Latest news with #Zul
The Star
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Zul Ariffin loses 20kg in 2 months for new movie role, intense training caused 'blackouts, nosebleed, migraines'
Malaysian actor Zul Ariffin is showing full dedication to his role in the upcoming film The Furious. The 38-year-old actor took to Instagram to share with fans his fitness journey in preparation for the role. He revealed that he has been working out and watching his diet over the past two months to get ripped. And ripped he became. Zul shared a photo of himself flaunting his toned body and six-pack abs, which had garnered over 24,000 likes at press time. But all these sacrifices came at a price, said Zul. "2 blackouts. 1 nosebleed. And a whole load of migraines and dizziness, low carbs, low sugar, semua low la! and still 2, 3 hrs of training daily," the actor explained in the caption, adding that his two-month training resulted in 20kg weight loss. He now weighs 81kg. Zul Ariffin went from 101kg to 81kg in two months. Photo: Zul Ariffin/Instagram "It wasn't easy, in fact it has been one of the biggest challenges I've taken on to date," he said, adding that the last time he attempted a fitness challenge was nine years ago, during which he lost 12kg. "I said I'd do it, honestly, not fully confident I really could but sometimes you just gotta grit your teeth and say LET'S GO!!" the Sangkar actor said. Malaysian celebs and fans applauded Zul's tenacity and left words of encouragement in the comments section. Content creator Fehim Hodzic said: "What a transformation sir! Inspirational to see these type of posts. Huge respect." Paskal actor Theeban G wrote: "Madness bro." Sandra Lim and Zul Ariffin. Photo: Sandra Lim/Instagram Meanwhile, Zul's co-star in The Furious, Sandra Lim, cheered him on, saying: "Mad respect. Let's do this." Zul ended his post saying he's ready to start shooting The Furious.
The Star
06-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Forging family traditions in steel
TUMPAT: Traditional knifemaker Mohammad Zunurain Daud is a busy man these days, working around the clock to fulfil orders for pisau lapah (butcher knives) to be used in the Qurban ritual during Hari Raya Haji. Demand for butcher knives typically rises two to threefold about a month before Hari Raya Haji, he said. Usually, he would get 20 to 30 orders for the knife in a regular month but the demand can surge to over 150 blades in the lead-up to korban (the act of sacrifice), which is a significant ritual performed by Muslims during Hari Raya Haji. 'These knives are in high demand from customers not only from across Malaysia, but also Singapore and Thailand. 'In fact, I've had to turn down last-minute orders for fear of not being able to make them in time,' he told Bernama at his workshop in Kampung Bunut Sarang Burung recently. Better known among his customers as Zul, he said each butcher knife is sold for RM100 to RM160, depending on the type of steel used. He also makes slaughter knives, which can fetch up to RM300 each. Zul, who has been honing his craft in knifemaking since 2014, said he was inspired to take up the trade after watching his late grandfather sharpening knives for his personal use. Learning primarily from YouTube and several skilled bladesmiths, Zul started teaching himself the techniques and methods. It took him nearly a month before he was able to produce his first knife. What sets Zul apart from other knifemakers is his commitment to traditional methods. Zul forges blades using charcoal instead of gas, which is more costly. 'I use about 30kg of charcoal daily to produce between three to five knives. Each blade requires around 200gm of steel and takes two to three hours to complete. 'As for the type of steel used, I only select specific materials to ensure the quality of each blade. Typically, I use spring steel, bearing steel, and planer blades (mata ketam) to craft a knife,' said Zul, 37. As for the challenges and risks of the trade, Zul said the most crucial and risky part is the sepuh or the tempering process, which hardens the steel used to achieve optimal sharpness and durability. He said this stage is risky and must be performed with great precision, as any miscalculation could cause the blade to crack, rendering it unusable. 'After selecting the appropriate steel size, usually seven to nine inches for a butcher knife and 11 to 15 inches for a slaughter knife, the steel is heated using charcoal, then hammered or machine-ground into the desired shape. 'Once the desired shape is achieved, the blade is sharpened using three types of whetstones graded 80, 600, and 1,200, each with different levels of grit to produce a razor-sharp edge,' said Zul, who has been involved in the craft for nearly 11 years.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Drug-laced vape liquid, called 'Magic Mushroom', sold to teens from just RM1
KUALA LUMPUR: Illicit vape liquids containing synthetic drugs, including a psychoactive substance known as "Magic Mushroom", are being sold for as little as RM1 per drop, and are fast gaining popularity among school students, TV3's Buletin Utama reported today. A 17-year-old teenager, who identified himself only as Zul, revealed that he became addicted to the substance at age 14, a year after he began vaping at 13. "I tried it because a friend offered it to me in the school toilet," he said. Zul said the drug-laced vape liquid was sold by the drop. "Each drop costs around RM1. A 1ml bottle is priced at RM20, while 2ml can go up to RM30 or RM40, depending on who's selling and how good you are at bargaining," he added. His addiction escalated to the point where, after his mother stopped giving him pocket money, he resorted to stealing to fund his cravings. "When the craving kicks in, there's no such thing as saving money. If you don't have cash, you have to steal. That's the last resort." In a similar case, another teen, Hasiq (not real name), also became addicted due to peer pressure and the easy availability of the substance. Now undergoing treatment at the National Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) in Karangan, Kedah, Hasiq described the devastating effects of the drug. "I tried it at first because it smelled nice. It was just RM10. After that, I felt like my life was stuck on repeat. I would sleep for 24 hours straight. Even when I woke up, I felt half-conscious. Once the effect wore off, I would go out, buy more, come home, and sleep again." Hasiq is among 22 minors currently undergoing treatment at the centre, which has reported a rise in cases involving vape addiction linked to synthetic drugs. Parents of the affected teenagers expressed frustration and anger over how easily the substance is being sold — sometimes even at regular convenience stores. One mother recounted confronting her child about where he had obtained the drug. "I asked my son, and he just said, 'Right here, RM25.' So my husband and I went to the shop he pointed out. It looked like an ordinary store." "I've filed a police report, but checks revealed no illegal items. Still, I went back to the shop myself and saw what was going on. I'm furious. If possible, I want places like this shut down. But no one is taking action. If this continues, more children will fall victim." Authorities have yet to comment on the specific cases, but the growing trend of vape-related drug abuse among Malaysian youths has prompted urgent calls for tighter regulation and proactive enforcement against the sale of illegal vape liquids - particularly those laced with psychoactive substances.
