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New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Thousands flock to Jom Heboh X National Pineapple Day carnival despite rain
JOHOR BARU: Overcast skies and light rain failed to dampen the spirit of thousands who thronged the Jom Heboh X National Pineapple Day Carnival site here today. For the first time, National Pineapple Day is being celebrated on a grand scale, with vibrant festivities held in conjunction with the Jom Heboh Carnival (KJH), elevating the status of the tropical fruit as a national pride. The carnival, organised by Media Prima Berhad (MPB) and brought exclusively by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM), kicked off as early as 9am. It runs from yesterday until tomorrow, featuring a wide range of engaging activities, exhibitions and attractive prizes. A check by NSTP found that the Padang B grounds at Angsana Johor Baru mall were packed with visitors from as early as 9am. One of the most eye-catching attractions was the "Pineapple Mountain" display by LPNM, built from over 30,000 pineapples stacked in a mountain-like formation next to the agency's main booth. Visitors eagerly took the opportunity to snap photos at the unique display, which was complemented by landscaped decorations featuring various ornamental bromeliads, a pineapple species known for their colourful and uniquely patterned leaves. The LPNM pavilion drew a strong crowd with its engaging exhibits showcasing a wide variety of pineapple-based food products, health items and downstream innovations. LPNM Corporate Communications Unit head Ary Putra Tajuddin said the LPNM booth aimed to highlight the diverse benefits of pineapples, with a strong focus on educating the public, especially younger generations. "In addition to food-based products, we are also showcasing a variety of non-food pineapple uses. "For example, we have 'pinapeat', dried pineapple waste that can be turned into animal feed pellets for cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits and fish. It can also be used to grow mushroom blocks. "We're also showing examples of silage, which is pineapple waste processed into compost fertiliser. This kind of information is not widely known, and our exhibition serves to educate and inspire innovation among the public," he said. LPNM is also distributing free publications, including Hana dan Dunia Nanas, a children's storybook, and a pineapple recipe book tailored for women and cooking enthusiasts. Public servant Mohd Faizal Junaidi, 38, from Kluang, said he and his family have never missed the Johor Baru edition of the Jom Heboh Carnival. He, his wife and their four children have long been fans of KJH, and were especially excited this year as the carnival coincides with National Pineapple Day for the first time. "My wife was thrilled by the beautiful pineapple plant arrangements, as she enjoys gardening. We're also looking forward to the pineapple and pineapple tart giveaway this evening, which is set to enter the Malaysia Book of Records. "Besides spending our weekend together as a family, we're also here to check out the interesting booths and sample the variety of food on offer before heading home tonight," he said.
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mat Sabu: Pineapple Day, a national recognition of 'extraordinary' fruit
JOHOR BARU: For the first time ever, Malaysia has celebrated National Pineapple Day at the federal level, marking a significant step in recognising the fruit as a national agricultural symbol. Held in conjunction with World Pineapple Day, which falls on June 27 each year, the three-day celebration kicked off yesterday. Organised by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) in collaboration with Media Prima Berhad through the Jom Heboh Carnival, the event was hosted here in Johor Baru. Carrying the theme "Our Pineapple, Our National Pride", the celebration aims to position the pineapple as a modern agricultural icon and a symbol of rural success. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said that although Pineapple Day has been recognised internationally, Malaysia had yet to commemorate it officially until now. "As such, LPNM has decided to organise National Pineapple Day biennially, starting in 2025, with June 27 designated as the official national celebration," he said at the launch ceremony. The event was officiated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, with Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup also in attendance. Held at the Angsana Johor Baru mall, the pineapple-themed Jom Heboh Carnival was expected to draw between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors. While the carnival maintained its traditional format, it featured a strong pineapple focus, including LPNM's main booth, an enclosed interactive pavilion, 50 entrepreneurial tents for pineapple product promotions and sales, and pineapple-themed decorations throughout the venue. A key highlight of the celebration was the Pineapple Seminar held today at the Thistle Johor Bahru hotel, attended by 400 participants. A total