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Sinar Daily
20 minutes ago
- Lifestyle
- Sinar Daily
Wan Zakaria's 1,000 batik shirts an art of preserving heritage in style
For him, batik is not just clothing, it is a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved. 08 Jun 2025 05:01pm Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, the founder of Bizara Educare Centre and a passionate batik enthusiast, showcased his personal collection of batik shirts during an interview with reporters at Kampung Panji recently. Photo by Bernama IN his effort to preserve cultural heritage through fashion, Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, now owns nearly 1,000 batik shirts as a symbol of identity and appreciation of the uniqueness and intricate beauty of this traditional art. Wan Zakaria said that batik is not just clothing, it is a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved, so much so that he feels completely at ease wearing it for both leisure activities and formal events. "I feel very comfortable wearing batik at various events and during daily activities because I believe fashion can serve as a medium for cultural education. "I don't wait for official events or fashion shows to wear batik. To me, every day is an opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of this heritage,' he said when met by reporters in Kampung Panji, recently. Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, the founder of Bizara Educare Centre and a passionate batik enthusiast, showcased his personal collection of batik shirts during an interview with reporters at Kampung Panji recently. Photo by Bernama Wan Zakaria, who is also the founder of Bizara Educare Centre said every piece of batik in his collection carries a distinctive design, merging traditional patterns with modern aesthetics for versatility across all occasions. "I also pay attention to fabric quality and the use of authentic dyeing techniques when selecting batik cloth to maintain its exclusive value. "Many people assume that batik is only for certain groups or formal events. I want to change that perception. Batik can be worn by anyone, as long as it's styled wisely,' said Wan Zakaria, whose collection includes floral and abstract motifs. Wan Zakaria, who is a Master's graduate in Education from Open University Malaysia (OUM) said, about 80 per cent of his batik shirts are made in Malaysia, while the rest come from Indonesia and Vietnam. "Some of the batik fabrics I purchased cost up to RM1,200 for four meters. I'm particularly fond of Malaysian batik for its detailed and delicate craftsmanship. "I hope more young people will take an interest in batik and wear it beyond formal events. The artistry is truly beautiful. If not us, then who else will uphold this art?' he said. - BERNAMA
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Cops nab illegal moneylender for seizing ATM cards of victims
MELAKA: What began as a desperate attempt by dozens of private sector workers here to make ends meet turned into a nightmare when an illegal money lender allegedly seized control of their salaries, withholding their hard-earned wages since March last year. Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said police arrested two suspects on Saturday (June 28), believed to be behind the scheme that saw 62 employees forced to survive on piecemeal handouts after deductions for loans and interest. "The two suspects, aged 56 and 26, admitted they were working for an agent and were paid RM2,500 monthly," he told The Star on Saturday (June 28). ACP Christopher Patit said the 26-year-old suspect had two previous convictions for drug offences and was found to be operating an unlicensed money lending operation from premises at Taman Merdeka Permai in Batu Berendam. "The licence they claimed to be operating under was registered to a gold and jewellery outlet at a different address in Taman Peringgit Jaya," he said. He added that the police raid on the Taman Merdeka Permai premises was carried out following intelligence gathered by his team. ACP Christopher Patit noted that among the items seized during the operation were 64 automated teller machine (ATM) cards, lease agreements, RM6,200 in cash, 13 mobile phones, and a list containing the names of borrowers. "The victims are wage earners in private companies, aged between 30 and 50 years," he said. ACP Christopher Patit said the suspects confessed to holding on to the victims' ATM cards in order to collect loan repayments, only returning the remainder of the salaries once the amounts owed had been deducted. He said the suspects are currently under remand as investigations continue under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951 and Section 424A of the Penal Code, which pertains to the fraudulent retention of proceeds from the disposal of property. "We are also tracking down the main suspect who employed the two," he added.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Deserving students priced out
