Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

travel

names

AirAsia

system

passport

confusion

Malaysia AIrlines

booking

rework

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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Malaysia Airlines And AirAsia Overhaul Name‑Entry Rules To End Booking Confusion

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Scentify

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Oatside

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Rohto

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The nation was left reeling in grief on 9 June following the horrific crash along the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) near Tasik Banding, Gerik, which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. The fatal accident involved a tour bus carrying 42 students and a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), leaving 33 others injured, including both vehicle drivers.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4360/tragedy-on-the-east-west-highway-15-upsi-students-killed-in-overturned-bus-crash-near-tasik-banding">Tragedy On The East-West Highway: 15 UPSI Students Killed In Overturned Bus Crash Near Tasik Banding</a>
Dashcam Footage Emerges as Crucial Evidence
Police have confirmed that dashcam footage from a vehicle travelling near the crash site has been handed over and is now central to the investigation. The 38-second clip, which has since gone viral online, shows the bus speeding along the highway, overtaking another vehicle, and then losing control before toppling onto its side and crashing into a guardrail. The footage ends with the bus colliding with the Alza MPV behind.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F681115328050549&amp;width=500&amp;show_text=true&amp;height=671&amp;appId" width="500" height="671" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Perak Police Chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the dashcam footage was submitted voluntarily, and officers will soon record a statement from the owner. &ldquo;We believe this video can help determine critical factors such as the bus&rsquo;s speed and road conditions at the time,&rdquo; he said during a press briefing at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital.
He confirmed initial observations suggest the bus was travelling at high speed and the front of the vehicle was penetrated by the metal railing upon impact. This would explain why victims seated on the left side of the bus bore the brunt of the collision. &ldquo;Most injuries were to the left shoulder. The bus landed on its left, causing passengers to be thrown sideways,&rdquo; Noor Hisam said.
Survivors Describe Terrifying Moments Before the Crash
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/89db6abc8cde7b44109e09d51efb6f173b8372e95eb19d4be53dcda9fa93554c" />
Among the survivors was 22-year-old student Nur Irdina Huri, who recounted the chilling moments before the bus overturned. &ldquo;The bus was going downhill fast, swaying dangerously. I wasn&rsquo;t asleep and could smell something burning. Everything happened so fast,&rdquo; she told reporters from her hospital bed.
Nur Irdina, a student of Early Childhood Education, managed to escape through a small gap in the wreckage. She suffered waist injuries and a sprained ankle. &ldquo;It was pitch black and chaotic. I couldn&rsquo;t help my friends &ndash; I couldn&rsquo;t even see them.&rdquo;
Another student who lost her life in the accident was 22-year-old Wan Nur Suhaila Wan Muhammad. Her brother, Wan Muhammad Sham, 31, said she had returned home to celebrate Aidiladha with all nine siblings. &ldquo;She cooked mee celup for the entire family before heading back to campus. None of us expected that to be our final meal together,&rdquo; he said.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c7a16f10b31b4c9ee417de474077aec27c88c7b17ccc7fa2ea9e4582dbc042e8" />
In a separate conversation with a UPSI student, she shared that one of her friends had also encountered issues with a bus service. Following news of the UPSI crash, the driver of that bus chose to cancel the trip, reportedly unwilling to take any risks after the tragic incident.
