Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

struggles

finance

expensive

purchase

home

rent

burden

ownership

Many believe that making smart financial decisions, such as purchasing a home, will inevitably lead to long-term benefits. Whether it&rsquo;s securing a property, investing in stocks, or starting a business, the expectation is that these choices will eventually pay off. But what happens when things don&rsquo;t go as planned?
For one <a href="https://www.threads.net/@athiramustafar/post/DHD8dhUz1hc?xmt=AQGzVwNfqXlUtNKSDR-23PesiWE4Qyltx34PoAycGvNYJg">Malaysian homeowner</a>, the excitement of purchasing a house six years ago has now turned into an ongoing financial strain. What once seemed like a wise investment decision has become a costly regret, draining thousands of ringgit in unforeseen expenses.
A Decision That Once Made Sense &amp; Life&rsquo;s Unexpected Changes
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2932fa439af33a9dc1653863889a45b37cfcff7afcd058cc3940847918f59ed9" />
Like many others, the homeowner was filled with optimism when purchasing the property. The location was ideal, providing a manageable commute to work. It appeared to be the perfect balance of convenience and practicality. However, things took an unexpected turn.
Over time, rapid urban development transformed the area into a traffic nightmare, extending commute times significantly. What was once a strategic location soon became a daily source of frustration, diminishing the quality of life and making the decision to stay in the house far less appealing.
While dealing with worsening traffic conditions, life threw another curveball. The homeowner&rsquo;s spouse received a job transfer to the East Coast, presenting a difficult choice: stay behind or relocate as a family.
Ultimately, they decided to move, leaving behind the home they had invested so much in. Since selling wasn&rsquo;t an immediate option, renting it out became the next logical step.
Renting: A Partial Solution with Hidden Costs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d3ba185b5bdd23e85f5d4c211eb77b2cc7d850a0b3cb9f36e34c38cc29e4bee1" />
Initially, renting the house seemed like a good plan. A tenant was secured, paying RM1,000 per month. However, with the homeowner&rsquo;s mortgage repayment at RM1,700, they found themselves covering an additional RM700 every month.
At first glance, RM700 may not seem like a huge loss. But over time, it adds up significantly:
RM700 x 12 months x 6 years = RM50,400
That&rsquo;s over RM50,000 lost in top-ups&mdash;money that could have been saved or invested elsewhere. With no plans to return to the house, the financial burden has become a source of constant regret.
Seeking Solutions: To Sell or Hold On?
Now, six years later, the homeowner is faced with a tough decision: should they sell the house and cut their losses, or continue renting and hope for better market conditions?
Many have weighed in with advice:
<ul>
<li>Sell the house now: Since rental income covers less than 70% of the loan, prolonging ownership may lead to further losses. Selling the property now could prevent additional financial strain.</li>
<li>Adjust the rental strategy: Some suggest increasing the rent or shifting to a room-by-room rental model, particularly targeting students. This could improve cash flow and ease the monthly deficit.</li>
<li>Hold for a few more years: Another perspective suggests waiting another four years before selling, allowing for potential property appreciation and a more favourable financial return.</li>
</ul>
The Alternative: Renting Instead of Buying?
For modern city dwellers, the question arises: Is homeownership really the best option? With changing financial perspectives, some are exploring an unconventional alternative&mdash;long-term hotel stays.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments from netizens online:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cdf19e262ce16aad45788f0b5abc28121c2819a2e39bd84c6f281e8c9d8d0745" />
Hotel Living vs Homeownership: A Radical Shift
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/08520091877f98e69492f0e57f0f16d3456aa66aa26e70aba7538f705a7bcb4d" />
A <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JaspherLim.my/posts/1185241343609219">viral social media</a> discussion has sparked debate over whether ditching mortgages in favour of hotel stays is a more financially sound decision. The concept? Instead of spending years paying off a mortgage (with substantial interest), why not put that money towards a hassle-free hotel lifestyle?
A simple financial breakdown reveals the surprising potential savings:
<ul>
<li>A RM2 million mortgage at 4% interest results in RM80,000 in interest payments per year.</li>
<li>Instead, spending RM92 per night on a budget hotel amounts to RM33,580 per year&mdash;offering nearly two and a half years of living expenses covered solely by the interest that would have been paid on a home loan.</li>
</ul>
Even in more modest cases:
<ul>
<li>A RM600,000 mortgage with RM24,000 in annual interest could fund 261 nights in budget hotels or 120 nights in upscale hotels&mdash;enough for professionals who split their time between cities.</li>
</ul>
The Benefits of Hotel Living
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8a1183ba1aca568407fd583020580d33d9d43a1ba47cf65a18895d6cd188948b" />
For those questioning traditional homeownership, hotel stays offer several advantages:
<ul>
<li>Flexibility: No long-term financial commitment or mortgage stress.</li>
<li>Zero Maintenance Costs: No property taxes, renovation expenses, or unexpected repair bills.</li>
<li>Amenities Included: Daily housekeeping, breakfast, utilities, and security.</li>
<li>Freeing Up Capital: The money that would have gone into home loans can be invested elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
The Debate: Investment vs Lifestyle Choice
While supporters of this hotel-living trend argue that it offers financial and lifestyle flexibility, critics highlight key drawbacks:
<ul>
<li>Property ownership builds equity: Unlike renting, purchasing a home allows individuals to build long-term wealth.</li>
<li>Potential appreciation: Over time, property values may rise, providing a return on investment.</li>
<li>Stability and personalisation: Owning a home offers a sense of permanence and the ability to customise living spaces.</li>
</ul>
Finding the Right Balance
The homeowner in our story ultimately faces the same decision many Malaysians struggle with&mdash;whether to continue investing in a property that has become a financial burden or to explore alternative living arrangements.
As modern lifestyles evolve, the traditional path of homeownership is no longer the only option. Whether buying, renting, or even embracing hotel stays, the key is to make an informed decision based on financial goals and personal circumstances.
Ultimately, the choice between homeownership and alternative living solutions comes down to individual priorities. Is stability worth the financial burden? Or is flexibility the key to financial freedom?
What would you choose? A home to call your own, or the freedom of a flexible lifestyle? Let us know your choice in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With the rising cost of living, can future generations even afford to own a home?