of 12 papers were presented by local and international experts from Indonesia and the Philippines. Sheikh Umar said National Pineapple Day aimed to elevate the status of pineapples beyond being an agricultural product, portraying it as a national identity that reflects quality and capability. "This is not just a festive occasion; it's a national recognition of a tropical fruit that is often seen as ordinary, but is in fact extraordinary," he said. He said that Malaysia's pineapple industry is growing rapidly and has become a key contributor to the agrofood sector. In recent years, the export value of fresh pineapples and pineapple-based products has shown an encouraging upward trend. "This progress is the result of tireless efforts by smallholders, agro-entrepreneurs, industry investors, and continuous support from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and related agencies," he said. Mohamad, meanwhile, lauded the inaugural carnival-style celebration of National Pineapple Day. "Congratulations to LPNM for organising this inaugural celebration in such a lively manner. It will leave a lasting impression on the local community and beyond, particularly among Singaporeans. It will further boost awareness and demand for Malaysian pineapples," he said. Thirteen awards were presented during the celebration to industry players who have demonstrated excellence in developing the sector. Among the accolades were the Seed Pineapple Supplier Award (Datuk Mohd Hashrizal Zainol Haris), Pineapple Heroine Award (Salis Cemerlang), Pineapple Profile Champion Award (Mass Food Industries Sdn Bhd), Pineapple Innovation Award (Ensu Lifesciences Sdn Bhd), and Agrotourism Pineapple Award (Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm). Other recipients included the Community Pioneer Award (Achik Gold Cafe), Pro Farmer Youth Award (Mohd Nasry Mohd Nasir), Individual Pro Farmer Award (Khairill Anuar Mohamad), Company Pro Farmer Award (Awana Asia Sdn Bhd), and Group Pro Farmer Award (Koperasi Penanam Nanas Kedah Berhad). Also recognised were Aqina Fruits for the Glocal Pineapple Award and Pineapple Icon Award, and the National Stem Association for the Special School Innovation Award. Nur Firzana Suhana @ Husin, the founder of Ensutouch and recipient of the Pineapple Innovation Award through her company Ensu Lifesciences Sdn Bhd, expressed her appreciation for the recognition. "We are still a young company, so this award from LPNM during National Pineapple Day means a great deal. "Our skincare products use the pineapple's core, crown, and skin—developed in collaboration with SIRIM. I hope this recognition inspires more efforts to promote these enzyme-based beauty products, both locally and internationally," she said.
New Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Media Prima celebrates staff transformation in Weight Loss Challenge 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Berhad (MPB) celebrated the health achievements of its staff today at the prize-giving ceremony for the MPB Weight Loss Challenge 2025 in Balai Berita Bangsar. The three-month programme, held from Jan 14 to April 14, saw 126 employees from various departments and subsidiaries take part in the wellness initiative, aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and building a resilient, energetic workforce. In the male category, Aidi Shamsuddin from the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) emerged as the top winner after shedding 22kg, earning the RM2,000 grand prize, followed by Mohd Shawal Ismail (21.5kg) and Azizulhelmy Mohamad (20.3kg). "It was tough, especially during Hari Raya. I had to control my eating even then, but I managed to reach my target. "I exercised, did strength training, cardio, and watched my diet by increasing protein and cutting carbohydrates," said Aidi. Meanwhile, in the female category, Laila Mohd Zain from the REV Media Group secured first place after losing 16.7kg, followed by Nurul Akmar Razehan Abd Aziz came in second (14.5kg) and Nur Aiza Abd Mutalib third (11.8kg). "The most difficult challenge was the lifestyle change and staying consistent. "It's easy in the first few weeks when you're still excited, but after a month or two, it becomes harder. "Still, my friends and family were really supportive, and that helped me stay motivated," said Laila. Participants were evaluated based on achieving at least a 10 per cent reduction in their starting weight, with the top five in each category receiving cash prizes ranging from RM500 to RM2,000. Mini challenges were also conducted every three weeks between January and March, offering RM200 prizes to the male and female participants who recorded the highest percentage of weight loss in each round. Also present was MPB group chairman Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Aljunid who handed out the prizes to the winners. Programme advisor Dr Rohaya Ramli reminded participants of the bigger picture behind the challenge. "Since 2023, more than half of our population falls into the obesity category. "This is alarming, as obesity is the root cause of many chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. "Consistency is key. Health is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Small, steady changes can lead to major improvements over time," said Dr Rohaya. MPB Human Resources Department adviser Nor Arzlin and Dr Rohaya were also recognised for their guidance, encouragement and support throughout the challenge. This challenge marks the sixth time it has been held since 2010 to promote a healthier lifestyle to MPB staff.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Journalists' credibility hinges on code of ethics
