Latest news with #DatukFahmiFadzil
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What are PK battles? The viral trend taking over TikTok and worrying Malaysian parents (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — What began as a viral online trend has now sparked concern across Malaysia, as TikTok's Player Knockout (PK) Battles are drawing children and teenagers into addictive behaviours, including spending large sums of money and skipping school just to participate or watch. PK Battles — real-time, head-to-head competitions between streamers — have taken off in the country, with local influencers and even religious figures joining the craze but as reports of addiction and overspending among youth mount, parents, teachers, and even government officials are sounding the alarm. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently announced it would be meeting with TikTok's management to address the growing backlash. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the ministry is investigating complaints, particularly those involving children making in-app purchases to send digital gifts during these live battles. What are PK Battles? PK Battles are a format where two streamers face off in real-time, with viewers determining the winner by sending virtual 'gifts,' which have real monetary value. Once both streamers agree to a PK, their live streams are merged, allowing audiences from both sides to tune in simultaneously. The 'battle' could involve singing, dancing, mimicking expressions, doing push-ups, or just chatting. The loser, often chosen based on who gets fewer gifts, must perform a lighthearted punishment. Origin of PK Battles The term 'PK' originated in gaming culture, short for 'Player Kill,' used in MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, Lineage. Star Wars, Ultima Online and more where players could engage in PvP (player versus player) combat. PK battles in livestreaming were first popularized on Chinese platforms such as Inke, which integrated viewer gifting and audience engagement tools. The format quickly caught on across other platforms including and eventually TikTok and Douyin, where it has become one of the most popular and lucrative trends. Record breaking PK Battles Globally, PK battles have pulled in astonishing figures. One of the most high-profile matches involved Japanese streamer Mugen Siba (@mugen_siba) and Nunu (@nunu.d10). Despite having fewer followers, Mugen earned 324 million coins, equivalent to about US$4.2 million, in just one battle. Watch the match: Another major battle saw Anuoki defeating Nunu with 243 million coins (around US$3.16 million). Watch it here: Keeping the trend fresh To stay engaging, platforms are innovating their PK formats. Chinese app MOMO introduced 'Emoji PK,' where emojis drop across the screen and streamers must quickly match the expressions. Points are earned for accuracy, and fans can boost scores through gifts. Streaming platform YY even used PK battles as part of its talent competition rounds, turning them into high-stakes elimination matches. In Malaysia, the PK trend has gone mainstream. At the 2024 KamiSempoi Golden Award ceremony, local streamers Adelyn Heng, isseymiyakesg, and Madam Yaya engaged in a live PK battle on stage. Watch the event: Even well-known preacher Ebit Lew joined in, participating in a four-way battle that drew thousands of viewers. Watch here: While PK battles may seem harmless, there are serious risks. In 2023, a Chinese social media influencer met a tragic fate after streaming a PK battle on Chinese social media giant Douyin. On May 16, Sanqiange or Wang participated in the challenge against another influencer. He lost and the punishment was to consume baijiu, a strong Chinese alcoholic drink. A regular bottle of baijiu typically contains alcohol content ranging from 30-60 per cent. Wang had apparently consumed a minimum of four bottles of baijiu and tragically the punishment ultimately led to his death almost 12 hours later. In Malaysia, the danger lies in addiction. Teachers have reported students skipping school to watch or join PK battles. Parents are finding unexplained charges on their bank accounts linked to digital gifts purchased by their children as well as thefts. Not only that, the various types of punishment meted out to the losers have been revolting. Punishments include walking naked, streaming yourself live when you're showering, rubbing flour or cow dung on your face and other disgusting actions have been reported on the platform all of which go against the company's regulations. Some have even accused the trend as a means of washing dirty money. Pertubuhan Damai Revolusi Masyarakat president L. Francis said the MCMC and police should take action describing PK Battle as a harmful form of online gambling. He said it was a waste of time and could trigger social issues, including extortion, bullying, sexual exploitation and that some of the donations in the RM3,000 to RM10,000 range seems like a means of cleaning dirty money. The trend is raising serious questions about online regulation, parental controls, and platform accountability.


Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
What are PK battles? The viral trend taking over TikTok and worrying Malaysian parents (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — What began as a viral online trend has now sparked concern across Malaysia, as TikTok's Player Knockout (PK) Battles are drawing children and teenagers into addictive behaviours, including spending large sums of money and skipping school just to participate or watch. PK Battles — real-time, head-to-head competitions between streamers — have taken off in the country, with local influencers and even religious figures joining the craze but as reports of addiction and overspending among youth mount, parents, teachers, and even government officials are sounding the alarm. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently announced it would be meeting with TikTok's management to address the growing backlash. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the ministry is investigating complaints, particularly those involving children making in-app purchases to send digital gifts during these live battles. What are PK Battles? PK Battles are a format where two streamers face off in real-time, with viewers determining the winner by sending virtual 'gifts,' which have real monetary value. Once both streamers agree to a PK, their live streams are merged, allowing audiences from both sides to tune in simultaneously. The 'battle' could involve singing, dancing, mimicking expressions, doing push-ups, or just chatting. The loser, often chosen based on who gets fewer gifts, must perform a lighthearted punishment. Origin of PK Battles The term 'PK' originated in gaming culture, short for 'Player Kill,' used in MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, Lineage. Star Wars, Ultima Online and more where players could engage in PvP (player versus player) combat. PK battles in livestreaming were first popularized on Chinese platforms such as Inke, which integrated viewer gifting and audience engagement tools. The format quickly caught on across other platforms including and eventually TikTok and Douyin, where it has become one of the most popular and lucrative trends. Record breaking PK Battles Globally, PK battles have pulled in astonishing figures. One of the most high-profile matches involved Japanese streamer Mugen Siba (@mugen_siba) and Nunu (@nunu.d10). Despite having fewer followers, Mugen earned 324 million coins, equivalent to about US$4.2 million, in just one battle. Watch the match: Another major battle saw Anuoki defeating Nunu with 243 million coins (around US$3.16 million). Watch it here: Keeping the trend fresh To stay engaging, platforms are innovating their PK formats. Chinese app MOMO introduced 'Emoji PK,' where emojis drop across the screen and streamers must quickly match the expressions. Points are earned for accuracy, and fans can boost scores through gifts. Streaming platform YY even used PK battles as part of its talent competition rounds, turning them into high-stakes elimination matches. In Malaysia, the PK trend has gone mainstream. At the 2024 KamiSempoi Golden Award ceremony, local streamers Adelyn Heng, isseymiyakesg, and Madam Yaya engaged in a live PK battle on stage. Watch the event: @f8buzz Siap PK Battle secara langsung atas pentas! Lebih 1 Juta poin dalam masa 5 minit KamiSempoi Golden Award 2024 berlangsung bagi menghargai hos TikTok Live dan rakan niaga agensi TikTok Live tersohor, KamiSempoi. Lebih 20 anugerah dipertaruhkan buat 3000 TikToker yang bernaung di bawah KamiSempoi. Antara yang bakal hadir adalah Riezman Khuzaimi merangkap duta KamiSempoi, penyanyi, Bulan Asyraf, Nita Hamzah, pelakon, Nadia Mustafa, Mustaqim Bahadon dan Syafiq Putra. #f8buzzliveupdate #kamisempoi #kamisempoigoldenaward2024 #ksia #tiktolive #tiktok #pk #pkbattle @Pᴀᴋᴄɪᴋ CʜɪɴSᴡᴇᴇ光頭爺爺 @KAMISEMPOI AGENCY @adelynheng Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Even well-known preacher Ebit Lew joined in, participating in a four-way battle that drew thousands of viewers. Watch here: While PK battles may seem harmless, there are serious risks. In 2023, a Chinese social media influencer met a tragic fate after streaming a PK battle on Chinese social media giant Douyin. On May 16, Sanqiange or Wang participated in the challenge against another influencer. He lost and the punishment was to consume baijiu, a strong Chinese alcoholic drink. A regular bottle of baijiu typically contains alcohol content ranging from 30-60 per cent. Wang had apparently consumed a minimum of four bottles of baijiu and tragically the punishment ultimately led to his death almost 12 hours later. In Malaysia, the danger lies in addiction. Teachers have reported students skipping school to watch or join PK battles. Parents are finding unexplained charges on their bank accounts linked to digital gifts purchased by their children as well as thefts. Not only that, the various types of punishment meted out to the losers have been revolting. Punishments include walking naked, streaming yourself live when you're showering, rubbing flour or cow dung on your face and other disgusting actions have been reported on the platform all of which go against the company's regulations. Some have even accused the trend as a means of washing dirty money. Pertubuhan Damai Revolusi Masyarakat president L. Francis said the MCMC and police should take action describing PK Battle as a harmful form of online gambling. He said it was a waste of time and could trigger social issues, including extortion, bullying, sexual exploitation and that some of the donations in the RM3,000 to RM10,000 range seems like a means of cleaning dirty money. The trend is raising serious questions about online regulation, parental controls, and platform accountability.

Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PKR central leadership polls: Anwar makes his pick for party's future
JOHOR BARU, May 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PKR president, cast his vote in person today in the party's central leadership election at Berjaya Waterfront Hotel here. Anwar arrived at around 12.07pm, accompanied by PKR Advisory Council chair Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Also present at the polling centre — which is hosting the 2024/2025 AMK (PKR Youth) National Congress — were PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh, party communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and PKR Central Election Committee chair Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Dr Wan Azizah also fulfilled her voting duty. After casting his vote, Anwar spent time greeting delegates and party staff. Voting for PKR's central leadership is being held today, covering the Central Leadership Council (MPP), Youth Leadership Council (AMK), and Women's Leadership Council. Polls are open from 8am to 5pm. A total of 32,030 delegates are eligible to vote — 22,936 online and 9,094 in person. In addition to Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, in-person voting is also taking place at the PKR Women's Congress at Danga Bay Convention Centre, while in Sabah and Sarawak, it is being held at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) in Penampang and the Penview Convention Centre in Kuching. This election sees 251 candidates contesting across all categories: 104 for the MPP, 85 for AMK, and 62 for the Women's Council. The prime minister is unchallenged for the party presidency, while the deputy presidency is a head-to-head race between Nurul Izzah Anwar and current holder, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. For the vice-presidency, 12 candidates are in the running, including four incumbents: Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Meanwhile, AMK deputy chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, who is also the political secretary to the finance minister, is uncontested for the AMK chief post. The women's chief post is a straight fight between Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail. Dr Zaliha previously stated that results could be announced as early as tonight or by 2.30pm tomorrow. Anwar is scheduled to officiate the 2024/2025 PKR National Congress at 9.25pm tonight at the Persada International Convention Centre here, attended by party leaders and delegates. — Bernama

Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Fuziah: If Anwar can lead at global level, PKR must match his energy and unity at home
JOHOR BARU, May 23 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members must emulate the leadership and success of their president and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has worked tirelessly to elevate Malaysia's name on the global stage, says PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh. She said under Anwar's leadership, Malaysia was also practising good governance to drive national development. 'Our president, once a reformist, is now a statesman. We are now the ASEAN Chair. He has succeeded in making Malaysia's voice a unifying one. The Prime Minister is seen as a peacemaker, unafraid to share his views on the world stage, and his leadership is closely watched globally. This is the best model for us. 'In fact, the president gives us guidance and challenges. He is much older, yet stronger. Although we're younger, sometimes we feel we can't keep up with him... he's so fast, with so many programmes. If he can work that hard, how can we say we're tired or want to slow down? His spirit should be our driving force,' she said last night. Fuziah made the remarks when officiating the joint opening of the PKR Youth (AMK) Congress and Women's Congress, also attended by PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also Communications Minister; Central Election Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories); Wanita chief and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; and AMK chief and Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim. Fuziah, who is also Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, also called on all PKR members, particularly the party wings, to work together to ensure the Prime Minister continues to lead the country into a second term. 'We are the driving force, the agents ensuring this agenda becomes reality by making sure MADANI policies not only take root but bear fruit for future generations. 'MADANI is not just a slogan; it is crucial that we translate it into behaviour, decision-making processes, and policies that will guide national development-and this requires us to harness all our strengths in the party,' she said. To achieve this aspiration, Fuziah said party members must offer politics of value and service to the community, rather than rhetoric. She also stressed the importance of all members remaining united after the central leadership elections, which will take place today. 'Our next focus is the Sabah and Sarawak state elections before the General Election. We reconcile, we consolidate, we move as one team. We set aside differences and move as 'Kita Keadilan',' she said. Fuziah also reminded delegates not to jeopardise the party just to fulfil personal agendas. 'We can differ in opinion, but this is our party. We are on a ship headed for our destination. If, in pursuing personal agendas, we punch holes in the ship, all of us will sink. Don't take this lightly. It's not easy to keep the ship safe. But if it sinks, it won't just be those who made the holes who go down-we all will. 'Bring value-based politics. It's okay to agree or disagree. We're not fighting enemies. We're competing among ourselves,' she said. — Bernama