in the “postman” delivering the assistance.

“The allocation for Subang residents will still come from the Prime Minister’s Department. Only the postman has changed,” he told TRP.

Zaihasri said the continuity of services to residents would remain intact as the party, rather than individual.

He acknowledged that Wong’s resignation could come as a surprise to some voters, particularly those unfamiliar with the internal disciplinary mechanisms and workings of a political party.

“I am not sure if the resignation will affect voters’ confidence, but I am certain some of them may be slightly shocked because they are less familiar with the internal disciplinary mechanisms and how political parties operate,” he said.

READ MORE: Wong Chen Resigns As Subang MP, Citing Loss Of Constituency Fund Access

Zaihasri said voters should not be concerned about being neglected, pointing to other parliamentary constituencies where representatives had fallen out with their parties but constituency welfare continued through the appointment of new parliamentary coordinators.

On speculation that Wong’s resignation could trigger further departures from PKR, Zaihasri said the party’s administration and its responsibility to the people would continue regardless.

“Resignations of this nature can, on one hand, be seen as a protest against the Government, or as betraying the mandate of voters who elected MPs based on the party they represented.

“For me, as a party member and branch chief, the party’s administration and service to the people will continue. As long as PKR leads the Government, this ship remains strong even when it is occasionally hit by small waves like this. That is what a struggle is about.”

Zaihasri added that if other PKR leaders wished to resign, they were free to do so, saying the party would ultimately be stronger without individuals he described as a “thorn in the flesh”.

“If there are others who want to resign, go ahead. The party will be cleansed of its thorns, and the people do not need to entertain leaders who are too preoccupied with political drama.”

Wong announced on Monday that he had officially stepped down as Subang MP and this was also acknowledged by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul who had notified the Election Commission (EC).

Wong had previously lamented the blocking of constituent funding allocations via the MyKHAS portal after he was linked with Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).

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This August, as the nation celebrates Merdeka Day, The Sound Collective invites everyone to come together for a special edition of Turn Up & Sing featuring the timeless “Kau Ilhamku.”

Originally penned in the early 90s by Asmin Mudin and beloved across generations, this song’s message of gratitude and inspiration makes it a fitting anthem for the season. Popularised by Man Bai, it has since become a staple at many gatherings, celebrations, school performances, karaoke sessions and even weddings. It’s a tune that has found its way into every milestone.

The Turn Up & Sing session will be held at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad on Sunday, 16 August at 4pm.

Singing at this historic building adds a deeper layer of meaning to the moment. The building overlooks Dataran Merdeka, the very site where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared independence on 31 August 1957, bringing the spirit of that day full circle.

If you’re interested to join the special Turn Up & Sing session, you can get your tickets from CloudJoi here before it runs out.

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Here’s how to prepare for the best experience

To get the most out of the session, it’s recommended to learn the song and practice beforehand. The Sound Collective will send sheet music and audio references via email a week ahead of the event, so by the time you arrive, you’ll be ready to dive right in and enjoy the full experience of singing together as a group.

The Sound Collective isn’t looking for perfection. The goal is to have fun and enjoy singing together with other fellow Malaysians. Physical copies of the sheet music will be given on the day itself as well.

Participants are also encouraged to wear batik, in the spirit of celebrating Malaysian artistry. And whether you’re a confident singer or simply love to hum along, everyone is welcome. No singing ability required!

READ MORE: We Rate 8 Merdeka Songs Based On Its Unity Vibes, Danceability & Chorus Yell-ability

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Opposition MPs have questioned the Government’s seriousness in conducting a special Parliament sitting on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), saying the session amounted to little more than a ministerial briefing.

Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman told TRP that opposition lawmakers had been prepared to debate the report, but the absence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is now recovering from surgery, turned the session into what he described as a less meaningful exercise.

“We, the opposition MPs, were ready. However, the Prime Minister could not attend.

“Therefore, the opposition requested that the sitting be postponed. If the Prime Minister were present, we could debate the report and there would be a process of accountability,” he said.

READ MORE: Tabung Haji Drops Midnight Explanation, Defends 2018 Bailout

The PAS MP, who is also political secretary to party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, said PN had already named 15 representatives to take part in the special debate.

“This means we genuinely wanted to participate in the debate. But the debate should be serious and have an impact,” he said.

Mohd Syahir also questioned why the RCI report had not been placed under an embargo before being presented in Parliament.

“Normally, an RCI report is first tabled in Parliament under embargo before being made public.

“However, the Tabung Haji RCI report was different. It was made public earlier during the Negeri Sembilan state election and only later tabled in Parliament.

“Therefore, there is no difference whether we debate it outside or inside the House, unless the Prime Minister is present to provide answers,” he said.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president and Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also criticised the Government for holding a special sitting without taking what he considered meaningful steps to address the findings.

“We are disappointed that the Government is not serious about tabling the RCI. The report should have been debated, followed by appropriate action.

“Unfortunately, it was merely a ministerial briefing. There was no motion and no action plan.

“MPs have travelled from far just to listen and debate, but there is little meaning if it is merely a ministerial briefing. It should have been presented by the Prime Minister,” he said.

READ MORE: RCI Bombshell: How Did Tabung Haji Pay Bonuses While Losing Money?

Earlier today, a large number of PN opposition MPs walked out of the Dewan Rakyat after their request to postpone the special sitting on the Tabung Haji RCI report was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Johari maintained that the sitting would proceed as scheduled, with the briefing delivered by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

The RCI report, among other findings, revealed that Tabung Haji had drawn down its reserves to pay hibah in 2012, 2014 and 2016, despite concerns over its financial position.

The report also found that the institution continued paying substantial bonuses to its employees between 2010 and 2017, including during periods when it was found to be in deficit.

READ MORE: “Creative Accounting” Could Indicate Criminal Intent, Says Crime Analyst

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A nine-year-old student at a tahfiz school in Kedah was allegedly punched in the face and kicked in the back by a 15-year-old senior, and subsequently dismissed from the school while his alleged attacker received a suspension pending investigation

The assault came to light when the boy’s father, Shamsul Azrin Man, 45, collected his son for a week-long school holiday and noticed bruising on his face. The boy initially claimed the injuries were from a fall before admitting he had been punched by an older student while wiping tables at the school canteen, and kicked in the back.

Shamsul immediately contacted the ustaz at the tahfiz school, but the ustaz claimed he was unaware of the incident.

After lodging a police report, Shamsul and his wife took their son to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital to be medically examined. Results showed that the boy had bruising but no serious injuries.

Shamsul felt saddened because his son wanted to study at a tahfiz school to become an ustaz, but is now traumatised to return to school.

Despite refusing to return to school, the boy is still determined to become an ustaz. According to The Vibes, Shamsul plans to transfer his son to another religious school.

Shamsul is also dissatisfied with the school for allegedly dismissing his son following the incident while the older student only received a suspension.

Kota Setar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Syed Basri Syed Ali said the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code and the police have recorded a statement from the older student.

They’re now awaiting for the victim’s medical report before proceeding with any further action.

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G Pavithran scored the winning goal against the Philippines on Saturday, heading in Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal’s cross to send Malaysia into the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-finals.

The 21-year-old has been one of Malaysia’s standout performers in the tournament, having also been named Hyundai Player of the Match in the 4-0 win over Laos.

His goal against the Philippines helped Malaysia finish second in Group B with nine points from four matches.

But the win was followed by a wave of racist comments directed at Pavithran online.

Racist Comments Appeared To Originate From Indonesian Accounts

One comment read “player form banglades,” paired with laughing emojis, and drew multiple replies. A second referred to him as “Rohingya,” followed by mocking emojis.

Comments in this vein appeared to come mostly from Indonesian users, rather than Malaysian ones.

Malaysian fans, however, seemed to be mostly supportive of Pavithran.

Under a post by the Harimau Malaya official Facebook page, one called Pavithran “padu”. Another congratulated him on winning Best Player for the second time, praising his humility and urging him to stay focused ahead of Malaysia’s Merdeka month matches.

A third described him as well-spoken and polite, wishing him the best for the national team, while one more said his discipline could take him far.

View on Threads

Pavithran’s Sister Hits Back At Racist Abuse

New Straits Times reported that Pavithran’s sister urged fans in a Threads post to support the team and leave race out of football.

“Support our players, criticise performances if you must, but never attack them because of their race,” she wrote.

In a separate post, she said the racism shown by some people online was more disappointing than anything that happened on the pitch.

