Wishing all our Christian readers, relatives and friends a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Wishing the rest, HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
PM Anwar calls for unity and justice in Christmas message for a stronger Malaysia
Handwritten messages of hope, peace, joy and love can be seen in the background as a man decorates the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur on December 24, 2024. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — Ahead of Christmas tomorrow, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on Malaysians to embrace diversity and work towards a united, harmonious nation.
In a statement on his social media accounts, he emphasised the importance of fostering unity in a country rich in cultural and racial diversity.
“I often emphasise how differences in race and culture are a recipe for prosperity in any country that aspires to peace and harmony based on the principles of coexistence,” he said.
The prime minister also called on Malaysians to steer clear of anything that could jeopardise the country’s nation building efforts.
“Any efforts to sow seeds of division or incite racial conflict must be avoided, as we clearly depend on and complement one another, especially in our efforts to build a successful and capable national identity,” he said.
In a renewed commitment to justice, he said the principles of universal justice should guide the nation’s future.
“The values and principles of universal justice must be elevated to invigorate the aspirations and hopes of the nation’s founding fathers, who envisioned this country at the forefront, shaping the future and dignity of the nation,” he said as he wished Christians nationwide a happy Christmas. - malaymail
White rice, egg and black sauce for RM7? Netizens rage at the price
FEELING the pinch of inflation and the rising cost of food? Perhaps not until you have watched this video post on X which showed a meal of white rice, egg and black sauce with a price tag of RM7.
Despite the seemingly unique name of Nasi Telur Ponti, anyone can see it was just that, with a negligible smattering of vegetables.
In the comment section, netizens could be seen either poking fun of the meal or raging about the inappropriate pricing.
Netizen Picky said the price of RM7 is reasonable since the food operator had to wear a black glove.
“Without the glove, most likely it could be sold at RM3. Small profit,” said Picky, whose comment was most likely a joke.
Not unlike Pinky, another netizen sarcastically identified the black glove as a premium, hence the pricing.
No pun intended, Chear Omma, on the other hand, said sometime back, people in droves were trying to put the lowest price, such as Nasi Bajet or Nasi Rahmah.
“All these are pocket friendly. Now there are these stupid fried maggi, stupid nachos, with all the operators putting prices worthy of the pharaoh, due to premium ingredients,” said Chear Omma.
Irfan Firmino further claimed that the creator of this Nasi Telur Ponti was copying the Indonesian style Nasi Telur Pontianak.
“But there, the egg rice was only RM3. Now here it becomes RM7? Best to cook at home,” he suggested.
“How is it possible for such overpriced items to be popular now? Isn’t it that many businesses are complaining about the lack of buyers, that the economy is terrible. How is it that such overpriced items can grow like mushrooms?” raged Fitri Mn.
Then there was Acehpool who said, “The egg and black sauce are home made, ok.”
He was likely referring to the many other trending food operators who charge a premium due to their “homemade” ingredients.
To strike home the point on affordability, one netizen decided to share his sumptuous meal of RM7, which came complete with a teh’o ais for lunch.
To those desperate to try out the Nasi Ponti, So Halima offered another better alternative.
But most importantly, what is your take on the pricing? We don’t know about you, but we feel our appetite rising just looking at the sleek, black gloves used to prepare the RM7 Nasi Ponti. — Focus Malaysia
NUBE launches campaign to abolish RM1 interbank ATM withdrawal fee
THE National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has officially launched a signature campaign aimed at abolishing the RM1 interbank ATM cash withdrawal fee imposed by Bank Negara Malaysia.
The campaign seeks to gather one million signatures to present to the Ministry of Finance, highlighting the impact of this fee on the lower-income population.
Solomon, General Secretary of NUBE, stated, “While RM1 may not appear big to many, it adds up to a huge amount over time and this is a burden to the lower-income group.”
He emphasised that the campaign will take place both online through the NUBE official website and Change.org, as well as through physical outreach where NUBE members will engage with the community nationwide.
The campaign comes at a time when many Malaysians are feeling the financial strain.