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When An Investment Becomes A Burden: The Dilemma Of Homeownership

Shopee sellers are bracing for yet another increase in operational costs as the e-commerce platform confirmed a hike in its SPayLater seller fee. The change, set to take effect on 8 May 2025, will see the fee rise from 3.5% to 4.5% for all completed orders involving the SPayLater payment option.
The update was announced through Shopee&rsquo;s official Seller Education Hub, continuing a trend of rising charges for merchants using the platform.
What Is SPayLater? 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a62796e4303ff33bf724897f79a3f39b982bad43119b1080a6710fedfa3de146" />
SPayLater is Shopee&rsquo;s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, designed to give buyers flexibility in managing their purchases. The feature enables customers to split their payments over installment plans ranging from one to 24 months. Instalments up to three months typically carry no extra fees for buyers, but longer tenures can incur charges of up to 36%, depending on the duration.
However, while buyers may choose whether or not to use SPayLater, sellers are automatically enrolled in the programme with no option to opt out. This means they must absorb the associated transaction fee regardless of whether they benefit directly from the instalment feature.
Why Are Sellers Frustrated?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e816e805f983200358e1b1830eb38cfdc3be9218e22e47533de142280683cf1c" />
The fee hike has been met with widespread frustration among Shopee merchants, many of whom took to online seller communities to express their discontent. One recurring point of criticism is the lack of transparency&mdash;Shopee has not provided any formal explanation for the increase.
Many sellers are questioning why they are being penalised when it is ultimately the buyer&rsquo;s decision to use the SPayLater facility. The platform&rsquo;s insistence on making SPayLater mandatory for eligible sellers has only fuelled further resentment.
A number of sellers have even suggested raising their prices to cushion the impact of the new fee, potentially making Shopee less competitive for buyers as a result.
Sellers Speak Out: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s Getting Too Much&rdquo;
Among those voicing concern is Loh, a power tool seller who requested partial anonymity. Speaking to local media, Loh said that the compounding cost of selling on Shopee&mdash;including this new SPayLater fee&mdash;is driving him to reconsider the platform entirely.
&ldquo;My business has to contend with more and more extra fees, and I&rsquo;d need to hire someone just to operate and manage the sales channel,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s pushed my business away from focusing too much effort towards selling on Shopee.&rdquo;
A Pattern of Increasing Charges
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5268806b0bc67a485230899cca302a30408a47ee615a61836d3eb4fcd5c7d8bc" />
This latest update follows a previous hike in August 2024, when Shopee increased its general Transaction Fee for sellers from 2% to 3.5%&mdash;a move that excluded SPayLater and credit card payments at the time. That change, too, received criticism from small business owners struggling to maintain margins on the platform.
It&rsquo;s also worth noting that the new 4.5% SPayLater fee is subject to Malaysia&rsquo;s 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST), effectively making the total cost to sellers even higher.
Shopee&rsquo;s Justification &mdash; and What&rsquo;s Missing
While Shopee has highlighted that SPayLater can increase a seller&rsquo;s gross merchandise value by offering flexible payments to buyers, it has not justified the fee hike directly or provided any context for the additional cost burden. The omission has left many sellers feeling alienated, especially as BNPL platforms typically share costs across both buyers and sellers in a more transparent manner.
What&rsquo;s Next for Shopee Sellers?
As sellers scramble to adjust to the updated fee structure, questions remain about Shopee&rsquo;s long-term strategy and its impact on small and medium-sized businesses. If costs continue to rise without improved support or clearer communication, more sellers like Loh may look to alternative platforms or offline sales.
For now, the 4.5% fee for SPayLater orders will go into effect from 8 May 2025, and sellers will have no choice but to comply &mdash; or reconsider their future on the platform.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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To offset the higher fee, some sellers may begin raising their product prices.

