Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

money

economy

Starbucks

Save Palestine

boycott

Berjaya Food

VIncent Tan

Malaysian owned

benefits

Since the October 2023 conflict between Palestine and Israel, numerous Malaysians have engaged in a boycott of brands associated with Israel, aiming to exert economic pressure in the hope of influencing the resolution of the ongoing conflict.
However, one aspect that may have escaped the attention of many is that while certain brands are linked to Israel, the ownership and operational rights of these brands in the region are not necessarily connected to Western companies.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0d37230455bf5f5d6e1a8db358d5f06fd686332637f875b1ecd8c158e97a5a78" />
Illustrating this point is Starbucks Malaysia, exclusively owned by Berjaya Food in the country. In the latest developments, the parent company has disclosed a substantial net loss of RM42.58 million for the quarter ending on December 31, 2023, signalling a significant downturn compared to the preceding year when they reported a pre-tax profit of RM52.06 million.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3313/boycott-fallout-berjaya-food-reports-rm42-million-loss-amidst-palestine-israel-conflict">Boycott Fallout: Berjaya Food Reports RM42 Million Loss Amidst Palestine-Israel Conflict</a>
Notwithstanding the prolonged conflict since October 2023, Starbucks took a belated but significant step by issuing a statement on its official website to counter the spread of inaccurate information associated with the brand, fuelling global boycotts. CEO Howard Schultz explicitly denied any involvement in providing financial assistance to the Israeli government or the Israeli Army, condemning the violence, the loss of innocent lives, and all forms of hate and weaponized speech.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3321/starbucks-sets-things-straight-by-clarifying-their-stance-on-the-conflict-and-their-relationship-with-israel">Starbucks Sets Things Straight By Clarifying Their Stance On The Conflict And Their Relationship With Israel</a>
Tan Sri Vincent Tan Urges Malaysians To Think Of The Economy And Stop The Boycott
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b135ba5feb665685a745879c05667968c56da1d1a9beafd60956aba8624bc3e7" />
Seeking to respond to the current Starbucks Malaysia boycott, Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, the founder and advisor of Berjaya Corporation Bhd, has issued a persuasive plea to his fellow Malaysians, encouraging them to reassess their position. Tan emphasized that the boycott, rather than achieving its intended objectives, is only causing detriment to both Malaysians and the local economy.
Tan conveyed his apprehensions, emphasizing that individuals participating in the Starbucks Malaysia boycott should be aware that it is a locally-owned company with an exclusively Malaysian workforce in both its head office and stores. Additionally, he noted that the majority of staff in stores, ranging from 80-85%, are Muslims. He asserted that the boycott brings no benefits to anyone involved.
Notes A Positive Shift In Improvement Of Sales For Berjaya Food
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/068c5cff4e522a136d9f18db99892de782a35c656cce44a14e5123d747301f02" />
Despite the initial impact of the boycott on business sales, Tan revealed a positive shift, noting an improvement in sales. He anticipates that the third quarter of the financial year 2024 will reflect further enhancements.
&ldquo;Yes, it has some impact on us but at least now it&rsquo;s improving and like I said it&rsquo;s all Malaysian owned, it&rsquo;s run by Malaysians. It&rsquo;s just a franchise, it&rsquo;s not owned by an American,&rdquo; he said.
For readers' awareness, it's worth noting that Berjaya Foods doesn't only possess exclusive ownership of Starbucks Malaysia, but it also manages various restaurant chains and other food brands in the market, including Kenny Rogers Roasters, Jolibean Foods, Joybean, and Sala. Furthermore, it's important to mention that 7-Eleven Malaysia operates as a subsidiary under Berjaya Corporation Berhad.
Aside From Stopping The Boycott, What Has Been Happening In Gaza Over The Past Week?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ae2da54efeca4c3e80d9f0f2ce2844a8d0935ccb42b5081ab3a13fb7455e0318" />
As of March 5th, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has surged to 30,534 individuals, with the ministry reporting 124 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone. Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, triggered by Israeli air raids on the neighbourhoods of Al-Zaytoun, Tal Al-Hawa Al-Sabra, and Al-Daraj in Gaza City, a total of 71,980 people have been wounded.
While Starbucks Malaysia has unequivocally clarified its lack of ties to Israel or other Western powers, numerous outlets in Malaysia remain conspicuously empty, with only a few customers seen purchasing drinks on both weekdays and weekends. The economic repercussions of the boycott are undeniably evident, prompting the question of how long these boycotts will persist before potentially leading to the closure of one or more outlets under the brand. The uncertainty surrounding the duration and impact of the ongoing boycotts raises concerns about the brand's continued presence in the region.
Will you continue boycotting the coffee chain despite knowing it's Malaysian owned? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, NST &amp; various cross-references for context.

Starbucks Malaysia employs locals and mainly Muslims and the boycott is not benefitting anyone. 

200334bc5bbb27f9647f0393345929dcb22752e6a81d681166f17fd4e59cb9e0

Tan Sri Vincent Tan Calls On Malaysians To Halt Starbucks Boycott As It’s Impacting The Local Economy  (And His Wallet)

Malaysia is once again celebrating a landmark moment in badminton history as national shuttlers Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani officially become the world's top-ranked men&rsquo;s doubles pair, according to the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings released on 27 May 2025. This milestone marks the first time a Malaysian men's doubles duo has ascended to the coveted No.1 position in nearly a decade.
A Return to the Summit After Almost a Decade
Goh and Nur, known affectionately by fans as FeiDin, now sit atop the global rankings with 91,090 points, surpassing Denmark&rsquo;s Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, who dropped to second place after failing to defend their title at the recently concluded Malaysia Masters. The Danes were dethroned following their semi-final loss to fellow Malaysians Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ad71ee2d0a199e13b2d8e6c5858678589dcf53675902b6be029a0a0847d61ddb" />
Although Goh and Nur themselves bowed out in the quarter-finals of the same tournament after losing to another Malaysian pair, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, their consistent performances over the past year were enough to push them into the top spot. Their victory at the India Open in January 2025 was a pivotal moment, bolstering their climb after strong showings in 2024, which included titles at the Japan Open, China Open, and Arctic Open, as well as runner-up finishes at the BWF World Tour Finals and the Asian Championships.
This achievement makes Goh and Nur the first Malaysian men's doubles team to reach the world No.1 ranking since Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong in March 2016. They also join a legendary group of Malaysian shuttlers who once held the same honour, including the Sidek brothers (Razif and Jalani), Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock, and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
Notably, this also marks the first time any Malaysian badminton player has reached world No.1 since singles icon Lee Chong Wei last held the spot in June 2017.
Staying on Top: The Challenge Ahead
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9a6677ec4259f9940db8df52d514f06ef768bf495ce18d257d0a9682ef9417cb" />
While the pair have every reason to celebrate, former world No.1 Datuk Razif Sidek offered a word of caution. Speaking to local media, Razif praised the pair's success but reminded them that staying at the top is significantly harder than reaching it.
&ldquo;Congratulations to them &ndash; this is a fantastic achievement. But they must not get complacent. When you&rsquo;re number one, everyone is watching and targeting you. The pressure will be immense,&rdquo; he said.
Razif emphasised that without consistent performance and proper preparation, the pair risks losing their hard-earned position. &ldquo;Being on top must be motivation, not a destination. They must continue to train hard and think like champions if they are to remain at the peak,&rdquo; he added.
Spotlight on the Singapore Open
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d8889787cc7460478b45df06b3d36c4ac99303ad0b8277323e3259fb59f4ac36" />
Goh and Nur's reign could face an immediate challenge at the Singapore Open, which runs from 27 May to 1 June. In the first round, they will take on Taiwan&rsquo;s Lee Fang Chih and Lee Fang Jen. The Malaysians must reach at least the final to maintain their position. Should the Danish pair win the tournament and Goh-Nur exit early, the No.1 ranking could be lost as quickly as it was earned.
That said, the Danes have semi-final points from last year&rsquo;s Singapore Open to defend, while Goh and Nur could widen their lead by as much as 4,000 points if they reach the last four and Astrup-Rasmussen fall short in the quarters.
Rising Malaysian Forces in Men&rsquo;s Doubles
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/45ca06d22f93b451b36136b8821be5e6ea2aa5d93c95c2c57b2232aaa5139f66" />
Malaysia is currently enjoying a strong presence in the men&rsquo;s doubles category. Alongside world No.1 Goh-Nur, the pairing of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are ranked third, while the Malaysia Masters 2025 champions, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, have climbed to seventh &ndash; their joint career-high. Four more Malaysian men&rsquo;s pairs are currently in the BWF top 32, reflecting the depth of talent in the nation&rsquo;s doubles scene.
Malaysia&rsquo;s Past Men&rsquo;s Doubles World No.1 Pairs
Malaysia&rsquo;s proud tradition in men&rsquo;s doubles is further cemented by the elite list of past No.1-ranked pairs:
<ul>
<li>1989 &ndash; Razif Sidek &amp; Jalani Sidek</li>
<li>1992 &ndash; Cheah Soon Kit &amp; Soo Beng Kiang</li>
<li>1996 &ndash; Cheah Soon Kit &amp; Yap Kim Hock</li>
<li>2002 &ndash; Chan Chong Ming &amp; Chew Choon Eng</li>
<li>2004 &ndash; Choong Tan Fook &amp; Lee Wan Wah</li>
<li>2007 &ndash; Koo Kien Keat &amp; Tan Boon Heong</li>
<li>2016 &ndash; Goh V Shem &amp; Tan Wee Kiong</li>
<li>2025 &ndash; Goh Sze Fei &amp; Nur Izzuddin Rumsani</li>
</ul>
From Separation to Stardom: The Journey of FeiDin
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e55eb7a03ca5f9ba9d02e15367b2213d540ad28bb3e7d12ba78be5ecccd7ecba" />
The path to world No.1 has not been easy for Goh and Nur. The pair originally partnered in 2017 but parted ways in 2023 due to a lack of on-court chemistry. However, they reunited just a few months later, reigniting their partnership with renewed determination.
Despite initial setbacks upon their reunion, including a series of early exits, their perseverance paid off. Their resurgence in 2024 laid the groundwork for this historic climb, culminating in the India Open victory and now, the world No.1 crown.
Fans across Malaysia have flooded social media with messages of pride and support, hailing the pair&rsquo;s grit and resilience.
A New Era for Malaysian Badminton?
The rise of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin may signal the start of a new golden era for Malaysian men&rsquo;s doubles. With multiple pairs now firmly entrenched in the world&rsquo;s elite and younger talent on the rise, Malaysia looks poised to re-establish itself as a dominant force in international badminton.
For now, all eyes are on the Singapore Open as the newly crowned world No.1 pair sets out to defend their place at the top &ndash; and inspire a nation along the way.
A huge congratulations to FeiDin on their impressive win! Here&rsquo;s hoping they keep the momentum going&mdash;we can&rsquo;t wait to see even more victories in the near future!
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Breaking an 8-year drought, FeiDin are now Malaysia’s first World No.1 men’s doubles pair since 2016.

79f142fee7b89bf98d161f151fe63a751a23423c4c7edd3bb9a44fa8abb5a257

Goh Sze Fei & Nur Izzuddin Make History As Malaysia’s New World No.1 Men’s Doubles Pair

The highly anticipated return of G-Dragon to Malaysia was supposed to be a celebration for VIPs &ndash; his fiercely loyal fanbase &ndash; as he readies his &Uuml;bermensch World Tour for a two-day spectacle in Kuala Lumpur this July. But what began as excitement has quickly soured into disappointment and anger as thousands of Malaysian fans were left without tickets, blaming technical failures, bot interference, and foreign scalpers for sabotaging the pre-sale process.
Pre-Sales Spark Hope &ndash; and Then Heartbreak
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a5a05b8049be2a0254102bc937b01a07018b854fc7d888915e5cd09ee2388e02" />
The ticket pre-sale for G-Dragon&rsquo;s Malaysian concert officially opened on Monday, 26 May, from 4pm until midnight, exclusively for early buyers. This was followed by a second pre-sale round on Tuesday, 27 May, at 3pm, specifically for Hong Leong Bank (HLB) customers &ndash; many of whom had waited days to secure this advantage.
Yet, as the digital queue opened, Malaysian fans were met with constant glitches, website crashes, and an overall poor user experience. Some managed to get into the queue, only to find themselves frozen in place or kicked out entirely. For others, the tickets were already sold out by the time the system refreshed.
One fan shared her frustrations, stating she joined the queue at 3.30pm and stayed online for hours without success. &ldquo;It felt impossible. I waited and refreshed but the page wouldn&rsquo;t load properly. How are we expected to compete when the system itself doesn&rsquo;t work for us?&rdquo; she said. Despite this, she vowed to keep trying, highlighting the unwavering dedication of Malaysian VIPs.
&ldquo;Bypassed&rdquo; and Blocked &ndash; Fans Cry Foul Over Alleged Overseas Abuse
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c9c2a665620bbfb72aefeee5f95c364c171a7a16497ebb11d65717e262cb3ee5" />
Beyond technical issues, a deeper controversy soon emerged. Malaysian fans began accusing overseas buyers of using backdoor methods, known as &ldquo;bypasses&rdquo;, to skip virtual queues entirely &ndash; in some cases allegedly blocking Malaysian IP addresses from accessing the sale. Many believe bots were employed to snatch tickets en masse before local fans even had a fair chance.
A particularly emotional Instagram message to G-Dragon went viral, with a fan detailing the experience and expressing heartbreak. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s shocking and deeply disappointing. How can something like this happen? These were not sold by fair means,&rdquo; they wrote, directly calling out the organiser, Star Planet Malaysia, for their apparent failure to prevent bot infiltration.
Others chimed in online, echoing accusations that the organiser had enabled a system that left genuine fans out in the cold. Some went as far as to suggest insider sales or pre-arranged allocations, pointing to how quickly premium tickets were gone &ndash; and how immediately they popped up on resale platforms.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
mainland sana dapat dulu guys
&mdash; sof 🍡 (@luvzjmn) <a href="https://twitter.com/luvzjmn/status/1926980551166013883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a>
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</blockquote>
From RM999 to RM11,000 &ndash; Scalpers Take Over
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/16faec0d1d0af375843a2924c52bdf561e996cbdbbe6674f76c5fc548567d6f9" />
It didn&rsquo;t take long for social media to be flooded with listings from scalpers offering tickets at eye-watering prices. While official tickets were priced as high as RM999, resale prices surged to RM3,000 or more &mdash; with screenshots showing some scalpers demanding an additional RM900 &ldquo;top-up&rdquo; with no room for negotiation.
One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) showed a conversation where a ticket reseller openly admitted to using a &ldquo;bypass&rdquo; method to access the site ahead of everyone else. &ldquo;Cut the queue &mdash; skipped the stick man in the waiting list. Meaning, they didn&rsquo;t queue at all. Just went straight into the website and checked out,&rdquo; the fan explained, referencing the visual queue interface used during the sale.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mampos laa prang nak cakap apa pun. Hari ni memang aku banyak maki hamun jee. . Kau ni memang BAB1. Hang memang FU*K sama dengan <a href="https://twitter.com/StarplanetSB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarplanetSB</a>. Semoga kau cirit birit seminggu sebelum n selepas concert. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GDRAGONinKL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GDRAGONinKL</a> <a href="https://t.co/oqeCn9y2is">pic.twitter.com/oqeCn9y2is</a>
&mdash; SN_nnn🪼 (@SN_nnfn) <a href="https://twitter.com/SN_nnfn/status/1927042852971745637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Over on <a href="https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/683496d40000000021008402?app_platform=ios&amp;app_version=8.84&amp;share_from_user_hidden=true&amp;xsec_source=app_share&amp;type=normal&amp;xsec_token=CBwIO5Z0R3tYIbEuWzFIDXaWZjtlaNa153Zc6ATx_aowk=&amp;author_share=1&amp;xhsshare=CopyLink&amp;shareRedId=ODtIODM6SkA2NzUyOTgwNjZFOTdKR0tP&amp;apptime=1748320768&amp;share_id=634e7abfdcf94bc3a60cbecbf24a99b7">Xiaohongshu</a>, Chinese-language users shared listings of scalpers pricing tickets as high as RM16,000 per seat. These posts were accompanied by comments from outraged fans sharing similar experiences and warning others against trusting third-party sellers, especially on unverified platforms like Viagogo, where scams are not uncommon.
Organiser Silent as Fans Demand Accountability
At the time of writing, Star Planet Malaysia has not issued any official response to the ticketing backlash. The silence has only fuelled further outrage from Malaysian VIPs, many of whom have supported G-Dragon and BIGBANG for years and feel betrayed by the lack of fairness and transparency in the process.
Fans have called on the organiser to immediately investigate the situation and take action against scalpers, bots, and bypass users. Some are also urging G-Dragon&rsquo;s management and tour team to take notice and reconsider how ticketing for future stops is handled.
Calls for Reform in Malaysia&rsquo;s Concert Ticketing
As complaints poured in, a larger conversation has reignited around Malaysia&rsquo;s lack of regulation against ticket scalping and bot abuse. Unlike in countries such as the UK, where reselling above face value is often illegal or strictly regulated, Malaysia currently has no effective safeguards in place to prevent such behaviour.
Fans are now urging the government and local event organisers to implement stronger verification processes, digital queues with CAPTCHA, purchase limits, and legal enforcement against scalpers &mdash; both local and foreign.
Others have suggested using identity-linked e-tickets that cannot be transferred or resold, or setting aside a quota strictly for Malaysian IP addresses to ensure locals have access to events held on home soil.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At this point just buat offline ticketing just like old days, kita queue berhari hari prior ticketing day. Atleast bots tak dpt, insider pun tak leh tebus sbb everything is transparent masa on site ticketing.
&mdash; ㅌㅅ♡ (@TiraSahar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TiraSahar/status/1926919589402759412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lepas ni ticketing jual no pin dekat bsn je la pastu nanti submit details dekat site macam isi upu
&mdash; 𓏲♡𓂃𝔂𝓪𝔂𝓪 🎫|🎸(TDS4 NOT OPEN YET) (@weishnvieyaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/weishnvieyaa/status/1926957126905209226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sorry nak maki sebab ticketing harini memang macam sial. Kalau nak buat dekat malaysia priority orang malaysia lah bangang. Kalau nak bagi orang luar je beli kau skip jela malaysia ni sampai kiamat bodoh. Kau ingat beli membership tu guna air liur ke bodoh <a href="https://twitter.com/StarplanetSB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarplanetSB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GDinKL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GDinKL</a>
&mdash; ᴛꜱ || ꜱʜᴀ 🧚🏼&zwj;♀️ (@jxhxshx) <a href="https://twitter.com/jxhxshx/status/1926983314524549614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
the real villains of ticket selling these days are no longer the tpas or bots but the promoters themselves lol <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GDRAGONinMY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GDRAGONinMY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gdragoninkl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gdragoninkl</a>
&mdash; SanChai (@dyosanchai) <a href="https://twitter.com/dyosanchai/status/1926931126372692303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TAKDE SATU PON EVENT ORGANIZER KAT MALAYSIA YG OK TAKDE SATU PON WEBSITE TICKETING KAT MALAYSIA YG OK SEMUA NAK TINDAS FANS SAJA
&mdash; 🇲🇾 PENANAM ANGGUR 🇲🇾 (@urjoblessfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/urjoblessfan/status/1926955160971944044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote>

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A Sour Note for a Long-Awaited Return
Despite the overwhelming buzz surrounding G-Dragon&rsquo;s return to Malaysia after years of hiatus, the messy and disheartening ticketing process has left a bitter taste among his most dedicated local fans. What should have been a joyous moment has become a cautionary tale about flawed systems, missed opportunities, and the unchecked rise of scalpers.
Unless immediate reforms are introduced, it&rsquo;s likely that future concerts &ndash; even for other international acts &ndash; will face similar chaos. For now, Malaysian VIPs are left wondering if they&rsquo;ll even get the chance to see their idol live, or if the &Uuml;bermensch experience will remain a dream lost to algorithms and greed.
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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Queueing for hours, only to find tickets sold out — all thanks to scalpers and bypass abuse.

7a96bf2ccdec77a376b84e5fdaeacc33e64906ec765d1189ba01ca3c0bb19a61

G-Dragon’s KL Concert Marred By Scalpers And Ticketing Chaos As Malaysian Fans Cry Foul

Two men have been charged in Kuala Lumpur with using counterfeit police summons slips designed to deceive the public, amid growing anxiety over a spate of incidents involving fake or misleading documents placed on car windscreens. The case has taken on national attention due to a concurrent viral incident involving similar-looking notices tied to a marketing campaign.
On 26 May 2025, Tan Kok Ho, 43, and Denise Tan Ying Chyuan, 47, appeared in two separate Magistrates&rsquo; Courts and pleaded not guilty to jointly using forged documents that imitated the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) &lsquo;Notice to Appear&rsquo; summons (Form 170A).
The charges relate to incidents at two separate public parking areas&mdash;one outside a shopping mall in Bukit Bintang on 10 May, and another at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on 11 May. In both cases, the forged notices were allegedly placed on vehicle windscreens with the intention of misleading the public into believing they were official summonses issued by the police.
Charges Under Forgery Laws and Bail Pleas
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4affe2e442f3e2df57fe10458ca6826a6e830250cefab6c4248d07f2491ed92c" />
Both men were charged under Section 471 of the Penal Code for using forged documents, a crime punishable under Section 465 read together with Section 34, which allows for a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Prosecutors Nurainizatul Farhana Zainal and Syafika Azwa Fikri requested bail of RM7,000 for each accused, citing the seriousness of the offence and the need to deter similar fraudulent schemes. However, defence lawyer Phang Soon Mun appealed for a reduced amount, noting that both accused had families to support.
Tan is married with two children aged five and three, while Denise is a father of three children aged 10, 12, and 14. After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrates Atiqah Mohamed @ Mohamad Saim and Illi Marisqa Khalizan granted bail of RM6,000 for each accused, with one surety each. The courts have scheduled the next mention date for both cases on 2 July 2025.
Viral Video Highlights Public Concern Over Fake Summonses
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ebb357d59179a33bcc621e90e6ce905396eba168f94ba89fabd6c7025e7e3d51" />
The criminal charges coincided with a separate viral incident that fuelled widespread speculation and panic on social media. A video posted by Facebook user Bang Rajan VII and Threads user @adahohadah showed vehicles parked at a shopping centre with official-looking summons slips tucked under their wipers. The user warned others not to scan the QR code printed on the slips, claiming that someone had lost their money after doing so.
This quickly sparked fears of a broader scam operation, particularly as many of the cars were parked legally within private premises. The official tone of the notices, complete with PDRM logos and QR codes, lent credence to the idea that scammers were impersonating law enforcement in a new wave of phishing attacks.
Not All Was As It Seemed &mdash; MALF2025 Marketing Gimmick 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/12e71bc8e2ef8d513c20466c5cc4bbfa2fc6cdeb650293b84c5a5e7fb50e37b3" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4305/marketing-gimmick-sparks-concern-amid-publics-heightened-fears-of-phishing">Marketing Gimmick Sparks Concern Amid Public&rsquo;s Heightened Fears Of Phishing</a>
However, the situation took an unexpected twist when closer inspection of the viral summons revealed several suspicious inconsistencies. The clearest red flag was the registration number printed on the notice: &ldquo;MALF2025&rdquo;. Additionally, there were typographical errors&mdash;such as &ldquo;Jalan Pegankutan Jalam 1988&rdquo;&mdash;and a website address discreetly listed at the bottom of the slip.
It was soon revealed that the so-called &lsquo;summons&rsquo; was actually a bold marketing stunt for the Malaysia Auto and Lifestyle Festival 2025 (MALF2025). The QR code led to the official website for the event, which is scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 June 2025 at the Sepang International Circuit.
The move was likely meant to generate buzz for the upcoming festival, but it unintentionally stirred confusion and concern among the public, especially given the real scam case involving Tan and Denise.
Public Trust Erodes Amid Mixed Messaging
The public reaction to both the criminal charges and the MALF2025 campaign reflects a growing mistrust in unsolicited documents, especially when they appear to come from authorities. With scams becoming more sophisticated and more frequently targeting everyday Malaysians, many feel that more robust verification systems and clearer communication are needed.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/24920c5314502df66a6913e41144ef334ad3093c6d4eea847ce7f9bd0c178ef7" />
The events of the past few weeks have left Malaysians wary and rightfully cautious. Whether it&rsquo;s forged police notices intended to scam, or a flashy marketing gimmick gone too far, the lesson remains the same&mdash;when something feels off, it&rsquo;s best to pause, verify, and stay alert.
Always double-check QR codes and unfamiliar documents, especially if they&rsquo;re linked to payments or personal data. In today&rsquo;s increasingly connected world, a few seconds of scrutiny could save you from serious loss or legal complications.
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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Perhaps not the best way to promote a car festival — especially when the public's already on edge.

0b0c96630c29d119dba63e2fa86bbb1958866383c8cb8c3f7f0dfc37cc959877

Two Men Charged Over Fake Police Summons Scam Amid Viral QR Code Confusion Linked To MALF2025 Promo

