Police investigate viral videos of ketum juice sale at Paka R&R

 

Police have launched an investigation following two viral videos on social media allegedly showing the open sale of ketum juice at the exit of the Paka Rest and Recreation (R&R) area on the Kemaman-Kuala Terengganu route today. Pic from social media

DUNGUN: Police have launched an investigation following two viral videos on social media allegedly showing the open sale of ketum juice at the exit of the Paka Rest and Recreation (R&R) area on the Kemaman-Kuala Terengganu route today.

Dungun district police chief, Superintendent Nik Ab Halim Nik Mat, said initial investigations found that the incident was believed to have taken place during the RXZ Members 8.0 programme, with the location serving as a main route for participants travelling to the event venue.

He said a team of police officers and personnel from the Dungun district police headquarters' Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division was immediately deployed to the location.

"Upon arrival, our personnel found that the ketum drink-selling activity shown in the viral videos had already ceased.

"We take the sale and abuse of ketum juice, as well as any prohibited substances, including dangerous drugs, very seriously," he said.

Halim said police would continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement, particularly at public hotspots and throughout the duration of large-scale events.

"If arrests and seizures are made, the case can be investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

"Members of the public with any information are urged to contact the Dungun district police headquarters or the nearest police station to assist in the investigation," he said. - NST

PAS says ‘Malay unity’ not meant to encourage hatred of others

 Ahmad Fadhli Shaari urges Chinese and Indian voters to judge PAS based on its leaders’ statements rather than claims by other parties.

PAS supporters attending a Negeri Sembilan election ceramah yesterday. The party has an understanding with Barisan Nasional not to contest against each other. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

PAS’s call for Malays to unite should not be interpreted as encouraging hatred towards other races, the party’s information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said today.

In a message to voters ahead of tomorrow’s Negeri Sembilan state election, Fadhli said PAS remained committed to promoting unity and respected all races and religions in Malaysia.

In a Facebook post, he also rejected claims that PAS is an extremist party, saying its advocacy of Malay and Islamic interests did not come at the expense of other communities.

“PAS’s call for Malays to unite does not mean it is encouraging them to hate others. That is not what Islam teaches,” he said. “PAS does not hate the Chinese or Indian communities.

“Just because PAS speaks about Malays does not mean other races are being sidelined, and just because PAS speaks about Islam does not mean PAS is an extremist party.”

Fadhli also urged Chinese and Indian voters not to judge PAS based on what others said about the party, but instead, to evaluate it based on the statements and actions of its own leaders.

He also called on Malay-Muslim voters to support the Muslim unity agenda championed by PAS and Perikatan Nasional, together with Umno and Barisan Nasional.

Fadhli said the alliance sought to restore Malay political power, which he described as the foundation of the country’s political stability. While he acknowledged that some supporters still harboured memories of past political rivalries, Fadhli said achieving unity required setting aside old grievances for the greater good of the Muslim community. - FMT

Singapore govt takes possession of Lee Kuan Yew’s family home

 38 Oxley Road may be developed into a public space 'in a manner that respects Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes for privacy'.

38 Oxley Road was gazetted as a Singaporean national monument on Dec 12 last year, and gazetted for government acquisition on Jan 29. (EPA Images pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Singapore government has taken possession of 38 Oxley Road, the family home of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, bringing to a close a decade-long dispute among his children.

The government completed the acquisition process and took possession of the site today, the Straits Times reported. The site was gazetted as a national monument on Dec 12 last year and was later gazetted for government acquisition on Jan 29.

In a Facebook post today, Lee’s younger son Hsien Yang called the compulsory acquisition of the site a repudiation of his father’s values and “a flagrant disregard for his long-held wish” for the building to be demolished.

Hsien Yang and his late sister Wei Ling had accused their elder brother Hsien Loong, now a senior minister, of wanting the pre-war one-storey bungalow preserved for political gain, contrary to their father’s wishes that it be demolished.

Hsien Loong dismissed their accusations, telling Parliament of concerns over the “troubling circumstances” around the preparation of Lee’s final will.

In a statement today, the Singapore Land Authority and the National Heritage Board said they will undertake a detailed study of the site and the options “for how it can be developed into a public space in a manner that respects Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes for privacy”.

