Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

travel

government

Hari Raya

aviation

East Malaysia

flights

festive season

price cap

transport minister

In Malaysia, we are privileged to be part of a vibrant, multicultural society that joyfully observes various major religious celebrations, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali.
As the festive season approaches, numerous Malaysians embark on the exciting journey of planning trips back to their hometowns to partake in the festivities. This trend especially resonates with those of us working in the bustling heart of the city, Kuala Lumpur, prompting a mass exodus either through road trips or air travel.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7eb5b7f72d2562471e605627b9142b75a2ac27d46f49b7c15d68eee59b56a1e3" />
Regrettably, a significant challenge faced by some Malaysians is the prospect of travelling to East Malaysia, encompassing Sabah and Sarawak. Historically, there have been instances where the cost of flights to East Malaysia soared into the thousands, rendering it financially prohibitive for individuals attempting to make a round trip. Astonishingly, the expense of these flights rivalled that of a journey to London during the festive Christmas season.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/725/malaysians-outraged-over-christmas-holiday-flight-ticket-prices-to-sarawak">Malaysians Outraged Over Christmas Holiday Flight Ticket Prices To Sarawak</a>
But this time around, things will be changing as our government has eyes to help ease the burden of travellers who want to travel to East Malaysia this festive season.
Transport Ministry Announces Maximum Fare Cap For Flights To East Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1d79c718c58669dfba53276d7dcccb8200639cd28672e2b3814f9af0837698bc" /> 
In an effort to alleviate the financial strain on travellers, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has introduced a ceiling on airfares from West Malaysia to East Malaysia.
As of three days before the Hari Raya celebrations in April, a maximum fare of RM599 will be imposed for one-way economy class flights. This announcement responds to years of public dissatisfaction with escalating ticket prices, especially during festive periods. The impact is particularly felt by those journeying between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.
The government's decision aims to enhance the affordability of air travel for Malaysians returning home during the holidays. Loke, who also serves as the Rasah MP, revealed this initiative during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Chinese primary school in Negeri Sembilan.
He underscored that although this action may not resolve all travel-related challenges, it will substantially facilitate family gatherings during prominent festivals like the Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Dayak, Harvest Festival, and Christmas.
Alignment To Enable Affordable Air Travel
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/541c812f3311d2c1ff4dbde4ac805cb9a405ae60cd11142da01fd53f67d730f5" />
The price ceiling is specifically aimed at East Malaysian travellers, given the limited availability of alternative transportation options in West Malaysia, such as extensive bus and train services.
The government is ready to cover any additional expenses should ticket prices surpass the RM599 limit. Prior to implementing this fare restriction, the Transport Minister intends to engage with various stakeholders, including the Minister responsible for religious affairs at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department, to determine the precise date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Furthermore, AirAsia, a budget airline, has conveyed its readiness to introduce fixed-price flights on select nights and to supplement its services with extra flights during peak periods. In-depth discussions on this proposal are anticipated to occur in early March.
Hopes To Bring Malaysians Closer With Airfare Cap
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This policy underscores the government's acknowledgement of the persistent problem of expensive flights connecting Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. It signifies a proactive move to tackle the economic imbalance that has adversely affected numerous Malaysian families during festive seasons.
The announcement has been greeted with a sense of relief by many Malaysians who have historically grappled with elevated travel costs during these periods. The government's proactive stance demonstrates a commitment to recognizing and rectifying a crucial issue that impacts the social and economic well-being of its citizens.
It's worth noting that this is not the first instance of the government implementing such a fare cap; a similar measure was previously undertaken to enhance the affordability of flights during holiday periods.
With the anticipation that this initiative will foster family unity during the festive season, another query emerges: What are the airfare rates for a round trip if your stay is brief, driven by work commitments?
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, Business Today &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Finally, air fares that don’t cost the same as a flight to London. 

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Government Sets RM599 Cap On Flights to East Malaysia For Budget-Friendly Travel In Anticipation Of Hari Raya

