2024 FA Cup Highlights: Chelsea 3 - 2 Leeds United | Liverpool 3 - 0 Southampton | Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Manchester United

 

Bitcoin surges, briefly touching $64,000 (RM300k) for the first time since November 2021

CRYPTO WORLD




CNBC

Bitcoin surges, briefly touching $64,000 for the first time since November 2021



Bitcoin continued its surge on Wednesday, shooting above $63,000 for the first time since November 2021.




The price of the flagship cryptocurrency was last higher by nearly 6% at $60,356.75, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier, it briefly touched $64,000 before turning lower. It’s just below its all-time high of $68,982.20.




Both bulls and bears have been getting whipsawed by the sharp price movements. Over the past 24 hours, $176 million in short liquidations and $86.1 million in long liquidations occurred across centralized exchanges, according to CoinGlass.



When traders use leverage to short bitcoin and the cryptocurrency’s price rises, they buy bitcoin back from the market to close their positions, which pushes the price up and causes more positions to be liquidated. By contrast, traders betting on a price increase must sell their assets to cover their losses.




With the record in clear sight, the market has been even more motivated to see that level retested. Bitcoin has soared nearly 20% this week alone, after a week-long pause of this year’s rally. It’s now up more than 40% for 2024.




Antoni Trenchev, cofounder of crypto exchange Nexo, said to expect some resistance as bitcoin nears $69,000 but that breaking through $60,000 should whet the appetite of investors who have sat this year’s rally out – particularly retail investors. According to JPMorgan, their interest in crypto has rebounded this month after a pause in January.




Investors are expecting bitcoin to set a new record this year after the launch of ETFs made the asset class more accessible to institutional investors, and with the network’s upcoming halving event, which historically has set the stage for a major rally in the months that follow.




“Bitcoin demand is colliding with increasingly tight supply,” said Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale Investments. “The new U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs have pulled in an average of $195 million per calendar day in February, whereas the Bitcoin network currently produces [about] 900 coins per day — or about $54 million worth of bitcoin, assuming a price of $60,000.”




“Given the approaching Bitcoin halving in April, issuance will fall by half ... There is simply not enough bitcoin to accommodate all the new demand, and so natural supply/demand dynamics are driving prices higher.”




The halving, an event mandated in the Bitcoin code, reduces the bitcoin mining reward by half in order to limit the supply. The next halving is expected to take place in April.




Bitcoin’s big surge initially gave a lift to bitcoin-related equities, which gave back some gains after the cryptocurrency pulled back. Bitcoin proxy Microstrategy jumped 10.5% and the miner Marathon Digital rose 2.4%. Block, which operates a bitcoin trading service and holds the cryptocurrency on its balance sheet, gained nearly 1%.




Crypto exchange Coinbase gave back some of its earlier gains after its users reported zero balance errors in their accounts and issues buying and selling. It closed higher by 0.8%

Woman dies after being pushed by her boyfriend from the 23rd floor

Woman dies after being pushed by her boyfriend from the 23rd floor

Siasatan polis mendapati mangsa ialah wanita warga Thailand berusia 32 tahun dan tidak bekerja. - Foto PDRM/BERNAMA

February 29, 2024




SHAH ALAM: A Thai woman died believed to be pushed by her boyfriend from the 23rd floor of a condominium in Setia Alam here last night.

Shah Alam District Police Chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said his party received a report regarding the incident at 10.02pm and according to witnesses to the incident, there was a fight between the 37-year-old suspect and the woman before he was pushed and fell on the seventh floor of the condominium.

Mohd Iqbal said the investigation found that the victim was a 32-year-old Thai woman who was unemployed.

"The suspect, a local man, was arrested at the scene of the incident at 10.10pm. The result of the review found that the lorry driver had seven criminal records and one drug record. A urine screening test also found the suspect positive for cannabis-type drugs," he said in a statement today.

Mohd Iqbal said the investigation was conducted in accordance with Section 302 of the Penal Code and individuals with information could contact ASP Investigating Officer Muhammad Khairi Kamaruddin via 012-2666025.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Majoriti (@majoritiofficial)

The ringgit is expected to strengthen to RM4.50 at the end of this year - Amir Hamzah

The ringgit is expected to strengthen to RM4.50 at the end of this year - Amir Hamzah

February 29, 2024

The ringgit is expected to strengthen to RM4.50 against the US dollar before the end of 2024, said Datuk Amir Hamzah.

The ringgit is expected to strengthen to RM4.50 against the US dollar before the end of 2024, said Datuk Amir Hamzah.

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to strengthen to RM4.50 against the US dollar before the end of 2024, said Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

According to the Minister of Finance II, the development is based on banking analysis that sees the positive growth of the country's economy, through investor confidence in local companies which leads to an increase in the Bursa Malaysia market.

"I see good signs from the economic side of the stock market, which increased by 7 percent.




"'This is a good sign showing the confidence shown by investors to the companies in the state," he said.

Amir Hamzah said, based on the confidence involved, it shows that the ringgit will continue to strengthen until the end of this year.

"In terms of banking analysts, they feel the ringgit may be at a level 8 to 10 percent lower than it should be.

"With the data I said, we feel that the ringgit will continue to strengthen and is expected to strengthen to the level of RM4.50 before the end of this year," he added.

He said this in response to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday who questioned the factors of the devaluation of the ringgit currency which did not reflect the country's favorable economic performance.

In the meantime, various efforts are being actively carried out by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to monitor the conversion of ringgit esports money.

Among the efforts taken is to encourage the use of the local currency in the export market and reduce dependence on the American dollar currency.

Surina Shukri, 48 former MDEC CEO passed away this morning

 Surina Shukri, former MDEC CEO passed away this morning

February 29, 2024

Surina led MDEC as CEO from Jan 2019 to August 2021.

SURINA Shukri, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) passed away this morning.

Surina, 48 years old, has led MDEC since 2019, and contributed to the development of a number of national digital agendas.

Before joining MDEC, she worked for around 17 years in banking and investment, including at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In 2018, she left the JP Morgan Chase company, and started the company SheNovation Ventures focusing on advisory services involving financial technology and blockchain, before in 2019 she became the CEO of MDEC.

After MDEC, she was also involved in several companies, including Capital A and CIMB.

According to a statement issued by her family, Surina died after a long battle with cancer at Ampang Puteri Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, at about 9am.

She is survived by her husband, Jasmin Ong Rashid and three children, Ean, Arianna and Zac.

Her remains are expected to be buried at the At-Taqwa Mosque in Taman Tun Dr Ismail later this afternoon.

