Francisca Cruz

1f29d63280482ed76e253e6dbcf1428f3751430d952a59d7c48ca625ef014450

Social

Foodie

Japan

Food

FakeFood

Sampuru

FoodSamples

FoodReplica

From the &lsquo;leaning tower of pizza&rsquo; to an ear of corn sitting on a beach chair, both art and food enthusiasts are in for a real treat, as you can catch some of the quirkiest plastic food sculptures at an art exhibition this week in Tokyo.
After watching many MasterChef episodes, by now we all know that when it comes to food, presentation is always key, and yes that also applies to food that is completely fake. Wait what?&nbsp;
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1661157691/unsigned/w51uwt5xeec6gzn2pkem.jpg" alt="" width="488" height="384" />
Introducing Japanese food samples products, or in Japanese, &lsquo;shokuhin sampuru&rdquo; which are common realistic plastic dishes that have been displayed outside of Japanese restaurants for over a century, after stores began using wax models to advertise their menu to a growing middle-class.
The different models are carefully made by hand as it requires meticulous details and extra care in order to fully replicate the real dishes.
"Normally we have to follow orders from clients. We take their views on board when we're making items," plastic food artist Shinichiro Hatasa, 57, told AFP.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1661157753/unsigned/jrqoktwklkqtnugdnkcy.jpg" alt="" width="610" height="625" />
What kinds of food were there at the exhibition?
Around 60 sculptures were on display, some silly but others designed to showcase the artists' formidable skills.
"They are not real, but they look so real. It's wonderful," said exhibition attendee Reiko Ichimaru.
The different sorts of food creations at the exhibition were all handmade by specialists at Iwasaki Group, Japan&rsquo;s leading maker of &ldquo;sampuru&rdquo;, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
Some of the creations included an ear of corn leisurely sunbathing on a beach, and a Japanese breakfast dish of fermented soybeans called natto appeared to spiral in the air, resembling a powerful cyclone &ndash; nicknamed, naturally, a &ldquo;nattornado&rdquo;.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1661157833/unsigned/gyrkgjdttqaqxy620txp.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1661157850/unsigned/qwmlzy3bmyfk7bx5e81n.webp" alt="" width="595" height="418" /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn1.myc.com.my/image/upload/v1661157814/unsigned/cbifmebsnovv2imr8ehf.jpg" alt="" width="591" height="510" />
How do they create sampuru?
At Iwasaki factories in Tokyo, artisans first take molds of ingredients from actual meals cooked by the firm&rsquo;s restaurant clients, and afterwards they begin the meticulous work of decorating the samples to look as realistic as possible, from moisture droplets on the chilled glass to subtle bruises on a fruit&rsquo;s surface.
&ldquo;Fresh things are more difficult to make. Fresh vegetables, fresh fish. Cooked items are easier,&rdquo; because the colours are less complicated, factory head Hiroaki Miyazawa, 44, told AFP. &ldquo;Hamburger patties are for beginners,&rdquo; he added.
Check out this video on how Japanese artists make their one-of-a-kind fake food look so edible!
<iframe style="width: 606px; height: 340px;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vZnnSlfIgf0" width="606" height="340" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What do you think of these fake food replicas?&nbsp; Do share your thoughts and let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; NST and various cross-references for context.

Wait till you find out how these tasty Japanese food are actually plastic sculptures.

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Looks Deliciously Real But It’s All Plastic!