“A player’s race does not define his love, commitment, or sacrifice for Malaysia. The badge on the chest matters more than the colour of the skin,” she wrote.

She also praised Wan Kuzain’s assist as “brilliant,” and told her brother he had made the nation proud.

READ MORE: The Sole Malaysian Who Reached The World Cup: Subkhiddin’s Remarkable Tale To Football’s Biggest Stage

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The government has failed to meet its first repayment deadline to Tabung Haji, rolling RM11.5 billion of a RM12.5 billion debt into a new sukuk maturing in 2036, even as Parliament convenes today (11 August) to debate a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on the fund’s management.

Sukuk UJSB Series 1 matured on 29 May, according to former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who laid out the numbers in a Facebook statement last night.

Of the RM12.5 billion owed, just RM965 million has been paid in the form of property.

This includes land at the Tun Razak Exchange, and plantation land in Sarawak.

“Properly, the government should settle its commitment to fully redeem the RM12.5 billion owed to Tabung Haji, either in cash or equivalent assets,” Rafizi said.

Where Did The Debt Come From?

The debt traces back to 2018, when the government used a wholly owned vehicle, Urusan Jamaah Sdn Bhd (UJSB), to take over Tabung Haji’s loss-making assets – at values higher than what they were actually worth.

In exchange, UJSB issued two series of sukuk to Tabung Haji, to be redeemed in cash or recovered-value assets by 2026 and 2029.

It was meant to be temporary, restoring Tabung Haji’s reserves so it could keep paying depositor returns.

Rafizi says the RCI report, on pages 107 to 137, already flagged this risk, warning the government needed annual budget allocations ready for when the sukuk matured.

Issue Lasting Across Administrations

According to Rafizi, three administrations approved funding to cover the sukuk redemption since 2019.

Under then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the government approved at least RM17.8 billion on 5 April 2019, later carried into the 12th Malaysia Plan under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

But citing the RCI’s findings, Rafizi says only RM500 million of that has actually reached Tabung Haji.

A further RM1.5 billion approved under Budget 2021 was never paid out at all.

This was, says Rafizi, because the Perikatan Nasional government of the time prioritized Covid-19 recovery instead.

Rafizi Wants Answers

Rafizi says that the parliamentary debate today should get clarification from the government on where the billions allocated over the years to restore Tabung Haji have gone.

He warns that replacing one debt instrument with another, again and again, could leave Tabung Haji exposed to liquidity and cash-flow risks down the line.

Nearly a decade after the bailout began, the government still hasn’t finished paying for it.

READ MORE: Tabung Haji Drops Midnight Explanation, Defends 2018 Bailout

READ MORE: Tabung Haji Is Making Money Again, The Most It Has In Eight Years

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Umno Youth has offered free legal representation to the Perodua Aruz driver involved in a viral highway altercation with a Ferrari driver, even as both parties have reportedly settled the matter privately.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the wing is prepared to arrange lawyers at no charge should the case proceed to court, adding that justice should not be contingent on financial means.

Akmal said he had initially opted not to intervene but reconsidered after the Ferrari driver publicly maintained he was not at fault.

The offer follows a viral video showing a 40-year-old Ferrari driver allegedly assaulting a 35-year-old Aruz driver during a road rage incident on the North-South Expressway (PLUS). Both men were seen wrestling before one fell to the ground.

Despite the two drivers having met and reached an amicable settlement at their own request, police investigations under Sections 323 and 506 of the Penal Code are continuing.

This Is Not The First Time

Umno Youth has a documented pattern of deploying its Legal Secretariat to offer free legal aid during high-profile or viral public incidents.

Under Akmal, the wing extended the same offer to protestors arrested at the GARAH rally in Kuala Lumpur in February 2026, citing constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

Before that, in May 2021, the wing stepped in for 20 youths arrested following a street protest in Parit Raja, Johor, explicitly framing it as support for lower-income families who could not afford private lawyers during the pandemic.

That same year, then-chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki launched an online legal aid platform to help ordinary citizens appeal steep RM10,000 MCO fines — many issued for minor infractions like not wearing a mask.

The Aruz driver offer follows the same playbook: a viral incident, a sympathetic underdog, and Umno Youth positioned as the accessible alternative to expensive private legal representation.

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“How could a storm or strong winds make one side of the Jalur Gemilang disappear?”

That was among the reactions from netizens following an incident in Terengganu where a Malaysian flag displayed at Dataran Batu Buruk appeared to be missing the crescent and star.

On Threads, user @mkhairulazri_ questioned the explanation surrounding the incident, saying the Terengganu state government should simply acknowledge the mistake rather than offer different explanations.

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“Storm, tornado, whatever. It is obvious that one side is missing. If it is a mistake, just admit it. People will forget about it in two or three days,” the user wrote.

In the comments section, @th3b0ldman shared a poster featuring Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, who has previously spoken out against incidents involving the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down.

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Another user, @jwcallistus, shared a screenshot of a HarakahDaily report which had previously questioned an incident involving an allegedly defective Jalur Gemilang.

View on Threads

Meanwhile, @wafty.ali offered what the user described as the most logical explanation — that the flag may have been manufactured with the crescent and star printed only on one side.

“This one was definitely only sewn on one side. I don’t think the other side came off,” the user wrote.

View on Threads

The reactions followed two explanations offered by the state’s Menteri Besar and Kuala Terengganu mayor.

Both offered their explanations after a video circulated on social media showing the Jalur Gemilang being flown at Dataran Batu Buruk with the crescent and star seemingly absent.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar described the incident as a technical error, while assuring that an investigation would be carried out.

“Whatever the case, we will conduct an investigation to ensure this does not happen again, regardless of who installed the flag, including members of the public and others,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

As for Kuala Terengganu mayor Lizan Che Mat, he told the national news agency that the Jalur Gemilang in question had gone up “complete”.

However, the crescent and star were believed to have come undone following strong winds.

This is because the flag that was used was not printed, but sewn.

“After this, we will not sew anymore, we will buy a ready-made perfect one to prevent this incident from happening again,” he had said.

READ MORE: [Watch] Man Questions Silence After Upside-Down Jalur Gemilang Car Owner Identified As Malay

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Mohd Iskandar Shah Bambang was already into his morning shift at his stall, Nasi Ayam Hainan Uncle NWT, also known as Nasi Ayam Hainan Aunty, in Taman Melawati – when he noticed a couple.

They were seated at the stall next to his.

The couple then asked one of Mohd Iskandar Shah’s staff who was the boss of the stall.

His staff pointed him out as the boss.

The couple did not move; they kept watching.

Mohd Iskandar Shah claimed that the couple looked like they were searching for something wrong and had stayed for approximately an hour.

A Question About A Name, Then A Demand For A Licence

When they finally moved, it was toward the payment counter of the neighbouring stall.

The couple questioned why the stall’s QR code carried a name that sounded, in their words, “macam nama India sikit.”

Then they asked for the neighbouring stall’s licence.

Mohd Iskandar Shah, who was standing nearby and witnessed the exchange directly, described their manner as “agak kasar” — rough.

Blunt.

Not the tone of a customer, nor that of a government officer either.

Because they were neither.

The Post Came First, The Facts Came Second

He claimed the couple were representatives of a Facebook page that conducts what it describes as halal verification visits to food businesses across Malaysia.

The page, known as Halal Inquiry Company Direktori (HICD), had previously posted about Uncle MWT, sharing an outdated image submitted via Messenger that showed a supplier’s halal certificate displayed on the premises.

HICD had previously posted about Uncle MWT, sharing an outdated image submitted via Messenger that showed a supplier’s halal certificate displayed on the premises.

The post implied the restaurant was misrepresenting its halal status.

The restaurant pushed back.

Management clarified that supplier certificates are no longer displayed on premises.

They published an FAQ explaining their ownership structure — a mix of Muslim and non-Muslim partners continuing the original founder’s legacy — and confirmed they do not hold an individual Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) halal certificate.

HICD removed the original post and issued a public apology for what it called a “technical mistake.”

When the Nan Yang Coffee Shop incident in Segamat, Johor, escalated into legal action against HICD, Iskandar Shah came forward with his.

No Authority, No Mandate, No Legal Weight, Just Clicks

JAKIM, Malaysia’s official halal certification authority, subsequently issued a statement.

The statement confirmed that HICD holds no authority, no mandate, and no affiliation with any official Malaysian halal certification body.

HICD is a Facebook page.

It has no enforcement powers.

