cartoons funny in malaysia

Haze from Indonesian fires causes pollution spike in Malaysia

PHOTO: Kuala Lumpur has been blanketed in haze from agricultural fires in Indonesia. (Instagram: fizoomar)

Pollution readings soared past the 200-point level in the Malaysian government's hourly air-quality index on Sunday morning (local time).Acrid smoke billowing from agricultural fires in Indonesia has caused a spike in air pollution in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry of Education ordered schools shut on Monday in the capital and three states due to health concerns, the second time this month it has had to issue such an order.

On Saturday, as the haze built up, an airport just outside Kuala Lumpur closed temporarily as visibility dropped to less than 400 metres.

The closure forced at least 20 flights to be cancelled, according to Malaysian media reports, and followed Singapore's shuttering of schools on Friday as air there worsened to "hazardous" levels.

Parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have been shrouded for weeks in a choking smoke haze from tinder-dry parts of Indonesia's Sumatra island.

The haze crisis — the worst since mid-2013 — grips the region nearly every year during the dry season, when agricultural land is illegally cleared by burning.

Indonesia has faced pressure from its neighbours to address the problem since it first emerged about 20 years ago.

But the issue has persisted, especially as plantations have expanded, driven in large part by rising global demand for palm oil, a key ingredient in a vast range of everyday consumer products.

Malaysian skies have been a smoky grey for most of the past month, and authorities on September 15 ordered schools closed in Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring states.

On Friday, Singapore's foreign minister K Shanmugam lashed out at what he called "shocking statements" by senior Indonesian officials perceived as making light of the problem.

Haze levels in Singapore had improved by Sunday, dropping below the "unhealthy" mark.

Indonesian authorities have indicated the problem may not clear up anytime soon.

National Disaster Management Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said the "fires continue to rage" despite a push to extinguish the blazes on farm expanses and peatlands that has included the deployment of military personnel.

He said new fires were cropping up, while those that were previously extinguished had re-emerged in peatlands or had been deliberately reignited.

He added that pollution readings in several Indonesian cities were at hazardous levels, and that nearly 168,000 people in affected areas has sought medical treatment for respiratory problems.

Indonesia had earlier declared a state of emergency in Sumatra's hard-hit Riau province.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-27/smoke-from-indonesia-causes-air-pollution-spike-in-malaysia/6808080

Bounty for exposing Dr M: Good idea, but flawed method

June 6, 2015

CAGM is exposing itself to a devastating defamation suit by the former PM.

COMMENT

by Khalid Ahmad

Congratulation to Citizens for Accountable Governance (CAGM) for coming up with the noble idea of rewarding informants who can prove Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s alleged corruption. I love it. Malaysians can all go information hunting now for the bounty.

The members of this group must be a bunch of honest and sincere people themselves – and generous to boot, considering the RM1 million they are offering. I assume they have plenty more stashed somewhere.

However, while the idea is good, the implementation has been flawed right from the start.

You see, you should not name your target before you have any evidence on him. If CAGM fails to get any evidence on Mahathir, it will be an easy target for a RM1 billion defamation suit by the former prime minister.

Is RM1 billion too much? Certainly not, since Mahathir is a global personality and he was the PM for 22 years. Furthermore, in the age of the Internet, a defamatory statement spreads across the world instantly.

So, how can CAGM achieve its objective? I suggest that it widen its target. It should check on all prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, chief ministers, secretaries-general, directors-general, municipality presidents and many more officials – past and present.

So, CAGM, get the billions ready. This is much better than BRIM because we have to earn it.

I am for you.

Khalid Ahmad is an FMT reader.

With a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.

 http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2015/06/06/bounty-for-exposing-dr-m-good-idea-but-flawed-method/

Online authority names 14 wanted over spreading ‘false news’ on floods

Online authority names 14 wanted over spreading ‘false news’ on floods

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is looking for 14 individuals to assist in its investigation into the spreading of alleged false news on the east coast floods through social media and messaging apps.

This move follows eight individuals who came forward to give their cooperation to the communications regulator.