&nbsp;On the afternoon of 9 April 2025, Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh, a 42-year-old Sarawak-born businesswoman and mother, vanished under mysterious circumstances while travelling to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya. Her disappearance &mdash; abrupt, unexplained, and now entering its fourth week &mdash; has stunned the nation and triggered growing concern over the protection of witnesses and individuals involved in high-profile investigations.
Pamela was scheduled to give a statement that afternoon in relation to an ongoing probe involving money laundering and corruption. However, she never arrived. Despite police investigations, multiple witness interviews, and widespread media coverage, her whereabouts remain unknown. Her family alleges she may have been abducted just minutes from her destination.
A Routine Trip That Ended in Silence
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b3887362b691c3cb83d1522e451c7346539f391967035ee3dff3a808d3b52ae5" />
According to the timeline established by her family and legal team, Pamela departed from Jalan Cheras in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 1.29pm using a Grab e-hailing vehicle. She was headed to the MACC&rsquo;s offices in Precinct 7, Putrajaya, a trip expected to take about 30&ndash;40 minutes. At 1.52pm, her mobile phone&rsquo;s location was last detected along the Maju Expressway near Bandar Putra Permai &mdash; roughly 20 minutes from her destination.
At 1.57pm, Pamela sent what would be her final known message &mdash; a WhatsApp note to her lawyer stating she was on her way and estimated to arrive by 2.08pm. What happened in the next few minutes remains unclear.
By 2.30pm, her lawyer had become concerned when Pamela failed to arrive and could no longer be reached. Calls to her mobile phone went unanswered. WhatsApp messages remained undelivered. At 3.02pm, a missing persons report was filed at the Putrajaya police station. A second report followed the next day at the Seri Kembangan station.
Eyewitness Accounts and a Troubling Allegation
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b1ad2544bbf903463d23c3863bc4d394b74ae424a421ffd649655571d6cc06ab" />
The family&rsquo;s concerns escalated after receiving a startling account from the Grab driver who transported Pamela that day. The driver, who later filed his own police report, claimed that as he approached the vicinity of the MACC headquarters, his vehicle was intercepted by three separate cars. Two individuals &mdash; a man in a police vest and a woman in a police uniform &mdash; reportedly approached his vehicle, demanded the driver&rsquo;s MyKad (Malaysian identity card), and instructed Pamela to exit the vehicle and follow them.
The encounter reportedly occurred close enough to the MACC building that the Grab trip was automatically marked as completed. The implication was that Pamela had either arrived or was about to arrive at her scheduled appointment.
What happened next remains a mystery. Pamela has not been seen since. No official arrests have been made. No ransom demands have emerged. Her phone has remained inactive, and immigration checks confirm she has not left the country.
Under Investigation: MACC and Police Face Scrutiny
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c31f9f2b52a1acc621417d0ca133e4f73f0cf5020cb83dac052a8709968a97c9" />
Pamela Ling was due to provide a formal statement to the MACC regarding an ongoing financial investigation involving her and her estranged husband, Datuk Seri Thomas Hah Tiing Siu. Hah is the founder and executive chairman of the JoinLand Group &mdash; a sprawling Sarawak-based conglomerate with operations in agro-forestry, real estate, frozen food, and international trade.
Both Ling and Hah are subjects of the MACC probe, which is being conducted under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). Pamela had previously given statements to the MACC, and had been blacklisted from overseas travel since January 2025.
She had relocated to a condominium in Sunway Velocity, Cheras, and was reportedly living alone while her children remained with family in Sarawak and Singapore. Her family describes her as a devoted mother, with no known enemies or mental health concerns.
The police have since classified the case under Section 365 of the Penal Code, which deals with abduction with intent to secretly and wrongfully confine a person. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years&rsquo; imprisonment and a fine. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed that 12 individuals &mdash; including Pamela&rsquo;s family, lawyer, and MACC officials &mdash; have been interviewed. However, no definitive leads have emerged, and authorities admit they remain baffled.
Family Devastated, Public Appeals for Information
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3f7979406efae26bdd0da39b29a560d0bc516ebad4617edc7e02e358b373cdc7" />
Pamela&rsquo;s family has made public appeals for assistance, sharing contact details for her father and brother in the hope that a witness or whistleblower might come forward. Her brother, Simon Ling Wan Siong, has called for anyone with dashcam footage from the MEX highway between 1.45pm and 2.15pm on the day of her disappearance to contact the police or family.
Simon described Pamela as &ldquo;a good sister and a loving mother who never failed to keep in touch with her children, especially during festive seasons.&rdquo; He said the family is struggling to cope with the sudden loss and the silence from the authorities.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s unlike her not to call. She&rsquo;s been through a lot &mdash; the divorce, the investigation &mdash; but she&rsquo;s strong. We just want to know she&rsquo;s safe,&rdquo; he said.
Legal Community Questions Official Response
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/341516e3d7abe7b96b1f7738b8fa85ab943826438c52538c0543cc338c2a4215" />
Human rights lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo, who now represents Pamela&rsquo;s family, has openly criticised the response of both the MACC and police. She raised critical questions regarding whether the MACC took sufficient precautions given the sensitive nature of the case.
&ldquo;If the MACC believed she held crucial information that could implicate others, they had a duty of care to protect her,&rdquo; Sangeet stated. &ldquo;The fact that she disappeared mere minutes before her scheduled statement suggests a high likelihood that someone was watching her movements &mdash; someone who wanted her silenced.&rdquo;
She also questioned why the MACC did not lodge its own missing persons report or issue a public statement promptly after her failure to appear. &ldquo;This silence is not just procedural neglect &mdash; it&rsquo;s a grave failure to safeguard a potential witness in a criminal investigation.&rdquo;
Sangeet added that despite the family&rsquo;s full cooperation, they have not received meaningful updates from the authorities. &ldquo;The investigation seems to be stagnating, and the public has a right to know why.&rdquo;
A Wider Pattern of Witness Vulnerability?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a036f66873ebef4be4b9e3c84adf3165e50ae1314fa636a59294843f1bc24bda" />
Pamela Ling&rsquo;s disappearance raises broader concerns about the protection of individuals engaged in legal proceedings in Malaysia, particularly in high-profile corruption and financial crime cases. Civil society organisations and legal experts have warned that without strong safeguards and accountability, witnesses may be at risk of intimidation, coercion &mdash; or worse.
This is not the first time a person linked to a financial probe has disappeared under suspicious circumstances. While the details differ, Pamela&rsquo;s case has revived painful comparisons to past episodes where individuals have gone missing, died in custody, or recanted testimony under duress.
Public confidence in institutions like the MACC and Royal Malaysian Police depends not only on solving crimes but also on ensuring that citizens can engage with investigations without fear of retribution.
Silence and Speculation
The MACC has issued a brief statement confirming that Pamela was scheduled to give a statement on the day of her disappearance, but declined to comment further, citing that the matter is now under police jurisdiction. The agency urged the public not to speculate.
Yet speculation continues to mount, fuelled by the absence of any concrete developments. Social media users, legal observers, and politicians alike have called for transparency and urgency. Many question whether all surveillance footage from the area &mdash; including from the MACC building, traffic cameras, and nearby commercial premises &mdash; has been thoroughly reviewed.
In the absence of answers, a simple question lingers: How could a person vanish, in broad daylight, on a busy road near a government complex, without a trace?
Contact Details for Public Assistance
Pamela&rsquo;s family continues to plead for help. They believe someone &mdash; a driver, a commuter, a witness &mdash; may have seen something. Even the smallest clue could make a difference.
If you have any information, please contact:
<ul>
<li>Her father: +6012 8867 979</li>
<li>Her brother: +6012 8866 799</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Nearly a month since her disappearance, no ransom demand has been received by either her family or the authorities.