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been grappling with widespread online service disruptions since late April, and now, serious allegations have emerged suggesting that the city&rsquo;s systems may have been the target of a major cyberattack. The incident has sparked public concern, parliamentary scrutiny, and mounting pressure on DBKL to provide a full and transparent explanation.
MP Tan Kok Wai Alleges Hacking and Ransom Demand
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5efb756bf1caa6406a6117e1564cee813665a1409d14e1d7bf748d7bddbf58d5" />
Cheras Member of Parliament (MP) Tan Kok Wai recently alleged that DBKL&rsquo;s online infrastructure was compromised by hackers who demanded a staggering USD55 million (~RM236 million) in ransom. According to Tan, this information came from a highly reliable source, though not directly from Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Nonetheless, he stated he had sufficient reason to believe the claim was credible.
Tan questioned the prolonged service disruption, arguing that if it were a routine technical glitch, it should not have taken more than three weeks to resolve. "This clearly points to a more severe issue than has been publicly acknowledged," he remarked.
Concerns Over Public Data and Communication Breakdown
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/58b3a1c0e24f843bbb91c6a0f83f7264e5bc067c9544975c3a3bc215d894bc5f" />
The MP further raised alarms over the potential compromise of public data. He highlighted that DBKL&rsquo;s facial recognition system, used to enter its premises, has also failed. "Everyone now has to manually submit their details, which raises the risk of tens of thousands of personal data being leaked," he warned.
Tan also criticised the lack of communication from DBKL. He said he contacted the Mayor&rsquo;s special assistant on 8 May requesting a meeting, but had not received any follow-up. "I&rsquo;m not just bringing this up for political reasons. My constituency&rsquo;s public facilities also need urgent attention. It has been ten days with no reply whatsoever," he said.
Other Members of Parliament have joined Tan in demanding answers. Seputeh MP Teresa Kok reported receiving public complaints over long queues at DBKL offices due to the digital outage. Meanwhile, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng urged DBKL to issue a formal explanation about what has gone wrong with their systems.
Tan further noted that key internal meetings between MPs and the KL Mayor have not taken place. The last known consultation was on 15 April, and meetings scheduled for May have yet to occur. He expressed concern that DBKL&rsquo;s usual governance processes may be disrupted due to the IT system failures.
Impacted Services and Alternative Measures
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/89d00b6185e0e1444e6f76d708c368dc22e68291043639ae689bf85fc99a8e18" />
DBKL first notified the public of service disruptions on 28 April, posting a brief message on its official Facebook page. However, the lack of detailed updates since then has only added to public frustration.
The following DBKL services have been significantly affected:
<ul>
<li>Assessment tax payment portal</li>
<li>Rental payment portals for houses and market lots</li>
<li>Compound fine payment portal</li>
<li>eLesen (business licensing)</li>
<li>Adu@KL (public complaints and feedback)</li>
</ul>
There have also been reports that email systems for some departments were temporarily inaccessible.
In a statement issued on 18 May, DBKL acknowledged the disruptions but stopped short of confirming any cybersecurity incident. The city hall said it has been working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) to address the issues. They stated that systems began gradually recovering from 1 May and that full restoration is anticipated by 23 May.
To help maintain public services during the outage, DBKL has:
<ul>
<li>Offered assistance through its official social media channels</li>
<li>Shared regular updates on service recovery timelines</li>
<li>Enabled some payments and licensing functions to resume in phases</li>
</ul>
Official Silence on Alleged Hack
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cb6a2fb0ed270ce8b0b80649dcf8863100e9f96fb13a48125160c1e22d954702" />
Despite growing public and political pressure, DBKL has not acknowledged any hacking incident or ransom demand. This has left many wondering whether the authorities are withholding crucial information or if the breach is still under investigation.
Tan Kok Wai has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to break their silence and provide a detailed public briefing.
"The public has a right to know. DBKL cannot keep silent in the face of such a serious issue. It must take responsibility and assure citizens that their data and services are safe," said Tan.
A Crisis of Confidence
The incident has sparked a broader debate about cybersecurity readiness within public institutions. Questions are being raised about how DBKL safeguards sensitive data, how often its systems are audited, and whether it has robust contingency plans in place for cyberattacks.
Earlier in late March, Malaysia Airports was hit by a cyberattack and the government had called for the strengthening and investment in cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent similar incidents from happening.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4214/malaysia-airports-hit-by-cyberattack-government-rejects-rm444-million-ransom-demand">Malaysia Airports Hit By Cyberattack: Government Rejects RM44.4 Million Ransom Demand</a>
While DBKL maintains that backup data remains intact and that recovery efforts are being conducted cautiously, the lack of direct answers has eroded public trust. The city hall has promised to investigate the root cause of the disruption and pledged to strengthen its ICT and cybersecurity frameworks moving forward.
Until the full truth is revealed, residents and lawmakers alike remain in the dark, anxious for transparency, accountability, and above all, assurance that such an event will not happen again.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Despite acknowledging the disruption and ongoing recovery efforts, DBKL has yet to confirm if a cyberattack occurred.