Tourism Malaysia welcomes airlines, tourism agencies for collaboration via GSPC Grant

Tourism Malaysia welcomes airlines, tourism agencies for collaboration via GSPC Grant

Bernama




Tourism Malaysia is eager to collaborate with international airlines and tourism agencies to enhance air accessibility and frequency to Malaysia

Februari 29, 2024 11:52 MYT

Tourism Malaysia welcomes airlines, tourism agencies for collaboration via GSPC Grant

Tourism Malaysia is eager to collaborate with international airlines and tourism agencies to enhance air accessibility and frequency to Malaysia. Pic for illustration purposes by Astro AWANI

LANGKAWI: Tourism Malaysia is eager to collaborate with international airlines and tourism agencies to enhance air accessibility, frequency, and seat capacity to Malaysia via the International and Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC).

Its International Promotion Division (ASEAN) Director Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali said with the return of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Malaysia look forward to having more carriers choosing the country as their preferred destination.

"We have plenty in store for everyone's cup of tea, so we are anticipating more collaborations with industry players, airlines, and influential brands to bring the best of Malaysia to our visitors," he said in his speech during the Routes Asia Langkawi 2024 Networking Evening event last night.

He said Tourism Malaysia has introduced a matching grant initiative to stimulate the expansion of new direct and charter routes to Malaysia.

Routes Asia 2024 Networking Evening, unveils the best of Malaysian gastronomy and culture to international delegates from over 60 countries.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Tourism Malaysia co-hosted the three-day Routes Asia Langkawi 2024, bringing together Asia Pacific's leading airlines, airports, and industry players.

-- BERNAMA

Berjaya Corp's net loss quadrupled due to the Starbucks boycott

 Berjaya Corp's net loss quadrupled due to the Starbucks boycott

February 29, 2024 

Berjaya Corp's net loss quadrupled due to the Starbucks boycott

Only Berjaya's hospitality business saw earnings improve due to higher overall room rates and the contribution of the new Iceland Parliament Hotel which begins operations in December 2022.

Only Berjaya's hospitality business saw earnings improve due to higher overall room rates and the contribution of the new Iceland Parliament Hotel which begins operations in December 2022.

KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Corp Bhd's net loss more than quadrupled in September-December last year, compared to the same quarter in 2022, following its food retail business being severely affected by the boycott of Starbucks cafes amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The group's net loss for the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2023 (2QFY2023) jumped to RM116.32 million from the RM24.81 million it incurred in 2QFY2022, even as revenue only declined 4.4% to RM2.23 billion from RM2.34 billion, the bourse filing showed.

Apart from the boycott-hit food retail segment, its non-food retail business posted higher pre-tax losses as HR Owen's luxury car retail business in the UK posted higher losses due to lower revenue and higher operating expenses due to inflationary pressures.

"Additionally, higher depreciation charges following the completion and full operation of the Hatfield Center contributed to the loss," the group said, referring to its new center which houses five showrooms and a fully fitted service centre.

"Furthermore, Owen's HR results were negatively impacted by higher finance costs arising from higher interest rate increases and higher stock loans in the current quarter under review," he said.

At the same time, its real estate segment recorded lower pre-tax profit due to lower sales of overseas residential units.

Its services business also posted a drop in profits due to lower sales achieved by its number prediction operator STM Lottery Sdn Bhd, coupled with higher prize payouts and higher expenses.

Only its hospitality business saw earnings improve due to higher overall room rates and contributions from its new Iceland Parliament Hotel which begins operations in December 2022.

For the first six months of FY2023, the group recorded a net loss of RM100.55 million, more than double the RM41.22 million it incurred in the same six months in FY2022, even as revenue rose to RM4.8 billion from RM4.58 billion.

No dividend is recommended for the quarter in review.

Going forward, the group expects its business performance to improve following moderate consumer spending, recovery in tourism activity and better-than-expected labor conditions.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the directors are cautiously confident that the performance of the group's business operations for the remaining financial quarter ending 30 June 2024 will be satisfactory," he added. -

All Elews Mart supermarket branches owned by Ebit Lew are rumored to be closing in stages

All Elews Mart branches are closed from last January 15?
Astro Awani
February 28, 2024 

Elews Mart is a retail business owned by Ebit that went viral before because it offered goods at low prices to consumers.

KUALA LUMPUR: After more than three years of operation, all Elews Mart supermarket branches owned by independent preacher, Ebit Lew are rumored to be closed in stages starting on January 15.

The latest development was obtained through a notice dated 15 January 2024 on the letterhead of Elews Mart Sdn Bhd which went viral on Wednesday.

"It is to be informed that Elews Mart Sdn Bhd will close all Elews Smart branches in stages starting on 15 January 2024.

"In connection with that, we would like to thank everyone who was involved throughout the collaboration to ensure that our branch operations run smoothly.

"All outstanding debts will be settled no later than June 30, 2024," according to the notice.
A survey on the official website of ElewsMart found that the notice was not shared on the site.
However, a check on the business's Facebook and Instagram pages found that it had not been updated for a long time.

The last time it was updated, with a promotion from the store was in September last year.

Elews Mart is a retail business owned by Ebit that went viral before because it offered goods at low prices to consumers.

In 2020, a total of 10 branches will be opened and located in Bandar Baru Bangi, Sungai Buloh, Balakong Cheras, Shah Alam, Damansara, Prima Gombak, Gombak Traders and Subang Perdana.

Indonesia awards presumed next president Prabowo rank of four-star general

Indonesia awards presumed next president Prabowo rank of four-star general

Reuters

Februari 28, 2024
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo awarded Prabowo Subianto, his presumed successor and an ex-special forces commander, the rank of honorary four-star general, Jakarta, Indonesia, February 28, 2024. - Antara Foto/Sigid Kurniawan/via REUTERS

Indonesia awards presumed next president Prabowo rank of four-star general

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo awarded Prabowo Subianto, his presumed successor and an ex-special forces commander, the rank of honorary four-star general, Jakarta, Indonesia, February 28, 2024. - Antara Foto/Sigid Kurniawan/via REUTERS

JAKARTA: Indonesia's president on Wednesday awarded Prabowo Subianto, his presumed successor and an ex-special forces commander, the rank of honorary four-star general, decades after he was dismissed from the military amid allegations of rights abuses.

Defence Minister Prabowo, who took an insurmountable lead in the Feb. 14 presidential election according to unofficial quick counts, was awarded the rank of four-star general by outgoing President Joko Widodo in a ceremony at the military headquarters in Jakarta.

"This honour is a form of appreciation, it reaffirms devotion to the people and the country. I would like to say congratulations to General Prabowo Subianto," he said, before attaching lapels with four gold stars on Prabowo's blazer.

The award marks the culmination of a decades-long rebrand for Prabowo, 72, a once rising military star who was dismissed from the military in 1998 amid accusations he was involved in human rights abuses in East Timor and in the disappearance of 13 pro-democracy activists.

