
Disabled widow sings to support her two kids
Megala, 44, lost her right leg after an accident in 2022. A year later, her other leg was amputated due to complications from diabetes.
These days, she sings at events to pay for medical bills and the school expenses of her daughters aged 12 and 16.
Both girls are also diabetic.
'I would memorise as many songs as possible including those in Malay.
'I try to promote myself on TikTok so that others could see my talent and invite me for performances.'
Megala, whose husband died 12 years ago, used to be a tailor but couldn't continue with the job with her condition.
As her husband's monthly pension of RM1,200 is insufficient, Megala, who lives in Ipoh, must earn additional income to support her family.
> Actor Hariz Hamdan is remorseful for uploading a video clip which showed actress Nelydia Senrose clutching his arm during a cable car ride in Langkawi, Kosmo! reported.
He said he had wanted to share the video among friends and also to promote his new drama.
'I'm sorry if the video caused uneasiness. It wasn't my intention to cause a controversy,' said Hariz, 23.
Netizens pointed out that Nelydia, 30, is a married woman.
Hariz explained that the physical contact was unintentional and a spontaneous act as Nelydia was panicking during the ride. Hariz said he merely tried to calm her down.
> A radio presenter will spend about RM500,000 to build a madrasah on ancestral land in Negri Sembilan to fulfil his mother's dream, Harian Metro reported.
Nabil Ahmad, 42, said his 77-year-old mother has been undergoing kidney dialysis for eight years and wanted a madrasah to be built for orphans, he said.
'I hope construction of the madrasah will proceed smoothly and that it will be operational by next year,' he added.
The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Theatre show 'Anak-Anak Malik' boldly reimagines Lorca's timeless themes
The ensemble of 'Anak-Anak Malik' - (from left) Sunio Rushairi, Mark Beau de Silva, Asraf Zulk, Aidil Rosli, Ubai Talib and Aniq Syahmi - brings together a blend of experience and fresh energy to this reimagined Lorca classic. Photo: Tat Chin A classic tale of control and confinement finds new life in Anak-Anak Malik, a local adaptation of Spanish poet-playwright Federico García Lorca's The House Of Bernarda Alba, which reimagines grief as the backdrop for a clash between tradition, isolation, and rebellion. Set not in Andalusia but in an isolated 1970s fishing village off Penang called Pulau Aman, this 90-minute theatre production (with no intermission) runs for five shows at Pentas 2, KLPac from July 24–27. Anak-Anak Malik, adapted by playwright Yusof Bakar, is presented as part of The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat series, with support from The Actors Studio Foundation and KLPac. Performed in Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles, it features an all-male ensemble: Aidil Rosli, Ammar Aqsya, Aniq Syahmi, Asraf Zulk, Danish Zakwan, Mark Beau De Silva, SaifulWazien, Sudhan Nair, Sunio Rushairi and Ubai Talib. 'I have always been captivated by the play, its themes of power, control and familial love hauntingly relevant,' says Chin. Photo: Tat Chin Anak-Anak Malik also arrives in what is arguably one of the busiest months for the local theatre scene, with acclaimed productions such as Persiapan Seorang Aktor, the hard-hitting Burden Of Proof and the revival of Jit Murad's Visits already drawing significant attention in the past few weeks. Nonetheless, the addition of more quality theatre to the calendar is always to be welcomed. Emotional turmoil The story follows Malik, a grieving father who imposes a strict 100-day mourning period on his five sons after the death of their mother. As the sons resist, tensions build behind the family's walls until tragedy unfolds. Director Christopher Ling, who previously staged a musical version of The House Of Bernarda Alba in 2010, returns with a fresh perspective. 'I have always been captivated by the play, its themes of power, control and familial love hauntingly relevant. I was intrigued to see how an all-male community would react if placed in the same situation as Bernarda Alba's household. The all-male cast brings in a new lens of masculinity mixed with the fractured father and son relationship that we are, unfortunately, familiar with,' says Ling, who is also associate artistic director of The Actors Studio. At Pentas 2, KPac, the choice of setting was intentional, seating audiences as if floating at sea and peering into a lone house at the heart of the theatre. This distinctly Malaysian reinterpretation blends universal themes with local nuance. 'Pulau Aman in the 1970s affords us a strange sense of isolation. Heightened by the lack of Internet and other forms of telecommunication, Malik's family is literally disconnected from the world around them," says Ling. "This makes it easier for Malik to be able to control the movements of his family. Many of the issues addressed within the play exist only in this adaptation of the play, making it truly local in context,' he adds. With the father managing the emotional turmoil of five sons, character work lies at the heart of the production. Each son carries a distinct personality, shaped through collaborative rehearsals. 'The range of characters run the full gamut from the excluded eldest son to the fiery rebellious middle son and the manja youngest. "Character development took centre stage early on in our rehearsal process. We shared from personal experience and charted the ups and downs of the Malik household as intricately as we could,' concludes Ling. Advisory: the show features mature content and haze effects. More info here.


