Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

Israel

ceasefire

United States

Gaza

conflict

Save Palestine

Hamas

hostages

In the wake of 44 days since the commencement of the conflict between Palestine and Israel, global efforts for an early ceasefire faced a setback as Israel persisted in missile strikes, claiming the lives of countless innocent Palestinians. The grim toll stands at 13,000 casualties, a devastating number that includes 5,500 children and 3,500 women. The humanitarian crisis intensifies with over 30,000 people sustaining injuries.
Amidst this turmoil, the media played a less-than-constructive role, with Western narratives consistently condemning Palestine, unfairly assigning blame for the conflict. Additionally, the circulation of fabricated videos further distorted the image of innocent Palestinians, exacerbating the challenges they faced.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/2995/israeli-satirical-account-under-fire-for-falsely-using-msian-video-to-falsely-portray-palestinians">Israeli Satirical Account Under Fire For Falsely Using M&rsquo;sian Video To Falsely Portray Palestinians</a>
However, people wanted to portray the war, a significant oversight by the media was their failure to highlight Hamas's humane treatment of the elderly. Many, including hostages, commended Hamas for their fair and compassionate treatment, shedding light on a perspective that sided with Palestine. These sparked voices suggesting that Israel's narrative had misled people into perceiving themselves as victims in the conflict.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/2940/humanitarian-treatment-of-israeli-hostages-by-hamas-garners-praises-from-released-hostages">Humanitarian Treatment Of Israeli Hostages By Hamas Garners Praises From Released Hostages</a>
The First Pause The War Has Seen
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3b18ddb8478985457d9fd22fdc386d84545668b3137cea3c86efac06373f968c" />
Recently, it was reported that Israel, Hamas, and the United States have reached a preliminary agreement. This deal aims to release dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day ceasefire.
The detailed six-page agreement stipulates a cessation of combat operations for at least five days, during which an initial group of 50 or more hostages will be released in smaller batches every 24 hours. This arrangement also facilitates the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to a report by The Washington Post. While the pause is in effect, there will be "overhead surveillance" monitoring ground movement. The release of hostages is expected to commence in the next few days, marking the potential "first sustained pause in conflict in Gaza."
The only uncertainty at the moment is the specific number of hostages slated for release in the agreement. Various sources claim that Hamas seized approximately 240 people during the Gaza attacks, with many being held in Gaza. However, a White House spokesperson affirmed that no deal had been reached between Hamas and Israel. The U.S. is actively working to negotiate an agreement.
Are There Chances Of The War Fully Stopping?
Thousands of family members and supporters of the hostages held in Gaza marched into Jerusalem on Saturday (Nov. 18), appealing to the government for the return of their loved ones, as reported by AP.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9e71084e84255a002fa59b41ed925fff43a6ce8bad8ed9006884f62a7590d430" />
The Israeli government aims to both "crush Hamas" and secure the release of the hostages. According to Israeli National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, a "limited and short" ceasefire would only be considered in the event of a "massive release of our hostages." The goal is to continue working toward achieving war objectives after such a release, as stated by Hanegbi and reported by The Washington Post on Nov. 17.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on Saturday (Nov. 18) that the offensive would persist, but he acknowledged the importance of humanitarian aid for ongoing international support. Consequently, an agreement was reached to permit fuel into Gaza.
China Playing A Role In Hopes Of The Longer Ceasefire
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/93ceb0b76d55ad2d95f4e2104e69ddb6cc2fac62fc12d2344889ca49dcb78b55" /> From Left: Xi Jinping, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Ayman Safadi
Amidst ongoing hostilities between Hamas and Israel, a delegation comprising Arab and Islamic foreign ministers is set to visit China as part of a mediation effort to end the conflict. The tour, scheduled for November 20 to 21, includes prominent figures such as Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi.
The visit aims to facilitate communication and coordination with China on de-escalating the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, protecting civilians, and seeking a just settlement of the Palestinian question. This initiative is the first step following decisions made at a joint Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh.
The choice of China as the initial stop reflects regional countries' recognition of China's influence in mediating Middle Eastern issues. Chinese experts see this as a sign of trust in China's conciliatory role and its impartial stance. The delegation's selection of China underscores the country's active support for the two-state solution and its role in fostering reconciliations in the Middle East.
In conclusion, we earnestly hope for a lasting ceasefire, one that extends beyond the short term. Our prayers remain steadfast for the safety and well-being of the Palestinians. May our collective hope and prayers contribute to the end of this protracted conflict once and for all.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, The Washington Post, Reuters &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Here's to hoping this marks the beginning of a lasting pause in the war, and perhaps even its end.