The probe by the MCMC was in the wake of the spread of alleged false news, including claims that aid was not reaching those in need and that only those connected to Barisan Nasional are receiving help.

There are also claims that a Manek Urai school used as a relief centre had collapsed, claiming many lives. Police have since denied the incident.

"To date, eight people have given their cooperation. All of them have come to our office to help in our investigation," said MCMC monitoring and enforcement division chief Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin.

The latest batch of individuals – nine men and six women – have been asked to give their statements to the authorities immediately.

They are:

1. Raja Mohd Haidi Raja Daod, 27. Last known address: Kg Manek Urai, 18000 Kuala Krai, Kelantan

2. Zawawi Mat, 39. Last known address: No 26, Kg Tengah, Kuala Krai.

3. Mohd Bustam Omar, 40. Last known address: 6224 Jalan Kota Raja, Taman Bijaya, Klang, Selangor.

4. Mohamad Azrani Daud, 32. Last known address: No 70, Kampung Keda, Sadik, Kupang, Kedah.

5. Mohd Fauzi Mohd Azmi, 40.  Last known address: 2537, Lorong Bangau 2, Taman Si Buyong, Jalan Mentok Cukai, Terengganu.

6. Mohamad Zamzami Yaakob, 48. Last known address: Kampung Wakaf Lichong, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.

7. El Jiffy Abd Aziz, 29. Last known address: 15 Jalan Melur 29, Taman Melur, Ampang, Selangor.

8. Yuliza Indriani Zulfin, 29. Last known address: 981-A, Paya Bemban, Jalan Abd Kadir Adabi, Kota Baru, Kelantan.

9. Farah Wahida Abdullah Suhaimi, 31. Last known address: No. 3-4-5, Blok 3 Sri Permata Condo, Jalan SASAAS 9/6, Seksyen 9, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor.

10. Natrah Mohamed, 30. Last known address: No 13, Jalan 4/10 B, Seksyen 4 Tambahan, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor

11. Norazimah Zakaria, 30. Last known address: Blok E1, 12 Mahallat Al Zahrawi, UIAM Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang.

12. Siti Asiah Shaary, 22. Last known address: No 5, Jalan SD 2/2 Taman Seri Duyong 2, Melaka.

13. Ayub Musa, 37. Last known address: No 24, Lorong Chengal Lempong Baru 12, Taman Balok Jaya, Fasa 3, Perkampungan Chengal, Lempong Bari, Kuantan.

14. Nor Azwani Saimi, 26. Last known address: No 48, Kg Air Lanas, Lata Rek, Kuala Krai.

Those with information should contact MCMC investigation officer Mohamad Syukri Jamaluddin (019-2869515) or Rafina Mimi Muhammad (019-2869471) immediately.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police are to collaborate with MCMC to trace those who spread false information online.

"They have caused anxiety among the people affected by the floods. I hope the people will not listen to these rumours but get authentic information from the relevant authorities," he said. – January 2, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/online-authority-names-15-wanted-over-spreading-false-news-on-floods#sthash.JteLiLZk.dpuf

6 Reasons Why Malaysia Was Named 3rd Best Place To Retire In 2014

By Melody Oei. Updated 12 months ago

The Global Retirement Index Named Malaysia The 3rd Best Place To Retire In 2014

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  In the 2014 edition of its annual Global Retirement Index, American magazine InternationalLiving.com places Panama at the top of the list of the best places to spend retirement.
  
  
  
  
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  A total of 24 countries are listed in the magazine's ranking, which is based on the analysis from its correspondents around the globe. Each destination is evaluated across eight areas with an effect on everyday life, including real estate, climate, cost of living, entertainment and healthcare.
  
  
  themalaysianinsider.com

Below Are 6 Reasons Why They Named Malaysia "Asia's Best Retirement Haven"

REASON 1: "There Are Cool Hill Stations, Mountain Retreats From The Time Of The British Raj, Islands To Hop Or Explore By Yacht, And Health Care Is Second-To-None"