Rakyat Post
7 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
Behind Prison Walls: A Daughter's Love Marks Najib's 72nd Birthday
Subscribe to our FREE Today marks a milestone that would typically call for family gatherings, birthday cake, and celebration. Instead, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is spending his 72nd birthday behind the walls of Kajang Prison – but his daughter's touching tribute on social media proves that love knows no barriers. As the clock struck another year for the former Prime Minister, his daughter Yana Najib took to Facebook with a message that cut straight to the heart. She opened with a quote from former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, that seemed to capture everything: 'A brave man is not one who is not afraid but one who conquers his fears.' The timing wasn't coincidental. Today, 23 July, 2025, Najib turns 72 – a birthday that marks his third consecutive year celebrating behind bars, and his daughter wasn't about to let it pass unnoticed. Three Years of Separated Birthdays 'Happy birthday Daddy,' Yana wrote in Malay, her words carrying the weight of years of separation. May Allah SWT grant you strength and good health for Daddy. The reality she acknowledges is stark: 'We haven't been able to celebrate with Daddy for 3 years, separated from us.' Yet her message carries no trace of bitterness, only hope wrapped in faith: 'May all matters be made easy and God willing, we can be together again in the near future.' Yana's heartfelt tribute sparked a wave of solidarity across social media, as Najib's supporters joined in marking his 72nd birthday. Facebook and other platforms are filled with nostalgic posts from loyalists sharing fond memories of better times – photos from political rallies, screenshots of his achievements as Prime Minister, and throwback images of him with family during happier occasions. Among the throwback moments was a particularly endearing video clip showing Najib singing Cliff Richard's 1961 classic 'The Young Ones' – a moment that captured a lighter, more personal side of the former Prime Minister that many supporters fondly remember. Finding Light in Dark Times Yana's post reads like poetry born from pain: 'A calm heart behind the silence. A ray of hope illuminating the path in adversity. Surely there is wisdom behind every trial. More wise, patient and kind than before.' These aren't just words – they're a daughter's way of making sense of a situation that has redefined her family's reality since 23 August, 2022, when Najib began serving his sentence for the Najib has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Today's birthday carries particular significance because it brings the family closer to potential reunion. The Pardons Board's February 2024 decision to That's just over three years away, making today's 72nd birthday a marker on a countdown that his family clearly holds dear. At the same time, the Attorney General confirmed the existence of a royal order that is crucial for Najib's Beyond Politics, Pure Love In a political landscape often defined by division and rhetoric, Yana's birthday message stands apart. Her hashtags #bossku and #dsn (Datuk Seri Najib) show unwavering support, but her words transcend politics entirely. This is simply a daughter honouring her father on his birthday, separated by circumstances but united by unbreakable bonds. The Mandela quote she chose resonates deeply – a reminder that even leaders who've faced imprisonment can emerge with wisdom and strength. As Najib marks his 72nd year today, his daughter's message suggests she sees this chapter not as an ending, but as a test of character that will ultimately reveal more profound truths. READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.