At the time, he was a three-star Lieutenant General.

Prabowo, the ex-son-in-law of late Indonesian dictator Suharto, has always denied wrongdoing, but was previously banned from entering the United States on account of the claims. He has never faced prosecution.

Prabowo sought self-exile in Jordan following his discharge from the military, but in the decades since he has returned to Indonesia, has built an influential political party and civilian career. In 2014 and 2019 he lost consecutive presidential bids to Jokowi, as the incumbent leader is known, before being brought into the government as defence minister in 2019.

Preliminary but unofficial results show Prabowo with a clear lead in this year's election, with the expectation that he will be inaugurated as Indonesia's next president in October.

Analysts have warned that Prabowo's presumed win comes as Indonesia is experiencing a democratic backslide, with Amnesty International Indonesia saying Prabowo's new title was an attempt to "whitewash" his alleged dark past.

A spokesperson for Prabowo did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The alliance between Prabowo and Jokowi has strengthened considerably in recent months and particularly after Jokowi's millennial son was controversially named as Prabowo's running mate

Dewan Rakyat: Kecoh lagi MP Tasek Gelugor dakwa PM Anwar korup

Tourism Ministry urged to explain listing of bak kut teh as national heritage food

 

Motorcyclist dies in head-on crash in Batu Pahat

 

A 58-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a head-on collision with a car along Jalan Muar-Parit Sulong on Johor on Tuesday morning (Feb 27).

Illegal immigrants urged to return home through Migrant Repatriation Programme

Illegal immigrants urged to return home through Migrant Repatriation Programme

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024
Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the programme would enable undocumented foreigners who surrendered to be sent back to their home countries without being prosecuted. - BERNAMA



PUTRAJAYA: Illegal immigrants are urged to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM), which will be from next month until December, to return to their country of origin voluntarily.

The programme will facilitate illegal foreigners to be sent home on the condition that they have valid travel documents and a one-way ticket home after they have settled compounds for various Immigration offences including overstaying and entering Malaysia without valid travel documents.

Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the programme would enable undocumented foreigners who surrendered to be sent back to their home countries without being prosecuted.

"I urge the illegal immigrants to make the most of this opportunity to return to their country of origin without prosecution, but they have to pay the compound for the (immigration) offences.

"However, those who are being detained, remanded and charged are not eligible to participate in PRM," he told Bernama.

He expected between 300,000 and 400,000 illegal immigrants to take up the PRM programme.

"The documents they (illegal immigrants) need to bring to the Immigration office to join the programme are their flight ticket home and valid travel documents issued by their country of origin or the embassy of their respective country in Malaysia.

"For those who do not have any documents, they need to consult their respective embassy for the documents," he said, adding that the department will hold engagement sessions with foreign embassies such as Indonesia and Bangladesh this week to explain the PRM programme and seek their cooperation.

He said upon getting the necessary documents, including the ticket home, and surrendering themselves at the Immigration office, the immigrants are required to leave the country within 14 days.

The Immigration Department will issue them the checkout memo, which will enable them to leave the country, but only after they have paid the compound for the (Immigration) offences, he said, adding that those below the age of 18 are exempted from paying the compound.

Regarding the compound payment, Ruslin said the department or the Home Ministry did not appoint any agents for the implementation of the PRM and that only electronic payment modes, like credit cards, debit cards or Touch 'n Go e-wallet, are accepted for compound payment.

Be wary of individuals claiming to be agents or authorised persons to deal with embassies to obtain relevant documents, he said.

On the fear of the repercussions by illegal immigrants to surrender themselves for the PRM programme, he said PRM is a special programme implemented for them.

"There is no need to worry since the process is simple and there is no need to use the services of third parties or agents. Just come to the Immigration office," he said.

Asked about the implications of PRM to the government, Ruslin said it has a positive impact, especially in terms of national security, as well as reducing the public's concerns about the influx of foreigners into the country.

He said the presence of illegal immigrants in the country is a problem to the country because they could not be tracked down.

"Safety is JIM's priority. We are aware that there are foreigners who have built their own community, by opening shops and so on, and they also enjoy the same facilities as citizens in terms of subsidies such as cooking oil and petrol, which they are not eligible for.

"In other words, through the repatriation of migrants, we hope to reduce the leakage thus providing better financial implications," said Ruslin.

-- BERNAMA

Mother pleads guilty to charge of feeding baby milk mixed with drugs

Mother pleads guilty to charge of feeding baby milk mixed with drugs

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024 

The woman and her husband are jointly charged with abusing their son by giving him milk mixed with water containing Methamphetamine

PETALING JAYA: A woman pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of abusing her 16-month-old son by giving him milk mixed with liquid Methamphetamine.

The 34-year-old woman made the plea before Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh, who then set March 13 for the facts of the case and sentence.

"I plead guilty, but I didn't mean to (give son milk containing drugs)," said the mother of three children.

Meanwhile, her drink-seller husband, aged 40, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The couple are jointly charged with abusing their son by giving him milk mixed with water containing Methamphetamine causing the child to experience "alleged sympathomimetic drug ingestion" in an apartment in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, at 6 pm last Feb 19.

The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years or both if found guilty.

Syahliza allowed the couple bail of RM5,000 with one surety each and ordered them to report themselves at a police station every month and not intimidate witnesses.

The court set March 13 for mention.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Zuhaini Mahamad Amin told the court that the couple, unrepresented, is married but their marriage was not registered in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

Jabatan Imigresen tumpaskan sindiket 'Ali Rohingya’

Jabatan Imigresen tumpaskan sindiket 'Ali Rohingya’

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024
Ruslin berkata, sindiket itu dipercayai telah beroperasi selama enam bulan dan mengenakan bayaran antara RM500 dan RM1,000 bagi setiap pendatang tanpa izin. - Gambar fail/Bernama

Jabatan Imigresen tumpaskan sindiket 'Ali Rohingya’

Ruslin berkata, sindiket itu dipercayai telah beroperasi selama enam bulan dan mengenakan bayaran antara RM500 dan RM1,000 bagi setiap pendatang tanpa izin. - Gambar fail/Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Jabatan Imigresen menumpaskan sindiket penyeludupan etnik Rohingya dalam satu operasi khas di sekitar Kota Bharu, Kelantan pada Ahad lepas.

Ketua Pengarah Imigresen Datuk Ruslin Jusoh berkata sebanyak 10 individu termasuk seorang lelaki dikenali Ali berketurunan etnik Rohingya dan dipercayai dalang utama sindiket berkenaan serta dua lagi disyaki tekong darat, telah ditahan dalam operasi yang dilakukan kira-kira 1 pagi.