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  "The average temperature is 82 F all year round, and you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world here."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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  "Malaysia is the best place to retire in Asia right now, and there’s no sign of that changing."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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REASON 2: "Infrastructure Is First World And You'll Have No Problem Finding High Speed Internet Or Cable TV"

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  "Infrastructure here is First World and you’ll have no problem finding high speed Internet or cable TV (Packages cost from $30 a month). If you chose to drive you’ll find the roads are excellent. And when you move to Malaysia you can import a car—and your household goods—duty free."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

REASON 3: "If You Choose To Buy Property Malaysia Makes It Easier For You As A Foreigner Than Anywhere Else In The Region"

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  "You can buy freehold and there’s no limit on the number of properties you can own either, just a minimum purchase price set by the local government (it’s $163,500 in Penang)."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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REASON 4: "Penang Island, The Country's Capital In The South (You Mean North?), Are Medical Centres Of Excellence"

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  "Penang Island, in the north east and Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital in the south, are medical centers of excellence."
  
  
  internationalliving.com
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  "The hospitals are top-notch and the physicians speak English, having been either been trained or completed their postgraduate studies in the U.S. or UK—which makes the cost of health care all the more incredible. You can see a specialist without any need for an appointment for as little as $11. Just turn up. It’s the same with dentists."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

REASON 5: "The Country's Diverse Ethnic Mix Makes Being A Stranger Here Easy"

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  "Whether you live in bohemian Penang or Kuala Lumpur, the country’s hip capital, you’ll meet friendly locals who are happy to stop and chat and welcome you into their home. People are accepting, just ask the international mix of expats all on the same journey as you and happy to share."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

REASON 6: "Malaysians Have A Lot Of Respect For Older People; In Fact It's An Intrinsic Part Of Their Culture"

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  "A full-time, live-in maid costs just $400 a month, and single older expats hire maids with nursing abilities, who care for them in the comfort of their own home."
  
  
  internationalliving.com

In Its Annual Global Retirement Index, InternationalLiving.com Profiles The Best Destinations For Good-Value Living Around The World

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  International Living is a publishing group founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1979 as part of Agora, Inc. headed by Bill Bonner. International Living monthly newsletter covers topics including retiring overseas, living abroad, international real estate, investment and travel, while an "IL Postcard" is emailed daily to readers.

http://says.com/my/lifestyle/malaysia-third-best-place-to-retire-in-2014

13 new arrests in Shah Alam over Islamic State links

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police were constantly on the lookout for militant activities. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, October 15, 2014.Police arrested 13 men at a restaurant in Shah Alam yesterday for alleged links with Islamic State (Isis) militants, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
The Star reported that Khalid gave a brief press conference today to reveal the latest arrests, which brings to 36 the total number of people arrested so far this year for alleged militant involvement.
Between January and June this year, police arrested 23 people in various parts of Malaysia for alleged links to the Islamic State.

"Militancy and terrorism have no place in Malaysia. Police are constantly monitoring these kind of activities," Khalid was reported as saying during the conference at Bukit Aman this morning. The atrocities committed by Islamic State militants in the Middle East has drawn widespread global condemnation and provoked a military response from the United States.
Putrajaya has also come out to condemn the Islamic State, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak saying Malaysia deplored the actions of Isis in Syria and Iraq.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has urged the public to report any social site accounts that spread militancy or terrorism in this country.
MCMC strategic communications senior director, Sheikh Raffie Abd Rahman said parents needed to be alert and monitor any changes in their children's behaviour and activities online.  
"MCMC always cooperates with the police in cases such as this to help investigations," he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that militant groups in Syria were not only recruiting Malaysian girls but also tried to recruit teenaged students in the name of jihad.
Principal assistant director of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Special Branch at Bukit Aman, SAC Datuk Ayub Khan Mydin Pitchay had said they conducted their recruitment drive through Facebook and targeted students and teenage girls.
Sheikh Raffie said Facebook was only one of the platforms that was probably used by the groups to recruit members apart from other social media platform.
"However I am made to understand that there are sites or accounts that have been closed by Facebook as they are suspected of trying to bring militant ideology and spread militant activities," he said.
At present 22 Malaysians, including three women, had been identified as having joined the militant groups in Syria. – October 15, 2014.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/13-new-arrests-in-shah-alam-over-islamic-state-links

 

Malaysia is now 12th most competitive economy

                 

Malaysia is now 12th most competitive economy

by rahimy rahim

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has climbed another three spots from 15th to 12th in world rankings of competitive economies.
The Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014 showed that Malaysia is the 12th most competitive country, ahead of Britain (16), Australia (17), New Zealand (20), Japan (21) and China (23).
The survey assessed countries according to economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
It measured how well countries managed economic and human resources to raise their prosperity.