The visits, the licence demands, the public posts — none of it carries any legal weight.

 Mohd Iskandar Shah’s conclusion was measured: the business was entrusted (amanah) to him by the founder’s family, he is a Malaysian citizen, and both facts, he said, should have been easy enough to verify before anyone showed up at his door demanding a licence.

Benda yang sepatutnya jadi simple, tapi dia buat rumitkan — semata-mata untuk engagement.

Something that should have been simple, made complicated, for the clicks.

One Page Down, A New One Up, And A Promise Of 10 More

HICD’s original Facebook page — which had accumulated nearly 300,000 followers — is no longer active.

It was taken down following a sustained wave of public reporting, the final blow coming after the page falsely accused Nan Yang Coffee Shop of selling pork.

The basis of the accusation: a misreading of the noodle name Mee Pok.

The page did not stay down for long.

A new, identical page under the same name — Halal and Company Direktori — was set up almost immediately.

Upon its creation, the administrators posted a message in Malay:

Satu hilang, akan ada 10 lagi yang muncul. Nak mengaku kalah? Memang mustahil.

If one disappears, ten more will appear. Admit defeat? Absolutely impossible.

It was, in its own way, a mission statement — one that confirmed the original page’s removal had not prompted reflection, only regrouping.

READ MORE: Self-Appointed Halal Monitor Accuses 95-Year-Old Kopitiam Of Selling Pork, The Evidence Was A Noodle Name

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Foo is the Negeri Sembilan-born, Britain-based concert pianist behind the inaugural Nine Arts Festival, running 14 to 16 August across Seremban. She traces the idea back roughly two decades, to a tour with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra that stopped at Istana Seri Menanti, the royal palace in her home state. The tour was a hit, and there was talk, briefly, of making it annual. Then, in her words, “lots of things happened politically and globally,” and the idea sat dormant for years, resurfacing only last year, when they held the soft launch at Istana Lama Seri Menanti.

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Foo won’t take much personal credit for the momentum. “It caught fire because the idea was a good one, not because I made it,” she says, “because the idea was good enough for everyone to get on board. It’s like it has a life of its own.” She reaches, unprompted, for a birth metaphor — the support arriving felt like contractions, everyone telling her to push. The festival’s soft-launch weekend, she says, was the delivery.

Where past summers meant an actual holiday, this one meant a schedule that started at eight in the morning and didn’t end until ten at night, every day, for months. “Next day, repeat,” she says.

The emotional arc, as she tells it, ran counter to what you might expect. The scariest period wasn’t before anyone had committed to the festival — it was after. “The ironic thing is, when the support started pouring in, you doubt it even more, because there’s suddenly pressure to make it happen,” she says. “Without it, you’re very happy dreaming. And then when there is enough support, you have to make the dream come true.” 

The programming logic behind Nine Arts Festival is a deliberate rejection of the assumption that a classically trained pianist should simply import her training wholesale. Foo is candid that this repertoire “is not attuned to their tastes”, which is why the Nine Arts Festival unfolds across nine disciplines woven together rather than kept in separate rooms.

That absence of inherited expectation, she argues, is precisely the advantage Malaysian and British-Malaysian audiences have over their European counterparts, who arrive freighted with centuries of classical-music gatekeeping. “They just haven’t paved the way for anything like that,” she says. “The mission for Nine Arts Festival is to be able to develop audience — for them to not just treat art like a sort of entertainment, but to be able to experience it the way they could experience science, or other important things in life.”

One thread of the programme has already toured internationally. Far East Sounds — Foo’s ongoing project blending Southeast Asian repertoire, Western composers influenced by the region, and Balinese gamelan — began, unglamorously, during COVID lockdown, when the composer Yii Kah Hoe started posting jungle soundscape recordings online. “I just heard the sound of my homeland,” Foo says. 

Nine Arts Festival is explicit about not being a one-off. Foo describes an approximate six-year plan — the first three years focused on audience development, bringing in students, educators, families, building basic familiarity with the format, followed by a shift toward outreach, taking programming into schools rather than waiting for audiences to come to a venue. Somewhere past that six-year horizon, she hopes, sits a more tangible economic case for Negeri Sembilan as a cultural destination in its own right, not just a stopover en route to Kuala Lumpur.

Ask what she wants a young Malaysian audience member to take from the weekend, and the answer is modest for someone who just compared herself to a Greek god. “I hope they will feel the same as I felt when I was young, going to a concert,” she says. “If one person can feel that, then it would be successful.”

Nine Arts Festival runs this weekend, 14–16 August, across venues in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, including Millennia Village, the Royal Sungei Ujong Club and Seremban Lake Gardens, under the theme “Origins” and the royal patronage of Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.

Full lineup, venues and tickets here.

Long before it became known as the “House of Champions”, 103 Coffee was simply a small neighbourhood café founded by two people with one shared passion.

One loved food and beverage. The other loved coffee.

Back in 2014, Ken and Jewel opened what was then known as 103 Coffee Workshop, hoping to create a place where people could enjoy specialty coffee long before the term became mainstream in Malaysia.

Few would have imagined that the café would eventually produce a World Latte Art Champion, inspire a new generation of baristas and become one of Malaysia’s most respected specialty coffee brands.

Yet, according to co-founder Andy Liew, the biggest achievement isn’t the trophies.

“It’s about telling Malaysia’s story through coffee.”

A Name That Was Never Meant To Be Changed

Interestingly, the name “103” wasn’t born from a complicated branding exercise.

Although countless ideas were proposed during the rebranding process, the team kept coming back to the same number. It was, after all, the shop lot number of their very first outlet.

“I believed it had the potential to become a memorable brand one day,” Andy shared with TRP in an exclusive interview.

He officially joined as co-founder in 2022 to spearhead the company’s rebranding, though his journey with 103 Coffee started much earlier.

In fact, he was the café’s very first barista when it opened in 2014.

Changing How Malaysians Think About Coffee

Building a specialty coffee business in Malaysia came with an unexpected challenge. It wasn’t finding great beans. It was changing mindsets.

Malaysia has long enjoyed a rich kopi culture rooted in tradition, making specialty coffee a completely different proposition.

Transforming coffee into something people genuinely appreciate, not just consume—remains one of the company’s biggest missions today.

From Serving Coffee To Representing Malaysia

As the team travelled the world for competitions and coffee events, their ambitions gradually changed.

Today, that vision is much larger.

103 Coffee wants to nurture the next generation of Malaysian baristas while showcasing the country’s specialty coffee culture through hospitality, creativity, and storytelling.

That mission became even more meaningful after Andy won the World Latte Art Championship 2018.

“Seeing the Malaysian flag at the top of the world stage wasn’t just a personal achievement,” he recalled.

“It belonged to the whole Malaysian coffee community.”

The victory also transformed the business.

More importantly, Andy believes the achievement proved something invaluable.

If one Malaysian could become world champion, many more could too.

More Than Great Coffee

For Andy, coffee alone has never been enough.

“What truly makes us different isn’t just the coffee. It’s how we present it.”

Rather than focusing solely on sourcing exceptional beans from around the world, 103 Coffee aims to tell the story of Malaysia through every customer experience.

That philosophy extends beyond brewing techniques.

“We don’t just want people to remember what they drank. We want them to remember how they felt.”

Why Its New KL Outlet Matters

Despite being commonly referred to as the “TRX outlet”, 103 Coffee’s newest flagship actually sits just outside The Exchange TRX.

The location was chosen deliberately.

Instead of creating another aesthetically pleasing café, the team designed a two-storey space inspired by the warmth of traditional Malaysian homes.

“We wanted every customer, whether Malaysian or international, to experience our culture in a different way.”

Even the understated façade reflects the company’s philosophy. Despite winning multiple global championships, 103 Coffee prefers to let its work speak for itself.

Reimagining Malaysian Flavours Through Coffee

The new outlet also introduces one of the brand’s boldest beverage concepts yet.

Rather than simply launching seasonal drinks, 103 Coffee created a collection called REIMAGINED, inspired by the theme Homecoming.

Cole combines pandan and gula Melaka. Spark highlights Johor Liberica cascara with bunga kantan. Meanwhile, J Cloud reinterprets Malaysia’s iconic teh tarik using jackfruit, nutty coffee notes, and delicate jasmine foam.

The objective wasn’t to recreate familiar flavours.

Instead, Andy wanted customers to experience ingredients they’ve known all their lives in completely unexpected ways.