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DBKL Allegedly Hit With RM236 Million Ransom Demand, Services Disrupted For Weeks

K-pop fans in Malaysia had their curiosity piqued last week when GME International, a well-known concert organiser, posted a cryptic teaser image on social media. The visual &mdash; a delicate flower trapped inside a glowing lightbulb, surrounded by heavy metal chains &mdash; was anything but random. It was instantly recognised by loyal fans as a symbolic nod to HIGHLIGHT&rsquo;s official lightstick and their latest single, &ldquo;Chains&rdquo;.
The teaser quickly sparked speculation that the veteran K-pop group would soon be announcing a concert in Malaysia. Fan theories began circulating online, with many interpreting the motifs as a clear message: HIGHLIGHT is coming back.
From BEAST to HIGHLIGHT: A Journey of Reinvention and Resilience 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0407dbf0bac1578241c123d4a8902e80adc05ece6905447efaabd559ed2566ad" />
HIGHLIGHT, formerly known as BEAST (비스트), is one of K-pop&rsquo;s most enduring and respected groups, celebrated for their emotional storytelling, musical versatility, and unwavering bond with fans. Originally debuting in 2009 under Cube Entertainment, BEAST quickly rose to stardom with powerful performances and iconic hits like &ldquo;Shock,&rdquo; &ldquo;Fiction,&rdquo; &ldquo;Beautiful,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Beautiful Night.&rdquo; Their 2011 track &ldquo;Fiction&rdquo; earned them Song of the Year at the KBS Music Festival and solidified their place as one of the leading acts of second-generation K-pop.
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Though initially dubbed a &ldquo;recycled group&rdquo; due to members' previous setbacks in the industry, BEAST defied expectations and built a legacy through talent, perseverance, and a string of chart-topping albums, including Fiction and Fact and Time, the latter of which won Record of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards.
In 2016, after leaving Cube Entertainment, remaining members Yoon Doo-joon, Yang Yo-seob, Lee Gi-kwang, and Son Dong-woon took a bold leap. They reintroduced themselves as HIGHLIGHT under their own label, Around Us Entertainment, signaling a fresh chapter in both identity and artistry. Their 2017 re-debut with Can You Feel It? and its upbeat single &ldquo;Plz Don&rsquo;t Be Sad&rdquo; proved to be a triumphant return, topping Korean music charts and reaffirming their popularity.
Since then, HIGHLIGHT has continued to evolve, releasing well-received tracks like &ldquo;Can Be Better,&rdquo; &ldquo;BODY,&rdquo; &ldquo;Take Care,&rdquo; &ldquo;Switch On,&rdquo; and most recently, &ldquo;Chains,&rdquo; a powerful anthem praised for its emotional depth and maturity. Their discography is a testament to their growth, with each release showcasing a refined sound and introspective lyricism that resonates with long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Now celebrating over 15 years in the industry, HIGHLIGHT remains a symbol of reinvention and loyalty. Their enduring success speaks volumes about their artistry and the unwavering support of their dedicated fanbase, LIGHTs, who have followed their journey from BEAST to legends in their own right.
Official Announcement Confirms Tour Stop in Malaysia
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&nbsp;
And now, it's official &mdash; HIGHLIGHT will be making their long-awaited return to Malaysian shores this 27th September 2025, performing live at IDEA LIVE Arena in Kuala Lumpur as part of their newly unveiled [RIDE OR DIE] Asia Tour. The announcement, made earlier today (Monday, 19th May), was met with overwhelming excitement from fans across the country who have been waiting for the group&rsquo;s return since their last visit years ago.
This marks a significant stop on what is shaping up to be a high-energy regional tour by one of K-pop&rsquo;s most enduring and beloved acts.
Event Details at a Glance
HIGHLIGHT LIVE 2025 [RIDE OR DIE] in Malaysia
<ul>
<li>Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025</li>
<li>Time: 8:00 PM</li>
<li>Venue: IDEA LIVE Arena, Kuala Lumpur</li>
<li>Organiser: GME International</li>
<li>Ticketing Information: To be announced</li>
</ul>
Fans are advised to stay tuned to GME International&rsquo;s official social media channels for ticketing details, pricing, and seating arrangements, which are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The [RIDE OR DIE] Tour: A Celebration of Longevity
The 2025 [RIDE OR DIE] Asia Tour promises to be more than just a concert &mdash; it&rsquo;s a celebration of HIGHLIGHT&rsquo;s longevity and evolution. Though specific details of the concert&rsquo;s setlist and staging are still under wraps, fans can expect a mix of nostalgic hits and fresh material, delivered with the charisma and energy that have become HIGHLIGHT&rsquo;s trademarks.
Apart from Malaysia, other confirmed tour stops include Manila, Taipei, Tokyo, and Bangkok, with the possibility of more cities to be added in the near future. Fans in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, or Indonesia may still have a chance to catch the tour, pending further announcements.
Malaysian Fans Rejoice
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2fd38e4a3520093704052850084aacf788f5eadb3bfdfb756c6f669fde90b277" />
For Malaysian LIGHTs, the news of HIGHLIGHT&rsquo;s upcoming concert is particularly thrilling. The group&rsquo;s last performance in Malaysia took place several years ago, and fans have since been vocal in their hopes for a return. Social media platforms lit up with celebratory messages following the official announcement, with hashtags related to the tour quickly trending.
Many fans have expressed appreciation for the group&rsquo;s enduring presence in the industry, noting how HIGHLIGHT has remained active and relevant despite the many shifts in the K-pop landscape over the past decade.
More Updates to Come
With ticketing details yet to be announced, fans are urged to remain patient and keep an eye on GME International&rsquo;s platforms for the latest updates. Given HIGHLIGHT&rsquo;s dedicated fanbase and the group&rsquo;s limited appearances in the region, demand for tickets is expected to be high.
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In the meantime, fans can prepare for the concert by revisiting the group&rsquo;s discography, diving into past performances, or simply streaming their latest single &ldquo;Chains&rdquo; &mdash; a track that symbolically ties together the group&rsquo;s history, struggles, and unwavering unity.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Brb, digging the remains of my bank account to secure tickets.  