Beliau berkata serbuan dilakuan hasil risikan oleh Pasukan Taktikal Khas Imigresen (PASTAK) Bahagian Perisikan dan Operasi Khas, Ibu Pejabat Imigresen Putrajaya dan Kelantan bermula 1 pagi susulan penahanan 'Geng Bob' pada 3 Feb lepas.







Katanya, pasukan operasi mengesan sebuah kenderaan jenis Perodua Kelisa dipercayai dipandu tekong darat sebelum kenderaan itu berhenti di sebuah stesen minyak berhampiran Wakaf Che Yeh.

"Menyedari kenderaannya dihampiri oleh pihak berkuasa, suspek bertindak memecut kenderaan dan berlaku pelanggaran kecil dengan kenderaan pasukan operasi, tindakan pantas PASTAK berjaya menahan Ali," katanya dalam kenyataan hari ini.

Beliau berkata pemeriksaan lanjut ke atas kereta berkenaan menemukan tiga wanita dan seorang lelaki warga Myanmar berumur 19 dan 21 tahun, yang dipercayai berhenti di sebuah stesen minyak dijadikan lokasi menunggu bas ekspres sebelum dihantar ke Kuala Lumpur.

Susulan penahan itu, suspek membawa pihak berkuasa ke sebuah rumah dipercayai kediaman Ali dan menemukan sepucuk pistol angin, sebelum menyerbu sebuah rumah lagi di Pengkalan Kubor, Kota Bharu.

"Seorang lagi lelaki keturunan Rohingya dikenali sebagai Rahim disyaki orang kanan Ali berjaya ditahan bersama empat lagi lelaki warga Myanmar berumur 16 dan 27 tahun dan sebuah kereta jenis Perodua Viva turut dirampas," katanya.

Ruslin berkata modus operandi sindiket adalah membawa masuk pendatang tanpa izin warga Myanmar melalui laluan haram di sempadan pada waktu malam, dan ditempatkan di rumah penampungan (rumah transit) sebelum dipindahkan ke ibu kota menggunakan bas ekspres bagi mengaburi mata pihak berkuasa.

Katanya, sindiket itu dipercayai telah beroperasi selama enam bulan dan mengenakan bayaran antara RM500 dan RM1,000 bagi setiap pendatang tanpa izin.

"Pihak imigresen percaya dengan tertangkapnya kedua-dua tekong ini, satu lagi sindiket penyeludupan pendatang tanpa izin yang aktif di Kelantan berjaya ditumpaskan," katanya menambah kesemua individu dibawa ke Pejabat Imigresen Kelantan untuk tindakan lanjut.

Pada Februari lepas, media melaporkan rangkaian sindiket penyeludupan pendatang tanpa izin dikenali 'Geng Bob' yang aktif di negeri sama berjaya ditumpaskan.

-- BERNAMA

PM Anwar received a visit from Grab's co-founder, to discuss investment potential in Malaysia

PM Anwar received a visit from Grab's co-founder, to discuss investment potential in Malaysia

February 28, 2024 19:29 MYTH

Anwar said during the meeting, he was presented with the potential investment by Grab in Malaysia. - Anwar Ibrahim's FB photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy visit from the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grab Holdings Inc, Anthony Tan.

Anwar said during the meeting, he was presented with the potential investment by Grab in Malaysia.

"This is related to businesses such as Grab and Jaya Grocer.

"In addition, the operation of GX Bank (in Malaysia) is expected to involve an investment of RM1.5 billion for the next five years," Anwar said in a post on his Facebook page today.

GX Bank Bhd is a digital bank in Malaysia formed through a joint venture between Grab Holdings Ltd and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel).

Apart from that, he said, the meeting also discussed how Grab can grow with a business model that can help Malaysian society and businesses increase opportunities to generate income.

"Hopefully, brother Anthony's tenacity will be an incentive to other Malaysian children, especially those interested in venturing into the field of technology entrepreneurship," said Anwar.

Tan is a Malaysian-born entrepreneur who successfully founded a technology company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, United States.

Grab now has a market capitalization of US$12.34 billion (1US=RM4.75).

Court of Appeal orders Muhyiddin’s case of using position for bribes returned to Sessions Court

Court of Appeal orders Muhyiddin’s case of using position for bribes returned to Sessions Court

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024
The three judges made the unanimous decision after allowing the prosecution's appeal to set aside the High Court's decision which acquitted ex-PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of four charges on Aug 15 last year. - BERNAMA

Court of Appeal orders Muhyiddin’s case of using position for bribes returned to Sessions Court

The three judges made the unanimous decision after allowing the prosecution's appeal to set aside the High Court's decision which acquitted ex-PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of four charges on Aug 15 last year. - BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal today ordered the case involving former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for using his position for bribes amounting to RM232.5 million for Bersatu to be sent back to the Sessions Court for further action.

A panel of three judges chaired by Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail made the unanimous decision after allowing the prosecution's appeal to set aside the High Court's decision which acquitted the Bersatu president of the four charges on Aug 15 last year.

Siting with Hadhariah were judges Datuk Azmi Ariffin and Datuk S.M Komathy Suppiah.

On Aug 15 last year, High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin acquitted and discharged Muhyiddin on four counts of abuse of power, involving RM232.5 million, in connection with the Jana Wibawa project.

The prosecution filed an appeal on the same day to the Court of Appeal.

Judge Hadhariah further said that the appellant has contended that the political society comes within the definition of associate under Section 3 of the MACC Act.

"It is further argued by the appellant that the society falls within the definition of organisation under Section 3 of the same act. We agree with this submission.

"We find no merit in the respondent's (Muhyiddin) submission that because the society is not mentioned in Section 3, therefore a society cannot come within the definition of associate," she said.

She added that in their view, the ordinary meaning of an organisation is a group formed for a particular purpose.

"As a society is also a group formed for a particular purpose, it would fall within the definition of organisation," she said.

Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin then informed the court that the Sessions Court had set March 4 for mention for the prosecution to inform the development of its appeal.

Last Feb 15, Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi granted the prosecution's application for a stay of proceedings of Muhyiddin's money laundering case pending its appeal over the striking out of the abuse of power charges against the former prime minister.

Present at today's proceedings were deputy public prosecutors Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar and Ahmad Akram Gharib, as well as lawyers Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, Amer Hamzah Arshad, Rosli Dahlan and Chetan Jethwani, representing Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin, 76, was charged with using his position as the then Prime Minister and Bersatu president to obtain bribes amounting to RM232.5 million from three companies, namely Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd, and also from one Datuk Azman Yusoff, for the party.

He was charged with committing the offences at the Prime Minister's Office, Bangunan Perdana Putra, Federal Government Administration Centre in Putrajaya between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021.

In addition to the four charges, Muhyiddin was also charged with two counts of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM195 million from Bukhary Equity which was deposited into Bersatu's CIMB Bank account.

