Latest news with #Saiful
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Junior hockey team need more matches before World Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: The national youth hockey team are racing against time in their bid to be ready for the men's Junior World Cup (JWC) in India from Nov 28-Dec 10. Coach Nor Saiful Zaini believes his squad need at least 60 matches to be tournament-ready, but they've played just 13 so far, with four months to go. As part of their preparations, the junior Tigers will head to Perth from Aug 3-15, where they'll play six matches — three each against the Western Australian junior and senior sides. They will then travel to China to take on Liaoning in another six-match series. Following that, Malaysia will play in the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor from Oct 11-18 — a six-nation tournament featuring Britain (defending champions), Australia, India, New Zealand and Ireland. Saiful will bring 22 of his 25 players to Perth, but is sweating on the fitness of two key men — Adam Ashraf Johari and Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee. Midfielder Adam, who played in the 2023 JWC in Bukit Jalil, is sidelined with a wrist injury, while defender Aqil, a mainstay during the Junior Asia Cup in Oman, is recovering from a knee injury. "The matches in Perth will give my players good exposure," said Saiful. Malaysia have been drawn in a tough Group E at the JWC alongside the Netherlands, England and Austria. In the 2023 edition, Malaysia finished 12th out of 16 teams.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Junior hockey team face rush job for World Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: The national youth hockey team are racing against time in their bid to be ready for the men's Junior World Cup (JWC) in India from Nov 28-Dec 10. Coach Nor Saiful Zaini believes his squad need at least 60 matches to be tournament-ready, but they've played just 13 so far, with four months to part of their preparations, the junior Tigers will head to Perth from Aug 3-15, where they'll play six matches — three each against the Western Australian junior and senior sides. They will then travel to China to take on Liaoning in another six-match that, Malaysia will play in the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor from Oct 11-18 — a six-nation tournament featuring Britain (defending champions), Australia, India, New Zealand and Ireland. Saiful will bring 22 of his 25 players to Perth, but is sweating on the fitness of two key men — Adam Ashraf Johari and Aqil Danial Mat Adam, who played in the 2023 JWC in Bukit Jalil, is sidelined with a wrist injury, while defender Aqil, a mainstay during the Junior Asia Cup in Oman, is recovering from a knee injury. "The matches in Perth will give my players good exposure," said have been drawn in a tough Group E at the JWC alongside the Netherlands, England and Austria. In the 2023 edition, Malaysia finished 12th out of 16 teams.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
KJ defeats MMA champion Saiful Merican
KJ said he has known Saiful for a long time and described the opportunity to share the same ring with the national MMA athlete as a very meaningful moment. Hot FM radio announcer Khairy Jamaluddin defeated former world number one Muay Thai athlete Saiful Merican in a friendly match on Sunday. KLANG – The dream of Hot FM radio announcer Khairy Jamaluddin to step into the boxing ring finally came true when he defeated former world number one Muay Thai athlete Saiful Merican in a friendly match here on Sunday. Khairy, better known as KJ, expressed his gratitude after securing victory over the 37-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) star during the Clash of Champion Hot FM event held at ST Rosyam Mart, Jalan Kebun. 'Since I was young, I've always loved boxing and grew up watching Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Mike Tyson. 'I've always wanted to step into the boxing ring and I never expected to get this opportunity today (Sunday). 'To be able to test my strength against such a respected martial arts figure, Saiful Merican or Saiful 'The Vampire' Merican, is truly an honour,' he said. It is understood that the friendly boxing match between KJ and Saiful had been planned since last year. Further commenting, KJ said he has known Saiful for a long time and described the opportunity to share the same ring with the national MMA athlete as a very meaningful moment. 'In the first two minutes, he gave me some leeway, but when he punched, he really punched hard,' KJ said jokingly. KJ also expressed appreciation to everyone involved in making the match a success, including his coach and his son, Jibriel Ali, who served as his corner man in the ring. Apart from the main bout between KJ and Saiful, more than 300 spectators were also entertained by another boxing match between fellow Bekfes Hot FM announcer AG and Adli Goldenboy, which ended in a draw. An arm wrestling showdown between announcer Fara Fauzana and singer Elizabeth Tan also drew attention, with Fara ultimately conceding defeat to Elizabeth's strength.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cost-saving, eco-friendly solution
PHOTOVOLTAIC solar energy systems allow us to generate our own electricity, significantly reducing electricity bills — and in some cases, eliminating them. In Malaysia, a photovoltaic solar system with a capacity of around 5 kW can produce up to 600 kWh of electricity per month, which is enough to cover 70 per cent to 100 per cent of a typical household's electricity needs. Once seen as a luxury only accessible to the wealthy, solar panels are now gaining traction among homeowners as a modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution. For Saiful Nizam Abu Bakar, 44, the switch to solar energy began in August last year after years of paying around RM700 monthly for electricity to support a household of seven. Saiful said he received a RM4,000 rebate through a solar incentive scheme at the time and paid only RM23,000 to install 14 solar panels on his roof. "Although I have to pay RM300 in monthly instalments for five years (to finance the solar system), after that I no longer have to worry about electricity bills. My bill used to be RM700 a month — now it's just RM40," he said. Beyond rebates through solar incentive schemes, financing options from local banks help ease the initial cost of installing photovoltaic systems. Gan Yong Li, 38, said that the option to pay in instalments has made solar energy more appealing to the public. Like Saiful, he received a RM4,000 rebate and installed 10 panels on his home. "My electricity bill used to be nearly RM400 a month. Since installing solar panels, it has dropped to just about RM10 a month," he said. "Sometimes it goes over RM100 when I charge the car more often, but it's usually below RM100," he said. For Gan, one interesting aspect is that the maintenance cost of solar panels is minimal. They need to be cleaned only occasionally, and usually, the rain will wash away most of the dirt. SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION Meanwhile, senior lecturer and energy manager at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr Wan Khairul Muzammil Abd Rahim, described solar energy as a smart choice, capable of reducing electricity bills by more than 90 per cent. "Financing options like solar leasing and zero upfront cost models make solar power more accessible," he said. He said solar technology costs in Malaysia have dropped by 30 per cent to 50 per cent over the past five years, thanks to advancements and increased competition. "Generating your own electricity also shields you from inflation. It's a proactive investment for an uncertain future," he added. More importantly, solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels like coal, thereby lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. This shift aligns with Malaysia's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in response to global climate change. | With rapid technological advancements, growing climate awareness, and rising living costs, solar energy is proving to be a highly worthwhile long-term investment. Supported by government incentives, substantial cost savings, and easy, affordable maintenance, there's no reason to wait. Visit or consult a certified solar photovoltaic system provider to take the first step toward a more sustainable energy future.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Johor Bahru bus drivers strike disrupts Singapore commute
JOHOR BAHRU: Private employee Saiful Umar, 37, was among thousands caught off guard when around 100 Malaysian bus drivers operating to Singapore suddenly went on strike early this morning at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI). 'I was shocked, there was no information at all (on a strike),' he said. Passengers arriving as early as 5 am found no bus services, forcing some to walk one to two kilometres across the Johor Causeway to reach workplaces in Singapore. Saiful, who had to walk nearly two kilometres to Woodlands before getting a ride back to Tampoi, expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice. 'This situation is not only inconvenient but also affects our work and image,' he told Bernama. A viral video showed crowds at BSI at 5.30 am due to the halted bus services. Reports suggest the strike stemmed from drivers' dissatisfaction over salary adjustments and allowance cuts, allegedly reducing their monthly pay from RM2,800-RM2,900 to below RM2,000. Another passenger, K. Ramesh, 40, called the situation 'ridiculous,' urging the bus company to resolve the issue swiftly. 'This affects our daily routine and careers,' he said. Bus driver Atoi, 35, confirmed about 100 drivers began striking at 5 am in protest. By evening, services resumed, with no further disruptions observed. Johor Public Works Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh confirmed the incident, having monitored operations with Singapore's LTA and bus operators earlier. – Bernama