Singaporean culture, community and youth minister David Neo has previously said that the government’s intention is to develop the site into a public space, such as a heritage park.

A spokesman for the land authority said it could not provide details of how much was paid to acquire the site, as such information is available only to the landowner. Hsien Yang was the last registered owner of the property. - FMT

Care Collective opens Kuching’s largest integrated senior living community

 

CARE Collective has officially opened its integrated senior living and retirement community at Wisma Elica, marking the launch of what it describes as Kuching’s largest senior living development.

The facility, developed in partnership with Sarawakian property developer Elica Equity Sdn Bhd and located alongside voco Kuching by IHG, combines independent retirement suites, assisted living and clubhouse memberships within a single community.

The official opening was attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Elica Equity managing director Datuk Bobby Ting Sie Ching.

Operated by senior living specialist Care Concierge, the development is designed to allow older adults to live independently while accessing care and support as their needs change.

The community comprises 90 ensuite rooms equipped with senior-friendly features including emergency call systems, grab rails and anti-slip flooring. Residents also have access to shared lounges, dining facilities, activity spaces and wellness services.

Speaking at the launch, Nancy said Malaysia’s transition towards an ageing society required more options that allow older adults to age with dignity while remaining connected to their families and communities.

(Image: Andy Phe Photography)

“Ageing must never come at the cost of isolation or disconnection from family and community,” she remarked.

“By integrating independent living, professional care and vibrant social programming, Care Collective complements the indispensable role of families while empowering seniors to remain active and engaged.

“This initiative marks a significant advancement in Sarawak’s care infrastructure, demonstrating how private sector innovation can foster a more inclusive, compassionate and resilient care ecosystem.”

Beyond residential care, the development provides access to health and lifestyle services including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, traditional Chinese medicine, pharmacy services and wellness programmes.

Recreational facilities include activity rooms, games areas, a barbecue terrace and a hair and beauty salon.

Care Concierge chief executive officer Martin Yap said the community was designed to cater to retirees with varying levels of independence and care needs.

“Whether you are an active retiree seeking connection and fulfilment, or someone who needs more hands-on healthcare support, this community is built for you. We want residents to enjoy their retirement while we take care of the support they need,” he said.

Care Collective has begun accepting residents and enquiries. More information is available at carecollective.my. ‒   Focus Malaysia

TNG e-Wallet supports JPA initiative to ensure pensioners receive payments

 

TNG Digital Sdn Bhd is supporting the Public Service Department’s (JPA) financial inclusion initiative by providing eligible pensioners with an alternative channel to receive their monthly pension payments through TNG e-Wallet when they are unable to access conventional banking services.

The initiative is intended to help pensioners whose bank accounts have been frozen or restricted, including those affected by financial scams, ensuring continued access to their pension payments without disruption.

According to TNG Digital, more than 3.4 million verified TNG e-Wallet users are aged 60 and above, reflecting growing adoption of digital financial services among senior Malaysians.

Eligible pensioners who opt to receive their payments via TNG e-Wallet may also apply for a fee-waived TNG eWallet Visa Card, which is linked directly to their e-Wallet balance. The card enables cash withdrawals at ATMs as well as payments at Visa merchants worldwide.

TNG Digital chief executive officer Alan Ni said the company welcomed JPA’s initiative to ensure eligible pensioners continued receiving their pensions when they were unable to access their existing banking channels.

“Financial inclusion is about ensuring no eligible pensioner is left without access to the pension payments they depend on,” he said.

“We are honoured to support this initiative by providing eligible pensioners with a secure and accessible alternative payment option through TNG e-Wallet.”

According to Ni, the fact that more than 3.4 million senior Malaysians already use TNG e-Wallet gives the company confidence that digital financial services can be both accessible and inclusive.

“By complementing this initiative with a fee-waived TNG e-Wallet Visa Card, we hope to make it even easier for eligible pensioners to manage their everyday expenses with greater convenience and flexibility,” he added.

TNG e-Wallet incorporates security features including electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification, biometric authentication, device binding, a Kill Switch and a dedicated fraud support hotline to help safeguard users’ funds.

The company said it would continue working with  government agencies and strategic partners to develop inclusive financial solutions that improve accessibility and strengthen financial resilience for Malaysians. ‒   Focus Malaysia