Sixty countries were surveyed.
The rankings released by IMD took into account more than 300 criteria, two-thirds of which are based on statistical indicators and one-third on an exclusive IMD survey of 4,300 international executives.
Among the challenges that Malaysia will face this year are to enhance growth enablers for sustainable economic development, harness talent to achieve higher productivity growth, and to intensify efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and restrictions.
The country would also face challenges in trying to curb higher inflation as a result of subsidy rationalisation and ways to strengthen technological capabilities to enhance value creation, said the report.
“In Asia, both Malaysia and Indonesia (at No. 37) make gains, while Thailand (29) falls amid political uncertainty,” said IMD World Competitiveness Centre director Prof Arturo Bris.
The United States retained its No. 1 spot, followed by Switzerland and Singapore, which came 5th on the previous year.
Yesterday, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the Government was committed to implementing sustainable economic policies as opposed to short-term populist short-cuts that would have negative consequences.
“The right decisions are not necessarily popular. We expect to see a much better performance in the next three to five years as more of our initiatives began to bear fruit,” he said in response to Malaysia’s latest rankings.
Malaysia Productivity Corporation director-general Datuk Mohd Razali Hussain said the improvement in various areas showed that the country was moving towards the right direction.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/05/22/Malaysia-is-now-12th-most-competitive-economy/

A DRAGON HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD IN A HOUSE IN WEST MALAYSIA.

A DRAGON HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD IN A HOUSE IN WEST MALAYSIA.

#ALTERNATIVENEWS, @ALT_NEWS_TK, ALTERNATIVE NEWS, ASIA, CRYPTOZOOLOGY, WORLD NEWS JUNE 24, 2014 ~Q~

http://alternative-news.tk/blog/a-dragon-has-been-shot-dead-in-a-house-in-west-malaysia/

Take a good look at the photos in this album. They were sent to me by someone in the area. This is what the person wrote (Please remember that English may be a second language for him/her). Here we go:


A dragon has been shot dead in a house in West Malaysia. An fruit orchard owner were asleep in the 2nd floor room of the home woke up when he heard the screams of rabbits and sound like an odd noise tiger. Orchard owner continue peek of stairs found a strange animal with two horns and a long mustache is suck a male rabbit. Because aid, he continued to take an auto rifle and fired eight shots cause the odd animal fell to the floor. After ensuring these animals really dead he was shocked to find it is a dragon with fluffy white rabbit fur. He told reporters that, “I do not think that the animal is a white dragon. Extremely surprised me” because according to Chinese belief when a dragon enters the house, it will bring ‘luck’ and horns can fetch millions of dollars. However, he does not plan to sell any part of the body of the animal and will preserve the dead animal for public viewing.

 





Read more at http://alternative-news.tk/blog/a-dragon-has-been-shot-dead-in-a-house-in-west-malaysia/#33istudoBBQkroIF.99

Ipoh-born wins 'MasterChef UK''