Cause for concern: Dr Wee (centre) showing a list of courses run by several public universities with higher tuition fees offered through the open entry route during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. With him are (from left) MCA Youth national exco Tay Kok Wea, Wanita MCA Beliawanis chief Ivonne Low Yi Wen, Wanita MCA deputy chief Tee Hooi Ling and Wanita MCA Selangor Beliawanis bureau chief Joclyn Leong Fong Yi. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The rising reliance on direct or open entry routes into public universities is drawing criticism for creating financial barriers that exclude deserving students, especially those from underprivileged and middle-income backgrounds. 'We must re-evaluate this system when public universities begin to act like private institutions, moving away from their noble goal of helping bright students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, succeed,' MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said at a press conference yesterday. He said the issue now extends beyond Universiti Malaya (UM), as other institutions such as Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Utara Malaysia are also adopting similar practices. Dr Wee said the way these open channels operate is concerning, as it prioritises financial capability over academic merit, undermining the foundational ethos of public education. On Tuesday, Dr Wee highlighted UM's sharp fee increase under its Saluran Terbuka Universiti Malaya direct admission channel. For the 2025/2026 session, fees for medical and other critical courses soared by 67.1%, rising from RM299,200 to RM500,000. In contrast, students entering via the government-subsidised UPUOnline channel pay only RM15,000 for the same programme. Dr Wee noted that many parents had contacted him to share their concerns after he brought attention to the UM case. 'Their children applied through the UPUOnline system, only to receive an acceptance offer contingent on paying up to RM300,000 through the open channel. 'This financial burden is insurmountable for most families, turning what should be a joyous occasion into one of despair,' he said. Dr Wee stressed that public universities are funded by taxpayers, with Parliament approving annual budgets to cover staff salaries and operational costs. While acknowledging that the funding may not be sufficient for all development expenses, he said this should not come at the expense of deserving students who qualify through the UPUOnline system. Citing a previous parliamentary reply, Dr Wee said 19% to 40% of public university placements now come from open channels, highlighting a systemic issue that could erode the very foundation of Malaysia's public education system. 'I firmly believe that UPUOnline should remain the primary and most important channel for enrolment in public universities. 'This ensures admissions are based on merit rather than financial ability, thus promoting social mobility and allowing underprivileged students to transform their lives through quality and affordable education,' he said. The current trajectory, he warned, risks turning the education system into an elitist one, where only the financially privileged can access quality education. Dr Wee said the total cost of completing a medical degree at a public university has surged from about RM300,000 to over RM500,000, exceeding the fees charged by some private institutions. 'Similar hikes of 20% to 30% have been observed in other professional courses like law, raising questions as to whether public universities still prioritise talent development or have shifted towards a quasi-private model. 'While direct admissions can exist, public universities should expand their intake instead of using slots meant for UPUOnline students,' he said. Dr Wee urged the government to establish a royal commission of inquiry to review these practices. 'We cannot allow financial capability to replace academic merit in determining university admissions. 'The government should intervene immediately to prevent further inequality in access to higher education. 'It should remain a public right, not a privilege,' he said, calling for the open channel intake to be halted.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
ITIs in Maharashtra will be upgraded over 3 years: Minister
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Minister for skill development, entrepreneurship and innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Friday said state would arrange Rs1,200 crore to upgrade all govt-run industrial training institutes in Maharashtra over the next three years. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The revamp will cover infrastructure, academics, and workshops. The ITIs will have state-of-the-art machinery at workshops, and advanced courses," he said at the unveiling of a coffee table book published by the Maharashtra Times. Themed on the coronation of Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj, the book covers the celebration of the 351st anniversary of the historic event at different ITIs and other institutions. Lodha said that artificial intelligence, drone technology, and robotics are some of the emerging fields that will be covered in courses offered by ITIs. "As an infrastructural expansion, every ITI will see construction of nearly 1,800 square feet of additional space. It will be utilised for accommodating additional machinery and running courses." State govt has plans to offer loans up to Rs10 lakh to youths completing ITI, diploma, and degree courses in engineering and technology, among other fields, for entrepreneurship development, the minister said. "Govt will bear 50% of the interest rate. We target a minimum of one crore youth for the disbursal of such loans." Lodha further said the disbursal of such loans is part of state's proposed innovation policy. "We have charted out a comprehensive policy to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and research. The policy will be tabled before state cabinet for final approval." The coffee table book, which was released in association with the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, is a formal tribute to Shivaji Maharaj, the minister said. "It will inspire everyone to follow the path shown by the Maratha warrior king. It will infuse new confidence in our youth."