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Building Champions, Not Just Cafés

Although 103 Coffee will open its seventh outlet at APW Bangsar in 2027 and relocate its roastery to support future growth, expansion isn’t Andy’s biggest ambition.

His dream isn’t measured by the number of cafés carrying the 103 Coffee name. It’s measured by the people behind them.

Over the next decade, he hopes to see baristas trained within the company leading 103 Coffee outlets around the world.

“My biggest dream isn’t opening more stores. It’s seeing our people succeed.”

Because for 103 Coffee, the future of Malaysian specialty coffee isn’t just about brewing better coffee. It’s about building people capable of taking Malaysia’s coffee culture onto the global stage.

103 Coffee

• 103 Coffee SS15
  • 103, Jalan SS15/4D, SS15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

• 103 Coffee Chow Kit
  • 157, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur

• 103 Coffee Seapark
  • 53, Jalan 21/11B, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

• 103 Coffee The Campus Ampang
  • The Campus, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Ulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor

• 103 Coffee Johor Bahru
  • Eco Galleria, Iskandar Puteri, Johor

• 103 Coffee Near The Exchange TRX (Latest Flagship)
  • Located adjacent to The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur. (It is not inside TRX, but just nearby.)

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Many Malaysians woke up to a heavy cloud of haze which seems to have engulfed parts of the country overnight.

With the faint smell of something burning and no rays of sunlight peeking through clouds, we immediately checked the Air Quality Index (AQI) and found that Kuala Lumpur’s air quality stood at an unhealthy 141 as of 8am today (11 August).

Meanwhile, Ipoh’s AQI stood at 106 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) and other parts of the peninsula had moderate air pollution levels below 100.

East Malaysia has taken the brunt of the haze, with AQI levels ranging from 130 to 170 as of this morning.

In Sarawak, Kuching recorded the highest AQI of 170, and Bintulu stood at 155. Over in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu an AQI of 130 was recorded several kilometers north of the city.

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What’s causing the haze?

According to The Star, the return of the seasonal haze is likely due to dry weather and the intensifying El Nino phenomenon, along with fires in Indonesia.

The news daily quoted Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) climatologist Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang as saying the situation being consistent with the effects of a strong El Nino, which is expected to intensify towards the end of 2026.

“Drier conditions in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia have increased the risk of forest fires, while prevailing south-westerly winds during the Southwest Monsoon are helping carry smoke towards Sarawak,” he said, adding that the current El Nino is forecasted to be much stronger than the effects felt during the 1997-1998 and 2015-2016 episodes previously.

Fredolin also warned that northern states in the peninsula could experience hotter and drier conditions early next year, while southern Sarawak may be affected by transboundary haze from Kalimantan. He also mentioned that norther Sarawak and Sabah might face drier conditions that raises the risk of local fires as well.

A meteorologist at Universiti Malaya, Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, said July to September is commonly the open-burning season in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

He noted that the current situation was similar to conditions seen during the 2019 haze episode.

“Since the haze is mainly transboundary, rainfall in Kuala Lumpur can wash out and clean the air, but this is only temporary because prevailing Southwesterly winds can bring the smoke back,” said Azizan.

He added that the situation could persist until September, particularly if dry conditions continue in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

What to do during the hazy season

As a friendly reminder, Malaysians should minimize exposure to the haze by staying indoors as much as possible.

For sensitive groups, wear an N95 mask when outdoors and drink plenty of water — ideally eight to ten glasses daily — to flush out toxins from your body.

While at home, keep any windows or balcony closed at all time to prevent polluted air accumulating in your house or apartment and run an air purifier if you have one.

Those who have respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis should pay extra attention to their health, and seek a medical professional if breathing becomes difficult.

And for the love of God please dont bakar sampah or daun kering at this time.

READ MORE: “Super” El Nino: What Does This Mean For Malaysia?

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Penang has ordered both its local councils to suspend Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking enforcement with immediate effect.

Each of MBPP’s two ANPR patrol vehicles was reported to have issued an average of about 7,000 compounds a month since the system went live in April last year – nearly 170,000 compounds over its 15 months of operation, on that average alone.

The suspension came just hours after MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran publicly defended the system in the face of criticism, especially the short time frame for payment before compounds were issued.

Rajendran said tests showed a one-minute grace period was sufficient for motorists to open the Penang Smart Parking app and pay.

However, by nightfall, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had ordered the system to be halted.

What Was The Goal Of ANPR?

MBPP has pushed back on the idea that ANPR was ever about raising revenue.

The council has said the system doesn’t expand its enforcement powers or create new rules.

According to MBPPP, it simply verifies parking status faster and more accurately than an officer on foot, with every flagged vehicle still checked by a human before a compound is issued.

At roughly 14,000 compounds a month between the two vehicles, the system could have generated anywhere from roughly RM2.2 million to over RM6 million since its April 2025 launch – though MBPP has not disclosed an actual figure.

Chow said the call to suspend came after a Penang Pakatan Harapan leadership council meeting on Saturday, followed by a discussion with Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim and vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

“The state government must continue to be sensitive and listen to the pulse of the people,” he said, adding that further measures would be announced soon.

Netizens Vindicated, Say ANPR A Wasted Effort

News of the suspension drew a largely critical reaction on Facebook.

One commenter questioned whether the relevant departments had done any proper study before rolling the system out at all or whether officials were simply too pleased with themselves to check.

Another took a more financial angle, asking how many millions had been spent developing the ANPR system in the first place, and whether that investment would now go to waste.

But not every response focused on blame.

One commenter redirected the conversation toward what they saw as the actual root problem: a shortage of parking space, not enforcement.

Councils, they argued, should be building more parking capacity rather than getting better at issuing summonses.

That complaint lands even as MBPP’s own numbers show parking bays have nearly doubled from about 11,000 a decade ago to 20,000 today.

READ MORE: Penang Council Thinks More Expensive Parking Equals Less Congestion, But Is That So?

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Subang MP Wong Chen resigned his seat at 5:00 p.m. on Monday (10 August).

He marked the moment by posting a video of himself packing up his office books.

No speech, no press statement, just boxes.

On 5 August, Wong Chen met privately with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and handed over his resignation letter.

The two men agreed to keep it confidential for five days — enough time, Wong Chen said, for parliamentary staff to process the vacancy.

The resignation took effect Monday afternoon.

By then, there was nothing left to negotiate.

The Dispute That Preceded It Was About A Portal

In May 2026, Wong Chen disclosed that his office had lost access to MyKHAS — the government portal through which MPs manage constituency allocations and submit public project applications.

He was not alone.

Four other PKR backbenchers, including Lee Chean Chung of Petaling Jaya and Rodziah Ismail of Ampang, reported the same.

Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil responded that the funds belonged to the public, not to individual MPs.

Wong Chen had also been removed from his role as non-executive chairman of Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd in May — without public explanation.

Wong Chen served three consecutive terms in Parliament — first winning Kelana Jaya in 2013, then holding the redrawn Subang seat by landslide margins in both 2018 and 2022.

His performance resonated heavily with his constituency; in the 2022 election, he won the Subang seat with an overwhelming, historic majority of 115,074 votes.

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Pattern Of Departures

Wong Chen said he had grown disillusioned with the Madani government’s pace on institutional reform — the same reforms PKR had campaigned on.

His departure follows those of former ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, both of whom vacated their seats to help launch Parti Bersama Malaysia.

Wong Chen had attended Bersama’s launch event.

He stated that the honorific “Yang Berhormat” will be removed from all his correspondence, billboards, and signage by next month.

PKR has now lost three parliamentary seats in under four months.

READ MORE: 79 Candles, One Hospital Bed, Two Lost States And Five Rebel MPs: Happy Birthday, Prime Minister

READ MORE: First Subang, Now Petaling Jaya: Another PKR MP Claims To Have Lost Access To Constituency Funds — With No Explanation

READ MORE: Rafizi Ramli, Nik Nazmi Bid PKR Farewell, Announce Takeover Of Old Party Bersama Malaysia

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Pancakes for lunch, pancakes for dinner? What about takeaway pancakes to have at two o’clock when you just need it?

Usually, you wouldn’t expect to satisfy a serious pancake craving at a pizza joint, but Mokky’s Pizza is proving that pancakes aren’t just for breakfast anymore.

We recently decided to give their pancake range a try, and they are genuinely good. (No, we weren’t paid to say this.)

The pancakes themselves are big and incredibly fluffy.

Most importantly, the taste of flour is not overpowering.