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Catch K-pop Group HIGHLIGHT Live In KL For Their [RIDE OR DIE] Tour This September!

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced the introduction of two fully-funded scholarship programmes aimed at empowering underprivileged and high-achieving students to thrive in the nation&rsquo;s rapidly evolving communications and multimedia landscape. The MCMC LEGASI and MCMC CARE scholarships are designed to support the development of critical digital skills aligned with Malaysia&rsquo;s digital transformation goals.
Investing in Malaysia&rsquo;s Digital Talent Pipeline
Both scholarship schemes aim to fast-track the cultivation of expertise in high-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), Media, and Telecommunications. This aligns with MCMC&rsquo;s strategic vision to strengthen the country&rsquo;s digital capabilities and support a more inclusive, technology-driven economy.
MCMC LEGASI: A Merit-Based Pathway to Global Education and Employment
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ec83164ff5ac958896bf9c5aa9aa94a697c7ccde4eec4b96babdabe3edd49779" />
MCMC LEGASI is a merit-based scholarship targeted at exceptional students pursuing recognised undergraduate programmes, both locally and abroad. This prestigious award covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and includes a guaranteed position with MCMC upon graduation, providing a clear and structured career path in digital policy and regulatory development.
Eligible fields of study under the LEGASI scholarship include:
<ul>
<li>Data Science &amp; Analytics</li>
<li>Internet of Things (IoT)</li>
<li>Information and Network Security, including Cybersecurity</li>
<li>Telecommunications</li>
<li>Broadcasting and Media</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>Policy, Law &amp; Regulatory Management</li>
<li>Urban Planning and Management</li>
<li>Economics &amp; Finance</li>
</ul>
To qualify, applicants must not be over 22 years of age at the point of degree enrolment, and must meet one of the following academic criteria:
<ul>
<li>Minimum 3As in STPM</li>
<li>Minimum 3As in the GCE A-Level programme</li>
<li>ATAR score of at least 85% (Australian Matriculation)</li>
<li>SAT score of at least 1,200 (American Foundation Programme)</li>
<li>CGPA of 3.50 or above (out of 4.00) for Diploma/Foundation/Matriculation</li>
<li>A minimum of 35 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB)</li>
</ul>
MCMC CARE: Supporting Underprivileged Students in Public Universities
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/66276561a522cd40bd3060a55e1b940c4b77587e6971c54505d6f3c1eb11828f" />
The MCMC CARE scholarship, on the other hand, is a needs-based financial aid scheme for underprivileged students studying at local public universities. While it similarly covers full education-related costs, it does not carry a bonding obligation, offering recipients greater flexibility.
Instead, MCMC CARE includes an internship opportunity with MCMC, enabling students to gain valuable industry exposure and hands-on experience in the communications and multimedia sector before entering the job market.
Fields of study eligible for MCMC CARE mirror those of LEGASI, ensuring consistency in the Commission&rsquo;s talent development focus:
<ul>
<li>Data Science &amp; Analytics</li>
<li>Internet of Things (IoT)</li>
<li>Information and Network Security, including Cybersecurity</li>
<li>Telecommunications</li>
<li>Broadcasting and Media</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>Policy, Law &amp; Regulatory Management</li>
<li>Urban Planning and Management</li>
<li>Economics &amp; Finance</li>
</ul>
Commitment to a Digitally Inclusive Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7258605a85793fd2a17a3648579807ea49120cc33b3124e78385e0bd95c35f97" />
According to Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, Executive Chairman of MCMC, the scholarships form part of a broader initiative to ensure no one is left behind in Malaysia&rsquo;s digital future. &ldquo;By supporting deserving students from all walks of life, the Commission is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovation-driven future,&rdquo; he said.
Application Timeline and Further Information
Applications for both MCMC LEGASI and MCMC CARE will open in June 2025, with successful candidates announced in August 2025.
For detailed eligibility requirements and to express your interest, visit the official <a href="https://mcmc.gov.my/academy/en/scholarships-1">MCMC scholarship page.</a> Further updates and announcements will be available through MCMC&rsquo;s official social media platforms.
If you&rsquo;re a university student seeking scholarship opportunities, now is the time to apply. This is a rare and valuable chance&mdash;students are encouraged to make the most of it.
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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Currently enrolled in a local university? You may be eligible for a full scholarship!