5a4d28cc4ef0de794831d185423b80e3f3099e3578c28800ae08a6813e3f2c1f

The Disappearance Of Datin Seri Pamela Ling: Vanishes En Route To MACC, Raising Alarming Questions

Malaysia&rsquo;s real wages have deteriorated drastically over the past four decades, leaving today&rsquo;s workforce with significantly reduced purchasing power, former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim warned in a recent interview with Sinar Harian. He remarked that many Malaysian graduates are now trapped in low-income jobs despite the country&rsquo;s economic growth, and are increasingly unable to meet basic life milestones such as home or car ownership.
Recalling his own experience, Muhammad said he earned RM1,300 upon entering the job market in 1984. Today, a typical fresh graduate earns between RM2,000 and RM3,000 monthly&mdash;a marginal increase in nominal terms that doesn&rsquo;t reflect the sharp rise in living costs. When adjusted for inflation&mdash;assuming a conservative annual rate of 5%&mdash;today&rsquo;s graduates should be earning closer to RM7,000 to RM8,000 to match the purchasing power of their 1980s counterparts.
&ldquo;In real terms, salaries today are only a third of what they used to be,&rdquo; he said, adding that if current trends continue, today&rsquo;s young people may never enjoy the same quality of life his generation did.
The Rise of the Low-Income Graduate
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8b9b1df643980df936b15d80d18d4cd0dc132c1876493e893f16a7f82f9ea0b9" />
Quoting recent data from the Ministry of Higher Education, Muhammad pointed out that around 40% of university graduates today earn less than RM2,000 per month in their first job. He believes this is a clear indication that the country&rsquo;s education and economic systems are not aligned with the demands of a competitive, modern workforce.
&ldquo;Without major reforms in our education and economic frameworks, we are condemning our youth to a future dominated by low-skilled, low-paying jobs,&rdquo; he said. He warned that Malaysia continues to lag behind other nations that were once on par with or even behind Malaysia in the 1960s, including Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Japan&mdash;all of which now enjoy far higher standards of living due to sustained structural reform.
Foreign Labour Suppressing Wage Growth
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5406ec1a17a9d7bf3194d18b8d4f0f3a9b308046fa34fae7aa9052f441ee73c0" />
Muhammad also addressed the impact of Malaysia&rsquo;s heavy reliance on foreign labour, which has contributed to wage stagnation&mdash;particularly for the country&rsquo;s B40 income group. As of 31 December 2024, there were 16.78 million workers in the country, with 2.37 million or roughly 14% of them being foreign workers.
These foreign workers primarily fill 3D (dirty, dangerous, and difficult) jobs in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, food services, and domestic work. While these jobs are often shunned by locals, the influx of low-cost labour from countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nepal has created wage suppression for Malaysians in similar roles.
&ldquo;When employers can hire workers cheaply, they have no incentive to raise wages for locals. This affects our citizens directly, particularly those in the B40 segment,&rdquo; Muhammad explained.
A Growing Brain Drain: Nurses, Labourers, and the Search for Better Pay
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98e2ef14dd46045ab74a765328aa4a01be2305e38cc96f307eb39f9fb5a9095d" />
Malaysia is not only failing to retain its skilled workforce&mdash;it is also losing talent to neighbouring countries with better wages. Muhammad highlighted that many local nurses are now migrating to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, where they can earn two to four times more than they would at home.
For example, JobStreet data shows that a nurse in Malaysia earns between RM2,700 and RM3,400 a month, while in Singapore, the salary ranges from RM11,000 to RM13,000. Even Saudi Arabia offers nearly RM7,000 per month.
Beyond white-collar professionals, Muhammad noted an increase in Malaysians crossing into Singapore to perform menial work. &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just brain drain&mdash;it&rsquo;s now even low-skilled drain,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If we don&rsquo;t address this soon, Malaysia may one day become a labour-exporting country, with our children working as maids or labourers abroad.&rdquo;
Income Reclassification Misses the Bigger Picture
In response to the government&rsquo;s recent proposal to update income classifications&mdash;changing the B40, M40, and T20 system to B20, M50, and T30 based on consumption data&mdash;Muhammad said the new categorisation risks masking the real challenges of wage stagnation and cost-of-living pressures.
He argued that income-based benchmarks remain critical, as consumption patterns can be misleading, particularly when driven by debt or necessity. &ldquo;If you use the older income definitions, the B40 group probably now encompasses 60% of the population, not just 40%, due to post-COVID economic strain, low savings, and wage stagnation.&rdquo;
GDP Growth Is Not the Only Measure of Progress
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/22a9e4e83055f7cdd1d63ffcdcda10cf416dc4f30fb6da1e70054dc4586bb5bf" />
Muhammad also criticised the nation&rsquo;s obsession with GDP growth as a benchmark for success. &ldquo;GDP doesn&rsquo;t put food on the table,&rdquo; he said bluntly. &ldquo;Real progress should be measured through employment quality, wage growth, and job structure&mdash;not aggregate output.&rdquo;
He noted that at international forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, discussions in developed countries have shifted from GDP to employment outcomes. &ldquo;The real question they ask is: what kinds of jobs are being created? That&rsquo;s where Malaysia needs to start focusing,&rdquo; he added.
Urgent Reforms Needed to Avoid Long-Term Decline
Despite the grim outlook, Muhammad said Malaysia still has time to reverse course. He pointed to the remarkable growth trajectories of East Asian economies that once had lower per capita incomes than Malaysia but have since surged ahead through long-term reform in education, technology, and governance.
&ldquo;We cannot continue benchmarking ourselves against regional peers who are also struggling. We must aim higher,&rdquo; he said.
He concluded with a warning: &ldquo;Without a bold and decisive push for structural change, we risk raising a generation that is poorer than the last, unable to afford homes, education, or healthcare, and forced to look overseas for dignity and opportunity.&rdquo;
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Adjusted for inflation, graduate salaries today should be at least RM7,000 to RM8,000. 