If you love pancakes, you know a strong floury aftertaste can be an absolute dealbreaker, but Mokky’s nailed the balance perfectly.

Here is a breakdown of the different options we explored from their menu:

OG Pancakes

You can never go wrong with a classic, and this serves as the perfect benchmark for the rest of the menu.

The OG features their signature fluffy pancakes served with maple syrup and softened salted butter.

It is simple, comforting, and lets the quality of the actual pancake shine through without any distractions.

Beef and Maple

This one was the absolute standout and the best overall!

It comes loaded with streaks of savoury beef bacon, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Because of the rich, savoury toppings, it eats like a complete, satisfying full meal rather than just a sweet breakfast item.

Chicken and Cheese

If you are leaning entirely into the savoury side of things, this is a highly unique and delicious option.

The sweet, fluffy pancakes are paired with smoked chicken slices and smothered in a rich white cheddar sauce.

It’s an unexpected combo that works surprisingly well for a hearty lunch or dinner, or breakfast. Or supper. Or heated up at 3am because why not.

Tenders and Pancake

This is Mokky’s take on the classic chicken and waffles, but with a softer pancake twist.

It features crispy chicken tenders served alongside the pancakes, complete with honey mustard ranch.

The tangy, creamy ranch paired with the crispy chicken and fluffy pancakes makes for a fun and satisfying dish.

Snow Pancakes

For those with a serious sweet tooth, this one is pure dessert.

The Snow Pancakes are dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with rich Nutella, and topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It is the ultimate sweet treat or the perfect way to finish off a pizza dinner. However, the vanilla ice cream was a little too milky.

Early Morning Pancake Run

If you’re in Bukit Jelutong or Shah Alam, these Mokky’s Pizza outlets are now open at 8am if you feel like getting in some pancakes before kicking off your day.

Go with the OG Pancakes first so you’ll get to experience their pancakes the way pancakes are meant to be. Soft, fluffy, sweet and oh so heavenly.

But, whether you are looking for a hearty savoury meal, a classic diner vibe, or a decadent dessert, Mokky’s Pizza has managed to create a surprisingly versatile menu since they first hit the scene that genuinely works for absolutely any time of day.

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Sunway Pyramid Ice turns 30 this year. That’s three decades of sustaining a full-sized ice rink in a country that never sees snow.

It’s long enough to produce an Olympian and a SEA Games gold medallist.

It’s also long enough to become the region’s most consistent host of Asia-Pacific’s largest skating competition, Skate Asia.

This year’s edition, running from 6 to 16 August, is the 24th and biggest yet – 1,400 skaters from 38 rinks across the region, competing in more than 4,000 programmes.

Skate Asia rotates host countries every four years. Malaysia has hosted seven times since 1999, and Sunway Pyramid Ice has been the venue every single time.

The Olympian And The Champion Who Trained There

Julian Yee is the first Malaysian to compete at the Olympic Winter Games. He made that debut in 2018.

Fang Ze Zeng is the other name tied to the rink’s legacy. He won gold in men’s singles figure skating at the 2025 SEA Games.

Both skaters started out at Sunway Pyramid Ice before going on to represent Malaysia on the international stage.

Albert Cheok, Senior Director of Sunway Pyramid Ice, said participants at this year’s Skate Asia will be competing on the same ice where the country’s top athletes got their start.

He called it proof of what dedication and the right opportunities can produce.

Free To Watch, Event Runs Till Sunday

The public can watch for free, with the rink open from 10am to 10pm daily until Sunday (16 August). Competitors are performing freestyle categories across individual and team divisions.

The opening ceremony brought together participants from nine countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Vietnam, and the USA.

The USA’s presence isn’t unusual – Skate Asia is the flagship event under ISIAsia, whose testing programmes and curriculum are built entirely on the original framework created by its parent US organisation.

The ceremony also featured a performance from Fang Ze Zeng himself.

New energy vehicle brand LEPAS is co-sponsoring this year’s edition, and the full competition schedule is available at skateasia2026.com.

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Petron Malaysia is turning 176 of its stations in Klang Valley as Pit Stops for motorists to grab a quick combo meal at RM4.90 from 1 August to 30 September.

The combo meal consists of one food item and one beverage, available from 6am to 8am and 6pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Shaliza Mohd Sidek, Head of Retail Business, Petron Malaysia said that Petron’s Pit Stop was introduced to make it easier for motorists to enjoy a quick, affordable meal while refuelling along the way.

“With many commuters in the Klang Valley spending one to two hours on the road each day, especially during peak hours, daily travel often means skipping breakfast, delaying meals, or making unplanned food purchases,” Shaliza said in her speech during the launch of Petron’s Pit Stop campaign at Petron New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) KL bound today.

Shaliza added that the campaign strengthens Petron’s commitment to being a reliable companion for motorists, providing added value through its extensive network of service stations where customers can conveniently refuel their vehicles and recharge themselves.

“As a company that serves thousands of motorists daily, Petron understands the importance of making every journey more comfortable and convenient.

“Through Petron’s Pit Stop, we hope to be a trusted companion for customers by providing an affordable refreshment option whenever they stop by our stations,” she added.

Petron’s Pit Stop was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.

Meanwhile, after the programme launching, Hanah said data gathered through the Petron Pit Stop programme could be used by the government to better understand people’s movement patterns and translate those insights into more targeted packages and initiatives in the future.

Hannah said while initiatives such as affordable food and beverages alone would not solve traffic congestion, the data collected through the programme could help the government identify commuting patterns and develop policies that better cater to working Malaysians.

“As I have explained, bihun, coffee and kuih are not the solution to traffic congestion. But when combined with initiatives like this, they can help facilitate people’s daily movement.

“We can use some of this data to see the impact. This is just the beginning. Through campaigns like this, Petron can collect data which we can then analyse to identify patterns — for example, people who work in Kuala Lumpur and travel between 6am and 8am, or those heading home between 6pm and 8pm.

“With these patterns and data, we can develop packages or initiatives that are more relevant and suitable for working people,” Hannah said.

She added that the programme could also provide families with an affordable meal option, with a low price of RM4.90.

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DAP is leading Pakatan Harapan (PH) in continuing the work of British colonisers to destroy Malay-Muslims in Malaysia — that was the claim made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang in a statement published on Facebook on Saturday (Aug 8).

The statement cited Quranic verses, traced DAP’s lineage to Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP), listed the seat-by-seat results of the 1955 Singapore Legislative Assembly elections, referenced the establishment of the state of Israel, and concluded that all Malaysians must accept — as divine decree — that Malays are the owners of this land.

Abdul Hadi, the Marang MP, stated that when the British left, they left behind agents to continue the work of opposing Islam and its followers.

He described DAP as the Malaysian extension of PAP — a party he characterised as a Chinese racial party — renamed after Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in 1965.

DAP’s push for local council elections was identified as an agenda to capture Chinese-majority urban areas, while its “Malaysian Malaysia” vision was described as “extreme secularism” that contradicts the natural order established by Allah (pbuh).

Non-Muslim ministers from DAP appointed to key ministries were identified as a threat to Malays and Islam.

The placement of Muslim candidates in Malay-majority constituencies by DAP was described as a cosmetic strategy — fielding Islamic appearances to mask a secular agenda.

Amanah and PKR Malay leaders who defend DAP were described as having “lost their national character,” serving as DAP’s spokespersons against their own people, and further characterised as jahil murakkab — compoundly ignorant — in matters of religion.

The statement was dated in both the Gregorian and Islamic calendars and carried a formal serial designation: Bil: 50/2026.

It is statement number 50, and the year is not yet over.

From Sinai to Shah Alam

Five Quranic verses were deployed across the statement, including:

• Surah al-Baqarah: 217 — cited to establish that enemies of Islam never cease their efforts to turn Muslims away from their faith
• Surah Ali ‘Imran: 118–120 — applied directly to DAP and its Malay allies, warning believers against taking outsiders as trusted confidants, describing such outsiders as those who “bite their fingertips in rage” against Muslims while feigning friendship
• Surah al-Hujurat: 13 — cited to argue that the concept of distinct nations and peoples is divinely ordained, and that “Malaysian Malaysia” contradicts this
• Surah al-Baqarah: 29 — cited in the closing argument after Abdul Hadi stated that Malays are the divinely designated owners of this land.

The 1955 Singapore Legislative Assembly election results were listed by party and seat count.

David Marshall, described as the first Chief Minister and identified by ethnicity as Jewish, was named.