She also mentioned that several passengers on the crashed bus had sensed something was amiss earlier in the journey. However, none of the students dared to raise their concerns with the driver, fearing he might react aggressively if confronted.
Road Conditions and Human Error in Focus
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0b80634a58c57c567fa9a86b826345885ac4913ec552a5ca59d0d235040b703e" />
The crash occurred around 1 AM in wet and dark conditions, on a downhill stretch with poor visibility and no road markings. Noor Hisam, who visited the site himself, confirmed the road was unlit and steep. &ldquo;There are no clear lines on the road. It was raining earlier, and everything was dark,&rdquo; he said.
He also noted that the bus narrowly avoided plunging into a ravine on the other side of the guardrail. &ldquo;Most of the victims were found near a ditch beside the railing. Survivors had to crawl out of the wreckage,&rdquo; he added.
Police have yet to conclude whether the cause was due to human error, technical failure, or road conditions. Statements from survivors, forensic analysis, and dashcam footage will all contribute to the final report.
Authorities and Agencies Respond
 <img src="https://r2.myc.my/4e3190a30d1960ba22fd3dcc188f3d8fd43fbe7b4618ab6656de6e51aee1ee46" /> Right: Sultan Nazrin Shah consoles the grieving parent of one of the deceased victims at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has issued a show-cause letter to the bus company involved. Meanwhile, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is conducting a Safety Inspection and Audit (JISA) on the vehicle and its operator, under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
&ldquo;Strict action will be taken once investigations are complete. Every life lost is a tragedy not just for the families, but for the nation,&rdquo; said Loke in a statement on social media.
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has also weighed in, calling for immediate preventive action. His Royal Highness stressed the need to address weaknesses in road safety laws and enforcement to avoid such tragedies in future.
Community Mourns, Support Pours In
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/db8251ba34721309fafaac7e2348fa048f26292999df3884f3295584246aefb3" />
The Malaysian Association of Tour Agencies (MATA) labelled the accident a &ldquo;national emergency&rdquo; requiring swift government response. Similarly, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) urged public transport companies to improve driver safety and adopt better occupational safety measures.
UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the university is offering logistical and emotional support to the victims&rsquo; families. Each affected family has been assigned a liaison officer to coordinate assistance. &ldquo;We are helping with accommodation and any other necessary support,&rdquo; he said.
The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has also announced that the next of kin of the deceased will receive RM2,000 in initial financial assistance, along with an additional RM1,000 in disaster relief funds to help with funeral arrangements.
Farewell to the Fallen
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a46e47d6375837d51a02b1c90ef3423920e3f9c62476369380b15193172347aa" />
A convoy of hearses carrying 13 of the deceased students left the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh at around 8.55 PM en route to Jertih, Terengganu, where the victims&rsquo; funerals were held. The other two bodies were transported from Gerik Hospital earlier in the evening.
Funeral prayers were conducted at Masjid Hadhari before the students were laid to rest in their respective hometown cemeteries. UPSI also dispatched a contingent of 160 students from Tanjong Malim to Jertih to pay their final respects to their fallen peers.
As the country continues to mourn, the public and authorities alike are calling for accountability, reform, and remembrance for the lives lost on what was meant to be a safe journey back to campus after a festive holiday.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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&nbsp;