1254876841663624d39e980db9c2b93f80e0bd826af3bf2c5e6c4faf4ff6f6b7

Former BNM Governor: Malaysian Real Wages Have Dropped Threefold Since The 1980s

A heart-wrenching video of a young man with a learning disability alleging that he was bullied at a GiatMARA training centre in Melaka has reignited public concerns about student safety, particularly for those with special needs.
The clip, uploaded to TikTok by user @masdo21, shows the young man &mdash; a trainee at GiatMARA Durian Tunggal &mdash; sharing his experience during what appeared to be a casual conversation at a badminton court. In the emotional video, the victim claimed that he was subjected to multiple bullying incidents by fellow trainees, prompting widespread outrage on social media.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@masdo21/video/7499534672653765906" data-video-id="7499534672653765906">
<section><a title="@masdo21" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@masdo21?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@masdo21</a> Giat mara durian tunggal.. your move.. apa2 keputusan di update part 2.. <a title="stopbullying🛑✋" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/stopbullying%F0%9F%9B%91%E2%9C%8B?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#stopbullying🛑✋</a> <a title="notcool" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/notcool?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#notcool</a> <a title="♬ Music box and background music for sad scenes(1345342) - syummacha" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Music-box-and-background-music-for-sad-scenes-1345342-7167430894889519105?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Music box and background music for sad scenes(1345342) - syummacha</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