Lee Kuan Yew’s 1959 victory was described as achieved by “coating the party with usable Malay faces.”

The fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and the establishment of Israel were cited as part of the same colonial project now continuing through DAP.

The Prescription, and the Question It Could Not Answer

Abdul Hadi called for the unification of Malay-Muslims under a coalition of PAS, UMNO, and Parti Wawasan Negara, together with Muafakat Nasional.

This was framed as following the example of the Prophet, who began with the unification of his own people before extending to all of humanity.

The statement closed with a reminder, via Surah al-Mu’minun: 115, that all of humanity will eventually be called to account.

DAP Youth Shah Alam lodged a police report against Hadi the same day the stament was made, calling the accusation that DAP seeks to eliminate Malays and Islam “baseless slander” that contradicts the party’s constitution and its record of upholding the Federal Constitution, Malay special rights, and the institution of the Malay Rulers.

The report called on police to investigate Hadi under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with DAPSY stating that the three Rs — royalty, religion, and race — cannot be weaponised as political tools.

Wanita Amanah chief Aiman Athirah Sabu challenged Abdul Hadi to take DAP to court if he holds proof of anti-Malay and anti-Islam agendas, noting that PAS initiated no legal action or investigation against DAP during the entire period it sat in the federal government.

“When serious accusations remain as mere political rhetoric without proof, the people have the right to ask: is this a struggle to defend the faith and the country, or is it just a strategy to stoke fear and gain political support?” Aiman stated in a Facebook post.

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The hajj fund that was paying bonuses while losing money has now implemented more than three-quarters of a royal commission’s reform recommendations, with its profit distribution rate at a near-decade high.

Tabung Haji has implemented more than 75 per cent of the 25 recommendations from a Royal Commission of Inquiry into its operations, with its profit distribution rate climbing to a near-decade high of 3.50 per cent for the 2025 financial year.

The figure marks the highest distribution rate in eight years, according to Putra Business School MBA Programme director Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff, who described it as “undeniable evidence” that the hajj savings institution has fully recovered.

“Currently, TH has started to record an increase in return on investment, the highest number of depositors and also an increase in last year’s profit distribution by 3.50 per cent, which is the highest in the last eight years,” Ahmed Razman said on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia: RCI Tabung Haji – Memelihara Amanah Pendeposit.

“These are all indicators or undeniable evidence that TH has fully recovered and no money has been lost,” he said, adding that the RCI’s intent was to caution TH’s current management to remain prudent.

“Depositors’ Money In Good Hands”

Ahmed Razman said depositors should not be worried about the status of their savings following the RCI report.

“Depositors’ savings in TH are definitely safe and secure. There is no need to panic as their savings are fully guaranteed by the government. The more we save, the more is guaranteed,” he said.

He added that, from an Islamic finance perspective, the management of TH depositors’ funds must be based on shariah principles, transparency, and accountability, with depositors’ interests kept as a priority.

Ahmed Razman noted that TH’s mandate is broader than that of a typical fund – established to help Muslims perform the hajj and build sufficient savings and assets to continue their lives afterward.

He said this means TH’s fund management needs to operate under a strict process in line with shariah principles, while ensuring transparency and accountability so depositors understand how their funds are managed.

Upcoming Review For RCI Report

The RCI’s 211-page report, covering TH’s management and operations from 2014 to 2020, was released on July 29.

A special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat is scheduled for Tuesday (11 August) to debate the report.

Parliament has yet to weigh in on the findings, with lawmakers set to scrutinise the report’s conclusions during the sitting.

TH’s implementation of the RCI’s recommendations remains ongoing, with more than a quarter of the 25 recommendations still outstanding.

Ahmed Razman’s remarks represent one of the most detailed public assessments of TH’s reform progress since the report’s release.

READ MORE: RCI Bombshell: How Did Tabung Haji Pay Bonuses While Losing Money?

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If you don’t make it home today, what would it cost the people who depend on you?

We often assume that if we drive responsibly, we’ll make it home safe, selamat and sound. But every journey is shared with other road users, and not every decision on the road is ours to control.

Malaysia recorded 790,614 road crashes in 2025, up from the previous two years. The Transport Ministry also estimates that an average of 18 people lose their lives on Malaysian roads every day.

Beyond the human toll, road accidents also come at a high financial cost. According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, road crashes costs Malaysia around RM25 billion last year through medical expenses, property damage, lost productivity, and other related losses. It’s a figure large enough to rival the annual GDP of some smaller nations.

When accidents happen, many of us instinctively think about the cost of replacing a bumper, repairing a headlight or repainting a damaged car.

How Do You Calculate YOU?

But behind every statistic is a story of someone who never returned home, and the family, friends, and colleagues that are left behind to pick up the pieces.

It’s a perspective that Volvo Car Malaysia hopes more Malaysians will consider through its “Selamat Calculator”. 

Rather than focusing on a vehicle’s value, the interactive experience asks a different question: what is your presence worth to the people who depend on you?

Developed in collaboration with Mr Money TV, the calculator starts with a few simple questions about your life. This includes your age, career, income, dependants, and lifestyle.

It then generates a personalised profile that estimates the impact of your absence on the people around you.

The aim isn’t to put a price on a person’s life. Instead, it’s to encourage drivers to think beyond the repair bills and reflect on the responsibilities, relationships, and everyday moments that make getting home safely matter.

As Patricia Yaw, Sales & Marketing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, puts it, the Selamat Calculator is “a gentle reminder to appreciate the value of our presence and what stands to be lost in our absence.”

Making Every Journey Count

Road safety starts long before the unexpected happens. It’s shaped by the everyday choices we make before turning the key, from buckling up and staying focused to getting enough rest before a long drive. 

Even small habits, like keeping within the speed limit or resisting the urge to check a phone notification, can make a difference. While we can’t control every road user around us, we can control how we prepare for every journey.

For nearly a century, Volvo has focused on one thing: helping people stay safe on the road.

In 1959, it introduced the three-point seatbelt and made the patent freely available, so more lives could be protected. That commitment to safety continues to shape every Volvo vehicle today, with technologies designed to help drivers avoid collisions and better protect occupants if an accident does happen.

The Selamat Calculator is an extension of that commitment and serves as a reminder that every journey matters. After all, being selamat isn’t just about arriving at your destination, but making it home to the people who matter most. 

To find out your own Selamat Calculator value and learn more about the campaign, visit the Selamat Calculator or check out this video

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PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang remains the ultimate decision-maker when it comes to the party’s direction, including its position within Perikatan Nasional (PN), according to political analyst Prof James Chin.

Chin, director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania, said this was simply how PAS operates, with Abdul Hadi retaining the final say despite Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s position as PN chairman.

Ahmad Samsuri is currently one of the three PAS vice-president.

“Abdul Hadi has all the final say. Ahmad Samsuri can say whatever he wants, but Hadi has the final say,” Chin told TRP.

He was commenting on Abdul Hadi’s recent assertion that Bersatu’s membership in PN was automatically revoked following its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement that the party would form a new coalition.

Abdul Hadi, who is also Marang MP, said the move was in accordance with PN’s constitution and that the coalition did not need to issue a formal announcement on the matter. He made the remarks last Friday.

However, Ahmad Samsuri subsequently clarified that Bersatu remained a member of PN as of 9 August.

“Although Bersatu’s position in PN is somewhat unique, there have been reports that several of its MPs have lodged complaints with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) questioning the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.

“Therefore, we also want to see the extent to which that legitimacy is being questioned by ROS. For now, they remain members of PN,” he was quoted as saying by the NST.

Ahmad Samsuri added that PN wanted to see the outcome of the RoS process before making any decision, reiterating that Bersatu remained part of the coalition for now.

On Bersatu’s position in PN, Chin said the process of removing the party would ultimately require the coalition to follow its formal procedures.

“The formal process is actually very simple. The coalition just needs to call a presidential meeting with all the party heads and hold a vote on whether to sack Bersatu. That is all that is needed.

“And with PAS in control of PN, there is no way Bersatu is winning this argument,” he said.

Chin also questioned why Bersatu was seeking to remain in PN, claiming that it was already clear that other coalition members no longer wanted the party in the bloc.

Asked about Abdul Hadi’s influence within PN, Chin said he believed the PAS president’s strong grip was linked to his personal political vision, particularly his ambition to shape Malaysia into an Islamic state.

“He doesn’t trust anybody else,” Chin said, referring to Abdul Hadi’s approach to achieving that objective.