The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Fashion's new power move? Turning away from influencers and the overhyped
Fashion has always been about the thrill of the new – seasonal drops, viral must-haves and fresh trends, but a change in thinking is happening. Growing awareness regarding overconsumption is prompting style-conscious consumers to take a step back. In its place? A more thoughtful, intentional approach to getting dressed – one that values longevity, personal aesthetic, and saying no just as confidently as saying yes. This movement, known as 'deinfluencing', is a pushback against the so-called influencers who encourage constant shopping, even when the promoted products are not truly needed. Gen Zs are leading the charge in questioning the pressure to keep up with every trend. Asfaq Luthfiya Kuthubtheen, 18, says she does not get influenced easily, but she understands why some people give in. 'Social media makes it seem like you always need something new to stay relevant, or to be seen as stylish,' she explains. Asfaq stresses that not every viral item deserves a spot in our wardrobes. 'It's nice to see people being 'real' about this. It also reminds us that we don't need every single thing we see on TikTok or Instagram just because it's trending.' According to her, fashion overconsumption is being talked about more now because everything moves so fast on social media. 'People are getting tired of it. Also, with how expensive everything is lately, I think more of us are just trying to save money and not fall for every trend,' she adds. Those who encourage others to spend indiscriminately are being called out for their unhealthy social media practices. Photo: Pexel Leong Yew Keong, 22, shares that he used to shop excessively. He has since stopped and now prefers thrifting – but even buying second-hand, he notes, can still lead to overconsumption. 'Overall, I do really consider the prices and my purchasing choices, where I only pull the 'trigger' if it's actually worth my money,' he says. Leong confirms that he has noticed growing calls for deinfluencing. Ironically, the message is reaching him through social media itself. Although he supports the idea, he believes the real issue lies in how fashion is approached. 'People should still have the freedom to shop. Buying clothes isn't wrong – as long as they're worn. The problem arises when people buy things they don't need, which ultimately leads to wastage.' Read more: 'Moving far too slow': Fashion labels lag behind on sustainability pledges 'Not about guilt or shame' Dr Alshaimaa Bahgat Ezzat Alanadoly, senior lecturer at Taylor's University design school, says deinfluencing began gaining traction in 2023. She believes the trend is spreading quickly in the fashion world, even giving rise to 'deinfluencers' who call out products that are overhyped, overpriced or unsustainable. 'It is a form of reverse marketing – or demarketing – that encourages people to pause, reflect, and make more intentional choices before spending.' This pushback, she points out, is largely a reaction to the extremes of influencer culture, where endless consumption and trend-chasing have become commonplace. Deinfluencing invites consumers to question that norm, overcome the fear of missing out, and embrace habits like decluttering, reducing waste, and buying less, but better. 'At its heart, deinfluencing is not about guilt or shame – it's about balance. Buy what you love, but make it last. Maybe skip that tenth pair of jeans that looks just like the rest.' Drawing on over a decade of experience spanning both academia and the broader fashion industry, Alshaimaa sees deinfluencing as part of a larger cultural shift. Conscious consumption, she adds, is no longer a niche trend – it's a growing movement that is actively reshaping the future of fashion. Alshaimaa further notes that economic pressure is a major driving force, with many Malaysians – especially youths – rethinking their discretionary spending, including frequent fashion purchases. 'Platforms such as Carousell and the proliferation of local thrift stores have gained popularity, while renting outfits, especially during festive seasons, is becoming a more practical and eco-friendlier common trend.' Education and digital platforms are also playing a role, she says. A growing awareness of overconsumption is prompting fashion consumers to loosen their hold on fleeting trends. Photo: Freepik She applauds homegrown brands and initiatives such as Biji-Biji Initiative, Kloth Circularity, as well as global players such as all of which are helping consumers see that greener alternatives exist. Alshaimaa's advice for anyone struggling to resist shopping is to ask what they want their clothes to say about themselves. 'When you do shop, focus on quality over quantity. Invest in pieces you love and can wear repeatedly. Trends will pass, but well-chosen items will remain staples,' she adds. 'Most importantly, be your own influence. Show others that mindful fashion – grounded in values and personality – is just as inspiring as the latest trend.' Read more: Can the fashion industry turn to technology to solve its massive waste problem? Style beyond the 'likes' Fashion brands are certainly taking notice of the deinfluencing movement, with some acknowledging past excesses. The Shirt Bar, a menswear brand with a presence in both Malaysia and Singapore, is making efforts to become more transparent and sustainable. It is also working to align closely with the values of conscious consumers. Founder Serene Ang says her business is using social media in a different way. Instead of needlessly hyping up trends, the brand focuses on sharing smart styling tips, slow fashion education, and deep dives into product features or benefits. She insists that this will not take the fun out of fashion, but bring more intention, purpose and longevity into it. Regarding those on social media chasing numbers, Ang reminds users that deinfluencing is a powerful call to keep fashion focused on people, not on 'likes'. 'We also believe that good design shouldn't chase trends, it should outlast them.' Ang describes The Shirt Bar as a 'sustainable fashion tech brand that champions slow fashion'. She highlights the innovative features of her products – such as anti-bacterial, anti-odour and spill-resistant properties – rather than focusing solely on colour or cut. The reason, she says, is simple: 'It's no longer about owning more, it's about owning better.' As it is, Ang has noticed that today's fashion lovers are indeed rethinking their approach to style. 'We're seeing customers asking smarter questions. They want pieces that work harder in their wardrobe, not just for a single occasion or trend,' she comments. 'Our customers aren't just buying clothes – they're investing in pieces that feel good, last longer, and support a more thoughtful, intentional way of living.'