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Temporary Ceasefire: US-Backed Deal Between Hamas And Israel To Free Gaza Hostages

In Malaysia, we're accustomed to living in a vibrant multiracial society where four main languages&mdash;Bahasa Melayu, Chinese, Tamil, and English&mdash;are commonly spoken.
For years, we've enjoyed a relatively peaceful coexistence, with signboards around town predominantly in Malay or English. However, recent shifts in the advertising landscape, sparked by the opinions of one individual, have started to raise eyebrows.
Tun Dr Mahathir Criticises The Absence Of Bahasa Melayu Signboards At A Mall
Recently, Malaysia&rsquo;s former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, posted something on social media that quickly backfired, sparking a heated debate about language, culture, and common sense in modern Malaysia.
The post featured photos of stores and restaurants in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, where he criticized the prominence of Chinese-language signboards in the shopping mall. He also pointed out the noticeable lack of Bahasa Melayu signboards throughout the premises.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Gambar-gambar ini diambil oleh Dr. Mahathir sendiri di Pavilion Bukit Jalil pada hujung minggu lalu menggunakan iPhone 14 Pro Max - Admin <a href="https://t.co/GFnzzeZaPE">pic.twitter.com/GFnzzeZaPE</a>
&mdash; Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial/status/1858808022531010968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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However, the most intriguing part of this controversy is that the photos shared on social media weren't just of any signboards; they depicted non-halal Chinese restaurants selling pork buns.
While Mahathir often praises the malls in town for being fantastic, larger, and more impressive than many shopping complexes in cities like London and Tokyo, he expressed that seeing the Chinese signboards with English translations made him feel like he "was in China" and left him questioning if Malaysia had become a part of China.
&ldquo;I was told that some Chinese TV refers to Malaysia as Little China. Why? Because, among the Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia displays Chinese characters all over, large and prominent.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Must be because we have so many Chinese visitors. But translation in small characters, yes. But our national language is Malay."
Feeling A Little Lost In Translation &amp; Questions His Motives
After sharing his opinion, many netizens took to the comments to challenge his views, drawing comparisons to Japanese restaurants that use Japanese characters, and highlighting what they saw as double standards.
Both Malay and Chinese Malaysians also pointed out the irony that these were non-halal establishments, which often use the native language to avoid confusion among patrons.
This led many to question the true intentions behind his post, especially given that the former prime minister has previously been at the centre of controversies related to racial issues.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Minta je la member Cina yang boleh baca Cina translate apa ko nak order..... Takda kawan Cina ka?
&mdash; Goldfish (@GoldfishUnc) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldfishUnc/status/1858832085110452680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Dah takde isu sangat dah. 🤣🤣 Kan tulis " Roti Babi" jadi isu lain pulak.
&mdash; Wafiy Ali (@wafty_ali) <a href="https://twitter.com/wafty_ali/status/1858814573924806718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Tulisan cina xboleh.. cuba kalau tulisan Jepun.. mesti Tun M cenggini 👍👍👍👍 Pavi Bukit Jalil tu dekat LG xsilap ada Japanese Town.. dekat G ada Tsutaya Books mostly tulisan Kanji.. tapi tulah.. dah jd walaun.. gambar smua Hanzi.. tapi Kanji okay xde pun..
&mdash; Syafiq Safwan (@Sysafwann) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sysafwann/status/1858847113209409909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
DAH DIA PUNYA TARGET MARKET CINA KAU NAK SURUH TULIS MELAYU APAHALL YA ALLAHH ORG TUA NI EYY AKU LA KAN TU KAN KEDAI JUAL PAU BABI TU!
&mdash; Senah Masih Debab (@SenahDebab) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenahDebab/status/1858824787503837422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Only 3 photos? But according to tun, majority of it is without bahasa Malaysia sign.
&mdash; RichardLi (@richardrichli) <a href="https://twitter.com/richardrichli/status/1858810416044142793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka Responds To His Worries
In Malaysia, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) is the government body responsible for overseeing the use of Bahasa Melayu and its literature. They have since addressed Tun Mahathir's concerns.
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In their statement, DBP emphasized the seriousness of the issue regarding the neglect of the national language on public signage, particularly those that went viral. They acknowledged Tun Mahathir's remarks and welcomed both his concerns and those of the public in upholding the dignity of the national language, as outlined in Article 152 of the Federal Constitution.
As part of their efforts, DBP, along with the Local Government Department (JKT) and local authorities (PBT), will continue to work together to monitor the use of Bahasa Melayu on public signage. This aligns with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government&rsquo;s (KPKT) directive, which mandates that advertisers and advertising agencies in Malaysia follow regulations and by-laws on using the national language on public signboards.
In addition to their statement, DBP also offers certification services for the use of Bahasa Melayu on signboards, including advertisements, premise signage, mast ads, bunting, posters, and more. These services can be accessed <a href="https://dbpsahbahasa.my/">here</a>. Furthermore, DBP provides advisory support through its KNDBP initiative for those facing language-related issues.
DBP concluded the statement by stressing that any act diminishing the national language should not be overlooked, and all Malaysians must share the responsibility of preserving Bahasa Melayu&rsquo;s status as the national and official language.
It&rsquo;s understandable that when signboards are in a foreign language, people might assume the food is non-halal, which is one of the main reasons many avoid places with no translations. 
If someone doesn't understand the sign, they can easily use a translation app or ask the restaurant staff for clarification on the menu items.
Is this a major issue in modern Malaysia? We don&rsquo;t think so. However, we do agree that certain common signs, like directions around the mall or town, could benefit from being in our national language.
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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He says the signs had him questioning if we were in China all along.