The offences were allegedly committed at CIMB Bank Menara KL Branch, Jalan Stesen Sentral, here, between Feb 25 and July 16, 2021, and between Feb 8 and July 8, 2022.

Muhyiddin was also charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on March 13 this year with receiving money from illegal activities amounting to RM5 million, and the case had been transferred to the Sessions Court here for a joint trial.

Meanwhile, Hisyam when met by reporters said he accepted today's decision and will consider filing an appeal in the Federal Court against the decision.

"If we want to file an appeal, it has to be done within 14 days. We will be at the Sessions Court on March 4 for follow-up action," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Najib’s blessing needed before any moves in 1MDB operations - Jasmine Loo

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024 19:10 MYT



Jasmine Loo Ai Swan said it was a practice, even before she joined the company where everything needed to be referred to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. - BERNAMA/Filepic




KUALA LUMPUR: A former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) general counsel told the High Court today that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's blessing was needed before any moves made in 1MDB operations, as he held three important positions in the company.

Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 50, said it was a practice, even before she joined the company where everything needed to be referred to Najib, who held the position of the prime minister, finance minister as well as 1MDB's chairman of the Board of Advisors (CBOA), before any project could be taken on by 1MDB.

"It was a practice in 1MDB for everything to be referred to Datuk Seri Najib first. In substance, it was decision of one individual that makes all these decisions," said Loo.

However, Najib's counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said there was a distinction between his client's three roles and Loo, as a general counsel, should have known that Najib as a CBOA couldn't come to a decision without referring it first to the 1MDB board of directors.

"Instead, you purposely ignore this because you were a part of a conspiracy to hoodwink 1MDB," said Muhammad Shafee.

Loo disagreed with Muhammad Shafee's suggestion and reiterated that Najib, as the prime minister of Malaysia, the finance minister, as well as the CBOA, was the same individual, and his one approval would be the approval of all three roles.

"By the time I joined 1MDB, that was already the practice and we had been relying on professional company secretarial advisers. If they had other different opinions they would have done it that way," she said.

Further questioned by the lawyer, Loo also disagreed with the testimony made by former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner during Roger Ng's 1MDB trial in the New York court on how she was the key component who connected fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho to the company.

Muhammad Shafee: Are you aware that he said you were appointed basically to legalise documents of what is in fact, illegal?

Loo: I am not aware.

Muhammad Shafee then proceeded to read an excerpt of Leissner's testimony in the New York court where the former banker stated Loo was unhappy at the amount of money she was about to receive from the 1MDB scheme as it was inadequate, and to this, Loo said: I do not agree to any of the statements he made".

Najib, 70, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.

The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues.

-- BERNAMA

Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia appoints Bilal Parvaiz as CEO

February 28, 2024 

S

Bilal will take over from Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Hamid, who will resign to pursue other opportunities. - Named Photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia (Saadiq Malaysia) has appointed Bilal Parvaiz as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 15 March 2024.

According to the bank, he will take over from Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Hamid, who will resign to pursue other opportunities.

Bilal will report to Standard Chartered Malaysia CEO Mak Joon Nien and Standard Chartered Islamic Banking CEO Saadiq Khurram Hilal, he said in a statement today.

Bilal joined Saadiq Malaysia in 2014 after completing his four-year career at Standard Chartered Saadiq, United Arab Emirates and was most recently the bank's Head of Islamic Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking.

Saadiq Malaysia is an Islamic banking subsidiary of Standard Chartered Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

‘Bak kut teh’ declared as national heritage food together with Mi Kolok, Nasi Ambeng, Uttapam.....

A list of Malaysia’s national heritage food was announced in a recent Government Gazette

https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=BM&type=pub&no=P.U.%20(B)%2066/2024

In a vibrant celebration of culinary diversity, Malaysia's National Heritage Department recently took a bold step by gazetting 10 of its traditional food items as national heritage objects. 

This landmark decision, announced by JWN Commissioner Mohamad Muda Bahadin on February 23, is aimed at preserving the rich tapestry of Malaysian cuisine while asserting the country's ownership over its unique culinary inventions. 

Among the dishes receiving this prestigious recognition are the likes of bak kut teh, a herbal soup beloved for its aromatic spices and tender pork ribs, which has ignited a fervent debate on cultural inclusivity.

Preserving Culinary Heritage Amidst Diversity

Malaysia's culinary scene is a mirror reflecting the myriad cultures that have simmered together in this Southeast Asian pot. 

The other list of gazetted items: showcases the country's diverse culinary heritage. 

1. Kolok Mee

Kolok Mee is a popular noodle dish from Sarawak. It features thin egg noodles tossed in soy sauce and spices and served with thin slices of meat.

2. Burasak

Burasak is a traditional Malay dessert made popular in Johor. It consists of rice dumplings cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar. It’s then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

3. Nasi ambeng

Nasi ambeng is a communal Javanese rice dish consisting of steamed white rice, fried chicken, vegetables, sambal, and traditional condiments. It was declared as Selangor’s heritage food in 2022.

4. Dodol kukus tahi minyak

Dodol kukus tahi minyak is a steamed sticky sweet delicacy and is a traditional dish in Pahang.

5. Kuih genggang or kuih lapis

Kuih genggang or kuih lapis is a sweet delicacy said to have Peranakan influence. It’s easily recognisable due to the colourful layers of rice flour.

6. Kuih karas

Kuih karas is a crispy traditional snack said to have origins in Kedah and Borneo.

7. Jeruk tuhau

Jeruk tuhau is a pickled wild ginger from Sabah.

8. Air katira

Air katira is a cold drink made from katira gum, evaporated milk, and fruit. It’s a popular refreshing drink during Ramadan.

9. Bak Kut Teh

Each dish, with its unique flavors and textures, tells a story of migration, adaptation, and fusion. 

The act of gazetting these items is not just about preservation but is a celebration of Malaysia's multicultural identity.

 Notably, the inclusion of bak kut teh in the list has sparked conversations about what constitutes national heritage, especially in a country with a significant Muslim population for whom pork is not permissible.

Debating Inclusivity in National Heritage

The decision to include bak kut teh as a heritage dish has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that its pork content may not fully represent the dietary habits of all Malaysians, thus raising questions about inclusivity. 

However, supporters of the decision point out that national heritage is about recognizing the historical and cultural significance of each dish, rather than its universality. 

This debate underscores the challenges of defining a national identity in a country as diverse as Malaysia. It highlights the delicate balance between celebrating cultural uniqueness and fostering a sense of collective national identity.