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Shopee Hikes SPayLater Seller Fee To 4.5% From 8 May

Beloved modern retro band MASDO has officially marked a decade in Malaysia&rsquo;s music scene with an unforgettable fan event and the exciting announcement of a full-scale anniversary concert this coming August. Known for their infectious throwback sound and strong fanbase, the trio celebrated the milestone in true MASDO fashion&mdash;complete with mystery, music, and meaningful moments.
Who Are MASDO?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e538077f77e8c082276bd4428214797733e1621ac04a10d25713438864318adc" />
&nbsp;MASDO is a Malaysian pop rock band known for their modern take on 1960s "pop yeh yeh" music, blending retro styles with contemporary flair. Formed in 2015, the band comprises Ali Sariah (vocals/guitar), Putu Ceri (bass/backing vocals), and Asmawi (guitar/backing vocals). Their name, inspired by the character "Do" from the classic P. Ramlee film Do Re Mi, reflects their homage to Malaysia's musical heritage.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ft8oLwsoIN0" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
MASDO gained widespread recognition with their debut single "Bunga" in 2016, followed by hits like "Dinda," "Janji Manis," and "Pujaanku" featuring Aisyah Aziz. Their song "Dinda" achieved viral status on TikTok in Indonesia, leading to over 60 million streams on Spotify by January 2025. The track also reached the finals of Anugerah Juara Lagu 34 in 2020.
The band's discography includes the albums Selamat Tinggal Pujaan (2017) and Jalan Abbey (2020), the latter recorded at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios. In 2024, they released the single "Perih Jerih" and embarked on a tour across Indonesia, performing in cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
In recognition of their growing influence, MASDO was nominated for Best Asia Act at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, marking a significant milestone in their international presence.
With their distinctive style and commitment to reviving classic Malaysian pop, MASDO continues to captivate audiences both locally and abroad.
A Night to Remember at Saloma KL
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b955a4d9b2b8ca5a8ba8b37d6992d378f5d5ae70fb658bf08604c96f5da73ff2" />
On 30 April 2025, over 200 devoted fans and media guests gathered at Saloma Bistro in Kuala Lumpur for a special event titled Perjumpaan Ahli Mesyuarat Tingkap. MASDO had spent days teasing the event on Instagram through cryptic posts, prompting widespread speculation online. When the night arrived, it turned out to be more than just a gathering&mdash;it was a heartfelt celebration of their journey and an intimate thank-you to fans.
In appreciation of the fans who have supported them through thick and thin, MASDO performed a live mini showcase featuring some of their most beloved hits. Songs such as Dinda, Lautan Asmara, Janji Manis, Bunga, and Berchanda di Malam Indah echoed through the venue, with fans singing along and soaking in the retro vibes that have become the band&rsquo;s trademark.
The performance was not just entertainment&mdash;it was a walk down memory lane, and a prelude to something much bigger.
&lsquo;Al-Kisah Masdo Sepuloh Tahun&rsquo;: The Concert Announcement 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d985497ed017dab5df98e46115af20fec0f93716e4c6e2fc8ac772c2b88adc05" />
The climax of the evening came when MASDO dramatically unveiled the poster for their 10th-anniversary concert. In a symbolic reveal, a cloth draped over the MATIC building was pulled down, exposing the details of Al-Kisah Masdo Sepuloh Tahun&mdash;a grand concert scheduled for 30 August 2025.
This milestone show will be held at Idea Live Arena KL @ 3 Damansara, a brand-new venue with a 7,000-capacity. MASDO will be the first act to perform there, promising fans a high-energy yet intimate experience steeped in nostalgia and celebration.
Ticketing and Pre-Registration Details
Fans eager to be part of this momentous occasion can pre-register for early bird Rockzone tickets priced at RM128 between 30 April and 1 May. Once public sales begin, tickets will be available at RM148 for Rockzone (free standing) and RM198 for Category 1 (seated).
A New Album in the Works
Speaking to the media after the event, band members Ali Sariah, Asmawi, and Putu Ceri expressed their heartfelt gratitude to fans. &ldquo;For them to turn up here itself is a fantastic gift for all of us,&rdquo; said Ali. Reflecting on the journey, he added, &ldquo;It has been an exciting ride. The last 10 years were full of ups and downs, but breaking into the Indonesian market was a major achievement.&rdquo;
The trio also revealed they have been hard at work on a brand-new album to coincide with their 10th anniversary. &ldquo;We want this album to be special,&rdquo; they shared. &ldquo;And we hope those who have been with us from the beginning will also join us at the concert&mdash;it&rsquo;s a gift for them too.&rdquo;
You can stream their music below:
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/2r1WoyhX1FSc7AmcF8rkoO?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
&nbsp;
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Don’t miss MASDO live this 30th August – it’s their biggest show yet!

3a380d067c0d6de7c8140b7cea203a7b599619fbd4c4b333dc798bd40bff1ca0

MASDO To Mark A Decade With “Al-Kisah Masdo Sepuloh Tahun” Concert!