866c2c795ad4a90327748145550cf5c8b5490ef15247905d74e91f493a94fade

MCMC Introduces Two Fully-Funded Scholarships To Cultivate Malaysia’s Digital Talent

From Friday 23 May to Wednesday 28 May 2025, Kuala Lumpur will host the 46th ASEAN Summit, drawing heads of government, foreign ministers, and an entourage of officials and media. As with every major summit, the capital&rsquo;s road network will be organised around VIP motorcades and tight security perimeters. Below is an extended briefing on how the week will unfold, the exact corridors affected, and what residents can do to stay mobile.
The scale of the operation
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9ea11bfb1b53cf6a3922f93d4a743c6c64a3a045864315beafdbfa26bc387a37" />
Bukit Aman&rsquo;s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri&nbsp;has committed 789 personnel to the week‑long task. Officers will be supported by:
<ul>
<li>36 escort cars for heads of delegation</li>
<li>313 high‑powered motorcycles for outriders and rolling roadblocks</li>
<li>190 standard patrol bikes to plug gaps and manage diversions</li>
<li>Tow‑trucks on immediate standby, ready to remove any vehicle that blocks an emergency lane or junction</li>
</ul>
Traffic control teams will move into position 30 minutes before every scheduled convoy, shutting slip‑roads and junctions in &ldquo;waves&rdquo; rather than leaving closures in place all day. A full dress rehearsal on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May will let planners fine‑tune timings before foreign leaders begin arriving on 23 May.
Expressways under rolling closure:
<ul>
<li>North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh to City Centre)</li>
<li>MEX Expressway</li>
<li>KL-Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>ELITE Expressway (KLIA to Putrajaya)</li>
<li>Guthrie Expressway</li>
<li>NKVE (Subang to Jalan Duta)</li>
</ul>
* Closures are intermittent. When a convoy is clear, lanes reopen until the next VIP movement.
City arteries most affected
<ul>
<li>Jalan Tun Abdul Razak &amp; Jalan Ampang &ndash; primary KLCC approaches</li>
<li>Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang &amp; Jalan Imbi &ndash; hotel belt and shopping district</li>
<li>Jalan Parlimen &amp; Jalan Kuching &ndash; link to Istana Negara</li>
<li>Jalan Istana &amp; Jalan Damansara &ndash; inbound from KL‑Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>Junctions around Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Perak, Jalan Stonor and Persiaran KLCC will close repeatedly on 26&ndash;27 May when leaders shuttle between hotels and summit halls.</li>
</ul>
Commercial lorries are prohibited from entering the city centre during the dual rush‑hours 06:30&ndash;07:30 and 16:30&ndash;19:30. Enforcement officers warn that any vehicle parked on verges or double‑parked near hotels will be towed immediately.
Day‑by‑day Breakdown 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7118e47960915c071ed954970319dbde0e261df2745a01cf76ffda2814568b07" />
Road Closures and Diversions Schedule. May 23-May 26 (Arrival of foreign delegates).
Routes: KLIA/Subang Air Force to:
<ul>
<li>Lebuh KLIA</li>
<li>Elite Expressway (KLIA-Putrajaya)</li>
<li>NKVE (Subang-Jalan Duta)</li>
<li>Guthrie Expressway</li>
<li>North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh-City Centre)</li>
<li>MEX Expressway</li>
<li>KL-Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>Lingkaran Putrajaya</li>