Source _ BNNBREAKING

Badrul Hisham Ketua Pengarah JPN baharu berkuat kuasa hari ini

Badrul Hisham Ketua Pengarah JPN baharu berkuat kuasa hari ini

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024
Badrul Hisham telah berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam selama 27 tahun apabila mula dilantik sebagai Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik pada 1997. - Foto Facebook JPN

Badrul Hisham Ketua Pengarah JPN baharu berkuat kuasa hari ini

Badrul Hisham telah berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam selama 27 tahun apabila mula dilantik sebagai Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik pada 1997. - Foto Facebook JPN

KUALA LUMPUR: Setiausaha Bahagian Pendaftaran dan Pertubuhan Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) Badrul Hisham Alias dilantik sebagai Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) yang baharu berkuat kuasa hari ini.

JPN dalam kenyataan memaklumkan pelantikan itu bagi menggantikan Zamri Misman yang bertukar ke Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-undang (BHEUU), Jabatan Perdana Menteri pada 2 Feb lepas.

Badrul Hisham, 52, telah berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam selama 27 tahun apabila mula dilantik sebagai Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik (PTD) pada 1997.







Beliau juga pernah berkhidmat di JPN sebagai Pengarah Bahagian Kewangan dan Pembangunan serta Pengarah Bahagian Kad Pengenalan bermula 2015 hingga 2022, sebelum ke KDN sebagai Setiausaha Bahagian Pendaftaran dan Pertubuhan pada 18 Julai 2022.

Selain itu, JPN turut memaklumkan pelantikan Sarinah Apisah sebagai Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Operasi), JPN pada 26 Feb menggantikan Saiful Yazan Alwi yang ditugaskan ke Agensi Pintu Masuk dan Sempadan Malaysia (MCBA), KDN.

"JPN merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada Zamri dan Saiful Yazan atas segala sumbangan dan khidmat bakti kedua-duanya kepada JPN," menurut kenyataan itu.

-- BERNAMA

Imigresen tahan 14,361 pendatang tanpa izin setakat 23 Feb

Imigresen tahan 14,361 pendatang tanpa izin setakat 23 Feb

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024
Ruslin berkata 139 majikan ditahan akibat pelbagai kesalahan merangkumi kesalahan menggaji dan melindungi pendatang tanpa izin bermula 1 Jan hingga 23 Feb lepas. - Foto Bernama

Imigresen tahan 14,361 pendatang tanpa izin setakat 23 Feb

Ruslin berkata 139 majikan ditahan akibat pelbagai kesalahan merangkumi kesalahan menggaji dan melindungi pendatang tanpa izin bermula 1 Jan hingga 23 Feb lepas. - Foto Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Jabatan Imigresen (JIM) telah menjalankan 2,528 operasi bermula 1 Jan hingga 23 Feb lepas dengan penahanan 14,361 pendatang tanpa izin, kata Ketua Pengarahnya Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.

Beliau berkata bagi tempoh sama, 139 majikan ditahan akibat pelbagai kesalahan di bawah Akta Imigresen 1959/63 merangkumi kesalahan menggaji dan melindungi pendatang tanpa izin.

"Walaupun kita (JIM) akan melaksanakan Program Repatriasi Migran (PRM) bermula Jumaat (1 Mac), JIM tetap melakukan operasi membanteras warga asing yang tiada dokumen sah.







"Perlu diingatkan sasaran JIM bukan sahaja pendatang tanpa izin, malah juga majikan. Ada sesetengah majikan yang mahu melangkaui proses pengambilan pekerja warga asing kerana tidak mahu membayar levi. Itu salah sebab kita ada undang-undang yang perlu dipatuhi," katanya kepada Bernama dalam satu temu bual khas.

PRM yang akan dilaksanakan dari 1 Mac hingga 31 Dis depan merupakan program yang membolehkan pendatang tanpa izin pulang ke negara asal secara sukarela dan memenuhi syarat yang ditetapkan JIM.

Ia termasuk mempunyai dokumen perjalanan yang sah dan tiket penerbangan pulang.

Pada tahun ini, beliau berkata JIM akan memberi tumpuan penuh kepada 220 lokasi 'hotspot' seluruh Malaysia yang dikenal pasti menjadi tumpuan warga asing dan seterusnya menjalankan operasi bersepadu dengan agensi penguatkuasaan lain.

Antara langkah jabatan itu dalam membendung kebanjiran warga asing termasuk membuat naziran terhadap premis yang menggajikan pekerja asing, kawasan pasar borong dan institusi pendidikan yang mengambil pelajar antarabangsa.

Selain itu, JIM juga memperketatkan kawalan dan pemeriksaan di pintu masuk ke negara manakala pelawat asing yang masuk ke Malaysia turut diwajibkan mempunyai tiket pulang ke negara asal.

Mengenai data pekerja asing aktif di Malaysia hingga 15 Feb, Ruslin berkata terdapat seramai 2,123,049 pekerja asing di Malaysia dengan angka tertinggi dari Bangladesh seramai 786,795 orang, diikuti Indonesia (496,083), Nepal (367,498), Myanmar (163,324) dan India (119,706).

Selain negara berkenaan, Malaysia turut membenarkan kemasukan pekerja asing dari negara lain antaranya Kemboja, Vietnam, Pakistan dan Turkmenistan.

-- BERNAMA

Kanak-kanak autistik ditemukan lemas di kolam tadahan

Kanak-kanak autistik ditemukan lemas di kolam tadahan

Bernama

Februari 28, 2024


Seorang wanita dikenali sebagai Nur Hidayati dalam hantaran di laman Facebook memohon bantuan orang ramai untuk mengesan anak lelakinya yang dipercayai hilang pada 4 petang Selasa. - Foto Facebook Komuniti Apartment Impian Baiduri PJ

Kanak-kanak autistik ditemukan lemas di kolam tadahan

Seorang wanita dikenali sebagai Nur Hidayati dalam hantaran di laman Facebook memohon bantuan orang ramai untuk mengesan anak lelakinya yang dipercayai hilang pada 4 petang Selasa. - Foto Facebook Komuniti Apartment Impian Baiduri PJ

KUALA LUMPUR: Seorang kanak-kanak lelaki ditemukan lemas di sebuah kolam tadahan banjir di Petaling Jaya, pada Selasa.

Ketua Polis Daerah Petaling Jaya ACP ACP Shahrulnizam Jaafar@Ismail berkata mangsa ditemukan oleh orang awam yang sedang memancing pada kira-kira 7 malam.

“Mangsa dijumpai di tengah tasik atau kolam tadahan banjir oleh pemancing. Mayat mangsa dibawa ke Jabatan Forensik Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya,” menurutnya dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan.







Terdahulu, seorang wanita dikenali sebagai Nur Hidayati dalam hantaran di laman Facebook memohon bantuan orang ramai untuk mengesan anak lelakinya yang dipercayai hilang pada 4 petang Selasa.

