Latest news with #Sharifah
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Poverty-hit grandmother's struggle to raise future engineer
JOHOR BARU: With nothing but a rice cooker to prepare their daily meals and just RM25 in hand from odd jobs, 65-year-old Sharifah Nasir clings to the last threads of strength and dignity — all for the future of her 15-year-old grandson. For more than a year, this elderly widow has been the sole guardian of Mohamad Sadiq Abdullah, after the boy's parents separated and his father spiralled into violent drug addiction. Her son, she said, allegedly sank deep into drug abuse. "I've been caring for my grandson since he was small. I can't bear to see him fall behind just because we're poor," she said, her voice trembling. Sharifah now rents a single room, having fled their former home in Pulai, where her drug-addicted son repeatedly assaulted them and stripped the house bare — stealing even the fridge, microwave, water filter, and fan to feed his habit. "He even snatched my nasi lemak sales money every day," she recalled bitterly. "We had to report him to the police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) when things turned violent." One night, they were forced to wait outside for hours, too terrified to re-enter. Although her son has since completed rehabilitation at a drug centre in Selangor, Sharifah says she has no plans to reconnect with him. Her sole focus now is to keep her grandson safe, clothed, fed — and, she hopes, back in school. "He dreams of becoming an engineer. He wants to return to school, but we just can't afford it," she said. Sadiq has not attended classes in over a year due to their financial struggles. Sharifah receives a monthly pension of RM650 from her late husband. Of that, RM450 goes straight to rent. The remainder barely stretches to cover utilities and food. "Our meals are usually just tempeh, eggs, and tofu," she said quietly. Cooking is limited to a rice cooker — stoves are not allowed in the rented room. Her own health is deteriorating; she suffers frequent bouts of gastritis. To survive, she earns RM25 a day helping a friend at a nearby restaurant. Her children, themselves low-income earners or housewives, can only lend a hand during emergencies. "I've not asked for help from the Welfare Department or the religious authorities — I don't know how to apply," she admitted. "I just want my grandson to live like any other teenager. I hope one day we'll have a home of our own, even if it's just a low-cost unit or a place under the People's Housing Project," she said, holding onto hope.
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bank Islam first to roll out Mastercard Move in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has adopted Mastercard Move, becoming the first financial institution in the country to implement the digital fund transfer solution that enables seamless transactions within Malaysia and across international borders. The solution, integrated directly with Mastercard's global network, is aimed at simplifying operations, optimising liquidity, and enhancing visibility for both the bank and its corporate clients. In a statement today, the new service will be available through Bank Islam's digital cash management platform, eBanker Pro, in the third quarter of this year. Bank Islam group chief business officer of institutional banking Sharifah Sarah Syed Mohamed Tahir said this initiative provides an efficient and secure cross-border digital money movement service for customers. "By conducting a foreign outward telegraphic transfer (FOTT), customers can complete the FOTT transaction within 15 minutes of submission. "We achieve this by providing faster transactions, cost-effective currency exchange rates, enhanced security, and customised solutions supported by Mastercard's global expertise in payment technology," she said. Sharifah added that the strategic alliance with Mastercard marks a major milestone in the group's digital transformation journey. This year in February, Bank Islam processed nearly 4,000 cross-border transactions worth over RM169 million. With the implementation of Mastercard Move, Bank Islam expects transaction volumes to grow by up to 20 per cent this year, supported by faster processing and an improved customer experience. The solution supports a wide range of payout options, including bank accounts, digital wallets, cards or cash, depending on market needs. Mastercard Move currently serves more than 200 countries and supports over 150 currencies. Meanwhile, Mastercard Malaysia and Brunei country manager Beena Pothen said Bank Islam's adoption of the platform signals progress in creating a more inclusive and digitally empowered economy. "As cross-border payments become increasingly critical for individuals, SMEs, and large corporates, Mastercard Move offers a fast, secure, and transparent way to transfer funds both locally and internationally. This collaboration supports Malaysia's Madani Economy and MyDigital blueprint," Beena said.
Sinar Daily
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Syed Saddiq's mother forgives those who wronged her son
She also reminded the public that worldly actions have consequences beyond what is seen, referencing the trials and tribulations that Syed Saddiq and his family have gone through. By DANIAL HAKIM 25 Jun 2025 12:46pm Sharifah has extended her forgiveness to those she believes have hurt her son throughout his long and painful legal battle. PUTRAJAYA – With her voice steady and her faith unshaken, Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz, the mother of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, has extended her forgiveness to those she believes have hurt her son throughout his long and and painful legal battle. 'To those who have wronged my son, I pray that Allah grants you guidance,' she said in a heartfelt message following the Court of Appeal decision that cleared her son of all charges. Sharifah has extended her forgiveness to those she believes have hurt her son throughout his long and painful legal battle. - Bernama photo She also reminded the public that worldly actions have consequences beyond what is seen, referencing the trials and tribulations that Syed Saddiq and his family have gone through. 'This life is temporary, not eternal. Do not oppress others, for the consequences may come not only in the hereafter but even in this world,' she said. Despite witnessing her son go through years of public scrutiny, criminal charges and emotional strain, Sharifah chose to rise above anger. 'However, I forgive them for the harm they have caused to my son and our family. Remember, we are all ordinary human beings. Let us work together so that responsibilities can be fulfilled properly,' she said. Throughout Syed Saddiq's legal ordeal, his mother was a constant presence, often silent, always supportive. Even as allegations mounted and pressure built, she never lashed out. The Court of Appeal has acquitted Syed Saddiq of four charges relating to alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving over RM1.2 million from ARMADA. The unanimous verdict by a three-judge panel of Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin found no evidence of dishonest intent by the Muar MP. Judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin stated that the prosecution failed to prove Syed Saddiq's dishonest intent and thus the charges against him are ultimately unfounded. With that, the former Youth and Sports Minister was fully cleared, acquitted of a previous sentence of seven years' jail, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine. The courtroom turned emotional as Syed Saddiq performed sujud syukur and embraced his parents. More Like This
Rakyat Post
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
A Clip Of Sharifah Aini's Vocal Prowess Shines A Light On Malaysian City Pop
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia's music scene is full of talent, and Instagram user Pri (@pridrinks) recently celebrated the late Datuk Sharifah Aini and our local city pop sound. Pri, who's a DJ, shared a clip of Sharifah's song titled 'Kudaku Lari' and noted her vocal prowess, especially her ability to hold long and high notes. He believes it's one of the hardest songs to sing along to and encourages everyone to give it a go. He claimed Sharifah gives American singer-songwriter Bill Withers a run for his money too. In the comments, many people were won over by her voice and the song. Someone noted how minimal audio engineering was used at the time, hinting at the 'nearly pure' sound of Sharifah's singing voice. Sharifah's high note was so good that a user shared that a sample of the song was used in one of Malaysia's famous rap tracks, Too Phat's 'Anak Anyam.' Did anyone attempt to sing it? A user shared that they will attempt it the next time they're singing karaoke and hope they will not pass out. Meanwhile, the other person who attempted to hold the high note admitted that it was a challenge and had to take multiple deep breaths to achieve a fraction of what Sharifah did. However, the comment that stood out the most was shared by a user who played the song by the Barcelona pier. A foreign tourist at the beach heard the song and was surprised to find out it was a Malaysian singer. Pri's post also triggered a fond memory from the late singer's friend. The user shared that the legendary second Biduanita Negara Sharifah performed at their wedding and described the singer as a 'generous and wonderful friend. What are the other classic Malaysian city pop songs to check out? If Sharifah Aini's song has set you down the path of Malaysia's city pop genre, you can check out songs by Sheila Majid, Francissca Peter, and Sudirman. Here are songs by some of our local singers to get you started: Demi Cinta Sejati – Royston Sta Maria & Francissca Peter Malam Sunyi – Francissca Peter Fikirkan Dulu – Sheila Majid Kekasih – Francissca Peter Datanglah – Fairuz Hussein Kejadian Ini – Francissca Peter Jangan Ku Kau Persiakan – Noorkumalasari Ketenangan Jiwa – Sudirman Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Raid conducted on errant recycling plant
SUNGAI PETANI: A recycling plant in the Gurun Industrial Area that was flouting environmental laws has been raided in a late-night operation by the Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) and police. The raid, that began late on Monday and stretched into the early hours of yesterday, was part of a statewide blitz targeting repeat environmental offenders. Authorities found the facility illegally handling, storing and recovering scheduled waste that included five metric tonnes of used lithium batteries and 26 metric tonnes of mixed electronic waste, without proper approvals or documentation. 'These materials were being processed without the necessary licences,' said Kedah DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab. 'The plant was operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or authorisation to recover scheduled waste.' The case is being investigated under multiple provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which governs environmental safety and public health. Among the provisions breached were Section 18(1) for operating without approval (RM25,000 to RM250,000 fine or up to two years' jail), Section 34A(7) for failing to comply with EIA conditions (RM100,000 to RM1 million fine and up to five years' jail) and Section 34B(1) for storing scheduled waste without approval (RM100,000 to RM10 million fine and mandatory five-year prison term). Tools and machinery used to process the batteries and e-waste were also seized. Sharifah said the facility is a known offender with a string of past violations. 'Despite earlier enforcement action and advisory efforts to help them legalise operations, the operator continued with unlawful activities,' she said, adding that five investigation papers have been filed, with one case resulting in a conviction and four others still in progress. She also said illegal waste handling is not confined to Kedah. 'Even with strict laws and heavy penalties, these activities persist, often driven by low awareness and financial greed,' she told theSun. Sharifah added that lithium batteries and e-waste contain toxic elements such as cobalt, lead, cadmium and mercury, which pose serious environmental and health risks if mishandled. 'They can contaminate soil and water, trigger spontaneous fires and release toxic fumes. Health risks include respiratory issues, nerve damage, kidney failure, hormonal disruption and increased cancer risk, especially among vulnerable groups.' The department also urged the public to report any similar illegal activities via its toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or online at