Survivors say the bus was speeding and a burning smell was detected moments before the crash.

d02d8ce321b65166b73f7e0f552e184b9c1d558218cbc680ff12265777176a6f

Viral Dashcam Footage Reveals Final Moments Of Deadly UPSI Bus Crash

EXO&rsquo;s renowned main vocalist and accomplished actor, Doh Kyung-soo&mdash;better known as D.O.&mdash;has officially announced the Kuala Lumpur stop of his first-ever solo concert tour. Titled 2025 DOH KYUNG SOO ASIA CONCERT TOUR &lt;DO it! in Malaysia&gt;, the event promises to be a landmark moment for fans, marking a significant milestone in his solo music career.
D.O.'s last visit to Malaysia in 2024 left a deep impression on local fans. The Bloom Asia fan concert was a heartwarming showcase of his humility, talent, and magnetic stage presence. This time, however, he&rsquo;s raising the bar. The DO it! tour marks D.O.'s transition into large-scale solo concerts, offering fans a richer, full-length musical journey that reflects his evolution as both an artist and performer.
The Man Behind the Music
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/550404368eb5acc25476f843593de7ef569407da630af56533bd392b30acc48f" />
Doh Kyung-soo rose to prominence as the main vocalist of EXO, one of K-pop&rsquo;s most influential boy bands. He played a crucial role in shaping the group&rsquo;s distinctive sound, contributing to numerous chart-topping hits like Growl, Call Me Baby, Monster, and Love Shot. His warm, resonant vocal tone quickly earned him a dedicated following both within and outside the EXO-L fandom.
Venturing beyond group activities, D.O. made waves as a solo artist with the release of his debut mini-album Empathy in 2021. His successive solo works&mdash;Expectation in 2023 and Blossom in 2024&mdash;further showcased his versatility, blending elements of R&amp;B, folk, and acoustic pop. Singles like Rose, Popcorn, and his most recent ballad Snowfall at Night (밤에 내린 눈) have cemented his reputation as one of the most emotive soloists in the K-pop scene.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3AoruwUKQ3I" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
In recognition of his vocal and artistic achievements, he was named Best R&amp;B Male Artist at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards&mdash;further proof of his wide-ranging appeal and artistic credibility.
While many know him as a singer, D.O. has also established himself as one of Korea&rsquo;s most respected idol-actors. He made his acting debut in It&rsquo;s Okay, That&rsquo;s Love (2014), a performance that won him praise for his emotional range. He went on to appear in successful films such as My Annoying Brother, Swing Kids, and The Moon, as well as the hit TV dramas Bad Prosecutor and 100 Days My Prince, the latter becoming one of the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean history.
Kuala Lumpur Concert Details
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ad3814fa74f8538f55a4677ac5aa66019c35d240dcbe205359360e5aa9877fd3" />
The Malaysian leg of the DO it! tour is organised by UnUsUaL Entertainment and will take place on Saturday, 30 August 2025, at 6:00 PM, in Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The venue, known for hosting major international acts, is expected to be filled to the brim with excited fans ready to witness this historic event.
Ticketing Information:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/56c4e880adee4926b392643b0fbe06bada48424439d928591e95116f8a24540a" />
Tickets will be available via <a href="https://my.bookmyshow.com/en/e/DOIT25KL">BookMyShow</a> starting from 12:00 PM on Monday, 9 June 2025. Prices are tiered as follows:
<ul>
<li>CAT1: RM988</li>
<li>CAT2: RM888</li>
<li>CAT3: RM688</li>
<li>CAT4: RM488</li>
</ul>
Certain ticket categories will come with exclusive fan benefits, including premium seating, merchandise, or potential access to rehearsal viewing sessions. Full details will be listed on the official ticketing platform. Given D.O.'s immense popularity and the success of his previous Malaysian appearance, fans are advised to act swiftly once ticket sales go live.
Full Asia Tour Line-Up
D.O.&rsquo;s DO it! solo concert tour will take him to major cities across Asia throughout the latter half of 2025. Here is the complete list of confirmed dates:
<ul>
<li>Seoul, South Korea &ndash; 19 &amp; 20 July (Saturday &amp; Sunday)</li>
<li>Taipei, Taiwan &ndash; 2 August (Saturday)</li>
<li>Jakarta, Indonesia &ndash; 9 August (Saturday)</li>
<li>Manila, Philippines &ndash; 16 August (Saturday)</li>
<li>Singapore &ndash; 23 August (Saturday)</li>
<li>Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia &ndash; 30 August (Saturday)</li>
<li>Macau, China &ndash; 20 September (Saturday)</li>
<li>Bangkok, Thailand &ndash; 11 October (Saturday)</li>
<li>Tokyo, Japan &ndash; 25 &amp; 26 October (Saturday &amp; Sunday)</li>
</ul>
Each city on the tour represents a key market where D.O.'s music and dramas have resonated strongly with audiences, reaffirming his status as a beloved pan-Asian figure in entertainment.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20c9667d0621b9558bdeefd27b229b97edeec2eebc570e77df4c08006f62307b" />
As D.O. prepares to take his artistry centre stage across Asia, Malaysian fans are among the fortunate few to be included in this historic tour. Whether you're a long-time EXO-L or a newer admirer of his solo work, this concert is poised to be an extraordinary experience&mdash;a rare blend of musical excellence, emotional storytelling, and star power.
So mark your calendars and set your alarms&mdash;D.O.'s DO it! in Kuala Lumpur is not to be missed.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Tickets have dropped — don’t miss your chance to see D.O. live in KL! 

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EXO D.O. Unveils Details Of His 2025 Asia Solo Tour: DO it! To Hit Kuala Lumpur This August

Malaysia is reeling from one of the most devastating road tragedies in recent memory following a fatal collision involving a bus carrying university students and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the early hours of Monday, 9 June 2025. The accident occurred near Tasik Banding along the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) in Banun, Gerik, Perak, claiming 15 lives and injuring dozens more.
The victims were students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), returning to campus after celebrating the Hari Raya Aidiladha holidays. What was supposed to be a routine journey back to continue their academic pursuits turned into a national tragedy, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an outpouring of grief across the country.
A Deadly Nighttime Journey
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Seramai 15 individu disahkan maut dalam kemalangan ngeri melibatkan sebuah bas yang membawa pelajar Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) di Jalan Jeli-Grik berhampiran Tasik Banding awal pagi tadi. SUMBER: Video tular <a href="https://t.co/zM7EOPReNq">pic.twitter.com/zM7EOPReNq</a>
&mdash; Buletin TV3 (@BuletinTV3) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuletinTV3/status/1931864147719020684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to reports from the Civil Defence Force&rsquo;s Hulu Perak operations control centre (PKOD APM), the emergency call from Hospital Gerik was received at approximately 1.10am, shortly after the accident occurred. The bus, which had been chartered privately by the students, was en route from Jerteh, Terengganu, to the UPSI main campus in Tanjong Malim, Perak. It was carrying 48 passengers, primarily students who had gathered in Jerteh following the festive break.
The collision also involved a Perodua Alza MPV, believed to be travelling in the same direction. Both vehicles were headed west when, for reasons still under investigation, the bus overturned and the Alza skidded off the road into a nearby ditch.
Casualties and Injuries: A Sobering Toll
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c57555c65998b4b861caa8820c190410275ae4a9892593fc2cb48388bec203dd" />
Out of the 48 individuals involved, 13 were pronounced dead at the scene, while two more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The severity of the crash has left many others in serious condition. Initial assessments revealed seven people in the red zone (critical condition), 20 in the yellow zone (semi-critical), and 16 in the green zone (minor injuries) at Gerik Hospital.
Two injured female students were among the first to be brought in for emergency care, one reportedly suffering a fractured arm and the other sustaining head injuries. Medical teams acted quickly to stabilise the injured, many of whom were trapped or ejected from the bus during the accident.
Emergency Rescue Efforts Amid Wreckage
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e1967ca76c9fea440d13874a4b526f351055f8e3e15b7f0b0aa88c9f3fc90047" />
Perak Fire and Rescue Department Director Sayani Saidon confirmed that the rescue operations were complex and urgent. Upon arrival, responders found the bus overturned and severely damaged. The operation commander led a technical &ldquo;size-up&rdquo; of the situation before implementing the &lsquo;saver&rsquo; concept&mdash;a strategy that prioritises creating access to victims in confined spaces.
Hydraulic cutting tools were deployed to open the rear section of the bus and allow responders to reach trapped individuals. Six victims were found still inside the wreckage and were carefully extracted before being handed over to Ministry of Health (KKM) medical teams. Others had managed to crawl out or were thrown from the vehicle during the impact. All deceased were later handed over to the police for further action.
Multiple agencies worked together to transport the injured and deceased using Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), KKM ambulances, and units from the Civil Defence Force. The professionalism and urgency of the rescue teams prevented what could have been an even greater loss of life.
Students Had Privately Chartered the Bus
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Professor Dr Norkhalid Salimin, UPSI&rsquo;s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, confirmed that the students had arranged for a private charter bus to return to campus after the holiday period. He noted that they had travelled together from Jerteh, having reunited with their families during the Aidiladha celebrations.
&ldquo;The students had taken the initiative to organise their own transport back to campus. It was meant to be a straightforward return from the festive break,&rdquo; he said.
The university has since mobilised its staff to assist the families of victims, while also coordinating with authorities to obtain accurate information and provide necessary support, including counselling and logistical assistance.
UPSI and the Nation in Mourning
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/09c39ee6aa27034defa92203843e245495f98351c8e576c91b9eaf7b22109647" />
Vice-Chancellor of UPSI, Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, expressed the university&rsquo;s grief in a somber Facebook post, writing simply: &ldquo;UPSI is in mourning.&rdquo; No official press release has been issued yet, but it is understood that the university is working closely with families, students, and law enforcement agencies to manage the aftermath.
Students, alumni, and faculty alike have taken to social media to share their condolences and express their heartbreak over the sudden and tragic loss of young lives brimming with potential. The sense of sorrow is especially deep among those who personally knew the victims.
National Leaders Respond with Support and Reflection
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/38643f86be3c5ef59d1da1b73b8ad056037be60c4b4a0ef4dcc2be4d3abf5af5" />
The scale and suddenness of the tragedy prompted immediate responses from national leaders. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his deepest sympathies to the families affected and underscored the importance of prioritising road safety.
&ldquo;I have instructed the Ministry of Higher Education to coordinate immediate support for the victims&rsquo; families. These tragic incidents remind us that no journey is worth risking lives. We must always be careful and never rush,&rdquo; he said in a Facebook statement.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir also conveyed his condolences and committed to ensuring that all necessary assistance would be extended. &ldquo;We mourn the loss of young, promising lives. My ministry is working to assist the families in every way possible. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,&rdquo; he said.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause
Authorities are now conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and road conditions are expected to be examined thoroughly. The East-West Highway, particularly the stretch near Tasik Banding, is known for its challenging terrain and winding roads&mdash;a factor which has previously contributed to other incidents.
This tragedy adds to a growing concern over road safety in Malaysia, particularly involving long-distance overnight transport. Advocacy groups and the public have renewed calls for stricter safety standards, better enforcement of transport regulations, and improved oversight of privately chartered vehicles used by students and the public.
A Nation Grieves as Lives Are Remembered
The heartbreaking loss of 15 students&mdash;young individuals with hopes, ambitions, and dreams&mdash;has left an indelible mark on the nation. As families grieve and classmates grapple with the sudden void left behind, Malaysia unites in mourning. Candlelight vigils, religious prayers, and commemorations are expected in the coming days.
The tragedy near Tasik Banding will not be forgotten. It serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As investigations unfold and recovery efforts continue, the country holds its breath, hoping that lessons are learned and that such sorrow may never be repeated.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While the Higher Education Ministry coordinates aid for the victims’ families, the cause of the accident remains under investigation.

