Latest news with #Aidil
The Star
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Winger wins hearts
Skilful: Joao Pedro (right) evading a challenge from a player during a friendly game. — Photo by Kuching City PETALING JAYA: Kuching City's pre-season tour across Sarawak has sparked excitement among local football fans and at the heart of it all is one man who has quickly become a household name – Joao Pedro. With his trademark smile, explosive speed, and unrelenting tenacity, the Timor Leste international and team captain has won over hearts wherever he goes. From Betong, Mukah, Bintulu, Sibu and with their final stop in Miri over the last week, the 27-year-old winger has been nothing short of electrifying, dazzling fans and leaving defenders chasing shadows. Pedro's impact has been so profound that Kuching City's social media channels have been flooded with praise. Supporters have affectionately dubbed him a 'pace machine'. Even Pedro is thoroughly enjoying himself. 'Coach Aidil (Sharin) hasn't given me a fixed position in attack, he just wants me to enjoy my football,' said Pedro, smiling as always. 'That freedom has helped me find my rhythm, and I just want to keep building on that momentum.' Pedro was at the centre of a mini transfer tug-of-war, with Kuala Lumpur initially on the brink of signing him, only for Kuching to swoop in and land the prized winger. That moment now looks like a masterstroke, as fans are already chanting his name in the stands and sharing photos of his blistering runs online. Standing at 1.70m, Pedro brings more than just flair. He has featured 24 times for Timor Leste, scoring eight goals, and came to Kuching City after a successful stint with Cambodian Premier League outfit Angkor Tiger, where he notched seven goals and six assists in 26 matches. His journey through South-East Asian football with spells in Indonesia, Cambodia, and his native Timor Leste has shaped him into a seasoned attacker. Now, he's determined to make his mark in Malaysian football, with the full support of his new club and an ever-growing legion of fans. 'I want to give everything I have to Kuching. Our goal is to finish in the top five this season, and I'll do my best to contribute,' said Pedro. 'But more importantly, I want to repay the love the fans have shown me. Life in Kuching has been amazing, and this tour has opened my eyes to the warmth and unity of Sarawakians.' Asked about the transfer drama that almost took him to Kuala Lumpur, Pedro revealed it was Aidil who tipped the scales. 'I had a great conversation with coach Aidil before signing. He shared his vision and the club's ambitions, and it just felt right. That's why I chose Kuching and I'm so glad I did.' From the sounds of it and the cheers in every district, the people of Sarawak are just as glad. Pedro isn't just a new signing. He's already one of their own.
Barnama
13-07-2025
- Barnama
Three Held, Drugs Worth Over RM300,000 Seized In Cheras
KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Police have seized drugs worth RM335,630 and arrested three men in three raids in Cheras. Cheras district police chief ACP Aidil Bolhassan said a 35-year-old unemployed man was arrested when they raided the parking area of an apartment in Taman Maluri at 10.15 pm yesterday. "We seized 381.05 grammes of MDMA and ketamine worth RM4,390. "The suspect then led us to a second location in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, where we seized 13.39 kilogrammes of cocaine, MDMA powder and Erimin 5, as well as 5,000 litres of MDMA liquid worth RM317,394," he said in a statement today. Aidil said further investigation led to a third raid at the Desa Tun Razak People's Housing Project at 12.30 am today, where police arrested two men aged 38 and 42, and seized various drugs, including MDMA powder, Erimin 5, ecstasy pills, cocaine and ketamine, worth RM11,567. 'We also seized two cars and RM100 in cash, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM335,630. Urine tests on all the suspects returned positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine,' he said. All three suspects have been remanded for seven days until July 19, and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. -- BERNAMA
The Star
13-07-2025
- The Star
KL cops nab three, seize drugs worth over RM300,000
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have seized drugs worth RM335,630 and arrested three men in three raids in Cheras here. Cheras district police chief ACP Aidil Bolhassan said a 35-year-old unemployed man was arrested when they raided the parking area of an apartment in Taman Maluri at 10.15pm on Saturday (July 12). "We seized 381.05g of MDMA and ketamine worth RM4,390. "The suspect then led us to a second location in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, where we seized 13.39kg of cocaine, MDMA powder and Erimin 5, as well as 5,000 litres of MDMA liquid worth RM317,394," he said in a statement on Sunday (July 13). Aidil said further investigations led to a third raid at the Desa Tun Razak People's Housing Project at 12.30am on Sunday where police arrested two men aged 38 and 42, and seized various drugs, including MDMA powder, Erimin 5, ecstasy pills, cocaine and ketamine worth RM11,567. "We also seized two cars and RM100 in cash, bringing the total value of the seizures to RM335,630. Urine tests on all the suspects returned positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine," he said. All three suspects have been remanded for seven days until July 19, and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – Bernama
The Star
04-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Gen Z birdwatchers find their flock in KL parks
Community initiative connects youths with nature and each other ON a quiet Saturday morning at Taman Botani Perdana in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Kuala Lumpur, a small hushed group of young people had their eyes fixed on a canopy overhead. A flash of yellow was seen and a melodic whistle heard. Then, one of the youths pointed excitedly to a feathered visitor that had come into view and produced the sound. The group leaned in, binoculars and cameras at the ready. In the distance, a black-naped oriole called, brightening the otherwise muted cityscape. Other birds the group spotted that day were white-throated kingfisher, brahminy kite, oriental magpie-robin and white-breasted waterhen. This is the world of Jejakliar, a community birdwatching initiative led by Malaysian Gen Zers who are redefining how urban youth interact with nature. Aidil Iman Aidid, 26, who studied international relations with a minor in environmental studies at Universiti Malaya (UM), never thought birdwatching would become a passion, let alone spark a movement. 'I was looking for a hobby, something communal yet solitary. 'I picked up a book about birds at UM library, learned about the different species around the campus and fell in love with the hobby,' he said. What began as a solitary escape in UM's urban parks and other green spaces such as KLCC Park and Taman Rimba Kiara in the capital city evolved into a community-building effort. When tasked with a community project, Aidil decided to connect other Gen Zers in the Klang Valley to urban biodiversity through birdwatching. 'Birds are the most visible and audible wildlife in cities. 'I wanted us to reconnect with the urban environment,' Aidil added. The grassroots initiative, which began on May 25 last year, runs primarily on Instagram, where it recruits and engages participants. Over the past year, it has organised more than 10 birdwatching excursions, with each outing always near public transport to ensure accessibility. Among those drawn to the group is Nur Adriana Sofea Shahril, 23, an undergraduate studying ecology and biodiversity from UM. After joining the group, Aidil invited Adriana to volunteer as a guide. Adriana, who studied urban bird biodiversity for her final-year project, sees this initiative as a perfect blend of research and community outreach. The excursions attract a vibrant mix of young Malaysians. Pravena Sreetharan, 25, a law graduate completing her pupillage, joined the group after meeting Aidil through Kolektif Iklim, a youth climate initiative. 'I've always been interested in environmental law. 'Birdwatching is therapeutic for me and also a good lesson in patience,' Pravena said. 'Before this, I was very high-strung. Standing still, observing and being present; it changed me.' Maria Nash, a marketing student from Shah Alam, learned about Jejakliar through social media. 'It's my first-time birdwatching,' she shared. 'I love how walking around Taman Botani Perdana feels like a workout without actually feeling like exercise. 'I'm making new friends and learning so much.' The group's diversity is striking – from biodiversity students to law graduates and swimming instructors. Lim Wen Kai, 22, a biosciences student at UM, said birdwatching enriched his academic learning. 'Birds are everywhere and essential for sustaining urban ecology,' he said. 'It's one thing to read about them in textbooks, but seeing them in real life is a pleasure.' For Jebamanoh Johnson, 24, a zoology graduate, birdwatching helped him shift focus from the big picture to the small details. 'Many people walk around the park without noticing the birds,' he said. 'When I joined Jejakliar, it changed how I pay attention to the world.' Hazeeq Syahme, 28, another law graduate, believes birdwatching helps bust the stereotype of Gen Zers being glued to their screens. 'This builds a sense of community,' he said. Aidil said members of the group even shared their sightings digitally via WhatsApp and bird identification mobile apps. Noting that bird books could be expensive, he said they balanced book knowledge with real-world exploration. Far from being isolated or distracted, the young birdwatchers find themselves more connected to nature and to one another. Now, Aidil said he started a separate KL Youth Birdwatch excursion, which takes place twice a month. 'People think Gen Z individuals aren't curious or eager to learn,' said Pravena. 'That is a misconception. We have an interest in learning. 'When we see a bird we can't identify, we do our research until we know what it is.' For many, the Covid-19 pandemic deepened their appreciation for birds. Adriana recalled being stuck at home, where her only solace was the veranda near an urban forest. 'Birdwatching saved me,' she said. Beyond personal well-being, she said birdwatching, which she described as healing, also sparks creativity. Adriana, who loves design, sees nature as inspiration. 'We can learn so much from birds, their mechanisms. 'The woodpecker's long tongue, for example, and the trees they perch on.' On the surface, a group of 20-somethings gathering to look at birds might seem unusual, even quaint. But their movement represents something deeper: a quiet resistance to the isolating, screen-heavy modern world. 'We always encourage participants to bring friends,' Aidil added. Last month, he said, 10 strangers joined the group and they became friends by the end of the day. In a society where loneliness cuts across generations, Jejakliar offers a rare chance to slow down and truly see, not just the birds, but each other. As the group packed up their gear after another successful morning, there was an undeniable sense of optimism in the air.
The Star
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Aidil still roaring strong with Kuching
Going nowhere: Aidil Sharin (centre) interacting with his coaching staff during a friendly game. – Kuching City FC PETALING JAYA: Forget the Singapore talk as successful football head coach Aidil Sharin is staying put with Kuching City for the new Super League. This was the assurance given by club owner Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman amidst rumours that Aidil may be the next coach of the Singapore national football team. Fazzrudin affirmed that Aidil is committed to the Sarawak-based side. 'Aidil was given full power to run the team. He is happy and committed to Kuching City. That is all I can say,' said Fazzrudin. Under Aidil's leadership, Kuching City have quietly built a competitive squad and are seen as a side capable to give others a run for their money. The club have completed the bulk of their recruitment, with striker Ronald Ngah from Cameroon expected to join the team. 'We have completed 95% of the team selection,' said Fazzrudin. 'Ronald will join in a day or two together with a few of our Under-23 players as well. Then, it will be complete. The Cats have so far signed strikers Gabriel Nistelrooy, Ahmad Danial Asri; goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli, winger Ramadhan Saifullah, Timor Leste winger Joao Pedro and Filipino centreback Scott Woods. They have also retained key men like fullbacks Jimmy Raymond, Arif Fadzillah; midfielder Daniel Amier Norhisham, striker Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, Bahraini midfielder Moses Atede, Nigerian centreback James Okwuosa and Japanese defender Yuki Tanigawa. Kuching City hope to remain in the top five standing in the league. They finished fourth in the last season. 'Our goal has always been to become the champions in the league – that's still our mindset, but realistically, we have set a top-five finish,' said Fazzrudin. Despite the off-field rumours, it's clear that Kuching City are pressing ahead with clear intent, banking on Aidil's leadership to turn bold ambition into tangible results.