<li>Jalan Istana</li>
<li>Jalan Damansara</li>
<li>Jalan Tun Abdul Razak</li>
<li>Jalan Ampang</li>
<li>Jalan Sultan Ismail</li>
<li>Jalan Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>Jalan Imbi</li>
<li>Jalan Parlimen</li>
<li>Jalan Kuching</li>
</ul>
May 26
<ul>
<li>From hotels to KLCC: 8am until arrivals are completed</li>
<li>From KLCC to hotels: 5.30pm until departure to hotels is completed</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Ampang / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan Pinang</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Jalan Kia Peng</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Persiaran KLCC</li>
</ul>
May 27
8am-10.30am (from hotels to KLCC)
<ul>
<li>Junction of Jalan Ampang / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan Pinang</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Jalan Kia Peng</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Persiaran KLCC</li>
</ul>
11.45am-1pm (KLCC to Istana Negara)
<ul>
<li>Along Jalan Tun Razak</li>
<li>Along Jalan Mahameru</li>
<li>Along Jalan Sultan Abdul Halim</li>
</ul>
1.45pm-3pm (Istana Negara-KLCC)
<ul>
<li>Along Jalan Parlimen/Jalan Kuching</li>
<li>Along Jalan Sultan Ismail</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan P. Ramlee</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Perak / Jalan Pinang</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Jalan Kia Peng</li>
<li>Junction of Jalan Stonor / Persiaran KLCC</li>
</ul>
May 28&nbsp;(8am onwards, from hotels to KLIA/Subang Air Force Base)
<ul>
<li>Lebuh KLIA</li>
<li>Elite Expressway (KLIA-Putrajaya)</li>
<li>NKVE (Subang-Jalan Duta)</li>
<li>Guthrie Expressway</li>
<li>North-South Expressway (Sungai Buloh-City Centre)</li>
<li>MEX Expressway</li>
<li>KL-Seremban Expressway</li>
<li>Lingkaran Putrajaya</li>
<li>Jalan Istana</li>
<li>Jalan Damansara</li>
<li>Jalan Tun Abdul Razak</li>
<li>Jalan Ampang</li>
<li>Jalan Sultan Ismail</li>
<li>Jalan Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>Jalan Imbi</li>
<li>Jalan Parlimen</li>
</ul>
Public transport Is Your Best Friend 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d358d5450eec282d4c692bd248e0477e3045c5ae7d8461e2dbe38b307e168fb3" />
Rapid KL confirms that LRT, MRT, Monorail and BRT services will run their normal weekday frequencies, with standby trains if platforms crowd. KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Ampang Park, Masjid Jamek and KL Sentral stations place commuters within a short walk of offices while sidestepping road closures.
Tip: use the MRT Putrajaya Line for journeys parallel to the ELITE and MEX corridors; stations such as Cyberjaya City Centre and Putrajaya Sentral will be unaffected by summit traffic.
71 Schools Move To Lessons Online
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3c00ea50ccc62912538046d89eb98d83da7bc05a7f4f360a4a920170e5689eb6" />
The Education Ministry has announced that 71 schools across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will switch to home‑based learning (PdPR) from 26 to 28 May 2025 to coincide with the 46th ASEAN Summit.
In a <a href="https://www.moe.gov.my/storage/files/shares/Kenyataan%20Media/KM2025/KM%20KPM%20Beri%20Kebenaran%20Kepada%2071%20Buah%20Sekolah%20Di%20Kuala%20Lumpur%20%26%20Selangor%20Laksana%20PDPR%20Bersempena%20Penganjuran%20Asean%2C%20Pastikan%20Pembelajaran%20%26%20Kesejahteraan%20Terpelihara.pdf">statement</a>, the ministry said the schools were selected because anticipated road blocks and strict security cordons could make it difficult for pupils and staff to reach their campuses. The short‑term move to PdPR is intended to keep teaching on track throughout the summit.