The allegations include being struck by a thrown object while resting and having his motorcycle physically lifted and locked in a cage by a group of peers. The video includes short footage of the victim lying down and reacting as a white item is hurled at him.
&ldquo;I was shocked to find out what he&rsquo;d been through,&rdquo; said Masdo in the clip. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s beyond unacceptable. When the person being bullied is someone with disabilities, I consider the bullies absolute cowards.&rdquo;
He further called for immediate institutional action and warned that if GiatMARA failed to act, he would escalate the matter himself.
MARA Chairman Promises Stern Action
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/702b401595ea5b435f9f71326a559e038a386ffedafd3bc9f98e9e6a4731d543" />
In response to the public uproar, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki released a statement confirming that an internal investigation would be reopened.
He said that all individuals involved in the alleged bullying &mdash; including the victim &mdash; would be summoned by GiatMARA Alor Gajah&rsquo;s management to provide statements and cooperate with the inquiry. Dr Asyraf said he had directed the agency&rsquo;s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Hamdi Ibrahim, to take immediate and comprehensive action.
&ldquo;Preliminary information suggests the incident may have stemmed from a case of rough joking among trainees during their earlier training sessions at GiatMARA Alor Gajah,&rdquo; he said in a Facebook post. &ldquo;However, MARA takes all allegations of bullying seriously, regardless of intent. There will be no compromise.&rdquo;
The trainees involved are reportedly now undertaking industrial training in welding technology and metal fabrication.
&ldquo;Zero Tolerance&rdquo; Policy on Bullying Across All MARA Institutions
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d6c307e71526a185294bb5f8e33dcbb41fb809f5d5f3ca726079b8bc8c3792a2" />
Dr Asyraf reiterated that MARA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying in all its institutions. He stressed that this applies not just to physical harm, but also to verbal abuse, harassment, and psychological intimidation.
&ldquo;MARA does not and will not condone bullying in any form. Any form of misconduct, especially targeting persons with disabilities, will be met with the strictest disciplinary measures,&rdquo; he stated.
The chairman further outlined that this policy applies to all of MARA&rsquo;s educational and training institutions, including but not limited to the Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM), GiatMARA centres, MARA Skills Institutes, MARA Colleges, Professional Colleges (KPM), Higher Skills Colleges (KKTM), MARA Poly-Tech Colleges (KPTM), as well as higher education institutions like the MARA Japan Industrial Institute (MJII), German-Malaysian Institute (GMI), Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
He said the leadership across MARA&rsquo;s entire network of institutions understood his stance and were under strict instructions to act swiftly if bullying is confirmed.
The Case Was Previously Investigated in February, Say Exco
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e45507e2c5cd7ce5a8238fe51f9d5e8f87bb2fc394ea005a3cf038f89ddbc9da" />
While the video has recently gone viral and reignited national attention, Melaka authorities have clarified that the incident was not new and had in fact taken place in February 2024.
According to Melaka State Executive Councillor for Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs, Datuk Rahmad Mariman, the case had already been handled by MARA earlier this year. All parties involved were summoned for questioning and disciplinary action was taken.
&ldquo;MARA took immediate steps once they were informed of the incident back in February. All students involved were called in, statements were recorded, and those responsible apologised directly to the victim,&rdquo; Rahmad said. &ldquo;The student wasn&rsquo;t injured, and he has since resumed his training without interruption.&rdquo;
He added that while the viral video has revived public interest, the case had been closed months ago following internal resolution.
Institutional Accountability and Public Pressure Remain High
Although the case was technically resolved earlier this year, its resurgence online has placed renewed pressure on MARA to demonstrate transparency and enforce its anti-bullying policies consistently. The emotional nature of the video, along with the vulnerable status of the victim, has intensified public scrutiny.
The management of GiatMARA has pledged to cooperate fully with the follow-up probe to ensure public confidence is restored and that no similar incidents occur in the future. Authorities hope the renewed investigation will reinforce institutional accountability while serving as a firm warning against bullying within Malaysia&rsquo;s vocational and educational training ecosystem.
A Reminder That Past Incidents Can Still Leave a Lingering Impact
The viral incident may have occurred months ago, but it highlights how bullying &mdash; particularly when it involves persons with disabilities &mdash; leaves a long shadow. While MARA officials assert the case has been resolved and the trainee is continuing his training, public reaction underscores how important transparency, swift response, and preventative measures are in maintaining a safe and inclusive educational environment.
As Malaysia continues to build a skilled workforce through institutions like GiatMARA, ensuring the dignity and safety of all trainees &mdash; especially those with special needs &mdash; must remain a top priority.
What are your thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Although the incident occurred months ago, bullying a student with disabilities should never be taken lightly.

a6ac3945b6ab9fa882537ac72ee44e091e2b084d51a628ef70fe6af178a6f65f

MARA Orders Full Probe Into Alleged Bullying of Disabled Student At GiatMARA Melaka

In a marketplace saturated with conventional promotions and loyalty schemes, global ice cream brand Mixue has taken a refreshingly different approach to customer engagement in Malaysia. Eschewing the usual discounts and digital vouchers, the brand launched a creative and interactive promotion that offered customers free ice cream in exchange for a lively public performance of the company&rsquo;s catchy theme song.
This unusual campaign has not only drawn crowds and applause in-store, but also taken social media by storm&mdash;proving once again that when brands let their customers do the talking (or in this case, the singing), the results can be pure marketing gold.
Heartfelt Performance by Five Friends Captivates Netizens Online
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@casa.markaz/video/7499411454106307847" data-video-id="7499411454106307847">
<section><a title="@casa.markaz" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@casa.markaz?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@casa.markaz</a> Mixue buat promo baru wo <a title="mixue" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/mixue?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#mixue</a> <a title="♬ original sound - casa.markaz" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-casamarkaz-7499411482938002192?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - casa.markaz</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