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
High public uni fees pricing out deserving students, says Dr Wee
KUALA LUMPUR: The increasing use of direct or open entry routes into public universities is raising concerns over high costs that are progressively pricing out deserving students from underprivileged and middle-income backgrounds. "We must re-evaluate this system when public universities begin to act commercially, deviating from their original noble goal of ensuring that bright students—especially those from low-income families—are allowed to succeed," said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong at a press conference here. The MCA president highlighted the growing trend of public universities offering courses through open channels at exorbitant tuition fees. "This issue extends beyond Universiti Malaya. Other universities like USM, UKM, UPM, UTM, and UUM are following similar practices. "The shift towards these open channels is concerning, as it prioritises financial capability over academic merit, undermining the foundational ethos of public education," he said. On Tuesday (June 24), Dr Wee highlighted the sharp increase in UM's medicine and other critical field degrees fees for the 2025/2026 intake under its direct admission channel, Saluran Terbuka Universiti Malaya (Satu), which rose by 67.1% to RM500,000 from RM299,200 the previous year. In contrast, students admitted through the UPUOnline channel, which is government-subsidised, pay only RM15,000 for the same programme. He questioned if this stark fee disparity discourages students from lower-income B40 and M40 groups. Dr Wee said that he received overwhelming feedback from parents who shared their distress after highlighting the UM case. "Many of their children applied through the UPUOnline system, only to receive an acceptance contingent upon paying up to RM300,000 via the open channel. "This financial burden is insurmountable for most families, turning what should be a joyous occasion into one of despair," he said. Dr Wee emphasised that public universities were funded by taxpayers, with the annual budget approved by Parliament specifically to cover the salaries of chancellors and staff, and to maintain the operational needs of these institutions. While acknowledging that the funding might not be sufficient for all developmental expenses, he said this should not come at the expense of deserving students who qualify through the UPUOnline system. According to a previous Parliamentary reply, Dr Wee said 19% to 40% of public university placements are now allocated through these open channels, revealing a systemic issue that undermines the foundational ethos of public education. "I firmly believe that UPUOnline should remain the main and utmost channel for enrolment in public universities. "This ensures admissions are based on merit rather than financial ability, thus promoting social mobility for underprivileged students to turn their lives around via quality and affordable education." He also warned that the current trajectory risks transforming the education system into an elitist one, where only financially privileged students can access quality education. Citing an example, Dr Wee said the total cost for completing a public university medical programme has soared from approximately RM300,000 to over RM500,000, surpassing fees at some local private universities. "Similar hikes of 20% to 30% have been seen in other professional courses like law, and this casts doubt on whether public universities still prioritise talent cultivation or have shifted towards a quasi-private model. "While direct admissions can be implemented, public universities should expand their intake rather than using slots meant for UPUOnline students," he said. Dr Wee called on the government to establish a royal commission of inquiry to review these practices guided by learned educationists, emphasising the need to uphold the role of public universities in fostering talent and offering upward mobility through education. "We cannot allow financial capability to replace academic merit in determining university admissions. The government should intervene immediately to prevent further inequality in higher education access," he said, adding that the open channel intake should be halted. "Our public universities should remain bastions of opportunity, where students are admitted based on their abilities and potential, not their financial standing. "I hope the government takes decisive action to stop this trend and safeguard the future of higher education in Malaysia. It should remain a public right rather than becoming a privilege," he added.