Parents, guardians, teachers and students are urged to monitor their school&rsquo;s official channels for detailed timetables and log‑in instructions. Drawing on the remote‑learning practices refined during the COVID‑19 years, the ministry is confident that classes can proceed smoothly while safeguarding everyone&rsquo;s welfare.
The summit will bring foreign dignitaries to the capital, triggering extensive security measures and traffic controls in and around Kuala Lumpur.
Below is the full list of affected schools:
<ol>
<li>SK Lembah Subang</li>
<li>SK Assunta (Satu)</li>
<li>SK (L) Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>SK Methodist, PJ</li>
<li>SK Jalan Selangor (Satu)</li>
<li>SK 2 Jalan Selangor</li>
<li>SK Satu Sultan Alam Shah</li>
<li>SK 2 Sultan Alam Shah</li>
<li>SK Sungei Way</li>
<li>SJK(T) Vivekananda</li>
<li>SMK Sri Utama</li>
<li>SMK Lembah Subang</li>
<li>SMK Assunta</li>
<li>SMK (L) Bukit Bintang</li>
<li>SMK Katholik</li>
<li>SMK La Salle, PJ</li>
<li>SMK Sultan Abdul Samad</li>
<li>SMK (P) Tmn Petaling</li>
<li>SK TUDM Subang</li>
<li>SK TTDI Jaya</li>
<li>SK Bukit Jelutong</li>
<li>SMK TTDI Jaya</li>
<li>SMK Shah Alam</li>
<li>SMK Bukit Jelutong</li>
<li>SK Cyberjaya</li>
<li>SK Taman Putra Perdana</li>
<li>SK Taman Putra Perdana 2</li>
<li>SJK (C) Union</li>
<li>SMK Cyberjaya</li>
<li>SMK Putra Perdana</li>
<li>SMK Convent Bukit Nanas</li>
<li>SMK Puteri Wilayah</li>
<li>SMK Padang Tembak</li>
<li>SMK Puteri Ampang</li>
<li>SMK Seri Ampang</li>
<li>SMK Puteri Titiwangsa</li>
<li>SMK Seri Titiwangsa</li>
<li>St John's Institution</li>
<li>SK Convent 1 dan 2 Bukit Nanas</li>
<li>SK St John 1</li>
<li>SJKC Nan Kai</li>
<li>SK Kg Bharu</li>
<li>SK Pendidikan Khas Kg Bharu</li>
<li>SJKT Jalan Fletcher</li>
<li>SK Jalan Kuantan 2</li>
<li>SK Padang Tembak 1</li>
<li>SK Padang Tembak 2</li>
<li>SK Polis Depot</li>
<li>SK Jalan Gurney 1</li>
<li>SK Jalan Gurney 2</li>
<li>SK Jalan Raja Muda</li>
<li>SJKC Lai Meng</li>
<li>SMK Maxwell</li>
<li>SMK Kiaramas</li>
<li>SJKT Appar</li>
<li>SJKC Chung Kwok</li>
<li>SK (L) Jalan Batu</li>
<li>SK(P) Jln Batu Sentul</li>
<li>SK Pendidikan Khas Jln Batu</li>
<li>SK Pendidikan Khas Jalan Peel, Taman Maluri</li>
<li>SK Kiaramas</li>
<li>SMK (P) Bandaraya</li>
<li>SMK (P) Jalan Pudu</li>
<li>SMK (P) Methodist Kl</li>
<li>SJKC Kuen Cheng 1</li>
<li>SK Jalan Hang Tuah</li>
<li>SK (P) Pudu</li>
<li>SJKC Kung Min</li>
<li>SK Jalan Pasar</li>
<li>SK Dato Abu Bakar</li>
<li>SK Sultan Hishamuddin Alam</li>
</ol>
Looking back and looking ahead
Malaysia last held an in‑person ASEAN Summit in 2015. Back then, roadblocks annoyed some drivers but kept the VIP convoys safe. Police are using that same plan again, now helped by live traffic data and lessons learned during the pandemic. By Wednesday night, 28 May, the motorcades will be gone and Kuala Lumpur drivers can use their usual routes again.
Until then, stay patient. A bit of forward planning&mdash;especially using trains&mdash;will let the city welcome its guests without trapping locals in jams.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With 71 schools ordered to move online, brace yourself for knotty summit week traffic.