“Saya mohon bantuan. Anak saya umur 6 tahun hilang di Taman Aman, Petaling Jaya sekitar jam 4 tadi. Masih cari tak jumpa. Jika ada nampak mohon hubungi saya 013-405 9569 kerana anak saya autisme,” katanya.

-- BERNAMA

Ahli Parlimen pembangkang keluar dewan, dakwa Anwar tak ikut Peraturan Mesyuarat

 

Ahli Parlimen pembangkang keluar dewan, dakwa Anwar tak ikut Peraturan Mesyuarat

ASTRO AWANI

Februari 27, 2024 16:23 MYT

Hamzah berkata tindakan Anwar memberikan penerangan tersebut di tengah-tengah sesi Perbahasan Titah Diraja adalah menyalahgunakan 'sokongan majoriti' yang dimiliki oleh kerajaan - Foto/ Astro AWANI

KUALA LUMPUR: Hampir semua Ahli Parlimen blok pembangkang hari ini bertindak keluar Dewan Rakyat selepas tidak berpuas hati kerana mendakwa Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tidak mematuhi Peraturan Mesyuarat.

Protes tersebut dibuat susulan Yang Dipertua Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul membenarkan Anwar, yang juga Ahli Parlimen Tambun untuk menyampai Penerangan Menteri berkaitan Ucapan Tahniah dah Ikrar Taat Setia kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim dan Ucapan Terima Kasih kepada Sultan Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Menurut Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, tindakan Anwar memberikan penerangan tersebut di tengah-tengah sesi Perbahasan Titah Diraja adalah menyalahgunakan 'sokongan majoriti' yang dimiliki oleh kerajaan.

"Apa yang saya telah saya bangkitkan tadi (di Dewan Rakyat) untuk menjelaskan kerajaan jangan menggunakan kuasa majoriti untuk buat sesuatu sewenang-wenangnya.

"Kalau kita dengar Titah Diraja, kita mesti ikut perundangan dan proses yang ada. Sepatutnya YB Perdana Menteri tunggu, sampai masa, cakaplah. Dia nak (cakap) dua atau tiga jam.. satu hari suntuk, kita boleh dengar.

"Apabila melakukan sesuatu di luar Peraturan Mesyuarat... ini adalah sesuatu penyalahgunaan kuasa yang ada. Sebab itu kita tidak setuju. Rakyat di luar sana beranggapan pembangkang hanya biarkan saja apa yang dilakukan oleh kerajaan hari ini.

"Kami nak buktikan segala apa yang mereka lakukan itu tidak ikut peraturan dan kita akan bangkang," katanya dalam sidang media di Parlimen pada Selasa.

Sebelum itu, Dewan Rakyat kecoh selepas beberapa Ahli Parlimen blok pembangkang bangkit membantah cadangan Peraturan Mesyuarat 14(1)(i) dan 14(1)(j) yang dikemukakan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Undang-Undang dan Reformasi Institusi), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Sementara dalam sidang media sama, Ahli Parlimen Pagoh, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin menyifatkan slot yang diberikan kepada Anwar itu sebagai satu kejadian 'luar biasa'.

"Kami berada dalam dewan di mana Speaker buat satu keputusan untuk membenarkan Perdana Menteri keluarkan satu kenyataan Penerangan Menteri. Ini agak luar biasa kerana Usul Menjunjung Kasih kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong telah dibentangkan tadi dan disokong.

"Oleh sebab itu, apa yang berlaku hari ini agak luar biasa. Macam mana ada satu slot termasuk di tengah-tengah (perbahasan).... mereka menggunakan majoriti... boleh buat apa yang suka (hati) sehingga tak ikut peraturan," ujar Muhyiddin.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met Anwar in Putrajaya on Tuesday

Pendang minta maaf & tarik balik selepas Speaker kenakan ban 4 hari

Ringgit jatuh YB Larut Minta PM pecat Menteri Kewangan kerana prestasi Menteri Kewangan Teruk

Five food delivery men were charged for killing a man

27 Februari 2024, 

BULETIN TV3

BANDAR BARU BANGI: Five food delivery men were charged in the Bandar Baru Bangi Court for killing a male driver to death following an accident in Taman Pelangi, Semenyih 2, on 20 February.

The accused, Mahazir Nordin, 43, Mohd Yuree Ranoff Mohd Bachuri, 41, Syamdul Qamar Ayob, 40, Azharul Azuan Mohd Azan, 34, Tengku Izham Tengku Hamid, 22 arrived at 8.58 this morning and were also represented by lawyer Mohd Hafiz.

When the charges were read out, all the accused nodded their understanding in front of Magistrate Nurdiyanah Mohd Nawawi.

However, no confession was recorded as the case was under the jurisdiction of the high court.

According to the charges, they are accused of killing a man, Shahril Samad, 41 years old, at Jalan TPS 2/3, Taman Pelangi Semenyih 2, Beranang here at 9.54pm, 20 February.

The charge is made according to Section 302 of the Penal Code together with Section 34 of the same code which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment between 30 and 40 years and if there is no death penalty, shall be whipped 12 times.

The prosecution was handled by the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Siti Nur Liyana Mohd Sulaiman.

In the meantime, the court stated that no bail was given and fixed April 25 for the submission of the forensic status, chemical report and autopsy.

Earlier, the media reported that the victim's hands were tied before being pulled out of the car by members of the public after the accident and beaten to death.

The incident on February 20 is believed to have happened after the man driving a gray Proton Saga was involved in an accident with a food delivery man.

Immediately after the accident, the victim was said to have been chased by members of the public to Taman Pelangi Semenyih 2, before his car skidded and hit the fence of a residential area.

The police arrested the accused around the Semenyih and Beranang areas to help with the investigation.

The police also arrested two other men aged 22 and 39 respectively in Kajang who are suspected of being involved in the incident.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which is murder, while the traffic police also opened investigation papers under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Miley Cyrus's hit "Flowers" was named the world's best-selling single in 2023

Miley Cyrus hit 'Flowers' named best-selling single of 2023 in IFPI chart

Reuters

Februari 27, 2024
Miley Cyrus's hit "Flowers" won the IFPI Global Single Award for 2023 just weeks after picking up two Grammys.


LONDON: Miley Cyrus's hit "Flowers" was named the world's best-selling single in 2023 on Monday, the first time the U.S. singer-songwriter has topped the chart run by industry body the IFPI.

The emotional disco-tinged breakup anthem - in which the singer reminds herself she can buy her own flowers after the end of a relationship - got the coveted IFPI Global Single Award for 2023 just weeks after picking up two Grammys.

The single had the equivalent of 2.7 billion streams on paid subscription services according to the London-based body which uses data from physical sales and digital delivery methods to come up with a representative figure.