The federal government is actively exploring the possibility of broadening the scope of its FLYSiswa initiative to include land transport subsidies for students in Peninsular Malaysia. This potential expansion of the programme&mdash;currently limited to subsidised air travel&mdash;was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a dialogue session at the Management and Science University (MSU) in Shah Alam on Monday.
Calls to Extend FLYSiswa Beyond Air Travel
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d81bea9b68f60e671282fdc87aea7736db677d2d4a80a913b01167a8b4498c9c" />
The proposal came in response to a question from a student participant, who suggested that the government extend the FLYSiswa initiative to land-based transport such as buses and trains. The student noted that many students in the peninsula still struggle with travel costs when returning home, particularly those attending universities far from their hometowns.
Anwar acknowledged the concern and said the idea warranted serious consideration. He confirmed that discussions would soon be held with Transport Minister Anthony Loke to evaluate how the scheme could be adapted to better serve students throughout the country&mdash;not just those travelling between East and West Malaysia.
"As for FLYSiswa in the peninsula, I&rsquo;ll discuss it with the Transport Minister,&rdquo; Anwar said. &ldquo;Perhaps for certain areas or specific locations, we can look into implementing it. The needs of students in the peninsula are just as important and deserve to be reviewed.&rdquo;
What is FLYSiswa?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7b926fa80d674293c5e3d5cc5455736884d622380625523f8188030e3ec5a745" />
The FLYSiswa programme is an annual government initiative introduced under the Ministry of Transport. It provides subsidies for flight tickets for students at public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges under the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as students in matriculation centres and teacher training institutes under the Ministry of Education.
Its core aim is to ease the financial burden of students travelling long distances for academic purposes, especially those commuting between Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The scheme has proven particularly vital during festive periods, when airfares can surge dramatically due to high demand.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4048/flysiswa-2025-how-to-apply-for-the-public-university-travel-subsidy">FLYsiswa 2025: How To Apply For The Public University Travel Subsidy</a>
High Airfares During Festive Seasons Prompt Government Action
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed489deaa1b776141067ae9e3eda26299c076509630e9c8e69d98a85e71c1612" />
Anwar noted that the primary reason East Malaysian students were prioritised in the current FLYSiswa rollout is due to the consistently high price of domestic flights to and from the Bornean states. He said airfares tend to rise sharply around Hari Raya, Christmas, and other festive periods, placing immense financial pressure on families and students.
"We need to ensure that ticket prices remain reasonable and that there is no price exploitation," the Prime Minister stressed. &ldquo;If a ticket usually costs RM20 and suddenly doubles during a festive season, that&rsquo;s unacceptable. The government is duty-bound to intervene and create mechanisms to prevent such unreasonable hikes.&rdquo;
He added that while airline fare regulation falls under the purview of market forces, there must be a balance to prevent profit-maximising practices from disadvantaging those who can least afford them.
Inclusion of Land Transport Would Mark Major Shift 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/df38df80ddbebf3a77316de31f48966ec02547a0cee8784814d79728329df7b0" />
If implemented, the expansion of FLYSiswa to include land transport in Peninsular Malaysia would be a significant shift in policy. It could potentially cover bus and train travel for students who face long or costly commutes between their hometowns and university campuses, especially in rural or underserved areas.
While the Prime Minister did not confirm the exact modalities or timeline for such an expansion, he reiterated the government&rsquo;s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education-related support for all students, regardless of geography.
Revamping the Perdana Fellow Programme for Greater Youth Access
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2784947d97aafb7ec15848de0099b4c32654cd233a35ef0e944757264a7a6b06" />
In a related announcement, Anwar also revealed plans to expand and improve the Perdana Fellow Programme. The initiative, established in 2013, was designed to expose young Malaysians to the inner workings of government through direct mentorship under ministers and senior officials.
According to the Prime Minister, the Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia is spearheading a review of the programme to allow more young people to participate, including those who may not qualify for the current highly selective intake.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re in discussions to enhance the programme, and not everyone needs to be an official fellow to benefit,&rdquo; Anwar explained. &ldquo;We want to provide opportunities for more young Malaysians to interact with national scholars, senior leaders, and policymakers in structured, meaningful ways.&rdquo;
He stressed that the programme plays a crucial role in helping future leaders understand the responsibilities of governance while shielding them from misinformation and baseless accusations about the administration&rsquo;s work.
Engaging the Youth Through Exposure and Opportunity
The Prime Minister emphasised that initiatives like FLYSiswa and the Perdana Fellow Programme are part of the government&rsquo;s broader effort to invest in Malaysia&rsquo;s future by empowering its youth.
&ldquo;We must ensure our young people are supported not just in their academic journey, but also in their development as informed, capable citizens,&rdquo; he said.
The Temu Anwar session at MSU was attended by over 4,000 students and marked the Prime Minister&rsquo;s first formal engagement with a private university. Also present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, MSU President Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, and Vice-Chancellor Prof Puan Sri Dr Junainah Abd Hamid.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Since some areas are harder to reach, land transport offers a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

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Govt May Expand FLYSiswa To Include Land Transport For Peninsular Students, Says Anwar