What began as a typical highway drive quickly turned into a frightening experience when a BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle (EV) abruptly slammed to a halt without warning. The root cause, now confirmed, wasn&rsquo;t the battery as many had assumed, but a faulty door sensor, raising serious questions about safety features in modern EVs.
Shocking Incident on Cheras&ndash;Kajang Highway
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/57b49380078498ee5f55d2fc40a44604508a7f078538b4ece5d28fc7f5554e9f" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4293/terrifying-breakdown-byd-atto-3-abruptly-brakes-on-expressway-with-family-on-board">Terrifying Breakdown: BYD Atto 3 Abruptly Brakes On Expressway With Family On Board</a>
Earlier this month, a Facebook post by a Malaysian BYD Atto 3 owner went viral after he shared footage of his electric SUV suddenly braking to a complete stop while cruising along the Cheras&ndash;Kajang Highway. According to the dashcam recording, the car was travelling at 106 km/h before it dramatically decelerated to a full stop within just seven seconds &mdash; all without any prior warning or fault indication.
The incident occurred in the fast lane, which could have easily led to a collision had there been vehicles trailing closely behind. Fortunately, the driver and his family emerged unscathed, but the situation understandably sparked alarm across the EV community.
Initially, it was widely speculated online that a malfunctioning 12V auxiliary battery had caused the issue, as this component is known to be crucial for powering low-voltage systems in EVs. However, that theory was later ruled out following a thorough investigation.
Root Cause Identified After 12 Days
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3579499d3decafadbbac9c334a65686a611ac0557b692b5a904f351a5e296ae1" />
In an update shared via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nurafifah.abdulrahim/posts/pfbid06FcKR3t84VEKrVNoxE2YpfYfMyWV7BBrNbzxAQ29Wa1wfXzerh6x9vKWnjMFiwjgl">Facebook</a>, the owner explained that the car had been under assessment for nearly two weeks at a BYD service centre before technicians from BYD Sime Motors visited him in Melaka to offer a full diagnosis. Their findings pointed to a faulty sensor in the driver&rsquo;s side door as the source of the issue.
According to the explanation given, the damaged sensor erroneously triggered the vehicle&rsquo;s emergency safety shutdown protocol &mdash; a feature designed to immediately halt the car in the event of a perceived hazard. This built-in mechanism, while intended to protect, ironically created a potentially dangerous situation on a busy highway.
The emergency sequence activated the hazard lights, initiated rapid braking, and resulted in a full system power-off. The vehicle became unresponsive, with the gear stuck in neutral and all four wheels locked &mdash; rendering the car immobile and unable to be pushed to the roadside. Ultimately, it had to be towed using wheel dollies.
Dashcam Footage Confirms Sudden Braking
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnurafifah.abdulrahim%2Fvideos%2F1912752492844764%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
To support his claims and provide clarity to the public, the owner shared dashcam footage that clearly shows the vehicle braking at 00:21 and coming to a complete stop by 00:27. No dashboard alerts or warning tones were seen or heard before the vehicle engaged its emergency protocol.
He described the experience as &ldquo;drastic&rdquo; and &ldquo;traumatising,&rdquo; particularly as he had his family on board at the time. The lack of any prior warning made the situation especially harrowing, and he emphasised the risk such incidents could pose to other road users if they occurred in high-traffic conditions.
&ldquo;Supposed Safety Feature Turned Risky&rdquo;
The owner expressed his frustration over what he described as a safety mechanism that ironically endangered him and his family. &ldquo;This feature is supposed to protect us in case of emergencies &mdash; not put us in one,&rdquo; he said.
He added that although the Atto 3&rsquo;s safety systems are meant to prevent further damage or harm during critical malfunctions, the lack of any early warning or the ability to override the system in this case rendered it more harmful than helpful.
His Atto 3 was approximately 10 months old and had clocked over 20,000 kilometres at the time of the incident. Despite his disappointment, he appreciated the professionalism and sincerity shown by the BYD Sime Motors team in addressing the issue.
Buyback Agreement Brings Closure
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e3b3a7043b0ef8ff74808cf9a8d6670f684862bef1d817476d8ad14d13f70b70" />
As a resolution, BYD Sime Motors offered to buy back the Atto 3 via a full settlement with the financing bank. Although the owner noted that he did suffer some financial losses from previous loan repayments, he stated that the safety of his family ultimately took precedence.
&ldquo;This wasn&rsquo;t about money anymore,&rdquo; he wrote in his final post. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about knowing that my family is safe, and that such an incident won&rsquo;t be repeated &mdash; at least not with us inside the car.&rdquo;
The owner also acknowledged that EV technology, while innovative and environmentally forward, remains relatively new in Malaysia and still comes with growing pains. He urged potential buyers to take the time to understand the mechanisms of their electric vehicles thoroughly before committing to ownership.
Lessons for Future EV Owners
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for both manufacturers and consumers navigating the evolving EV landscape. As carmakers race to integrate advanced features and automation into electric vehicles, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that safety systems are not only robust but also transparent and user-friendly.
For drivers, the experience highlights the need for education around EV components, including the critical role of software, sensors, and fail-safe systems. Understanding how these systems work &mdash; and what to do when they don&rsquo;t &mdash; is fast becoming an essential part of EV ownership.
While BYD has taken steps to address the matter and mitigate its reputational risk, the story is a stark reminder that even the most advanced technology can go awry &mdash; and that trust in new automotive platforms must be earned through reliability, transparency, and ongoing support.
Perhaps this incident serves as a reminder to think twice before committing to an EV &mdash; for now, a petrol car or even a hybrid might offer more peace of mind and value for money. What&rsquo;s your take on it? 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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BYD Sime Motors bought back the vehicle; owner urges netizens to think twice before buying an EV.

7b3e49d7c878653170c72e6795db49a3b396aebde892a97e1db5832b00085033

Viral BYD Atto 3 Incident: Sudden Emergency Braking Caused By Faulty Door Sensor, Not Battery

A moving and emotional scene unfolded recently at Surau Madrasatul Huda in Alor Setar, Kedah, where a young Indian woman in her early twenties, carrying a newborn wrapped only in a yellow towel, sought shelter after fleeing an unsafe living situation.
The woman, believed to have recently given birth, was found in a state of distress behind the home of the surau&rsquo;s secretary. Her tearful plea, &ldquo;Saya takut&hellip; tolong jangan halau saya&rdquo; (I&rsquo;m scared... please don&rsquo;t chase me away), captured hearts across Malaysia after a video documenting her rescue was posted on TikTok by Shamsul Anuar Aziz, 44 &mdash; a member of the surau&rsquo;s committee.
The video has since gone viral, prompting widespread praise for the kindness shown by Shamsul and the surau congregation.
A Distressed Stranger Outside the Surau
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@shownbotak/video/7507519920582741256" data-video-id="7507519920582741256">
<section><a title="@shownbotak" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@shownbotak?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@shownbotak</a> Kita kan Satu Malaysia Bantuan kami kepada ibu dan baby.. Moga mereka sihat selalu <a title="fypシ゚" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp%E3%82%B7%E3%82%9A?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fypシ゚</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Aki Seruling - AKI Seruling" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Aki-Seruling-7176497517818186522?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Aki Seruling - AKI Seruling</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

The incident took place on the night of Thursday, 24 May. Shamsul had just completed his Maghrib prayers and was resting outside the surau when he noticed the young woman walking past slowly, clutching her baby.
&ldquo;She looked terrified. You could see it in the way she moved, her expression &mdash; she was clearly in trouble,&rdquo; he recounted. &ldquo;The baby was swaddled only in a towel, and she had just a plastic bag with her.&rdquo;
Shortly after, Shamsul received a call from his cousin who lives nearby, reporting that a woman with a baby was hiding in the darkness behind a car. He gathered several surau members and rushed to the scene.
&ldquo;There she was, crouched behind a vehicle in the dark. When I called out to her, she looked like she might run. Then she said in a soft voice, &lsquo;Please don&rsquo;t chase me away.&rsquo; I was on the verge of tears,&rdquo; he said.
Finding Safety in Faith
Shamsul calmly assured her that they meant no harm, only help. Gently coaxing her to follow him, he brought her into the surau where she was given a safe space to sit and rest. It was clear to everyone that she was still in her confinement period and extremely weak.
At first, she barely spoke &mdash; likely due to shock and trauma. But after some time, she opened up about her circumstances. She had been staying at a friend&rsquo;s home nearby but no longer felt safe due to financial hardship and overcrowding. Her husband, she revealed, is currently serving a prison sentence, leaving her with no source of income or stable support.
&ldquo;She didn&rsquo;t even have fresh diapers for her baby,&rdquo; said Shamsul. &ldquo;It was heartbreaking.&rdquo;
Community Kindness in Action
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fec836ace9bd026fd435528cfb57cfdbb87bc101075ca417878dc7aff506fe94" />
Acting swiftly and compassionately, Shamsul and several other members of the congregation bought infant formula, nappies, and food for the baby. They also ensured she had a clean, quiet space to rest for the evening.
The woman later informed them that she had a brother in Penang. With her consent, they contacted him and helped arrange her journey to reunite with him. That same night, they purchased the latest available ETS train ticket to Penang.
&ldquo;We made sure she and her baby got on the train safely,&rdquo; said Shamsul. &ldquo;Even at the station, another Indian man helped carry her bag. You could see she felt a little more at ease.&rdquo;
A Lesson in Humanity Beyond Religion and Race
As she departed, the woman expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who had helped her. &ldquo;She thanked us repeatedly. I told her to pray for our health and sustenance,&rdquo; said Shamsul. &ldquo;This was a test for us. I&rsquo;m grateful we were given the opportunity to help her.&rdquo;
Shamsul, who has served as the surau&rsquo;s chairman for eight years, said the incident reaffirmed his belief in the importance of kindness without prejudice. &ldquo;This was the first time something like this happened at our surau, but it reminded us of the true meaning of community. It doesn&rsquo;t matter what race or religion someone is &mdash; what matters is humanity.&rdquo;
Netizens Inspired by the Story
The story quickly gained traction online, drawing praise from Malaysians of all backgrounds. Many lauded the surau for providing shelter and support without hesitation. Some even offered to assist the woman further upon her arrival in Penang.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments on TikTok:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ca41dc965c99189e4a189aa8afe03072cafdc02fd87f0252982bda79075455a" />
The episode has since become a shining example of compassion in action &mdash; a testament to the quiet strength of community spirit and a poignant reminder that in times of need, kindness can transcend all barriers.
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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&nbsp;

No race or religion barriers — just pure compassion for a mother and her child in need.

Tan Sri Vincent Tan Calls On Malaysians To Halt Starbucks Boycott As It’s Impacting The Local Economy (And His Wallet)

Starbucks Malaysia employs locals and mainly Muslims and the boycott is not benefitting anyone.

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