"Topping the charts in so many countries simultaneously, the song - along with its message of empowerment - resonated across the world and is the definition of a truly global hit," Lewis Morrison, the IFPI's director of global charts and certifications, said.

Artists from Nigeria and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time: Rema’s "Calm Down" with Selena Gomez ranked at no.2 while "La Bebe" by Yng Lvcas and Peso Pluma was at no.6, highlighting the rise in popularity of Afrobeats and regional Mexican genres.

U.S. star Taylor Swift, who was last week named global recording artist of the year for the fourth time by the IFPI took the no.7 and no.9 spots on the singles rundown with "Cruel Summer" and "Anti-Hero" respectively.

The IFPI - the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry - represents the global recorded music industry.

Norway's King Harald V hospitalised in Malaysia

Norway's King Harald V is reported to be receiving treatment at Sultanah Maliha Hospital on Langkawi Island, on Tuesday.

According to international media reports, the 87-year-old King suffered from a respiratory and heart-related infection.

The report quoted a spokesperson for the Norwegian Royal Family as saying that his Majesty was on a personal visit to several countries in Southeast Asia before falling ill and being rushed to a hospital in Malaysia.

Norway's King Harald hospitalised in Malaysia

By Reuters - February 28, 2024

King Harald V of Norway walks on crutches on his way to lunch with members the Norwegian government, on Feb 24 in Oslo, Norway. King Harald, 87, has been hospitalised with an infection while on a holiday here in Malaysia, the Royal House of Norway said yesterday (Feb 27). — AFP


OSLO: Norway's King Harald has been hospitalised in Malaysia with an infection, the Norwegian royal household said on Tuesday.


The 87-year-old monarch is on a private trip to the South East Asian country.



"His majesty the king has fallen ill during his holiday stay in Malaysia, and is hospitalised there, with an infection. The king receives good care from both Malaysian and Norwegian medical personnel," the royal household said in a statement.



King Harald has been Norway's ceremonial head of state since 1991 and is Europe's oldest living monarch. He has repeatedly been hospitalised with infections in recent years, and has also undergone heart surgery.


Crown Prince Haakon presides in his father's absence.

Manoharan replaces Ammar as Director General of Tourism

Manoharan replaces Ammar as Director General of Tourism



February 27, 2024




Tourism Malaysia announced the appointment of former Director of Tourism Malaysia India, Manoharan Periasamy as the new Director General of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board. - Tourism Malaysia's Facebook photo

Tourism Malaysia announced the appointment of former Director of Tourism Malaysia India, Manoharan Periasamy as the new Director General of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board. - Tourism Malaysia's Facebook photo

SHAH ALAM: Tourism Malaysia announced the appointment of former Director of Tourism Malaysia India, Manoharan Periasamy as the new Director General of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.

He previously served as Senior Director of International Promotion (Asia and Africa) at Tourism Malaysia.

Manoharan is also understood to have served three consecutive terms as Tourism Malaysia's Director for India, and was instrumental in establishing the first National Tourism Organization office in Mumbai in 2001.

On Friday, Sinar Harian reported the statement of the former Director General of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar who expressed his disappointment when his 36 years of service in the tourism industry was terminated.

According to Ammar, as a government employee who has served for a long time, he always performs his duties according to the correct procedures and procedures.

On Saturday, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing explained why Ammar was demoted from the position of Director General of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, for failing to achieve the specified work performance.

King Sing said, many opportunities have been given to Ammar since he has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in tourism.

Enjoy Italian Cuisine, "Pranzo Italiano" Semi Buffet @ Evolution, Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur

We checked in to the Four Points Sheraton Kuala Lumpur City Centre for a day and thanks to En. Nas, we breezed through the check in process and was upgraded. We got a nice room facing the KLCC

We decided to have some lunch and wandered into the Renaissance Hotel next just next door. 

We ended up at the Evolution restaurant located at the lobby of the Hotel as it was the only place we could use our Club Marriott vouchers. (I was really annoyed about this.)

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast elements, the Evolution restaurant introduces a sophisticated ambiance with an open kitchen concept. Look out for their signatures that set the tone for the restaurant's homegrown yet refined Italian food scene, essentially centred on homemade pasta, coastal dishes and aperitivo.

For lunch they were offering a semi-buffet concept called "Pranzo Italiano" where each diner can only order one Main Course from an à la carte menu, while at the same time enjoying a buffet spread of appetisers, salads, desserts, ice-cream and free flow of cold & hot drinks.

 

UPDATE MENU ON 16 April 2024

We ordered our Main Course - Grilled Australian Lamb Cutlet, Pan Seared Seabass Fillet and Beef Cheek Pappardelle.

 The Pan Seared Seabass was presented nicely with cherry tomatoes. 

Seabass

The Beef Cheek however was not up to the mark, as the sauce was very light and bland.

Beef Cheek

The dish of the day- Lamb Cutlet was very well presented, tender and tasty. A really must try dish if you are coming here.

Lamb Cutlet

Before that we raided their buffet. Food was delicious. The smoked chicken, mushroom soup and meatballs were our favourite.

The mushroom soup was quite tasty even though it looked watery, I made a little comment about it to the waiter who in turn must have raised it to his Manager. Within 10 minutes, their Chef Cristian came personally with a new bowl of nice, thick and tasty Mushroom Soup! What a WOW factor.

Chef Cristian

After our main course, we enjoyed the gelato ice-cream and variety of desserts on offer. Almost every item was delicious and on point. 

(The Ipoh Cream Brulee was a good twist.!)

We washed it all down with the free flow of Ice Lemon Tea and Watermelon Juice, Coffee and Tea.

Chef Cristian

Overall, we had a quick but tasty lunch and recommend this place.

The team at Evolution were surprisingly very attentive, friendly and efficient. You could tell that the Manager there Ms. Ezreen has done a great job with the team. Our waiter Naaim made our dining journey very smooth. At one point the manager Ms. Ezreen even came to push my chair in,  as I sat with my hand full of plates of food, the first time a lady did that for me!

Well done to Chef Cristian, Cik Ezreen and her team!

Waiter Naaim

Semi-Buffet Pranzo Italiano
Weekdays | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Weekends | 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

MYR 118 nett per person
For reservations, call 03 2706 8088

Email: rklcc.dining@renaissancehotels.com

We have not tried their Coastal Heritage Dinner Buffet so we cannot tell you if it is good or not but this is a promo they have been having on Weekends.

'Coastal Heritage' Dinner Buffet

As the feasting season arrives, a flavoursome journey awaits you for an experience like no other. 

March 12 - April 9, 2024
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

MYR 278 nett per adult | MYR 139 nett per child
View Menu

Enjoy 20% early bird discount from now - February 29, 2024, and 10% off from March 1 - 9, 2024.

RENAISSANCE HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR