Latest news with #DIYANAPFORDTEN


The Star
11-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Chemor temple not facing demolition, says chairman
Compiled by DIYANA PFORDTEN, and R. ARAVINTHAN THE Chemor Sri Muniswarar Temple committee had denied claims that the temple is facing demolition, Makkal Osai reported. Its chairman, identified as Mugam Nathan, said the temple was visited by Ipoh City Council officials a few days ago. The visit was related to the road-widening works near the temple, which is located next to the railway tracks. The temple toilets, store and office structures have been removed to make way for the work, but the temple itself need not be demolished, he said. This had also been confirmed by the council officials who visited the temple, Mugam said. He added that people should stop spreading online claims. > The daily also reported that a diminutive female wildlife ranger in India has surprised the Internet by catching a 5.48m-long cobra bare-handed. The officer, identified as Roshni from Kerala, was called to deal with a cobra in a Thiruvanndapuram housing area. Roshni, who has apparently caught around 800 snakes in eight years with the wildlife department, dealt with the serpent with ease. (The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)


The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
I'm not a narcissist, sings Hazama
Compiled by DIYANA PFORDTEN, and R. ARAVINTHAN SINGER Hazama has launched his latest single, Aku Bukan Narsisis (I'm not a narcissist), which centres on narcissistic personality traits, Kosmo! reported. However, Hazama, whose full name is Hazama Ahmad Azmi, is uneasy with the term. 'I actually don't agree with the word narcissistic. To me, it's negative and I've never worked with, met or labelled anyone that way. 'Even if someone shows those traits, I just assume they're having a bad day. If we label them permanently, we don't give them a chance to change,' he said. Hazama said the theme was requested by Sony Music and composer Farouk Roman, so he went along with it despite his discomfort. Reflecting on his career since winning Akademi Fantasia (AF) Season 9, Hazama credited the three-month reality programme with teaching him the fundamentals of quality in performance and professionalism. 'I don't chase controversy. AF didn't teach us how to create drama; it taught us how to deliver good music,' he added, emphasising that lasting talent comes from substance, not sensationalism. > The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) made the nation proud by winning 19 gold medals at the World Police and Fire Games 2025 (WPFG) in Birmingham, United States, Harian Metro reported. The contingent also bagged 17 silver and 10 bronze medals, placing Malaysia ninth overall in the prestigious international tournament. JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad praised the athletes' performance, citing their extraordinary discipline and fighting spirit. 'This achievement surpasses our target of 18 gold medals and breaks JBPM's previous record at the 2023 games in Winnipeg, Canada,' he said. Three gold medals were from the bodybuilding event, while seven golds were from tenpin bowling, six from golf and three from darts. Golf also contributed eight silver medals, followed by six from bowling, two from darts and one from the push pull and bench press event. Ten bronze medals were earned through bowling (six), golf (three) and darts (one). JBPM's bodybuilding team leader Snr Asst Supt Hasmadi Jusoh said the team had trained intensively for five months leading up to the games. 'We faced major challenges on the first day, especially competing against more experienced international athletes,' he said, crediting the team's success to their discipline and preparation for the tournament. > Motorists travelling along Jalan Felda Aring to Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu, were startled when a full-grown Malayan tiger was seen crossing the road in broad daylight, Harian Metro reported. In a video that has since gone viral, the tiger, estimated to weigh around 200kg, was spotted calmly emerging from the roadside before disappearing into the bushy slope across the road. (The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)


The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Bank worker gets life for selling fake products
Compiled by DIYANA PFORDTEN, and R. ARAVINTHAN A BANK employee from Zhengzhou, China, was sentenced to life imprisonment for selling 160mil yuan (RM94.7mil) worth of fake wealth management products, China Press reported. She spent nearly half of it on tips to male livestreamers. Based on a verdict from the Zhengzhou Intermediate People's Court, bank relationship manager Xi Wei had sold fictitious investment products between 2009 and 2022 which guaranteed the principal sum and promised high returns. Some 31 customers trusted her and handed her a total of 160mil yuan for investment. The court heard that she spent more than 60mil yuan (RM35.5mil) on credits on a livestreaming platform and another 10mil yuan (RM5.92mil) on luxury goods, cars, clothing and two houses. Xi currently still owes her 'investors' 90mil yuan (RM53.3mil) and was sentenced to prison for life. A source close to the case claimed that following her failed marriage, Xi would spend most of her time watching male livestreamers and send them tips on the platform. On one occasion, she even tipped one male livestreamer just so he would spend eight hours straight singing for her, the source claimed. When interviewed, a source from the livestreaming platform said that Xi has five accounts on the platform and has sent 32,442 tips to 2,797 livestreamers, with each tip costing an average of 197.35 yuan (RM116.88). As a result of Xi's actions, the Chinese authorities are also taking action against the livestreaming platform. They deemed that the company should have flagged Xi's actions as spending 60mil yuan on credits was not considered 'reasonable consumer behaviour'. (The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)


The Star
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Crumbling classrooms raise concern
Compiled by DIYANA PFORDTEN, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN PUPILS of SJK(T) Ladang Kerling have been forced to attend classes sitting on the floor in a dingy room with a termite-damaged roof at a nearby national school, Malaysia Nanban reported. School board chairman M. Kumaran said the Public Works Department had stopped buses from using the road leading to the school as it is badly damaged. He said the Selangor education department allowed them to use rooms at a nearby school until the road was fixed, but no effort was made to prepare them. > Goa's chief minister had to step in after doctors threatened a strike over Health Minister Vishwajit Rane publicly scolding and threatening a doctor with suspension, Makkal Osai reported. A viral video of the incident sparked public backlash, prompting Vishwajit to apologise, saying he acted out of emotion. The Goa Association of Resident Doctors rejected the apology and warned of a strike unless a sincere one was made. Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant vowed to review the doctors' demands. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.


The Star
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Toilets at food and petrol stops in poor state
Compiled by DIYANA PFORDTEN, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN A RECENT study has revealed that about 80% of toilets at food outlets and petrol stations across Malaysia are dirty, foul-smelling and poorly maintained. The survey, conducted by the National Consumer Foundation of Malaysia (YPNM), inspected more than 2,000 toilets at eateries and petrol stations, including those in Sabah and Sarawak, Utusan Malaysia reported. According to the survey, many of these facilities lacked basic hygiene necessities such as soap, adequate water supply and essential cleaning equipment. YPNM president Datuk Dr Mohd Firdaus Abdullah said toilet cleanliness reflects not only the people's mindset but also the nation's image. 'Cleanliness of public toilets is a vital aspect of our culture and national identity. 'Unfortunately, many food business operators still treat this issue as trivial,' said Mohd Firdaus. The foundation's findings highlight an urgent need for stricter enforcement and greater awareness regarding hygiene standards, especially in high-traffic public facilities. > Kosmo! reported on a mother's tireless journey of love and sacrifice in raising her special needs son, who has been bedridden since he was a baby. Zuriana Daud's eldest son Muhammad Aiman, now 17, suffers from physical disabilities that require full-time care. She said he drinks special formula milk, wears disposable diapers and needs round-the-clock attention. 'He's easy to care for. When I look at his face, I feel strong. He's a blessing, not a burden,' said Zuriana. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.