709934614331b0532abecc3519d5deba204f10ed2f67ec5b92ae583de89d2a18

ASEAN Summit Road Closures: What Klang Valley Residents Need To Know

Anyone who travels with a Malay Bin, a Chinese double name, or an Indian A/L prefix knows the peril of online forms built for Western &ldquo;first name / last name&rdquo; conventions. If a single word is misplaced, the boarding system flags a mismatch, frontline staff must edit the ticket by hand, and passengers sometimes miss their flight. After years of counter complaints, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have quietly rebuilt their booking pages to recognise the naming patterns most common across Southeast Asia.
The timing is deliberate. Both carriers are leaning hard into regional growth: AirAsia has restored almost 100 per cent of its pre‑pandemic network, and Malaysia Airlines has just announced new codeshares into Indochina. More passengers from non‑Western naming traditions means a higher risk of typos&mdash;unless the form is fool‑proof.
How Each Airline Now Reads Your Passport 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3d08837956174ac495a085f9359430ed3185bfda3016fd71d635cf5ea8f00e5c" />
Malaysia Airlines still presents two fields, labelled &ldquo;First &amp; Middle Name&rdquo; and &ldquo;Last Name / Surname&rdquo;, but the airline now directs passengers to copy the machine‑readable zone (MRZ)&mdash;the two lines of capital letters at the foot of the passport photo‑page&mdash;exactly as printed. The revised help page comes with half a dozen illustrated examples:
<ul>
<li>Malay names that include Bin, Binti or Anak: those words move into the surname box.</li>
<li>Chinese and Vietnamese names: the family name, which often appears first on the passport, belongs in the surname field even if it looks &ldquo;out of order&rdquo; to English eyes.</li>
<li>Double‑barrelled Indian names: place every component that follows the father&rsquo;s name into the given‑name box, provided the MRZ clusters them together.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7238d188cce6d55fbcb8fcba0f5efaf54bb09ef847c7abef622eb6b4308be91d" />
AirAsia adopts nearly identical logic, relabelling its boxes &ldquo;Given Name&rdquo; and &ldquo;Family Name / Surname&rdquo;. The low‑cost carrier adds one crucial note for Malaysian Indians: the prefixes A/L (anak lelaki) and A/P (anak perempuan) are no longer required in either field because they do not appear in the MRZ.
Both airlines stress that spacing and capital letters are less important than reproducing the string of letters in the correct sequence. A perfect match means the electronic ticket will align with immigration databases worldwide, removing the need for manual overrides.
Two Worked Examples
Passport line 1: P&lt;MYSVINCENT&lt;TAN&lt;MING&lt;BAN Ticket entry: Surname/Family: TAN&emsp;|&emsp;Given/First &amp; Middle: MINGBANVINCENT
Passport line 2: P&lt;MYS&nbsp;MOHD&lt;ALI&lt;AHMAD&lt;BIN&lt;MOHD&lt;ABU Ticket entry: Surname/Family: BINMOHDABU&emsp;|&emsp;Given/First &amp; Middle: MOHDALIAHMAD
The key is to lift the characters exactly as they appear, ignoring the visual order of names on the biographical page.
What About Bookings Already Made?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/93886d0dccd7e9fa12feacd93a355e7d21cb1e735f81c60aae347fd87570f961" />
Malaysia Airlines confirms that the fresh rules are forward‑looking only: travellers with tickets issued under the old format can fly as planned. AirAsia echoes that reassurance. Should a legacy booking need a voluntary date change, the name field will update automatically in the new style once the ticket is re‑issued.
Wider Benefits: Fewer Queues, Lower Costs
Airline insiders say name mismatches generate thousands of manual corrections each month, tying up call‑centre agents and check‑in counters. Each fix also costs the carrier a small fee because the booking must be re‑opened in a global distribution system. By training passengers to mirror the MRZ, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia expect fewer errors, shorter queues, and a noticeable saving on backend costs.
The move has earned quiet praise from travel agents who specialise in multi‑city itineraries. &ldquo;We spend an inordinate amount of time educating clients about name order,&rdquo; says Kuala Lumpur‑based consultant Elaine Tew. &ldquo;Having the airlines spell it out with pictures is a big win for everyone.&rdquo;
Practical Tips Before You Click &ldquo;Buy&rdquo;
<ol>
<li>Keep your passport open beside the keyboard and read from the MRZ, not the printed name block.</li>
<li>Ignore punctuation: slashes, commas and apostrophes have no place in the entry fields.</li>
<li>Check every letter before you pay; once the ticket is issued, name edits can still attract fees.</li>
<li>Travelling as a family? Copy each child&rsquo;s MRZ as well&mdash;no two passports are formatted exactly alike.</li>
</ol>
Looking Ahead
With their revised name policies, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have addressed one of the most persistent friction points in regional travel. The next frontier, both carriers hint, is to embed the same logic in their mobile apps and self‑service kiosks. Until then, the humble MRZ remains the traveller&rsquo;s best friend: follow its all‑caps guidance, and your next journey should begin with a wave at the e‑gate rather than an apology at the check‑in desk.
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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New guidelines finally take the guess work out of Southeast Asian names.

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