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The Prime Minister’s Department issued a gold-lettered birthday greeting this morning.

The Prime Minister is in hospital.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim turns 79 today (10 August).

His senior press secretary confirmed he is undergoing planned medical examinations and procedures under a specialist team, with a minimum two-day observation period before a return to official duties.

No further details on the nature of the procedures were disclosed.

The birthday falls at the end of what has been, by measurable indicators, one of the most difficult stretches of Anwar’s two-year-plus tenure.

The Trouble Did Not Wait for the Birthday to Pass

Just over a week ago, his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition lost control of Negeri Sembilan and before that, a heavy defeat at Johor in July.

Both losses point to the same pattern: a Malay electorate shifting away from the reform coalition that brought Anwar to power in November 2022.

The maths is straightforward, the trajectory is not in his favour.

The pressure is not only external.

On Sunday (9 August) — one day before his birthday — five MPs from his own party, PKR, issued a public statement criticising the distribution of constituency development funds.

The statement included the phrase: “Malaysia does not belong to Anwar.”

That sentence was written by members of his own party.

Separately, DAP — PH’s largest component by parliamentary seats — holds its national congress this weekend (16 August).

Delegates are expected to debate whether continued participation in the government remains tenable given the pace of reform delivery.

@malaysiagazette

5 MP PKR Beri Ingatan Pada PM: Peruntukan Awam Bukan Wang Parti #MGFlash Isu sekatan akses portal peruntukan khas (MyKHAS) terhadap tiga ahli parlimen PKR, Lee Chean Chung, Wong Chen dan Rodziah Ismail Kesemua mereka, dan dua lagi ahli parlimen parti itu, S Kesavan dan Zahir Hassan, mengingatkan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, bahawa peruntukan awam bukan wang poket parti. #malaysiagazette #PKR

♬ original sound – malaysiagazette

The Card

The Prime Minister’s Department greeting, issued this morning, reads:

Semoga YAB Dato’ Seri sentiasa dilimpahkan kesejahteraan, rahmat dan keberkatan oleh Allah SWT.

May YAB Dato’ Seri always be blessed with prosperity, mercy and blessings by Allah SWT.

It is signed by the entire staff of Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

Anwar was born in 1947 in Penang.

He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad before his removal in 1998, followed by imprisonment the following year.

The father of six children was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24 November, 2022 — at the age of 75, hence his nickname PMX, a play on both his Roman numeral designation as the 10th Prime Minister and his own initials.

He waited 24 years for the office.

READ MORE: Happy Birthday, Bossku: Najib Turns 73 Today, He Could Be 90 Before He Walks Out

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Khairul Aming, the creator of Sambal Nyet Berapi and Dendeng Nyet Berapi, recently launched an all-new product and broke several records while he was at it.

The popular food content creator and entrepreneur sold his new Sambal Nyet Bilis through a TikTok Live session from the top of the iconic Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur on the night of 7 August 2026.

Fans and foodies “battled” each other on TikTok to secure jars of the product, which sold out in mere minutes.

Fastest RM2 million made in under two minutes

The first record broken was the fastest sales made in under two minutes. According to Khairul, the Sambal Nyet Bilis launch generated RM2 million in one minute and 51 seconds.

In comparison, his previous product Dendeng Nyet Berapi generated RM1.2 million within three minutes and 39 seconds. He later broke his own record during his launch of Rendang Nyet Berapi which made RM1.8 million in about two minutes.

Highest single stream revenue

Khairul’s Sambal Nyet Bilis made a total of RM3.5 million in gross merchandise value (GMV) in just one TikTok Live session, which broke yet another TikTok Malaysia record.

The launch sold 125,000 jars of Sambal Nyet Bilis, significantly higher than the 80,000 jars of Dendeng Nyet Berapi he launched in 2024.

Highest TikTok Shop peak viewers

The livestream reached a peak audience of 388,000 concurrent viewers on TikTok Shop, breaking yet another record in TikTok Malaysia’s history.

Prior product launches such as the Dendeng Nyet Berapi maintained average peak concurrent spikes around 100,000 viewers.

On 19 February this year, a 12-hour marathon stream hosted by the content creator accumulated a total reach of 5.42 million viewers over the course of the day. The stream garnered RM2.3 million in sales of his popular sambal products.

First “3 Million Club” in TikTok Malaysia

As of August 2026, Khairul is officially recognized as the first and only individual in Malaysia to cross the RM3 million threshold in a single TikTok Shop livestream, making him the sole member of the platform’s exclusive “3 Million Club” in the country.

The person who held the record previously was also Khairul himself, as no one had broken the RM2.3 million sales benchmark in February.

Product launch from the highest building in Malaysia

The Sambal Nyet Bilis launch was hosted from the highest location of the tallest building in Malaysia, the Merdeka 118 tower.

Khairul himself hosted the launch, while promoting various local food brands alongside his new sambal product.

A few lucky customers also won an all expense paid trip to the Dolomites in Italy with Khairul this October. Earlier, he announced that the first five people who purchase Sambal Nyet Bilis on his livestream wins the sponsored holiday, and they get to bring a plus one.

Sambal Nyet Bilis is described by Khairul as a more traditional Malaysian sambal as the recipe contains ikan bilis (anchovies) as its main ingredient, along with green chillies, kaffir lime, fresh tomatoes, and belacan.

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READ MORE: Khairul Aming Teases Fourth Product – Sambal Nyet Bilis

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The first baby born under the Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF) initiative nearly two decades ago has died. Jaden Samuel Desen was born on 19 June 2006, but passed away on 8 August.

Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah said Jaden held a special place in TAFF’s history.

In a statement posted on the Kesultanan Pahang Instagram page, Tunku Azizah, TAFF founder and lifetime chairman, expressed her sorrow over Jaden’s death. Describing him as her “first grandchild,” she said he was a symbol of hope for couples who had long awaited the joy of having a child.

She conveyed her condolences to Jaden’s family and prayed they would be granted strength, patience, and fortitude in facing this trying time. She added that the loss was deeply felt by the TAFF community.

Couple Ps. Jeremiah Vennga and Sis. Phebe Shanty waited 17 years before they were blessed with Jaden through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with TAFF.

Tunku Azizah previously shared that she underwent 16 rounds of IVF abroad. She managed to conceive on the 17th round. The experience gave her deep insight into the struggles couples face during fertility treatment.

Since then, she set up TAFF in 2004 to help sponsor fertility treatments to less fortunate couples.

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A post shared by KESULTANAN_PAHANG (@kesultanan.pahang)

IVF in Malaysia

Jaden was born into a generation that grew up as IVF became increasingly accessible in Malaysia — nearly two decades after the country’s first IVF baby, a healthy girl, was delivered on 10 March 1987, in a breakthrough led by Dr Haris Hamzah.

When he was born in 2006, fertility treatment, while available, remained a private and often stigmatised subject for many Malaysian families.

Two decades on, the landscape has shifted considerably. IVF has become a mainstream fertility solution across the country, with fertility centres across Kuala Lumpur, Penang and beyond operating at standards competitive with international medical centres.

Research to date indicates that IVF-conceived children develop with comparable cognitive function and physical health to naturally conceived children, with no evidence of shortened lifespan.

The cause of Jaden’s death has not been disclosed.

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She was standing at the counter.

She had no enemies, and had received no threats.

Then a stranger walked in with what police describe as a petrol-like liquid, poured it over her, and set her on fire.

She is 62 and works at a lottery shop; that appears to be the full extent of her involvement.

Sentul district police chief Superintendent Jasni Zolpa confirmed in a statement that police received a report at 8am on Sunday (9 August) of an arson attack at a betting outlet in the Kepong area.

Initial investigations indicate the suspect doused the victim with a suspected accelerant before igniting it and fleeing the scene.

The victim sustained burns to approximately 50% of her body.

She was conveyed by ambulance to hospital, where her condition is described as critical but stable.

No Grudge, No Warning, No Explanation

Police confirmed the victim had no known dispute with any individual and had received no prior threats before the attack.

The motive remains under investigation.

Kuala Lumpur police forensics arrived at the scene, collecting DNA samples and related items to assist the inquiry.

CCTV images from the scene show the attacker walking away from the victim as flames rise behind her.

The movement is unhurried; the victim’s footwear is visible on the floor nearby.

Police are investigating under Section 326 of the Penal Code — causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means — and have called for a full manhunt.