One particular video that has gone viral exemplifies the spirit of the campaign perfectly. Uploaded by TikTok user @casa.markaz, the clip features a man and four of his friends standing confidently at a Mixue counter, preparing to belt out the company&rsquo;s theme tune in exchange for free ice cream.
Before diving into their impromptu concert, the group&rsquo;s spokesman cheekily asked the cashier, &ldquo;Kak, if we sing, we get it for free, right?&rdquo; After receiving confirmation, he turned the camera to his friends, gave a quick &ldquo;1&hellip;2&hellip;3,&rdquo; and the group launched into a spirited rendition of the brand&rsquo;s familiar jingle.
What made the moment even more memorable was the visible contrast in personalities&mdash;while most of the group sang with pride and joy, one of them bowed his head in bashful embarrassment halfway through, clearly not as outgoing as the rest. Still, the group completed the song, drawing smiles and applause, and were soon seen happily enjoying their well-earned reward.
The heart-warming and hilarious video has since garnered over 1.2 million views, rapidly spreading across social media platforms and igniting conversations about the cleverness of the campaign.
Laughter, Applause and a Lesson in Low-Cost Virality
Online reactions to the campaign have been overwhelmingly positive. In the comments section of the now-viral video, users praised the group&rsquo;s courage and sense of humour, noting that such spontaneity is rarely seen in public settings these days.
Many also empathised with the introverted member of the group, while others joked about the experience of Mixue staff, who were likely inundated with countless renditions of the jingle throughout the day.
&ldquo;This is pure marketing genius&mdash;get people singing, laughing, and posting your brand for free!&rdquo; &ldquo;The shy guy is all of us deep inside.&rdquo; &ldquo;Imagine being the cashier&mdash;20 versions of the same song, every day!&rdquo;
Beyond the humour, many marketing observers have pointed out the sheer effectiveness of Mixue&rsquo;s approach. It cost them little in terms of overhead, yet the exposure gained through user-generated content and social shares has far exceeded the return of traditional media campaigns.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ac05617732ef15f3da330775718d75e6b0ba0cf33457b1412308e2062a8d367f" />
Win more than just free ice cream!
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/84848e898b540af82d3a18363d7e86155692da71a26deaa6c4180921d734f1a1" />
From 1st to 12th May, any customer willing to sing the &ldquo;Mixue Melon Time&rdquo; song at a participating branch will be rewarded with a free Melon Ice Cream, turning everyday visits into mini musical performances.
But the campaign doesn&rsquo;t end at the store counter. From 1st to 14th May, Mixue is also inviting fans to get creative online. Participants can record themselves singing or dancing to the &ldquo;Melon Time&rdquo; jingle and post their videos on social media with the hashtag #MIXUEMelonTime. Those with the most entertaining or original entries stand a chance to win a variety of prizes, including:
<ul>
<li>🎁 Xiaomi Smart Band 9</li>
<li>💡 Mixue Snow King Tap Lamp</li>
<li>☕ Mixue-themed Cups</li>
<li>🧸 Mixue Plush Toys</li>
</ul>
This blend of offline fun and online creativity strengthens Mixue&rsquo;s brand identity as one that embraces playfulness, spontaneity, and shared experiences. It&rsquo;s a campaign tailor-made for the TikTok generation&mdash;bite-sized, bold, and bound to go viral.
A Sweet Tune for Brand Loyalty
With their clever promotional campaigns and delightfully low-stakes challenges, Mixue has struck the perfect balance between entertainment, reward, and brand exposure. Whether it&rsquo;s a heartfelt performance by a group of friends or a creative video posted online, the takeaway is simple: sometimes, a song and a scoop of ice cream are all it takes to win hearts&mdash;and customers.
So if you fancy yourself a singer (or just really want a free ice cream), it might be time to warm up those vocal cords. After all, when was the last time a jingle earned you dessert?
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Craving free ice cream? Just head to your nearest Mixue, sing your heart out, and claim your sweet reward!