edc1b74311a773b887375cd8390ed5f4288577bdd24a37b8eb630f36c2169088

Tun M Faces Backlash After Getting Lost In Translation Over Pork-Bun Signboards In Mall

When we&rsquo;re on vacation, it&rsquo;s safe to say that one of the highlights of staying at a hotel is enjoying some relaxing, fun-filled moments at the swimming pool.&nbsp;
However, one crucial aspect we often overlook is the presence of a lifeguard. These unsung heroes play a vital role, staying vigilant at all times and ready to step in when someone&rsquo;s safety is at risk.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Lifeguard Saves The Life Of A Drowning Child
Recently, a young girl was spotted struggling to stay above water at a hotel swimming pool, and a video capturing a lifeguard&rsquo;s swift rescue has since gone viral online.&nbsp;
The TikTok clip, shared by user @stapagonjeng, shows the Original Poster (OP) filming their children enjoying the vibrant poolside atmosphere at the Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, known for its fun and family-friendly swimming pool facilities.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@stapagonjeng/video/7438568761956764935" data-video-id="7438568761956764935">
<section><a title="@stapagonjeng" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stapagonjeng?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@stapagonjeng</a> P mandi tempat2 mcm ni kena alert , klu x lemas xpa .. kalau lemas hmmm nyesai seumur hidup .. jaga2 tw anak ampa klu bawa depa mandi kolam .. <a title="hardrockcafe" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hardrockcafe?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hardrockcafe</a> <a title="hardrockpenang" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hardrockpenang?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hardrockpenang</a> <a title="thegonjeng" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/thegonjeng?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#thegonjeng</a> <a title="stapagonjeng" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/stapagonjeng?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#stapagonjeng</a> <a title="♬ Creepy Violins - Apollo Nove" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Creepy-Violins-7021901733089511425?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Creepy Violins - Apollo Nove</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

In the video&rsquo;s bottom left corner, a young girl is seen frantically flailing her arms as she struggles to stay afloat near a slide. Thankfully, the alert lifeguard on duty wasted no time, immediately diving into the pool to rescue her. With swift action and no hesitation, he pulled the girl to safety and brought her to the poolside, where the clip concludes.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/33e73e83f8e724d2f68b69a32e0818362cf2d1039ba6617afd44d15ed1a7e270" />
The OP admitted that while he was focused on filming his own children playing, he hadn&rsquo;t noticed the young girl struggling near the slide. He acknowledged that he might not have realized the gravity of the situation if the lifeguard hadn&rsquo;t acted so swiftly to save her.
Netizens Quick To Praise The Lifeguard
As of now, the video has garnered an impressive 4 million views and over 90.6K likes on TikTok, with many netizens flooding the comments section to commend the lifeguard for his quick thinking. Many agreed that without his swift response, the situation could have turned tragic. One netizen also applauded the staff at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, highlighting their excellent pool surveillance based on multiple visits to the property.&nbsp;
However, some netizens raised concerns about the child&rsquo;s safety, questioning the whereabouts of her parents and criticizing them for leaving her unsupervised by the pool.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/854d06a4a4643fecc314c8bdffdb0da96c2faab1b39970be73c3dd18d0650fef" />
A big shoutout to the lifeguard for his swift action and unwavering vigilance. While it&rsquo;s their primary responsibility, it&rsquo;s rare for us to see their life-saving efforts in action, let alone captured on video.&nbsp; 
On a related note, this serves as an important reminder for parents and pool-goers alike: always stay attentive to your children and those around you. Incidents like these occur more often than we realize, and being alert can help prevent the unimaginable.
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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If not for the lifeguard’s quick thinking and sharp eye, things could have taken a tragic turn.

20f5676692e90e45d52a8411a58d566fc832110421e4e853fa3be27c3c9936be

M’sian Netizens Applaud Lifeguard’s Swift Action That Saved A Child From Drowning At A Penang Hotel Pool

If you&rsquo;re a K-pop fan, then you&rsquo;ve definitely heard of the group SEVENTEEN who&rsquo;s recently announced their highly anticipated &lsquo;SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] World Tour in Asia.
Unfortunately for us, if you&rsquo;re thinking of scoring tickets to their show in Singapore for 2025, the likelihood is the tickets have been sold out and the only chance of getting tickets for their show on 25-26 January 2025 is likely through scalpers/resellers or if you&rsquo;re lucky, someone who suddenly can&rsquo;t make it to the concert.
But hey, don&rsquo;t worry if you can&rsquo;t make it to the concert, GSC has got your back as they&rsquo;ll be bringing their concert to you!
Who Are SEVENTEEN?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1460cedf5a5b452f65595e744a776832e680c49aa671fc49f70d7a28580c415d" />
SEVENTEEN is a globally acclaimed South Korean boy group known for their exceptional performances, self-produced music, and distinctive sub-unit system. Formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2015, SEVENTEEN consists of 13 members divided into three specialized sub-units: the Hip-Hop Team, Vocal Team, and Performance Team, showcasing their versatility across different musical and performance styles. The group includes S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino.
SEVENTEEN debuted with their mini-album 17 Carat, which gained international attention and became the longest-charting K-pop album of the year in the U.S. The group quickly rose to fame with hits like &ldquo;Adore U,&rdquo; &ldquo;Pretty U,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Wanna Cry,&rdquo; blending vibrant energy, intricate choreography, and relatable lyrics. Their music spans various genres, including pop, EDM, and R&amp;B, reflecting their innovative approach to K-pop.
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Renowned as a "self-producing idol group," SEVENTEEN actively participates in songwriting, producing, and choreographing their performances, with member Woozi taking a leading role in music production. This hands-on approach has earned them respect within the industry and a dedicated global fanbase, known as CARATs.
SEVENTEEN&rsquo;s achievements include multiple Daesang (Grand Prize) awards at major music ceremonies like the Asia Artist Awards and the Golden Disc Awards. Their albums, including An Ode and Face the Sun, have consistently topped charts worldwide, with Face the Sun earning them their first Billboard 200 Top 10 entry. The group is also known for their dynamic live performances and record-breaking world tours, further cementing their reputation as one of K-pop&rsquo;s most impactful and enduring acts.
Catch The Live Stream Of SEVENTEEN&rsquo;s Concert Live From Osaka, Japan At GSC!
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9af93e135f68dcec0bcce300a5db92b3a091b8093c295c02a8f693592efd7c06" width="563" height="886" />
Missing out on concert tickets for your favourite artist can be heartbreaking, but don&rsquo;t worry&mdash;you can still experience SEVENTEEN&rsquo;s electrifying energy live from Osaka! Their concert at Kyocera Dome will be livestreamed on GSC screens on Saturday, December 14.&nbsp;
Global tickets for the Japan concert live viewing go on sale TODAY (November 22) at 2 PM local time. This is your chance to grab your light sticks, join fellow CARATs, and sing your heart out to SEVENTEEN&rsquo;s latest hits!
To purchase tickets for their live viewing, you can visit their website <a href="https://api-liveviewing.com/svtrighthere/">here</a>.
Catch Up With Their Music
If you haven&rsquo;t been keeping up with their music, here&rsquo;s what you should know: their latest EP, &lsquo;Spill the Feels&rsquo;, claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard&rsquo;s Top Album Sales chart on November 2, marking their sixth time reaching the top of this chart.&nbsp;
The group has an impressive record, with eight releases making it into the Top 10 on the chart&mdash;only two have fallen short of No. 1. This achievement matches Tomorrow X Together's chart performance. Meanwhile, BTS has one less Top 10 entry but boasts the same number of chart-topping albums.
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/4xggkS8rdsJL3dgji8zW6W?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
Now that&rsquo;s a concert experience with a twist! While it may not match the thrill of being at the actual venue, enjoying the show from the comfort of cinema seats alongside fellow fans is the next best thing.&nbsp; 
Who knows&mdash;maybe more artists will follow suit, giving fans around the world a chance to share in the excitement of live performances!
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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Missed out on concert tickets? Join the global cinema broadcast and sing your heart out! 

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Watch SEVENTEEN’s ‘RIGHT HERE’ Concert Live From Osaka On GSC’s Big Screens!

For many working Malaysians, a standard 5-day workweek can be exhausting, especially with daily commutes that often stretch to two hours or more, whether by car in heavy traffic or using public transport.&nbsp;
While some enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements, allowing them to work remotely or from home, many still prefer the traditional office setting. Some see it as more productive and convenient for face-to-face team discussions when needed.&nbsp;
However, Johor&rsquo;s state government may be looking to shift this dynamic with their latest announcement in the state parliament.
Johor&rsquo;s Public Sector Eyes 4.5-Day Workweek
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/915781a20330fcdf3ee9a64f53494fd8daa1d3ad81e957ab4093494e71923795" />
The Johor state government is considering introducing a 4.5-day workweek for public sector employees to boost productivity and service delivery. This proposal coincides with Johor&rsquo;s decision to shift weekends to Saturday-Sunday starting January 1, 2025, as announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during the Johor Budget 2024 presentation.
Onn Hafiz emphasized plans to modernize public services by expanding digital platforms for online transactions. Critical counter services will remain operational during lunch breaks from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm, and operating hours for all government departments and agencies will be standardized to ensure consistent service delivery. The proposed shift, which does not reduce total working hours, requires approval from the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
Johor&rsquo;s proposal takes inspiration from the UAE, which successfully implemented a 4.5-day workweek in 2022, allowing employees to work Monday to Thursday with shorter hours on Fridays and options for flexible or remote work.
Enhanced Service Delivery A Priority
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b65e3683241cbe282f83d6fc9bd2b8d73798197226fbcddc20d44d200f7f5c73" />
In tandem with the potential workweek adjustment, Johor is committed to improving public service efficiency. Efforts are focused on enhancing digital platforms to make government services more accessible. Critical counters will continue operating during lunch breaks, a measure aimed at reducing wait times and accommodating public needs. Standardized operating hours across state, federal, and local agencies will further streamline service delivery.
&ldquo;These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to modern and efficient public services,&rdquo; said Onn Hafiz, highlighting how these changes align with global trends in flexible work arrangements without compromising productivity.
Approval Process and Future Plans
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f68d2ffff90d6f7ebc76ae6ee80295afac14d9981da45be43ea9ea27324673a5" />
While the 4.5-day workweek holds promise, its implementation hinges on royal consent. Onn Hafiz stressed that the proposal requires approval from Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Sultan Ibrahim.
Positioned as part of Johor&rsquo;s broader effort to align with international best practices, the initiative seeks to establish the state as a leader in progressive public service delivery. If adopted, the move is expected to balance flexibility with efficiency, potentially setting a benchmark for other Malaysian states.
Reaction Of Netizens
Feedback from netizens on social media reveals mixed reactions to the proposed 4.5-day workweek. While many expressed support for the idea, they emphasized the need for clear terms and conditions to ensure its success. Suggestions included requiring staff to adhere strictly to their clock-in and clock-out schedules and ensuring all roles are attended to during operating hours to avoid service disruptions.
On the positive side, a shorter workweek could provide more quality time for families&mdash;a luxury many Malaysians struggle to enjoy due to long commutes caused by heavy traffic. However, concerns were also raised about potential downsides. Some worry that reducing working hours might make it harder to access public services, as government operating times are already considered limited by some citizens.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
5 hari pun kadang kadang 2-3 hari je nampak mukanya dong
&mdash; Padibakau (@Izham12345678) <a href="https://twitter.com/Izham12345678/status/1859445831230947622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Setuju, kena tambah syarat juga , staf wajib ikut waktu datang dan balik kerja yang betul, kaunter tak kosong. Sentiasa available waktu beroperasi. Maaf jika ada yang terasa, siapa makan cili terasa pedasnya
&mdash; Amirul Azman (@iamAmirulHafiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamAmirulHafiz/status/1859493490687869221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
✅ Isnin - Khamis (10 jam &times; 4 = 40 jam) 👉🏻 7.30 pagi - 5.30 petang ✅ Jumaat (5 jam) 👉🏻 7.30 pagi - 12.30 thari 40 jam + 5 jam = 45 jam (Akta Kerja 1955)
&mdash; 🚭&rlm;&rlm;&rlm;&rlm; دودول ⓓⓄⓓⓄⓛ (@encikISWAN) <a href="https://twitter.com/encikISWAN/status/1859494142323425372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Ramai geng swasta sakit hati baca ni 😂
&mdash; a (@achrfhkm_jf) <a href="https://twitter.com/achrfhkm_jf/status/1859476502863376816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Sebenarnya saya setuju bab ni. 4 hari kerja office, 1 / 0.5 work from home. With technology nowdays&hellip; boleh je kerja dr rumah. Awesome. Quality time dgn family sgt bagus. Perubahan yg terbaik!!!
&mdash; Themalayan (@fadhillah2001) <a href="https://twitter.com/fadhillah2001/status/1859483911853854843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>