Members of the public with information are urged to contact investigating officer Sergeant Mohd Amri Firdaus at 010 9198 209, or the Sentul district police headquarters operations room at 03 4048 2222.

Based on original reporting by Sin Chew and China Press.

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At a pasar malam somewhere in Klang Valley, a man in a black t-shirt held a drink, faced a camera, and called himself an idiot.

He did not mean it; his brain did.

Chew, 36, has Tourette’s syndrome — a neurological condition characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalisations known as tics.

Recently, he posted a video to Instagram under the account @ticsbychew, announcing a goal: reach one million people with Tourette awareness by the end of August.

The tic landed in the opening three seconds; the point landed shortly after.

Every single time I have a tic in public, people think I am doing it on purpose. I always wanted to let more people know about it.

The post has since recorded 39,800 likes, 828 comments and 3,645 shares — figures that continue to climb.

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A post shared by Tics & Thought by Chew (@ticsbychew)

The Comments Section Became the Story

Among the responses: a 54-year-old who described the video as a first-time education on the condition.

A parent whose teenage daughter has tics and faces ridicule from her own father.

A man who recalled a primary school friend with similar symptoms — bullied daily for three decades before anyone named what he had.

Brand accounts also responded.

TGV Cinemas posted a single word of encouragement, Tiger Beer Malaysia wrote: “You have the courage of a million tigers within you.”

Italian, Indonesian, Maldivian and American accounts posted support in the same thread.

Not the First, Still Necessary

Tourette’s syndrome has appeared in popular media — the 2008 film Front of the Class, the Bollywood production Hichki starring Rani Mukherjee, and the Netflix title I Swear were each cited by commenters as their prior point of reference.

For a number of Malaysian commenters, @ticsbychew was the first.

“I never knew this existed in Malaysia,” one user wrote. The condition does not discriminate by geography. Awareness, however, has.

Chew stated in the video that reaching one million views was not the actual benchmark.

If my content is able to inspire or teach 10 new people about Tourette’s syndrome each day, I feel I have already succeeded.

At current trajectory, the daily quota appears to have been exceeded on day one.

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Let’s Get It Podcast producer Brian Tan and The Gut Shot Podcast producer Shamsul Saad, better known as Sam, were arrested last Thursday for allegedly raising racial and religious sensitivities.

Brian and Shamsul allegedly made the remarks in the Let’s Get It podcast episode 141, where Shamsul made an appearance discussing among other things, the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and tahfiz schools.

The investigation began after snippets from the podcast episode were circulated on two TikTok accounts. Police subsequently received complaints claiming the content could potentially inflame racial and religious tensions.

Investigators are probing the case under several laws, including Sections 298, 504 and 505(c) of the Penal Code, Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, and relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

How It Started

Brian was arrested at his home at around 5pm on Thursday by police officers before being taken to the North Klang District Police Headquarters (IPD Klang Utara) for questioning.

Police later brought him back to his residence, where officers seized his laptop, mobile phone and other electronic devices for forensic analysis.

Shamsul subsequently went to IPD Klang Utara accompanied by his lawyer, Siti Kasim, and cooperated with investigators.

Both men were held overnight before being brought before the magistrate the next day.

Police Wanted Four Days

During Friday’s proceedings, police applied for a four-day remand, saying investigators needed additional time to record statements, examine the seized electronic devices, verify information from witnesses and gain access to encrypted materials linked to the case.

The defence opposed the application.

After hearing both sides, the magistrate granted police two days of remand, half the period requested.

The Reaction

Lawyer Siti Kasim, who appeared in a video with the two podcasters before they were remanded, questioned the basis for their arrests and asked who had ordered the action.

“In my view, this is a form of intimidation aimed at silencing people from speaking about issues that the authorities do not want the public to know,” Siti Kasim.

Siti said Shamsul had merely shared his and his family’s personal experiences during the podcast, including an incident involving his daughter being pressured to cover her hair.

The outspoken lawyer added that like-minded individuals would not back down in the face of what she described as such intimidation.

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Meanwhile, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has also questioned the decision to arrest the two podcasters, pointing to what he described as inconsistent enforcement against individuals accused of making racially and religiously sensitive remarks.

The DAP lawmaker cited preacher and retired academic Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, whom he claimed had repeatedly posted remarks on Facebook touching on racial and religious issues in Malaysia’s multiracial society without being arrested, despite several police reports allegedly being lodged against him.

Rayer questioned why police had yet to take action against Ridhuan Tee and why he was allowed to continue making such posts.

“How many police reports are needed before Ridhuan Tee is arrested?” Rayer was quoted as saying by The Sun.

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A Threads user faced criticism after posting a picture of the identification card belonging to Pahang Sultan Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The user, believed to be working in an administrative or banking-related job as a clerk, expressed excitement that they got to type his name into the banking search system after all their years of working.

However, the post inadvertently displayed confidential and identity card details of the Sultan. The original post was quickly deleted, but copies of the post have widely spread.

Many criticised the user’s professional misconduct for breaching data privacy.

The incident recalls a similar data privacy breach involving celebrity food content creator and entrepreneur Khairul Aming. In July 2026, a Threads user leaked his phone bill, exposing personal data including his bill amount.

Khairul Aming reported the matter to the authorities and shared that the incident was frightening and upsetting.

READ MORE: Khairul Aming’s Overdue Phone Bill Leaked By Social Media User? He Wants Maxis To Answer

READ MORE: Don’t Mess With Khairul Aming’s Data! Here’s Every Agency He Reported It To

Netizens wondered why the person who shared the Pahang Sultan’s details did not learn from Khairul Aming’s case. Some reiterated the importance of practicing good judgement when working with confidential details.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed on Saturday (8 August) that he blocked the sale of a Felda-owned hotel in the United Kingdom two months ago.

The proposed sale price was £100 million, while the original purchase price, he said, was £160 million.

That would have meant a loss of £60 million, or roughly RM330 million.

Anwar said he refused to sign off on the deal and ordered Felda management to explain who approved the original purchase.

“What kind of business is this? Selling an asset for less than what it was bought for,” he said at the Semarak Kenegaraan programme in Terendak Camp.

He tied the losses to the struggles of Felda settlers, who he said still lack basics like air-conditioning, school repairs and stable incomes.

“If we fail to act, the institutions that we are proud of and committed to protecting will eventually deteriorate,” he said.

However, former Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, whose term ended in late June, says the numbers don’t add up.

Felda Hotel Was Allegedly Never Put Up For Sale

Shabery told Sinar Harian that no proposal to sell a Felda hotel in London was ever submitted during his tenure.

Felda owns four properties in London, he said – two hotels and two student accommodation blocks.

On top of that, none of those four properties was bought for £160 million, according to Shabery.

He suggested the confusion may stem from mixing up the value of a single property with the value of Felda’s entire London portfolio.

“I am concerned that the prime minister has been wrongly advised or that someone is trying to take advantage,” Shabery said.

He added that any sale of Felda assets requires sign-off from the Finance Ministry and an advisory committee under the Prime Minister’s Department.

It cannot be a unilateral decision by Felda management, says Shabery.

Anwar, who also holds the finance portfolio, said Felda management had approached him about the sale two months ago.

He has since demanded a full report on the matter.

For now, the two accounts leave a gap as to whether a £160 million hotel purchase – and a near £60 million loss – ever actually existed as described.

READ MORE: Nur Jazlan: Felda ‘Obstruction’ Row Exposes Confusion Within Unity Government Framework

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The return of otters in the Klang River in front of Mid Valley has delighted Malaysian netizens. In the viral clip by Threads user @fiieezzz, a small group of otters playfully frolicked and swam in the water. @fiieezzz wrote that the return of the otters could mean the river water is clean.

The post also elicited some laughter because @fiieezzz mistakenly referred to the otters as ‘’oysters.’’ Malaysians being Malaysians had fun with the accidental mistake.

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A Threads user said oysters can be found in char kuey teow while another person joked that they were disappointed to see no oysters in the post. Some leaned into the joke and claimed it was various animals such as a sealion, capybara, and a seahorse.

It’s not the first time otters appeared along the river. They were spotted in the Klang River near Bandaraya LRT station in June 2025, and near Pasar Seni in May 2026.

It’s said that otters do not necessarily depend on clean water, and are known to help manage the population of the invasive suckermouth catfish (ikan bandaraya) in the river.

Malaysia is also home to four otter species: the smooth-coated otter, Asian small-clawed otter, hairy-nosed otter, and Eurasian otter.

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