Solomon noted that the majority of those affected by the RM1 fee are from lower-income groups, including many NUBE members.
“It is an injustice for PayNet to continue raking in millions by charging RM1 for ATM withdrawals from banks other than the issuing bank. In 2023 alone, PayNet reported RM544 million in gross revenue and a net profit of RM271 million,” he commented.
“The rich are getting richer, while the poor continue to suffer.”
NUBE aims to raise awareness of the widespread opposition to the RM1 fee among Malaysians.
Solomon stated, “In pressing times like these, every cent counts. NUBE is committed to helping alleviate the burdens faced by lower-income groups. We urge all our fellow Malaysians to support this cause and help make this signature campaign a success.”
The campaign reflects NUBE’s dedication to advocating for the rights of workers and the economic well-being of all Malaysians.
By gathering support from the public, NUBE asks for prompt action from the government to address this important issue. — Focus Malaysia
Kulai police call up driver of car going against traffic in viral video
KULAI: Police have called up the driver behind the viral video showing a red car going against traffic at Jalan Ismail, here.
Kulai OCPD Asst Comm Tan Seng Lee said the incident occurred last Saturday (Dec 21) at 5.30pm involving two vehicles.
“According to preliminary investigations, the red car, driven by a 25-year-old man, was travelling from Khet Long Market towards the Gemilang roundabout when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
“The accident was reportedly caused by the driver attempting to avoid a motorcycle exiting from a junction on the left.
“This sudden manoeuvre caused the car to veer into the opposite lane, where it collided with another vehicle driven by a 42-year-old man,” he said in a statement here on Tuesday (Dec 24).
ACP Tan added that both drivers involved in the incident reported the matter to the Kulai District Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the accident.
The case is being investigated under Rule 10 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
Police have also urged members of the public to contact the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department at the Kulai police headquarters with any information regarding the accident.
Earlier, a 40-second video was posted on the ‘Hanya Kelakar’ Facebook page showing a car being driven against the flow of traffic in Kulai.
At the time of writing, the video has gained more than 200,000 views. - Star
Major projects will make Sarawak an Asian economic force, says premier
Abang Johari said these two mega projects, as well as several more possibly large and strategic projects, would make Sarawak an attractive destination for investors and travellers.
“In the next five to 10 years, the Sarawak government and private sector are expected to invest some RM100 billion to implement two massive projects — to build a new international airport and a new deep-sea port in Kuching.
“We will build the new seamless airport with our own state funds as we need to expedite its implementation,” The Borneo Post quoted him as saying.
“The construction of the new airport will make our new airline, upon the takeover of MASwings, more apparent as our regional carrier to connect Sarawak with other destinations,” he added.
In a Christmas greeting to Sarawakians, Abang Johari called for unity and diligence to ensure the state’s aspirations could be realised, making it “on par with other developed countries”.
“No doubt we have to work extra hard to make things happen and avoid being distracted by parties who would rather see us behind them all the time.
“This is the time for us Sarawakians to be united and unwavering in our resolve, and determine our own destiny.” - FMT
Organisers of Kelantan dinner event featuring ‘suggestive’ dance fined RM10,000
Kelantan local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah confirmed that the fine, under Section 6 of the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment 1998, was made to the Tanah Merah district council today.
He also said the organisers had sent an apology letter to both the state government and the local authorities for the violation.
“They (the organisers) have also signed an undertaking with the local council, agreeing to consult with the authorities before holding any future events,” he was quoted as saying in an Utusan Malaysia report.
Hilmi added that starting from Jan 1, 2025, the fine would increase to RM50,000 after the state assembly passed an updated Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control Enactment, which will introduce stricter regulations and licensing.
He urged individuals or companies planning to organise entertainment events to submit their applications in advance to facilitate the review process and avoid any violation.
It was previously reported that the organisers had not obtained the necessary permit for the event.
The event, held last Saturday at the hall of a Chinese vernacular school, drew public criticism after photos of the performance went viral. - FMT
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