By ZAHARAH OTHMAN | news@nst.com.my

WORLD CLASS': Prime Minister tweets his congratulations to the champion

LONDON: MALAYSIAN-BORN chef Catherine Chin Wan Ping Coombes, 32, was crowned UK MasterChef Champion 2014 on Friday, catapulting Malaysia and the humble nasi lemak with sambal ikan bilis on to the international culinary stage.
Beating Jack Lucas and Luke Owen after eight weeks of nail-biting moments to become the show's tenth winner, Ping, a full time housewife who lives in Bath with husband Andrew, and 18-month-old daughter Alexa, won over judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with dishes she was familiar with when growing up in Malaysia.
Her winning three-course meal, which included a Chinese wonton dumpling soup, nasi lemak and vanilla panna cotta for dessert, was agreed by judges of the BBC1 show as a clear winner, while her two other competitors both agreed the best chef had won.
Her win also got the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who congratulated her via twitter, "@NajibRazak: well done UK Masterchef @WanPingCoombes! Malaysian flavours and talent are truly world class."
"When I eat Ping's food I feel happy, it makes my heart thump," said Torode.
There was a tense moment when Wallace said the sambal ikan bilis was too salty, but the overall presentation won him over.
Visibly overwhelmed by the announcement by the judges last night she said: "The last time I felt such emotion was when my daughter was born. Something that I don't think you get to experience a lot. (It is ) pure joy and pure bliss that feels incredible, epic."
With her mother as her constant inspiration, she added: "My mother would be really proud, I'm sure. But I say this a lot -- I'm sure she still wouldn't let me in her kitchen!"
Her entry into the vast, albeit daunting kitchen of MasterChef was followed closely by Malaysians everywhere and last night's victory was marked with "Ping! Ping did it!", all over Facebook timelines and Twitters.
The new MasterChef champion initially underestimated her ability and was not even confident she would make it to be one of the contestants.
However, once she was on the set, the adrenaline started pumping and she told herself that she was going to make it a great experience "no matter what".
Although her mother is thousands of kilometres away in Malaysia, she finds inspiration in her mum's cooking, and had watched and learnt a lot of her mother's cooking techniques.
She made sure her mother watched her using her iPad.
One of the first to congratulate her was celebrity chef Chef Norman Musa, who had also been tirelessly promoting Malaysian food on the international stage.
He said: "Ping winning MasterChef UK will dramatically boost the exposure of Malaysian food -- my big mission, for which I have been working hard over the last few years. Ping is a great example of how we Malaysians cook and eat our food with passion, which she did so brilliantly. I and all Malaysians are very proud of her!"
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation's (Matrade) Commissioner, Mr Khairul Nizam Moonier, who had been following the programme closely, said Matrade was very happy with the victory and hoped that as MasterChef champion, she would be able to participate in Malaysia Kitchen programmes in the UK.
"I have had a chance to meet Ping when she visited the Spring Market, organised by Malaysia Kitchen recently, and informed her that we would like to invite her to participate in our events, which would include the Malaysia Night at Trafalgar Square."

MasterChef UK champion Catherine Chin Wan Ping Coombes says she is determined to make the journey a great experience

Read more: Ipoh-born wins 'MasterChef UK'' - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/ipoh-born-wins-masterchef-uk-1.599882#ixzz32P2Zh9ec

#Bantah GST Gambar Perhimpunan Bantah GST 1 Mei 2014 Kuala Lumpur

Gambar perhimpunan bantah cukai GST 1 Mei 2014 di Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Peserta himpunan bantah cukai barang dan perkhidmatan (GST) mula berkumpul di lima lokasi ibu negara antaranya di Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Pusat Beli-Belah Sogo, Masjid Negara, Dataran Maybank dan Brickfields bermula pada jam 9.30 pagi. Seterusnya peserta bantah GST akan berarak ke lokasi perhimpunan utama iaitu di Dataran Merdeka. Antara tujuan himpunan bantah GST adalah untuk menyuarakan bantahan terhadap pelaksanaan cukai barang dan perkhidmatan (GST) yang dipercayai membebankan rakyat. Terdahulu, kerajaan dalam bajet 2014 telah membentangkan pelaksanaan GST yang berkuatkuasa mulai 1 April 2015.

Gambar Perhimpunan Bantah GST 1 Mei 2014 Malaysia

Teruskan Membaca:

Sumber: Gambar Perhimpunan Bantah GST 1 Mei 2014 Kuala Lumpur | melvister.com
Sumber: Gambar Perhimpunan Bantah GST 1 Mei 2014 Kuala Lumpur | melvister.com