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This could be a promising initiative by the state government, offering flexibility and improved work-life balance. However, to meet the required weekly working hours, businesses may need to start operations earlier, posing potential adjustments for both employees and employers.
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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Despite the shorter week, total working hours will stay the same. 

bd707c64515c1a737ef3b8900ecccfe38adcde1c5e9a70b73f199943c5d29279

Johor Govt Proposes 4.5-Day Workweek To Enhance Productivity

When we encounter monkeys, our reactions usually fall into one of two categories: either we stay calm and observe their friendly nature, or we quickly retreat as they can sometimes become aggressive. But when faced with a large group of monkeys, our instinct is usually to avoid disturbing them and keep our distance as much as possible.
In a bizarre turn of events, over 200 monkeys wreaked havoc in Lopburi, Thailand, after escaping their enclosure over the weekend. The aggressive macaques, a longstanding challenge for the town, left the Pho Khao Ton Monkey Nursery in Muang district when their cage gave way under their collective force. The breakout, which occurred on November 16, led to chaos as the monkeys invaded streets, homes, and the Tha Hin Police Station, forcing officers to barricade themselves indoors.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100070952621172%2Fvideos%2F561924646778172%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
"We&rsquo;ve had to ensure all doors and windows are tightly shut to prevent them from entering for food," said police captain Somchai Seedee. Officers on guard duty and traffic police were called in to assist, while photos showed dozens of the animals perched confidently on the police station roof.
Officials, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), worked tirelessly to round up the escapees using food traps. While around 40 monkeys voluntarily returned to their enclosure for food, efforts to recapture the remaining primates continue and are expected to take several days.
Lopburi&rsquo;s Unique Bond with Monkeys Turns Troublesome
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cd072cbf5b2c5392aa96de2118c035bf2356387a68697825b86380cbb0bb98c1" />
Lopburi, a town in central Thailand, has long been associated with its large population of macaque monkeys. Revered for their connection to Hindu mythology and the heroic monkey god Hanuman, these primates hold a special place in Thai culture. The town has even hosted an annual fruit feast for the macaques since the late 1980s as both a religious tradition and a tourist attraction.
However, the growing number of monkeys has created a fraught coexistence. With their frequent vandalism, mob fights, and aggressive behaviour, the macaques have increasingly become a burden for Lopburi&rsquo;s human residents.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6a7e9d11e62df1565e58d0fe304011f60c143d45cd389bf44d8709baa9ff51ee" />
To address the issue, authorities implemented sterilization and relocation programs, alongside constructing special enclosures like the one from which the monkeys recently escaped.
Challenges in Managing Lopburi&rsquo;s Fearless Primates
Despite efforts to control the population, the macaques' unruly nature remains a significant challenge. Thousands of monkeys dominate the streets around Lopburi's historic Pra Prang Sam Yod temple, often causing damage and unsettling the community.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b24232d0c2176194fec428d9db9c848a213c0a015703ae869fc3d031df7efe27" />
The recent mass escape highlights the difficulties in balancing cultural reverence and practical management. Authorities had built the enclosure to contain the macaques, but the structure proved inadequate against the animals' force. The incident has once again put the spotlight on Lopburi's struggle to peacefully coexist with its bold primate residents.
As the rescue operation continues, Lopburi faces the complex challenge of managing the monkey population in a way that respects their cultural and religious significance. With the protection of these primates deeply rooted in local beliefs, relocating them poses a difficult task for authorities. Striking a balance that ensures the safety of both residents and monkeys will require thoughtful and careful planning.
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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Looks like Lopburi is dealing with some serious monkey business.

Temporary Ceasefire: US-Backed Deal Between Hamas And Israel To Free Gaza Hostages

Here's to hoping this marks the beginning of a lasting pause in the war, and perhaps even its end.

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