Netflix has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the hotly anticipated third season of its record-breaking Korean dystopian thriller Squid Game, confirming a global premiere date of 27 June 2025. Marketed as the final chapter in the main saga, Season 3 promises even higher stakes, emotional turmoil, and a reckoning that could bring the entire deadly enterprise crashing down &mdash; or see it evolve into something even more terrifying.
A Global Streaming Phenomenon Like No Other
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0037363f23c764535b21437862951d0639cacc14aa06aa2d60a88b37bd4d6bdf" />
When Squid Game first premiered in September 2021, few could have predicted the cultural impact it would ignite. With its brutal depiction of a twisted competition where debt-ridden players fight &mdash; and die &mdash; for a life-changing cash prize, the series struck a nerve globally. Season 1 shattered records with 265.2 million views, becoming the most-watched Netflix series of all time.
The long-awaited Season 2, which dropped in December 2024, didn&rsquo;t just live up to expectations &mdash; it rewrote them. The sophomore outing pulled in 192.4 million views within its first few days, ranking second on Netflix&rsquo;s all-time list for non-English language series and reaffirming the franchise&rsquo;s dominance in the streaming era.
With both critical acclaim and a ravenous fanbase behind it, Netflix opted to film Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back, ensuring narrative continuity and production momentum. The decision has enabled the final season to arrive just six months after the previous one &mdash; a rare turnaround in the age of multi-year delays.
Gi-hun&rsquo;s Return: A Hero&rsquo;s Grief Turns to Vengeance
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/893aee1445c046680e22e753287b808d876778306372ef2a143ca91761b5681f" />
Season 3 picks up immediately where Season 2 left off, with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), also known as Player 456, choosing not to board a flight to the United States, instead turning back toward the source of his trauma. After the devastating death of his friend and ally Jung-bae (played by Lee Seo-hwan) &mdash; executed by the enigmatic Front Man for attempting to expose the organisation &mdash; Gi-hun resolves to bring down the game from the inside.
This season, Gi-hun is no longer a reluctant survivor. He returns as a man fuelled by loss, rage, and a sense of responsibility for the lives destroyed by the games. As series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk teased, &ldquo;He&rsquo;s on a path of no return now. The question is not just whether he can survive, but whether he can live with what he must do.&rdquo;
According to early previews, viewers can expect a far darker, more psychological version of Gi-hun &mdash; a transformation that reflects the moral ambiguity of dismantling an institution from within.
Unveiling the Trailer: Mystery, Symbolism, and a New Game of Chance
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The teaser trailer, which premiered on 6 May, opens with a haunting visual callback: masked pink-suited guards solemnly carry a black coffin, wrapped in a pink ribbon, into the arena &mdash; a familiar symbol of the game&rsquo;s brutal &lsquo;elimination&rsquo; ritual. Players gather around in fearful silence, only to discover Gi-hun inside, unconscious.
As he awakens, the camera cuts to a towering gumball machine dispensing red and blue spheres &mdash; possibly signalling a new set of rules, alliances, or fates. One orb lands ominously at Gi-hun&rsquo;s feet. Just before the screen fades to black, the cry of a baby echoes, fuelling speculation among fans that a pregnant player may give birth mid-game &mdash; a chilling metaphor for innocence trapped in a world of cruelty.
The tone is immediately more visceral and urgent than previous seasons. While Squid Game has always leaned on childhood nostalgia as a thematic tool, the trailer suggests that innocence, birth, and moral choices will play a central role in this final season.
Who&rsquo;s Returning for Season 3?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c797f1ebec023be624009868e931c970638d97e58ad40fb69c7182c70ad1312b" />
Several familiar faces are set to reprise their roles, continuing storylines that have captured fans worldwide:
<ul>
<li>Lee Byung-hun as the cold, calculating Front Man, whose own motivations and backstory have only begun to unravel.</li>
<li>Wi Ha-jun returns as detective Hwang Jun-ho, who miraculously survived his apparent death and is now closer than ever to exposing the game&rsquo;s organisers.</li>
<li>Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333), the unpredictable recruit with a dark intellect.</li>
<li>Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho (Player 388), a man haunted by his past and increasingly unstable.</li>
<li>Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, and Jo Yu-ri return in their respective player roles.</li>
<li>Park Gyu-young is back as No-eul, the pink-suited guard whose conflicted morality hints at the possibility of rebellion within the ranks.</li>
</ul>
This diverse ensemble cast brings together new and old blood, promising complex alliances, betrayals, and unlikely friendships under the game&rsquo;s unforgiving pressure.
&nbsp;
Creator&rsquo;s Vision: Hwang Dong-hyuk&rsquo;s Story Comes Full Circle
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/18afd0db90d01d7b6f38dc90ef0a82ec6adddb3ae90ddc7c40a0ac45f87f1b1f" />
Series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who won an Emmy for Season 1 and returned to direct all six episodes of the final season, described Season 3 as a &ldquo;mirror and magnifier&rdquo; of the real world&rsquo;s growing inequality. He has previously stated that while Season 1 represented individual desperation, and Season 2 focused on resistance, Season 3 is about systemic collapse &mdash; or the failure thereof.
&ldquo;There is no escape,&rdquo; Hwang recently said in a press event. &ldquo;Even when you think you&rsquo;ve broken the game, the game changes shape and finds a way to survive. That&rsquo;s what Gi-hun is up against.&rdquo;
Spin-Offs, Games, and a Cinematic Universe in the Making
Although Season 3 is being positioned as the end of the main story, Netflix is not letting go of the Squid Game franchise anytime soon. A mobile title, Squid Game: Unleashed, was released in 2024 and remains one of the top-downloaded strategy games on both Android and iOS platforms. Netflix has also confirmed it is developing a spin-off, rumoured to be helmed by Mindhunter director David Fincher, though details remain under wraps.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f7ac65c1b4bc5e2d9c5f8cd6e9e308a32743f03c710259e1ac334f53269165c0" />
A second season of the real-life competition series Squid Game: The Challenge is also in production, blending reality TV with game show mechanics to capitalise on the original series&rsquo; popularity.
With Stranger Things also concluding later in 2025, Netflix&rsquo;s shift toward Korean-led franchises underscores its global strategy &mdash; one that increasingly depends on high-concept, high-stakes storytelling beyond the English-speaking world.
The Endgame Begins
As the teaser draws to a close, Gi-hun stands in a sea of black coffins, the pink ribbons fluttering like taunts. His face is stoic. He reaches down, picks up the red ball from the gumball machine, and stares at it. The screen cuts to black. A single sentence appears: &ldquo;One last game.&rdquo;
With mounting tension, philosophical depth, and visual spectacle promised in every frame, Squid Game Season 3 is not merely the conclusion of a storyline &mdash; it&rsquo;s the climax of a cultural event that has defined a generation of streaming television.
Prepare to play. 27 June 2025. Only on Netflix.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Mark your calendars – the final game begins on 27 June.

c378c79480e5276681cabf58fd3732169c15f1e35b24c9b0315c294ba6ce5e72

‘Squid Game’ Season 3: Netflix Drops Teaser Trailer Ahead Of Explosive Finale

Malaysia&rsquo;s booming headscarf industry has long been a testament to the increasing demand for modest fashion, driven in part by celebrity-led brands. However, one of the country&rsquo;s major manufacturers is now facing financial hardship, claiming it is owed millions by a company linked to one of Malaysia&rsquo;s most recognisable stars&mdash;actress and entrepreneur Nur Fazura Sharifuddin.
According to legal documents and media interviews, Obor Holding Sdn Bhd&mdash;the owner of headscarf brand Feline Malaysia&mdash;is taking legal action against Fazura&rsquo;s company, alleging a debt of RM4.65 million stemming from unpaid supplies.
Legal Dispute Over Unpaid Hijab Orders
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/90e426a9f88504534ed4e254a0d9dae81c63f97f8105a215046d9a49550ed990" />
In a statement elaborated by Kosmo Online, Obor Holding alleges that Fazura&rsquo;s company, Pink Fate Sdn Bhd, received headscarf stock worth over RM7.3 million since June 2022. Of that total, only RM2.68 million has been paid, leaving an outstanding sum of RM4,650,029.14.
Pink Fate is widely associated with the Tudung Fazura brand, a popular hijab line co-founded by the celebrity herself. The claim further alleges that payment collection became increasingly difficult from December 2023 onwards, despite repeated reminders and attempts to settle the issue amicably.
Fazura and Family Named as Defendants
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2be703f8c98b988c624fbae83d5988097247bb8eb9e67b6eb95b20c21fbc7e5c" />
Besides Pink Fate Sdn Bhd, the statement names several other parties as defendants in the lawsuit. Fazfit Sdn Bhd&mdash;believed to be behind Fazura&rsquo;s skincare range&mdash;is listed as the second defendant, while Fazura&rsquo;s brother, Ahmad Faiz Sharifuddin, is the third, and Fazura herself the fourth.
Obor Holding claims that in mid-2024, five additional headscarf orders were placed, amounting to RM3.6 million, despite the company already being in arrears. These new orders were said to be part of the &ldquo;Merdeka Collection&rdquo;, a joint initiative with the Ministry of Education to commemorate Malaysia&rsquo;s 67th Independence Day. According to the claim, Faiz had assured the manufacturer that the orders were backed by government funding.
To bolster confidence, Faiz and Fazura reportedly referenced collaborations with well-established institutions such as Boh Plantations (BOH), Movenpick Hotel, and the National Cancer Institute (IKN), as proof of their financial capability and credibility. This reassurance allegedly led Obor Holding to continue fulfilling orders in good faith.
Cheque Bounce Deepens Financial Blow
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/584412f44fbad5755fefb4079f05e4ccb2ead996369737f071fae84092e1ec03" />
Despite the volume of goods supplied, Obor Holding claims it has yet to receive any further payments. The manufacturer also revealed that in September 2024, it was handed a cheque worth RM1 million, co-signed by both Fazura and her brother. However, the cheque was dishonoured, and the company received a formal notice from the bank indicating insufficient funds.
All transactions referenced in the lawsuit reportedly occurred while Fazura was still a director of Pink Fate. She later stepped down in January 2025, but her brother Faiz remains actively involved in the company&rsquo;s management. In response to the ongoing non-payment, Obor Holding has initiated proceedings to obtain a Judgment in Default, as no response was filed by the defendants within the required legal timeframe.
Founder Expresses Frustration Over &lsquo;False Promises&rsquo;
 <img src="https://r2.myc.my/e43c3a2d4cd4d58ae469c23d1867f5b57ddfc060db2ee1a24b9d4556df7b1843" /> Lim Boon Hai (Sam) on the far right.
In an interview, Obor Holding founder and managing director Lim Boon Hai&mdash;also known as Sam&mdash;shared his dismay over the ordeal. He described the company&rsquo;s attempts to contact Fazura&rsquo;s team as fruitless and expressed frustration at being led on with what he called &ldquo;empty promises&rdquo;.
&ldquo;We have tried every possible method to reach them,&rdquo; said Lim. &ldquo;Since late 2023, it&rsquo;s been nearly impossible to recover the payments. Our financial position has suffered significantly because of this.&rdquo;
Lim also lamented that despite Fazura&rsquo;s public persona as a reputable figure, her company has allegedly failed to honour basic commercial commitments. &ldquo;I never expected someone as influential and well-known as Fazura to leave us hanging like this. We&rsquo;re not asking for favours&mdash;just the payment for goods we&rsquo;ve delivered.&rdquo;
He added that while he remains open to settling the matter outside court, the lack of cooperation from the other side has left him with no alternative. &ldquo;This is not the path we wanted to take. But their refusal to engage has forced us into legal proceedings.&rdquo;
Manufacturer Warns Others: &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t Be Misled by Popularity&rsquo;
Lim expressed concern that other small or medium-sized businesses might fall into similar traps when dealing with celebrity-backed ventures. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be too easily swayed by fame or influence. We&rsquo;ve learnt a painful lesson,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t have gone public if our claims weren&rsquo;t legitimate. This is about fairness and survival.&rdquo;
He stressed that his company had operated in good faith, trusting in the reputation of Fazura and her associates. However, what started as a promising partnership has turned into a legal and financial nightmare for Obor Holding and its manufacturing subsidiary, Feline Malaysia.
Silence from Fazura&rsquo;s Camp
Attempts to obtain comments from Fazura, her brother, and her management team have so far gone unanswered. As the case proceeds in the High Court of Kuala Lumpur, it remains to be seen whether Fazura or any of the named defendants will offer a public rebuttal or propose a settlement to avoid further reputational damage and legal escalation.
Fazura isn&rsquo;t the only celebrity facing mounting debt. Late 2024 saw several public figures thrust into the spotlight&mdash;not for their talent, but for the stark contrast between their glamorous social media personas and troubling financial realities.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4024/when-luxury-masks-debt-the-financial-scandals-of-malaysias-influencers">When Luxury Masks Debt: The Financial Scandals Of Malaysia&rsquo;s Influencers</a>
The bigger question now is: how do these high-profile individuals continue to live so publicly and freely, despite owing substantial sums to others?
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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Behind the glitz and glamour, yet another Malaysian celebrity faces serious financial allegations.

981b9312ead5f80c10575dc6d0200ca2c2b9d9f01e643db664d2e2478252fe9f

Fazura’s Company Sued Over RM4.65 Million Debt To Headscarf Manufacturer

A BYD Atto 3 owner has taken to social media to recount a frightening experience that occurred during a family road trip on 1st May. What should have been a routine journey from Melaka to Penang ended in a potentially life-threatening ordeal on the Cheras-Kajang Expressway, after the electric vehicle (EV) suddenly engaged emergency braking and stalled in the fast lane without warning.
The incident has since raised pressing concerns over the reliability of EV systems, the responsiveness of after-sales service, and the adequacy of consumer protection in Malaysia&rsquo;s growing electric vehicle market.
Emergency Braking Without Warning Causes Near-Misses
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/57b49380078498ee5f55d2fc40a44604508a7f078538b4ece5d28fc7f5554e9f" />
The owner, who was travelling with his wife and children, had made a brief detour to Kajang to attend a Hari Raya open house. While rejoining traffic on the expressway, the vehicle abruptly initiated an emergency stop. The driver stated that there was no prior indication of a malfunction &mdash; no audible warnings, dashboard alerts, or steering anomalies.
Once stopped, the vehicle became unresponsive. The dashboard displayed a &ldquo;Power System Failure&rdquo; message, and attempts to restart the car were unsuccessful. Trapped in the fast lane with moving traffic behind them, the family could only wait helplessly as oncoming vehicles swerved at high speeds to avoid a collision.
&ldquo;It could&rsquo;ve ended badly. Cars were coming fast, and some had to slam their brakes or swerve dangerously. I was stuck with my kids in the car &mdash; it was terrifying,&rdquo; the owner wrote in his Facebook post.
Swift Response from Authorities, But Towing Complicated by Locked Wheels
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f7263dacd7412c3325fb320f88d5a048f9f10b2bbc90947fb6f5ebca56c7d849" />
Fortunately, the highway patrol team responded swiftly, arriving within ten minutes to secure the area and place cones around the stalled vehicle. However, the process of removing the car from the expressway proved far more difficult than anticipated.
An hour later, the insurance company&rsquo;s tow truck arrived, but technicians discovered that the car&rsquo;s wheels remained locked &mdash; even though it had been shifted into Neutral. This prevented conventional towing. As a workaround, the team resorted to using wheel dollies, which lift each tyre off the ground, allowing the vehicle to be rolled onto a flatbed tow truck.
Service Centre Closed Upon Arrival, No Support Offered
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/310466dcf1810eeb3eaa41d94083e3317dc5e4d419af74811bc895bfc7c3ea9c" />
The vehicle was transported to BYD&rsquo;s Glenmarie service centre, arriving at approximately 7pm &mdash; after regular working hours. With no staff available to receive the car or provide assistance, the family was left to make overnight arrangements on their own. The owner and his family stayed with relatives nearby, uncertain about the next steps.
The following morning, the situation did not improve. According to the owner, service centre personnel appeared unprepared to deal with the issue and offered little information beyond vague assurances. After repeated insistence that the matter be treated as a serious safety concern, technicians diagnosed the problem as a fault in the 12V battery &mdash; the smaller battery responsible for powering auxiliary systems.
The service team informed the owner that the 12V battery needed to be replaced, but the required component was not immediately available. Moreover, the service centre advised that further checks on the wheel-locking issue could only proceed after the battery was replaced.
He was also told that a courtesy car would not be provided as none were currently available, leaving him without transport for the foreseeable future.
Travel Plans Cancelled and Frustration Grows
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0f0b9a705ecd6b75d06ab90dbe844f8aa125f06c7a6d07955a94e0dcde8a9598" />
As a result of the breakdown and delays, the owner was forced to cancel his trip to Penang and return to Melaka. The incident had already caused significant distress to his family, and the lack of clarity or urgency from BYD&rsquo;s service centres in Melaka where he purchased the vehicle and the Glenmarie outlet, which is looking into the current issue at hand.