KUALA LUMPUR: The code of ethics for journalists remains the key to determining a journalist's professional credibility, especially amid challenges posed by the digital era, including advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of 'instant' journalists. Astro Awani's Head of Multi-Platform News Innovation, Shafizan Johari, said the code of ethics is akin to a set of values that must be upheld by anyone aspiring to be a credible journalist in news reporting. 'We are a civilised society, and every civilised society certainly upholds its own code of manners. In the context of journalism in Malaysia, we must take it upon ourselves to instil and practise this code of ethics in our daily work,' he said. He said this when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara last night, which discussed the topic 'Kewartawanan Era Baharu: Pintar dan Beretika' (New Era in Journalism: Smart and Ethical). The programme also featured Bernama TV broadcast journalist and presenter Norliyana Zulkifli, as well as Media Prima Berhad multimedia journalist and news presenter Mas Zharif Zhafri Aziz Desa. He also stressed that in today's media landscape, journalistic ethics are more important than the rush for speed or the race to be the first to break the news. 'For media organisations, being the first to break the news is often seen as exclusive. But to me, speed alone is no longer relevant. What matters more is the discipline to follow editorial principles, step by step, process by process, to ensure every report is authentic, accurate, and comprehensive. 'Don't rush to publish news without going through the proper editorial process, because that is where the identity of a (true) journalist lies,' he said. Meanwhile, Mas Zharif Zhafri said that understanding the code of ethics in journalism should be instilled from the university level to produce individuals who fully grasp the responsibility of delivering information authentically and ethically. 'The code of ethics is what sets apart a true journalist from a citizen journalist. In my view, the code of ethics for journalists is something to be proud of, as it guides us in delivering authentic and accurate information,' he said. Echoing a similar sentiment, Norliyana believes every journalist must adhere to the principles of journalistic ethics and suggests that the code of ethics be more widely shared with the public to promote a deeper understanding of authentic news reporting. 'With so many people wanting to become citizen journalists, perhaps the code of ethics for journalists can be shared more widely so that everyone, whether they are mass communication students or not, can better u
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Young racers rev up excitement at NSTP's Jom Heboh e-racing challenge
KUALA LUMPUR: The e-racing competition organised by The New Straits Times Press (NSTP) booth at the Jom Heboh carnival, hosted by Media Prima Berhad, received an overwhelming response — especially from parents and children. Open to participants aged 12 and below, the tournament was held in a knockout format, with five winners selected for the top five positions. NSTP's Business Development and Special Projects Manager Tengku Kaifi Mirza Tuan Cherit@Tengku Hamzah said the booth drew more than 800 visitors over the three-day carnival. "We were pleasantly surprised by the strong turnout this time. "We featured various engaging activities, including the racing simulator competition. "For just RM5 per pair, visitors could experience the thrill of real racing via a simulator equipped with onboard cameras and track displays on TV screens," he said. He added that many participants, particularly children, were eager to have multiple turns, proving the simulator's strong appeal. One of the winners, Mohammad Damien Alfie Mohd Samsuri, 11, said he thoroughly enjoyed trying the game for the first time — despite some initial nerves. "Alhamdulillah, I'm really happy. Thank you NSTP! I was a little nervous at first, but I really enjoy gaming. "I usually play mobile racing sims, so trying this one was amazing. If it comes back, I'd love to play again," he said after the competition. Meanwhile, booth emcee Azrul Affendi Ahmad said the contest also offered attractive prizes, including 100PLUS beverages, goody bags and trophies. "Events like this help spark interest among the younger generation in NSTP's products and publications," he said. Azrul added that, given the enthusiastic reception, the team hopes to bring the activity to upcoming Jom Heboh locations.