0a20f7bc54f736102a0d913ea4e55f848555bba46282326cd0e4a35c848b7cec

Mixue’s Sing-For-Ice Cream Campaign Has Malaysians Singing (And Crying) For Joy

The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has issued a formal termination notice to ride-hailing platform inDrive, signalling the potential end of the company&rsquo;s operations in Malaysia. The notice, dated 24 April 2025, gives the company three months to either resolve the situation or return its Intermediation Business Licence (IBL) by 24 July 2025.
APAD cited non-compliance with conditions outlined under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715) and regulatory requirements introduced in 2019. These include failing to ensure that its drivers possess valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (eVP) licences&mdash;documents that are legally mandatory for all e-hailing drivers in Malaysia.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/f5177438ced0f67029bf28f266da08ada5e4a38a458c501f6428bdc0fadb9afb" />
In its official statement to media, APAD reiterated that the government takes any breach of IBL conditions seriously and is prepared to enforce strict action, including revocation, against operators that fail to comply. It stressed that all e-hailing licence holders must maintain satisfactory service standards and adhere to current laws at all times.
Safety and Documentation Failures Behind Regulatory Action
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/ad2b220e472e2aac4ab0891887052075f51969fbb2a94174986943a67e082eaa" />
While inDrive continues to operate for now, sources say that the company had been issued multiple show-cause letters over a prolonged period prior to the termination notice. Authorities became increasingly concerned over the platform&rsquo;s failure to vet its drivers appropriately. Many were reportedly operating without valid PSV or eVP licences, raising serious questions about passenger safety.
The situation escalated due to a rise in safety-related incidents involving inDrive drivers, which further undermined public trust in the platform. APAD&rsquo;s decision also reflects wider efforts by Malaysian authorities to tighten oversight over e-hailing services and curb unauthorised operations.
This enforcement action bears striking resemblance to the case of Maxim, another Russian-founded ride-hailing firm that was expelled from the Malaysian market in 2023. At the time, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) discovered that out of 5,000 vehicles listed under Maxim, only 8% were properly licensed. That led to a full revocation of Maxim&rsquo;s licence and a ban on its services in the country.
inDrive Responds: &lsquo;We&rsquo;re Engaging with Authorities&rsquo;
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7d92625395d1b8d4a74e0b1eb9c3b753494e36e9e4c06636ab1fbb54b029e578" />
In response to the latest development, inDrive has confirmed it is in active dialogue with APAD and other relevant regulatory bodies. In a statement issued, the company stressed its commitment to Malaysian users and said it was proactively seeking clarity on the reasons behind the licence revocation notice.
&ldquo;We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible mobility solutions to the tens of thousands of people across Malaysia who rely on our platform every day,&rdquo; the company said. &ldquo;As a global mobility and urban services platform, inDrive operates with the highest regard for local laws, regulations, and the communities we serve.&rdquo;
The company also reassured its driver-partners and passengers that its services would continue uninterrupted while discussions with authorities were ongoing. inDrive Malaysia sent a message to its drivers stating it was &ldquo;currently in communication with the relevant regulatory authorities to seek further clarification regarding a recent development involving our operations.&rdquo;
It further promised to issue public updates once greater clarity has been achieved. In the meantime, drivers have been encouraged to continue offering services as usual, although their compliance with local licensing laws remains under scrutiny.
A Rocky Regulatory History in Malaysia
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0e387d516ee29b160ae0d4381960b0b358032a49cc4e081accee6ecda885d31d" />
This isn&rsquo;t the first time inDrive has clashed with Malaysian transport regulators. In September 2023, the company was fined RM10,000 after pleading guilty to operating without the proper authorisation following a raid by JPJ. Although inDrive quickly settled the fine and made efforts to re-engage with APAD, that previous violation has clearly factored into the latest decision.
Despite these challenges, the company has shown no signs of slowing down. inDrive had previously announced plans to grow its Malaysian driver base to over 40,000 by the end of 2025, following rapid expansion in key urban centres like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Johor Bahru since its entry in late 2021.
What sets inDrive apart from major competitors like Grab is its unique pricing model&mdash;users can negotiate fares directly with drivers, a concept inspired by traditional marketplace bargaining. This &ldquo;name-your-price&rdquo; approach has attracted budget-conscious riders and drivers seeking greater control over their earnings.
What Happens Next? Appeal Process and Ministry Review
While APAD&rsquo;s notice is a serious blow, inDrive still has the opportunity to appeal. The company may submit a formal appeal through APAD, which will then forward the matter to the Ministry of Transport for further consideration. The final decision on whether inDrive will be allowed to continue operating in Malaysia lies with the ministry.
APAD&rsquo;s statement made it clear that enforcement action is a last resort, but one that will be taken without hesitation if necessary. The agency urged all existing e-hailing operators to prioritise service quality and passenger safety, stressing that non-compliance would no longer be tolerated in an increasingly regulated digital mobility environment.
The Bigger Picture: A Tighter Grip on E-Hailing
This case is part of a broader regulatory tightening across Malaysia&rsquo;s transport sector, particularly in the e-hailing space. With the rise of app-based services, the government is now under pressure to ensure that public safety, driver qualifications, and operational transparency are not compromised for the sake of rapid expansion or price competition.
For inDrive, the next few weeks will be critical. The company must either convince authorities of its willingness and ability to comply&mdash;or prepare to exit one of Southeast Asia&rsquo;s most promising mobility markets.
For passengers who&rsquo;ve grown accustomed to its affordable, flexible rides, the uncertainty may be cause for concern. And for Malaysia&rsquo;s e-hailing industry, this serves as a clear reminder: regulatory compliance is no longer optional&mdash;it&rsquo;s the price of entry.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

APAD has issued a three-month notice to inDrive, but the company may still appeal through the Transport Ministry.