e84c483081e5328b6c666584692a0a8af5ee40b3d9185a259a8fb682994aea2d

Tragedy On The East-West Highway: 15 UPSI Students Killed In Overturned Bus Crash Near Tasik Banding

In a move reminiscent of his controversial first-term policies, US President Donald Trump has signed a new presidential proclamation enforcing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 19 countries. The directive, which comes into effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on 9 June 2025, is framed as a national security measure but has already sparked intense backlash from human rights groups, refugee advocates, and foreign governments.
Full Ban on 12 Nations, Partial Restrictions on 7 Others
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/706c0716f0472de656970cd7aaee140468455728f1b4a08591e5f1c408765dd3" />
The proclamation imposes a complete travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, most of which are either Muslim-majority or developing nations. Citizens from these countries will be prohibited from entering the United States unless they qualify for a narrow set of exemptions &mdash; such as dual citizens travelling on another country&rsquo;s passport, certain athletes participating in major sporting events, or select Afghan nationals affiliated with the US government.
The 12 countries facing a full ban are:
<ul>
<li>Afghanistan</li>
<li>Myanmar</li>
<li>Chad</li>
<li>Republic of the Congo</li>
<li>Equatorial Guinea</li>
<li>Eritrea</li>
<li>Haiti</li>
<li>Iran</li>
<li>Libya</li>
<li>Somalia</li>
<li>Sudan</li>
<li>Yemen</li>
</ul>
Meanwhile, seven additional countries &mdash; Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela &mdash; face partial restrictions, affecting select visa categories such as business (B-1), tourism (B-2), student (F and M), and exchange (J) visas.
Justifications Rooted in Security Concerns
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen... That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others." &ndash;President Trump <a href="https://t.co/ER7nGM4TO2">pic.twitter.com/ER7nGM4TO2</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1930412786271547485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a video statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Trump defended the ban by pointing to "deficiencies in vetting procedures" in the listed countries, such as weak ID verification systems, lack of criminal background checks, and high visa overstay rates.
&ldquo;We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,&rdquo; he stated. Trump also referenced a recent violent incident in Boulder, Colorado &mdash; where an Egyptian national allegedly attacked a crowd with a petrol bomb &mdash; as a justification for tightening entry requirements. Notably, Egypt is not among the countries listed in the ban.
According to the White House, the countries subjected to full restrictions were determined to present a &ldquo;very high risk&rdquo; to US national security. A January 2025 executive order directed the State Department, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to assess which nations posed &ldquo;hostile attitudes&rdquo; toward the United States.
The resulting report cited several issues including:
<ul>
<li>Inadequate identity verification and document issuance systems</li>
<li>Inability or unwillingness to repatriate nationals with expired visas</li>
<li>High rates of visa overstays</li>
<li>Terrorist activity or lack of cooperation on counterterrorism</li>
</ul>
International Response: Anger, Retaliation, and Dialogue
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ee9e3e408e4b2c7f0291b8976a293fe045d8525e4ef73174f314ca41d8bd5360" /> Left: Dahir Hassan Abdi ; Right: Diosdado Cabello
The announcement has triggered swift reactions across the globe. The African Union expressed concern that the ban could severely damage educational exchange programmes, business cooperation, and diplomatic ties.