To make matters worse, the vehicle, although only 10 months old, had already surpassed 20,000km in mileage, which meant the 12V battery was no longer covered under warranty. According to BYD Malaysia&rsquo;s warranty policy, the lead-acid 12V battery is protected for 1 year or 20,000km, whichever comes first. The main high-voltage EV battery, which powers the electric motor, carries a longer 8-year or 160,000km warranty, subject to a minimum 70% State of Health (SOH) standard.
Previous Wall Box Complaint Remains Unresolved
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c8d2a388e6e9527601bd4fe896b5ff4897eae55b82332f8a0301fde13939be98" />
In his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nurafifah.abdulrahim/posts/pfbid0Kptpjy8nrG15zzhc6fxeztDdTvFeeZGMPCBvUhzdJ2oarrfWnNU6MykyK6pfvdhzl">Facebook post</a>, the owner also revealed that this was not the first issue he had encountered with BYD. Two months prior, he had lodged a complaint regarding a malfunctioning wall box charger &mdash; the home charging station provided by the brand.
Despite repeated follow-ups, he claims that no technician has been dispatched to inspect the unit, and the only response he continues to receive is that &ldquo;the matter has been reported to the supplier.&rdquo; To date, the issue remains unresolved.
The owner stressed that his post was not intended to disparage BYD, but to raise awareness among current and prospective EV owners about potential safety risks and customer service challenges. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not trying to shame anyone,&rdquo; he wrote. &ldquo;But something like this could happen to anyone &mdash; and it could be deadly.&rdquo;
He also called for greater coordination between BYD dealerships and service centres, particularly when it comes to resolving critical faults and providing consistent support.
Company Reaches Out Following Public Post
Since the viral post, the owner has confirmed that BYD Sime Darby &mdash; the local distributor for the Chinese automaker &mdash; has contacted him and is working to resolve the issue. The nature of the power system failure and wheel-locking problem is still under investigation at the time of writing.
Popular EV, But Teething Problems Remain
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dc39fb60b0d7e9e50ce32390c48c4d4b86afe380ba68f579279d5f5c85a3f62e" />
The BYD Atto 3 was launched in Malaysia in December 2022 and has quickly become one of the country&rsquo;s best-selling electric vehicles. According to Road Transport Department (JPJ) data, a total of 6,563 units have been registered as of March 2025.
While BYD is known for its aggressive pricing and well-equipped models, this incident has sparked debate over the long-term reliability of EVs and the readiness of local support infrastructure to meet increasing demand.
While electric vehicles continue to gain dominance in the automotive market, not all manufacturers are fully sold on an all-EV future. Concerns remain &mdash; ranging from environmental impact and charging infrastructure to driving experience. Some carmakers, such as Toyota, have even voiced reservations, stating that certain EVs lack the emotional engagement of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. As a result, several brands are choosing to focus on hybrids or continuing ICE development alongside electrification.
Although Malaysia is gradually improving its EV infrastructure, significant gaps persist &mdash; and these pose ongoing challenges for both established and emerging brands. In particular, questions are being raised about the long-term reliability and consistency of vehicles imported from China. While China has demonstrated remarkable capability in high-tech manufacturing, concerns about quality control still linger in the minds of some consumers. As the saying goes, &ldquo;Made in China&rdquo; can mean many things &mdash; and for now, a degree of caution may still be warranted.
What are your thoughts on purchasing an EV vehicle now? 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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While BYD continues to investigate the issue, it raises an unsettling question — how many other vehicles might be at risk of suffering the same fate? 

When An Investment Becomes A Burden: The Dilemma Of Homeownership

With the rising cost of living, can future generations even afford to own a home?

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