8b78bc1b8140096464038ac2dced461f176794af622cd8bc488e23c75ff865ef

inDrive Faces Potential Ban In Malaysia Over Licensing Violations

Fans of smooth R&amp;B and soul-infused serenades, rejoice &mdash; Pink Sweat$ is officially making his way back to Kuala Lumpur this June for a long-awaited solo concert that promises all the feels and more.
Following his crowd-pleasing performance at the Good Vibes Weekender in 2022, the Philly-born singer-songwriter will now headline his own show at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on 5 June 2025. This marks his first full concert in Malaysia &mdash; and it&rsquo;s set to be an unforgettable night.
From &ldquo;Honesty&rdquo; to &ldquo;At My Worst&rdquo; &mdash; Hits That Melt Hearts
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ffbefa72719abc90e8c804a5af75caf0a88579fb1e8d4d963a608589b64717e1" />
Pink Sweat$ (born David Bowden) is an American singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his minimalist, emotionally resonant approach to R&amp;B. Hailing from Philadelphia, he began his music career as a demo vocalist and songwriter at Sigma Sound Studios, collaborating with artists like Tierra Whack and Florida Georgia Line. His stage name originated from his penchant for wearing pink sweatpants during studio sessions.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Y9VtoPvtuM" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
In 2018, Pink Sweat$ gained widespread attention with his debut single "Honesty," which reached number 10 on Spotify's US Viral Chart and earned RIAA Platinum certification. This track was featured on his EP Volume 1, followed by Volume 2 in 2019. His debut studio album, Pink Planet (2021), showcased his signature blend of acoustic instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, with standout tracks like "At My Worst" (featuring Kehlani) and "17." The album received critical acclaim for its exploration of love and vulnerability.
Throughout his career, Pink Sweat$ has been recognized for his contributions to modern R&amp;B. He was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2019 Soul Train Awards and has performed at notable events such as the Seoul Jazz Festival. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, characterized by its sincerity and stripped-down production that highlights his soulful vocals.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c0c23c4c71abdf2267021ac79286571e04b0b14cd94636452f187f869a43bf6a" />
Fans in Malaysia will remember his last visit fondly. During his 2022 Good Vibes Weekender appearance, he delivered not just flawless vocals but also a surprise on-stage collaboration with Malaysian rapper Bunga, creating a unique moment that still lingers in the memory of local fans.
Ticket Sales &amp; Categories
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aead9d8fba01a869cb6a635df041697e0a64cba9b08cbf3ecff1eec55f5d6972" />
The upcoming Kuala Lumpur show is open to all ages, though children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Tickets officially go on sale at 11AM on Monday, 5 May 2025, so be sure to mark your calendars.
Here&rsquo;s the full breakdown of ticket categories and pricing (excluding fees):
<ul>
<li>Cat 1 (VIP Box) &ndash; RM3,200.00 (per box, for 8 pax)</li>
<ul>
<li>Includes private room and viewing balcony</li>
</ul>
<li>Cat 2 (Premium Seated) &ndash; RM290.00</li>
<ul>
<li>Premium upper floor seats</li>
</ul>
<li>Cat 3 (Seated) &ndash; RM260.00</li>
<ul>
<li>Standard upper floor seats</li>
</ul>
<li>Cat 4 (General Admission) &ndash; RM230.00</li>
<ul>
<li>Standing room on ground floor</li>
</ul>
</ul>
All prices are subject to a MYR 10 ticketing fee and 4% transaction fee.
Mark Your Calendar
🎤 Pink Sweat$ Live in Kuala Lumpur 📅 5 June 2025 📍 Zepp Kuala Lumpur 🎟️ Tickets available from 11AM, 5 May 2025
Catch Up With His Music
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/6Iyjx3tDmwtaOgiriLLI6A?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
In case you didn&rsquo;t know, Pink Sweat$ recently released a new song where he wears his heart on his sleeve in &ldquo;Scared In Love&rdquo;, a stripped-down slow jam that captures the fear and fragility of falling for someone. With soft vocals and minimal production, he opens up about vulnerability, uncertainty, and learning to love while still afraid.
Lines like &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what right feels like&rdquo; reflect the emotional honesty that defines the track &mdash; more confession than classic love song. It&rsquo;s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply try.
For more of his songs, you can stream them on Spotify below:
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/1W7FNibLa0O0b572tB2w7t?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
Whether you&rsquo;re a longtime fan or a new listener, this is your chance to witness Pink Sweat$ live in an intimate setting, delivering his signature emotional storytelling and velvet-smooth vocals. Round up your friends, get ready to sing your heart out, and let the music hit you right in the feels.
Looks like 2025 is really out here to make everyone go broke on concert tickets. Are you looking forward for his concert because we certainly are!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Get ready to vibe to his smooth R&B hits live on stage!

Looks Deliciously Real But It’s All Plastic!

Wait till you find out how these tasty Japanese food are actually plastic sculptures.

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