Chad retaliated almost immediately by suspending the issuance of visas to US citizens, while officials in the Republic of the Congo condemned their inclusion as a &ldquo;misunderstanding&rdquo;. &ldquo;Congo is neither a terrorist state nor known for any terrorist affiliations,&rdquo; said government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla.
Somalia offered a more conciliatory tone. Ambassador Dahir Hassan Abdi affirmed Mogadishu&rsquo;s willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington to address security concerns.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned nationals against travelling to the US, describing it as "a big risk for anybody". He accused the US of persecuting Venezuelans &ldquo;for no reason&rdquo;, reflecting the deepening rift between Caracas and Washington.
Domestic Backlash: Critics Say Ban Targets Minorities 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a6d68c0d7e3a64e9a9807abe9519e9d77c5082cc7ecf8c1e8fe1d6970aae8a85" />
Domestically, the policy has reignited accusations of racism and Islamophobia. Critics have drawn parallels to Trump&rsquo;s 2017 &ldquo;Muslim Ban&rdquo;, which was widely condemned but eventually upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. That ban was rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021, who called it &ldquo;a stain on our national conscience&rdquo;.
Advocacy groups such as the International Refugee Assistance Project and Oxfam America argue that the latest ban, much like its predecessor, is more about political posturing than genuine security concerns. &ldquo;This policy is not about national security &mdash; it&rsquo;s about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States,&rdquo; said Abby Maxman, Oxfam&rsquo;s president.
Laurie Ball Cooper, vice president for US legal programmes at the Refugee Assistance Project, said the proclamation fits a broader trend of the Trump administration &ldquo;weaponising immigration laws&rdquo; to target racial and religious minorities.
Afghan and Haitian Communities Hit Especially Hard
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1732a1649aea6cb5dac170da10ac57e9832945e0d94402b18f0070c1b4b31c2e" />
The inclusion of Afghanistan has sparked outrage among resettlement advocates, especially given the country&rsquo;s long-standing ties with the US military. Over 14,000 Afghan refugees were resettled in the US in the year leading up to September 2024. The new ban includes exceptions for Afghans on Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), but critics argue that it nonetheless betrays America&rsquo;s commitments.
&ldquo;To include Afghanistan &mdash; a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years &mdash; is a moral disgrace,&rdquo; said Shawn VanDiver, president of the #AfghanEvac coalition.
Haiti, which was not included in Trump&rsquo;s original travel ban, is now listed due to high numbers of illegal entries and visa overstays. The Caribbean nation is currently grappling with spiralling violence, economic instability, and the virtual collapse of state authority &mdash; factors that continue to drive large-scale migration.
What Comes Next?
The proclamation allows for the list of affected countries to be updated or revised based on future assessments. Existing US visas issued before 9 June 2025 will not be revoked. However, travellers from the listed countries with pending applications may now face rejection or delays.
As the United States heads into an election year, immigration is once again set to become a deeply polarising issue. Trump&rsquo;s latest move is expected to rally his base &mdash; but it also risks reigniting legal challenges, diplomatic rifts, and widespread protests reminiscent of 2017.
For now, nationals from 19 countries face a stark new reality: entering the United States has never been more difficult.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While Malaysians are currently exempt, the ban effective 9 June targets several African, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations.

cbd62263ba69a6addb318f700786799fec8ac40aa1be8db8cc8135b8528514b3

Trump Reinstates Sweeping US Travel Ban Targeting 19 Countries

PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) will lay off around 10% of its workforce&mdash;impacting more than 5,000 employees&mdash;as part of a major restructuring exercise aimed at navigating prolonged profit declines, shrinking margins, and volatile crude oil markets.
The move, which was first initiated in February 2025, forms part of the state-owned energy giant&rsquo;s broader cost-cutting strategy to &ldquo;rightsize&rdquo; operations and build resilience amid an increasingly challenging environment for fossil fuel producers.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b869fcc4de0af9420ddbcdedeadde270d6d64f32782346f860c22a0709265a37" />
Announcing the decision at a media briefing on Thursday, 5 June, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz confirmed that the workforce reduction will affect staff across all levels, including management. Those impacted will be notified in stages by the end of the year and throughout 2026.
Hiring and Promotions Frozen Until End-2026
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4cd371102ebb1d3063a84893fac666bc57cb0664b999cdf7264db446a64bb08d" />
In addition to the layoffs, PETRONAS will implement a complete freeze on new hires and staff promotions until December 2026. Tengku Muhammad Taufik said this was essential to ensure the company maintains leaner and more agile operations regardless of oil price fluctuations.
"PETRONAS 2.0 will be run and organised differently, with revised work processes,&rdquo; he said, referring to the group&rsquo;s internal transformation initiative. &ldquo;We need to correct the way we work to remain commercially competitive, not just locally but globally.&rdquo;
The restructuring reflects the growing urgency for the company to adapt to tighter margins and smaller resource fields. Tengku Taufik noted that in the past, PETRONAS could enjoy profit-before-tax margins of up to 40% when oil extraction was more straightforward. Today, those margins have declined to between 25% and 38%, with further reductions expected.
Profits Down 32% in 2024 Following Decline in 2023
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b9ad673df07879a61829df143aaaf6326149da01b932d5e723e07122fff1f31f" />
PETRONAS reported a net profit of RM55.1 billion for the financial year ended 31 December 2024&mdash;a 31.7% decrease from RM80.7 billion the previous year. This decline follows a 21% drop in 2023, driven by lower average realised oil and gas prices and the absence of favourable tax adjustments that had supported earlier figures.
The financial strain is further exacerbated by falling global oil prices. The company&rsquo;s internal budget was based on Brent crude prices ranging between USD 75 and USD 80 per barrel, but the benchmark has hovered closer to USD 65 this year&mdash;marking a 13% decline. The drop is attributed to rising OPEC+ output and worsening global trade tensions, both of which have placed downward pressure on demand.
Difficulties Meeting Dividend Targets and Revenue Pressures
Tengku Taufik acknowledged that PETRONAS is under increasing pressure to meet its dividend obligations to the government. In 2024, the company accounted for approximately 10% of Malaysia&rsquo;s national revenue through dividends and taxes. With narrowing margins and declining output from mature fields, he warned that sustaining these contributions under current market conditions will be &ldquo;challenging.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The margins are shrinking, the fields are getting smaller. It will be difficult to meet dividend targets unless the price environment improves,&rdquo; he stated.
No Exit from Canada Despite Speculation
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/1a4e51ae5d8f5214fdb8b3b2a1d873dee838b307806b43a862f5de166b268d69" />
Amid speculation about PETRONAS' international portfolio, Tengku Taufik clarified that the company has no plans to exit its Canadian operations, where it owns what was formerly Progress Energy Resources Corp.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not exiting Canada. It&rsquo;s a resource-rich geography that remains strategically important for our ambitions in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector,&rdquo; he said. While PETRONAS continues to entertain commercial proposals, he emphasised that this is part of the company&rsquo;s regular business review and not indicative of any planned withdrawal.
Ongoing Discussions with Sarawak over State Gas Role
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/26b68530d23871fe6051ca93909733f4be5fee7e9a872e9d0a36556bea81e95f" />
Separately, Tengku Taufik also addressed the evolving relationship between PETRONAS and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), amid recent shifts in the state&rsquo;s gas aggregation policies.
On 21 May 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signed a joint declaration affirming that PETRONAS will continue to carry out its functions under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and related regulations. This declaration also recognised the Sarawak government&rsquo;s appointment of Petros as the state&rsquo;s official gas aggregator, effective 1 March 2025.
Tengku Taufik noted that PETRONAS remains open to continued negotiations to strengthen cooperation with Sarawak and to ensure energy needs are met across the region.
Restructuring for Long-Term Resilience
While the coming months will bring uncertainty and job losses for many within PETRONAS, the restructuring aims to better position Malaysia&rsquo;s national oil company for the future. Tengku Taufik emphasised that PETRONAS must become more efficient and commercially disciplined if it is to compete in a shifting global energy landscape marked by transition and volatility.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Over 5,000 jobs to be cut; hiring frozen until December 2026.

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