Latest news with #BUKITMERTAJAM
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Muruku Bonda: The vegetarian snack that grew from a pregnancy project to a booming brand winning hearts across Malaysia, Taiwan
BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 20 — Armed with a cherished family recipe, a husband-and-wife duo turned their humble beginnings into a thriving muruku business, attracting customers from both Malaysia and abroad. Idris Alias, 67, and his wife, Fatimah Ishak, 63, from Guar Perahu, here, started their small home-based business in 1984 after she inherited a muruku recipe from her mother-in-law. 'I was seven months pregnant at the time, so we only made small batches of the crunchy snack. We had very little capital to start with. But I gave it a go, taking orders from friends. 'From those early days making muruku at home, we managed to grow the business under the brand name 'Muruku Bonda'. Nine years ago, we opened a shop in Kubang Semang, funded by profits we steadily reinvested,' Fatimah told Bernama. She said that Muruku Bonda uses natural ingredients, with no artificial colouring, and entirely free from eggs, anchovies, or any animal-based products, making it ideal for those following a vegetarian diet. Interestingly, over 85 per cent of their customers are from the Chinese community, making Chinese New Year their peak sales period. 'We even received orders from Taiwan at one point, but had to turn them down because the shipping costs were too high. Still, the customer flew over themselves and bought in bulk to take home,' she added. Muruku Bonda's recipe dates back over 40 years ago to Idris Alias' mother. — Bernama pic Currently, the couple operates with just two frying machines – usually only one runs on regular days, producing around 150 kilogrammes (kg) of muruku daily, increasing to 200kg during festive periods. Idris shared that their son and daughter-in-law now help run the family business. One of their main challenges, he explained, is limited operating space, which makes it difficult to meet growing demand. They even had to decline an offer to stock Muruku Bonda in a major convenience store chain. On most days, just one frying machine is used to produce 150kg of Muruku Bonda daily at the shop in Kubang Semang, Penang, but the second fryer picks up the load for festive days when demand soars. — Bernama pic Nonetheless, the couple remain determined to expand into a larger facility in the future, with hopes of passing the business down to their only child. 'My advice to young entrepreneurs is to understand your product and your customers, and to have patience. That is vital in the business world. 'Most importantly, as Muslims, we must remember to give charity and pay zakat. That's the key to lasting blessings. Not just in wealth, but also in health,' Idris said. — Bernama
The Star
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
MCMC to summon TikTok over concerns about 'Player Knockout Battle' trend
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been directed to summon TikTok to provide an explanation about the latest trend, "Player Knockout Battle" or "PK Battle," which is causing growing concern among parents. The trend of young children participating in such online challenges is worrying and has prompted the government to consider banning social media for those under 13. "They are too young to understand the impact of such trends," a representative stated. PK Battle is a live-streaming feature on TikTok where two users compete in real time to receive virtual gifts from viewers, which are then converted into cash rewards. Critics argue that the trend has become a form of digital gambling, with increasing concerns over children misusing money, sometimes even their parents' money, to buy these gifts in a bid to gain popularity. Fahmi noted that there was a media report highlighting parental concerns about the money their children are spending just to purchase gifts for these PK Battles. "This has become a serious issue reported by the media, and we are treating it with utmost concern. Since TikTok is a licensed platform, they are required to come forward, explain the situation, and outline the steps they will take to address the matter," he said. He also emphasised that this is one of the reasons why the government, particularly the Ministry of Communications, strongly advocates that children under 13 should not have TikTok, Instagram, or other social media accounts. He stressed that it is very easy for children to get caught up in trends like PK Battle without truly understanding the consequences. "We are expecting a prompt explanation from TikTok, and a directive has been issued this morning. I anticipate that they will meet us sometime this week," he added.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- The Sun
Safe Internet Campaign increases awareness of net and social media usage among children
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The use of the internet and social media applications among children without supervision can invite negative impact, especially involving issues of safety, crime and social problems. In this regard, society, in particular parents, needs to be given exposure and early education on the prudent use of the internet so as not to become victims of online scams, online gambling, cyberbullying as well as paedophilia. Therefore, in raising awareness among the community, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) went to the ground to hold the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) in conjunction with the Penang-level Kita MADANI Carnival at Seberang Perai Tengah District Education Office (PPD) here today. Through the 'pocket talk' session delivered by an MCMC representative, visitors were informed about the age limit for children under 13 to use social media applications under the supervision of parents or guardians. Additionally, the MCMC shared about the effects and consequences of excessive use of social media applications among children, and subsequently provides tips or knowledge on using the internet safely and ethically. A mother, Nor Ashikin Mohd Rosli, 31, said the commission's briefing session was very beneficial and opened the eyes of parents to be more aware of controlling their children's internet usage, especially social media applications. 'I do monitor and control the use of gadgets and internet usage of my eldest child who is six years old. If he wants to use the internet, I have to be there too, I don't let him do it alone. I allow him to use the handphone for at least an hour before bed, and even then, only to watch pre-uploaded shows. Even we adults can be affected by the internet or social media apps, let alone children, so I avoid it. 'Raising children now is more challenging as in the past, internet usage was not yet widespread,' the housewife told Bernama. Another housewife, Shamshu Salina Mohd Ali, 44, also shares Nor Ashikin's view, adding that internet usage among children should be limited to educational purposes only. 'My child doesn't have gadgets and only accesses the internet using a computer. That's just to play Roblox. It's not just a game, but it greatly helps in my child's educational development, especially in mastering English, Mathematics and Science. But I limit it to three hours a day,' she said. Meanwhile, Postal Forum, a self-regulatory body designated by the MCMC, also held a sharing session titled 'Be Aware of Your Rights (Post and Courier)'. Postal Forum head Nur Hafizah Hanifah said the main functions of the body include representing the rights and interests of postal and courier service users, handling complaints, as well as providing feedback, and making recommendations to MCMC regarding the interests of postal and courier service users. 'We are not complaint resolvers but intermediaries between users and licensed courier companies under the MCMC. We also developed a code of practice for industry adjustment, and this Postal Services Code of Practice was approved by the MCMC on Dec 30, 2024. 'It was established as a guideline and reference for these companies regarding best practices to be used for the benefit of consumers,' she said. She added that her organisation is currently intensifying advocacy activities and raising public awareness on matters related to consumer interests and rights, including parcel scams that use the names of courier service companies to deceive consumers. More than 40 exhibitors, consisting of government and private agencies, participated in the Kita MADANI Carnival which was organised by the Penang Information Department. The event was also filled with various activities aimed at strengthening ties with the community.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- The Sun
Safe Internet Campaign increases awareness of social media usage
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The use of the internet and social media applications among children without supervision can invite negative impact, especially involving issues of safety, crime and social problems. In this regard, society, in particular parents, needs to be given exposure and early education on the prudent use of the internet so as not to become victims of online scams, online gambling, cyberbullying as well as paedophilia. Therefore, in raising awareness among the community, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) went to the ground to hold the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) in conjunction with the Penang-level Kita MADANI Carnival at Seberang Perai Tengah District Education Office (PPD) here today. Through the 'pocket talk' session delivered by an MCMC representative, visitors were informed about the age limit for children under 13 to use social media applications under the supervision of parents or guardians. Additionally, the MCMC shared about the effects and consequences of excessive use of social media applications among children, and subsequently provides tips or knowledge on using the internet safely and ethically. A mother, Nor Ashikin Mohd Rosli, 31, said the commission's briefing session was very beneficial and opened the eyes of parents to be more aware of controlling their children's internet usage, especially social media applications. 'I do monitor and control the use of gadgets and internet usage of my eldest child who is six years old. If he wants to use the internet, I have to be there too, I don't let him do it alone. I allow him to use the handphone for at least an hour before bed, and even then, only to watch pre-uploaded shows. Even we adults can be affected by the internet or social media apps, let alone children, so I avoid it. 'Raising children now is more challenging as in the past, internet usage was not yet widespread,' the housewife told Bernama. Another housewife, Shamshu Salina Mohd Ali, 44, also shares Nor Ashikin's view, adding that internet usage among children should be limited to educational purposes only. 'My child doesn't have gadgets and only accesses the internet using a computer. That's just to play Roblox. It's not just a game, but it greatly helps in my child's educational development, especially in mastering English, Mathematics and Science. But I limit it to three hours a day,' she said. Meanwhile, Postal Forum, a self-regulatory body designated by the MCMC, also held a sharing session titled 'Be Aware of Your Rights (Post and Courier)'. Postal Forum head Nur Hafizah Hanifah said the main functions of the body include representing the rights and interests of postal and courier service users, handling complaints, as well as providing feedback, and making recommendations to MCMC regarding the interests of postal and courier service users. 'We are not complaint resolvers but intermediaries between users and licensed courier companies under the MCMC. We also developed a code of practice for industry adjustment, and this Postal Services Code of Practice was approved by the MCMC on Dec 30, 2024. 'It was established as a guideline and reference for these companies regarding best practices to be used for the benefit of consumers,' she said. She added that her organisation is currently intensifying advocacy activities and raising public awareness on matters related to consumer interests and rights, including parcel scams that use the names of courier service companies to deceive consumers. More than 40 exhibitors, consisting of government and private agencies, participated in the Kita MADANI Carnival which was organised by the Penang Information Department. The event was also filled with various activities aimed at strengthening ties with the community.
