
Tabung Haji honours 385 Sahabat Maktab volunteers
Comprising Malaysian pilgrims from seven residential buildings or maktabs, the volunteers were honoured at a ceremony held at TH's headquarters at the Abraj Janadriyah Hotel, here, today.
Head of the Haj Delegation Mohd Hisham Harun, said that TH deeply appreciated the contributions of the Sahabat Maktab volunteers, who came from diverse backgrounds, in supporting the work of approximately 632 TH personnel to ensure the smooth implementation of haj operations for Malaysian pilgrims, especially during the critical Masyair phase.
'The service and dedication shown by Sahabat Maktab volunteers are deeply meaningful to Tabung Haji, as they are closer to the pilgrims and better understand their needs and aspirations.
'Today, we honour and appreciate their sacrifices. TH is truly proud and thankful for their sincere contributions throughout this haj season,' he told reporters, here, today.
Established in 2006, the Sahabat Maktab is divided into three categories - Sahabat Ibadat TH, Sahabat Medik TH, and Sahabat TH - and provides a platform for skilled pilgrims to assist fellow Malaysians, in need of support during haj pilgrimage season.

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


The Star
16 minutes ago
- The Star
Former Malaysian Convent students have kept their friendship for over 60 years
Their laughter filled the living room just like it did more than six decades ago in the classrooms of Convent Peel Road, Kuala this day, a group of septuagenarians still call each other close friends. The bond they formed in secondary school has lasted well into retirement. Recently, pensioner Roseline Kuthariam, 71, hosted a potluck at her home in Templer's Park, Rawang, Selangor to welcome her former classmate, retiree Lorna Allen, 71, who was back in KL for a short holiday from the United States. Over a lunch spread of Malaysian delights like fried noodles, prawn sambal, chicken kurma and mutton peretal, seven former schoolmates from the school – now known as SMK Convent Jalan Peel – were happily reminiscing about their school days. From left: Kuthariam, Allen, and Rafidah - friends who have shared countless memories since primary school. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah "Sometimes we'd get scolded for impersonating our teachers or chatting too much during lessons. We were naughty, but not in a bad way," says Roseline. "We were just mischievous Convent girls," shares training consultant Rafidah Abdul Jalil, 72, with a chuckle. "Chit-chatting in class and sneaking a book under the desk during lessons – those were some of our fondest school memories." The grandmother of one had driven from Kota Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to catch up with her former classmates. The members of the '7 Sept Attendees' WhatsApp group have shared decades of friendship. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah International Friendship Day, celebrated on July 30, honours the value and importance of friendship. It encourages individuals to appreciate their friends, strengthen bonds and promote peace, understanding, and unity across cultures and communities. A 2020 research titled "Friendships in Old Age: Daily Encounters and Emotional Well-Being" suggests that friends play a unique role in older adults' emotional well-being, and they do so by increasing levels of positive experiences encountered in daily life. The study found that older adults reported greater pleasantness during their encounters with friends, which may in turn, represent a positive change in daily activities. Allen (second from left) and her friends during a trip to China. Food for the soul While enjoying the sumptious spread, the women agreed that food had always been a common thread that brought them together since their school days. Roseline grew up in Jalan Cochrane, KL, which is a stone's throw away from her school. She recalled how she'd buy nasi lemak from the Pudu Market – also walking distance from her home – to share with her friends during recess. "Every Hari Raya, we'd go to Rafidah's house. For Christmas, it was my house or Lorna's. Back then, it was common to see children of all races visiting each other during festive seasons. We'd often share meals at friends' homes. Our parents knew the families in the neighbourhood well and trusted us to be in good hands," shares Roseline, a retired statistical officer who worked with the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Lorna, who has five grandkids, recalls: "We'd celebrate all festivities together. Most importantly, we respected each other and shared everything - from food to toys and books." Rafidah chips in: "I can't eat certain foods because of my faith, but everyone understood. It wasn't a big deal for us. We were raised to respect one another's boundaries." Convent Peel Road Class of 1971 gathered for a group photo at their reunion in a hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. IFD is often marked by acts of kindness, gatherings and sharing joyful moments with friends. The recent get-together at Roseline's home certainly ticked all those boxes. These women have a WhatsApp group where they all have been keeping in touch in the last 11 group was renamed "The 7 Sept Attendees" after their 70th birthday gathering on Sept 7 last year. There are about 46 of them in that group now. Sisters at heart Most of the members began their journey together at Convent Peel Road primary school. In Year Two, some students were transferred to Kampung Pandan Girls School. International Friendship Day honours the value and importance of friendship. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah Many reconnected in Form One at Convent Peel Road secondary school. Some friendships lasted through the years after secondary school, while others drifted apart due to family commitments and studies. But thanks to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, they eventually found their way back to one another. "Some of our members live in Britain, Australia and New Zealand," says Roseline. "We try to meet up about four to six times a year. These get-togethers are important because it's a chance to catch up and be there for each other in good times and bad." Besides gathering during festive seasons, they have also travelled together to China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. They recently organised a pyjama sleepover at a hotel in the city too. Talk about girls having fun! "Not everyone can join each time, but those who can, will. Usually, there are about 10 of us who are regulars," says Rafidah. Lorna, a mother of two, has lived in the US for over 36 years. She returns to Malaysia at least once a year and always makes time to catch up with her friends. And whenever they're together, reminiscing about their youth is almost inevitable. "Our group consists of schoolmates we've known since kindergarten until now, even though some of us were transferred to different schools during our learning and developmental years. Whenever we meet up, it's like we've never left school. We were innocent kids growing up, showing up on a whim at anyone's home and dragging each other out to play and eat at our favorite hangouts. "Despite living in different countries now, we keep in touch, thanks to WhatsApp so we don't miss out on news in each other's lives and happenings in Malaysia." Lorna, who lived in Jalan Peel, remembers walking along the railway tracks near Jalan Pudu, plucking fresh tamarind fruits and moringa drumsticks and handing them over to her Indian neighbours. Roseline (second from left) and her ex-classmates went on a trip to Lake Toba in Medan, Indonesia after their 70th birthday celebration last year. "We were so close. We even exchanged comic books like (American magazine) MAD and (British comics) Beano .They agree that today's children are growing up in a very different world. "These days, it's all about devices. Parents are more protective. But back then, we had to be creative. Our parents were busy too, but we found ways to entertain ourselves; with simple things and with each other," says Roseline. Rafidah shares: "We played hopscotch, five stones, baling selipar (slippers throw), paper dolls – you name it. We even walked from Jalan Peel to Stadium Merdeka (which wqs more that 3km away). Back then, there was less traffic and we felt safer." The women believe in the values of patience, tolerance and humility. "When you come to your friend's house, leave your title at the door," says Rafidah. "We don't care who's a boss or what you've achieved in life. You're our friend, and that's all that matters." Wong Foong Lin (left) and Mally Antonia Arokiasamy are among the alumni members of Convert Peel Road. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah Asked about their secret to a long-lasting friendship, Roseline says: "Patience and understanding are key in any friendship. You must care for each other too." Lorna adds: "Take Roseline, for example. She's known as a person with a generous heart – always remembering birthdays and making it a point to send wishes in our WhatsApp group. For any friendship to work, be open. Our friendship is solid because we are a family of sorts, we know where we came from and we never forget our friends."


Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
A day after spill drill, chemical-laden trailer falls into sea at Second Link
ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 25 — A trailer carrying chemicals plunged into the sea off the Second Link crossing late yesterday afternoon, following a collision with another trailer at Kilometre 0.8 of the PLUS Expressway heading from Tuas, Singapore. The Iskandar Puteri Fire and Rescue Station received a distress call regarding the incident at 5:41 pm yesterday. Operations commander Nurmala Sideli said a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) with seven personnel from the Iskandar Puteri station was immediately dispatched to the scene. 'Upon arrival, it was found that the collision had caused one of the trailer's chemical tanks to fall into the sea,' she said in a statement last night. Pictures and video footage of the accident had circulated on social media shortly after it occurred. Senior Assistant Fire Chief Mohd Faiz Suleiman later confirmed in a separate statement that both trailers were transporting chemicals from Singapore to Malaysia. The tank that fell into the sea was identified as containing propylene glycol, a non-hazardous chemical. The other trailer was carrying sodium hypochlorite, and its tank did not leak. He reported that the driver of the first trailer suffered a hand injury and was taken to Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) by ambulance, while the second driver was unharmed. 'The Fire and Rescue Department also mobilised a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team to the location to assess and ensure there was no risk of chemical leakage or contamination,' said Mohd Faiz. 'Initial checks found no traces of foam or oil on the surface of the sea, indicating no leak from the trailer tank that fell off the bridge.' Traffic policemen direct vehicles at the scene of an accident at the Second Link on July 24, 2025. — Picture courtesy of Johor Fire and Rescue Department An operation to retrieve the submerged chemical tank is currently ongoing. The accident occurred just one day after Malaysian and Singaporean emergency services conducted a joint chemical spill simulation exercise at the very same location. That exercise was designed to test the effectiveness of the Joint Emergency Response Plan (JERP) under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) in handling such incidents on the busy crossing.


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Singapore honours Kinabalu guides
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Vanu (centre) with members of the Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu Kundasang: Ten years after the devastating 2015 earthquake in Ranau, Singapore is still grateful to the courageous guides of Mount Kinabalu, who helped rescue its citizens and retrieve the bodies of those killed in the incident. Its High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, returned to Kundasang on Tuesday to honour the mountain guides. He met members of the Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu and presented 30 pairs of shoes as a symbolic token of appreciation to the guides who had risked their lives to protect and rescue climbers. 'The tragic Sabah earthquake in 2015 affected many lives, including Singaporeans. My team and I came to honour the mountain guides who played a very important role in rescuing climbers and retrieving the bodies of the deceased,' he said. Vanu recalled that in 2016, the High Commission had hosted a reception to thank the guides and has maintained contact with them since. 'Ten years after the earthquake, we continue to express our gratitude. Their courage will not be forgotten.' The 6.0-magnitude earthquake on June 5 killed 18 people, including 10 students and teachers from Singapore's Tanjong Katong Primary School. Vanu also expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Government and the State Government for the critical assistance extended during the tragedy. 'Singapore and Malaysia are close neighbours. As neighbours, we help one another, especially during difficult situations. 'In times of tragedy, we have looked beyond our nationalities and treated each other as people first,' Vanu said. Meanwhile, Vanu said the collaboration between Sabah and Singapore in the tourism sector is expected to bring significant benefits to the people. According to him, in addition to generating a more sustainable economy, the collaboration will also strengthen the good relations between both parties. 'For me, Sabah holds great potential for tourism and economic cooperation. The people of Singapore have some knowledge about Sabah, and they can learn much more about the State. 'They come to swim and to climb Mount Kinabalu, but Sabah is more than that as there are various business opportunities available in Sabah,' he said during an interview after paying a courtesy visit to Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Thursday. Vanu emphasised that the cooperation opportunities between Singapore and Sabah, which enjoy strong support from the State Government, should be fully utilised. He hopes more entrepreneurs from Singapore will come and conduct business in the State. 'I will return to Singapore and inform the entrepreneurs there about the opportunities and support provided by the State Government here, and I am confident that our government will also support the collaboration between both parties,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia