Latest news with #DANIALHAKIM
Sinar Daily
12-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Spice, chill, repeat: Samyang MEP set to blaze the Malaysian spice factor
Available in two bold, addictive flavours such as Grilled Garlic Shrimp and Black Pepper Chicken. By DANIAL HAKIM 15 Jun 2025 10:00am Samyang MEP is the newest sensation now sizzling exclusively at 7-Eleven Malaysia, promising comfort, convenience, and connection with every slurp. Photo courtesy of Samyang Foods. With endless scrolling and back-to-back commitments filling our days, sometimes the only escape you need is a break and maybe a bowl of hot, spicy Korean Samyang MEP, the newest sensation now sizzling exclusively at 7-Eleven Malaysia, promising comfort, convenience, and connection with every everything from assignments and meetings to group chats and content feeds demanding attention, Malaysians, especially Gen Z and young professionals, are craving more than just fast food. They want flavour, feeling, and five minutes to just MEP gets it. Available in two bold, addictive flavours—Grilled Garlic Shrimp and Black Pepper Chicken—this new ramyeon offering by Samyang Foods, one of Korea's leading noodle giants, is here to deliver just that. Photo courtesy of Samyang Foods. Available in two bold, addictive flavours such as Grilled Garlic Shrimp and Black Pepper Chicken, this new ramyeon offering by Samyang Foods, is here to deliver just to prep, easy to love, and easy to share, it's already shaping up to be the go-to choice for quick meals with serious spice, a craving Malaysians know all too to rice, instant noodles are quietly but surely becoming a staple in Malaysian households. But ramyeon is a whole different rooted in Korean culture, ramyeon is less about convenience and more about MEP is now available only at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
Sinar Daily
29-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
KitKat unveils Borneo Single-Origin Chocolate at MICF 2025, celebrating local cocoa heritage
The premium, single-origin dark chocolate reflects the lush richness of Malaysian-grown cocoa. By DANIAL HAKIM 05 Jun 2025 01:05pm Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols showcasing the newly launched KitKat Dark Borneo Ice Cream at the 2025 Malaysian International Cocoa Fair in Kota Kinabalu. Photo courtesy of Nestlé Malaysia. KITKAT officially unveiled its dedication to Malaysia's cocoa heritage with the spotlight on KitKat Dark Borneo—a single-origin chocolate crafted exclusively with cocoa from Sabah and Sarawak at the 2025 Malaysian International Cocoa Fair in Kota Malaysia, the company behind the iconic KitKat brand, took centre stage as the Platinum Sponsor at the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, hosted at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) company used the prestigious platform to showcase its KitKat Dark Borneo—a premium, single-origin dark chocolate that reflects the lush richness of Malaysian-grown using 100 per cent responsibly sourced cocoa beans from the volcanic soil and humid tropics of Sabah and Sarawak, KitKat Dark Borneo delivers a distinctive flavour described as "not too bitter, not too sweet," thanks to meticulous fermentation and sun-drying the heart of Nestlé's presence at MICF was a reaffirmation of its long-term commitment to revitalising Malaysia's cocoa the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI), launched in 2023, the company aims to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local farms by expands Nestlé's Farmer Connect programme to East Malaysia, promoting regenerative agriculture with practices such as agroforestry, intercropping, and soil health efforts not only enhance yields and farm resilience but also protect the natural ecosystem.'Nestlé Malaysia is fully committed to working alongside local stakeholders to expand cocoa farming while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, traceability and human rights compliance.'We are excited to transform the dedication of North Borneo's farmers into innovative products that bring joy to Malaysians and our consumers worldwide, just as we have with KitKat Dark Borneo now introduced in a special ice cream edition that celebrates Malaysia's cocoa heritage and promising future,' Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols is not just stopping at chocolate bars. In an exciting development, the KitKat Dark Borneo experience has been extended to ice cream. Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols showcasing the newly launched KitKat Dark Borneo Ice Cream at the 2025 Malaysian International Cocoa Fair in Kota Kinabalu. Photo courtesy of Nestlé Malaysia. The newly launched KitKat Dark Borneo Ice Cream combines Nestlé's signature wafer ice cream with dark chocolate made from Borneo cocoa, topped with crushed KitKat wafer bits.'KitKat has always been about indulgence and joy and with KitKat Dark Borneo, we set out to create something that truly honours our roots.'Made with 52 per cent cocoa, it is carefully crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of bold richness and smooth texture—offering a distinctive taste that celebrates the essence of Malaysian cocoa and the dedication of farmers in Sabah and Sarawak,' Nestlé Confectionery business executive officer Carlota Casellas KitKat Dark variants are manufactured at Nestlé's Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri facility, one of the largest Nestlé confectionery and ice cream plants in Asia, also serves as a key export hub to ASEAN and global part of its sustainability journey, the factory operates a biomass boiler powered by renewable materials like palm kernel shells and empty fruit bunches, cutting its reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Nestlé's carbon-neutral manufacturing 2024, KitKat Dark Borneo received the NielsenIQ (NIQ) BASES Breakthrough Innovation Award, a testament to its unique value as a premium local product and the growing appreciation among consumers for single-origin cocoa processing industry has seen robust growth, with exports reaching RM15 billion in 2024. However, much of this is still dependent on imported beans. By promoting products like KitKat Dark Borneo, Nestlé hopes to unlock the untapped potential of local cocoa cultivation, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak—regions well-suited for growing high-quality cocoa.
Sinar Daily
22-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Malaysians are rediscovering the joy of domestic travel
By DANIAL HAKIM 22 Jun 2025 01:00pm According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. Photo: Canva THE joy of old-school region hopping has once more struck among local Malaysians as domestic travels surge like never before. According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. As a result, this trend reflects a shift in travel behaviour as Malaysians seek out more intimate, flexible, and culturally connected experiences without leaving their own backyard. 'It is encouraging to see Malaysians continuing to explore and celebrate the richness of their own country. 'The growing trend of domestic travel, led by millennial guests, reflects a broader shift toward more meaningful, connected, and flexible travel,' Airbnb country head for India and Southeast Asia, Amanpreet Bajaj said. While major cities like Kuala Lumpur remain firm favourites, off-the-beaten-path destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Hulu Langat in Selangor and Kinta in Perak were among the top ten most visited local cities on Airbnb in 2024 by Malaysian guests — a clear indication of rising interest in nature-filled retreats and lesser-known escapades. From rainforest getaways to riverside kampungs, these alternative destinations offer a different kind of travel, one that is much slower, more intentional, and often more rejuvenating. Airbnb also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Photo: Canva Malaysia isn't just winning local hearts — it's also drawing international eyes. Kuala Lumpur ranked among the top three most booked cities in Southeast Asia by international Airbnb guests in 2024, standing proudly alongside regional heavyweights like Bangkok. This further positions Malaysia strongly as it gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, with increasing global interest in its diverse travel offerings — from heritage-rich towns and island escapes to vibrant urban hubs. The year 2024 also saw millennials (aged 30 to 39) emerging as the leading demographic for Airbnb bookings in Malaysia, further cementing the age group as one of the leading voices for travel buffs locally and globally when it comes to the Malaysian landscape. It was also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Additionally, long-term stays increased by over 17 per cent, suggesting more travellers are opting for slower-paced journeys and 'work-from-anywhere' lifestyles. As Airbnb data suggests, the top cities visited by international Airbnb guests included Johor Bahru, Penang, Petaling Jaya, Melaka, Langkawi, and Kuching — a mix of culinary capitals, coastal gems, and culture-rich locales. On the flipside, the top inbound travellers to Malaysia came from Singapore, China, Indonesia, the US, and South Korea, highlighting Malaysia's continued appeal as a regional and global favourite. More Like This
Sinar Daily
18-06-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
What's hiding in your banana fritters? Penang woman finds fried lizard
Penang woman's dessert comes with deep-fried lizard By DANIAL HAKIM 18 Jun 2025 10:09am The shocking discovery was documented in a 16-second video posted on TikTok by user @ where the charred remains of a reptile are clearly seen inside the paper container holding the fritters. Photo: TikTok / @ SHAH ALAM – What began as a routine takeaway snack quickly spiraled into a stomach-churning experience for a Malaysian woman who ordered pisang goreng tiramisu (tiramisu banana fritters) from a roadside stall in Bayan Baru, Penang. Hidden under layers of shredded cheese and dessert toppings was the last thing she expected: a fried lizard. The shocking discovery was documented in a 16-second video posted on TikTok by user @ where the charred remains of a reptile are clearly seen inside the paper container holding the fritters. Using a fork, she lifted the object, rinsed it under running water and revealed the unmistakable shape of a lizard. In the video's caption and in follow-up comments, Alisha did not hold back her fury over the stall's unsanitary practices. 'Bought tiramisu banana fritters and got a fried lizard. "Be careful of irresponsible, filthy eateries. If you get food poisoning or die from it, you'll have to bear it yourself because the seller doesn't care as long as they profit,' she said. She also mentioned that the stall had an overwhelming stench, describing it as smelling 'like a sewer' and accused the seller of being indifferent when confronted. 'The seller didn't even care when we told them. I've been to two clinics. I have had food poisoning since May 29 and I still have not recovered,' she said. Although no official statement has yet been released by local authorities or the stall in question, the video has reignited concerns about the cleanliness and food handling standards of roadside eateries. This is not the first time local food vendors have come under fire for hygiene lapses, but the grotesque nature of this incident involving a dead lizard deep-fried with dessert has elevated the concern to new levels. Consumers are calling for stricter enforcement, especially at popular street food locations. For now, Alisha is recovering from food poisoning and hopes her story will keep others from suffering the same fate. 'I'm sharing this so others are careful when eating. This shop is disgusting,' she added. More Like This
Sinar Daily
16-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
How pizza deliveries near the Pentagon are becoming an unofficial war signal
On June 13, 2025, a flurry of Domino's orders near the Pentagon set off digital alarms. By DANIAL HAKIM 16 Jun 2025 05:16pm Not only was Domino's humming with orders, but Papa John's and other chains in Arlington also spiked in activity. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. A suspicious spike in pizza orders near the Pentagon just before a major Middle East escalation has revived one of the internet's most oddly accurate conspiracy theories: that when pizza flows, war follows. Long before Google Maps and real-time delivery tracking, Soviet spies in Washington noticed something strange: before every US military operation, pizza places got slammed. They called it Pizzint — short for 'pizza intelligence.' Fast-forward to 2025 and this once-shadowy tactic is now a tongue-in-cheek OSINT (open-source intelligence) indicator tracked by a viral X account @PenPizzaReport. The theory? If the Domino Pizza's near the Pentagon is suddenly busier than usual, something big is brewing behind the scenes. Slice by Slice, the Evidence Builds On June 13, 2025, a flurry of Domino's orders near the Pentagon set off digital alarms. 'As of 6.59pm ET, nearly all pizza establishments nearby the Pentagon have experienced a HUGE surge in activity,' posted X user @PenPizzaReport. Fast-forward to 2025, and this once-shadowy tactic is now a tongue-in-cheek OSINT (open-source intelligence) indicator tracked by a viral X account @PenPizzaReport. Photo: X Barely an hour later, Iran reported explosions in Tehran, confirming an Israeli strike that was previously undisclosed to the public. For those watching the pizza pattern, the signs were there. The Israel-Iran attacks are not one-off incidents either. In April 2024, the Pentagon's pizza scene lit up again, just hours before Iran launched drones into Israel. Not only was Domino's humming with orders, but Papa John's and other chains in Arlington also spiked in activity. Then, on June 1 this year, @PenPizzaReport stated a late-night delivery surge and mere hours later, another separate Israel-Iran escalation hit global headlines. Coincidence? Perhaps. But as former CNN Pentagon correspondent Wolf Blitzer famously said back in 1990, 'Bottom line for journalists: Always monitor the pizzas.' The Pentagon Pizza Index While it started as a Cold War anecdote, the Pentagon Pizza Index has become a modern meme-meets-monitoring tool. It relies on platforms like Google Maps, Uber Eats and social media to track when Pentagon-area pizza joints become busy. When it comes to pizza, it's a worldwide comfort food, easy to share and perfect for ordering in during marathon nights when military brass are stuck behind desks dealing with a crisis. Behavioral psychology also supports the concept of the Pentagon Pizza Index. Under stress, people crave calorie-heavy, familiar meals. There are no pizza places inside the Pentagon itself, so external orders, especially at odd hours, are often a signal that 'something's up.' The Gay Bar Theory To broaden the analysis, @PenPizzaReport does not just monitor pizza. They recently stated that a popular gay bar near the Pentagon was 'abnormally empty for a Thursday night,' suggesting a quiet panic may be brewing. This has become a form of amateur threat analysis: when pizza orders rise and nightlife drops, it may signal all hands on deck behind classified walls. Long before Google Maps and real-time delivery tracking, Soviet spies in Washington noticed something strange: before every US military operation, pizza places got slammed. They called it Pizzint — short for 'pizza intelligence.' Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. Despite the recent viral meme sensation of the theory, most skeptics dismiss the Pentagon Pizza Index as silly internet speculation. However, the consistency is hard to ignore. The theory's viral resurgence came in August 2024 when X user @RealBenGeller said the 'Pizza Meter was off the charts' as DC bars emptied. The chatter exploded, landing on TikTok feeds around the world. While the United States military has not confirmed any connection between pizza and secret operations, it has changed its fast-food habits. After the theory gained notoriety, government staffers began ordering from various locations or picking up pies themselves, trying to cover their cheesy tracks. 'You can't bank a war call on pizza...'While the consistency is clearly visible and as they say down in the West, "the pie don't lie," analysts remain cautious about reading too much into pepperoni patterns. While it started as a Cold War anecdote, the Pentagon Pizza Index has become a modern meme-meets-monitoring tool, relying on platforms like Google Maps, Uber Eats, and social media to track when Pentagon-area pizza joints light up with activity. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. 'You can't bank a war call on a pizza. But if the Pentagon's burning the midnight oil and feeding everyone, it's worth a second look,' an unnamed senior OSINT expert told The Economic Times. With Israel's recent strike on Iran, the Pizza Index has once again scored a piping-hot point for the theory. Whether the world calls it coincidence or crowd-sourced clairvoyance, the Pentagon Pizza Index continues to intrigue. In a digital world awash with noise, it's oddly comforting and slightly terrifying that a Domino's order history could be the breadcrumb trail to global conflict. One thing is for sure: the next time you see that 'busier than usual' banner on Google Maps near the Pentagon, you might want to turn on the news or duck for cover. More Like This
