Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

social media

viral

tiktok

government

Indonesia

backlash

tradition

claims

aura farming

Pacu Jalur

If you're someone who frequently scrolls through social media, chances are you've stumbled upon a trend called &ldquo;Aura Farming&rdquo; &mdash; a mesmerising online phenomenon where individuals dance or strike poses at the front of speeding boats. At the heart of this trend is 11-year-old Indonesian boy Rayyan Arkan Dikha, fondly known as Dika, whose boat-top dances have launched him into viral stardom across the globe.
But beyond the dazzling visuals and celebrity imitations, the viral trend has ignited an unexpected cultural row, with Indonesian officials firmly rejecting claims, allegedly from Malaysian netizens, that the traditional boat race known as pacu jalur originated in Malaysia.
What is Pacu Jalur and Why It Matters?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8e869a214ed2378343439bf57481e2e3b37d3a23ac7a28453dd39e5b9c19f39a" />
Pacu jalur is more than just a boat race &mdash; it is a centuries-old cultural tradition rooted in the district of Kuantan Singingi, Riau, in central Sumatra. The name itself comes from the Malay word menjulur, meaning "to stretch or extend," referencing the long wooden boats, often elaborately decorated, used in the event.
Dating as far back as the 17th century &mdash; and formally recorded since at least the 1890s &mdash; the tradition initially served as a festive competition during Islamic celebrations. Under Dutch colonial rule, it became a fixture in events like the birthday of Queen Wilhelmina. Today, pacu jalur is held annually in the lead-up to Indonesia&rsquo;s Independence Day and is considered both a sporting event and a cultural spectacle that draws massive crowds and national attention.
In 2014, Indonesia&rsquo;s Ministry of Education and Culture officially recognised pacu jalur as a Warisan Budaya Takbenda (Intangible Cultural Heritage), solidifying its status as a national treasure.
From River Rituals to Internet Fame
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/eb00ce07d8f5d109c6082cb08bf65eaff8a2c314836ee2e52b217463a4a8ddf1" />
The modern revival of pacu jalur gained massive online momentum last month after videos of young Dika fearlessly dancing on the tip of a moving jalur boat went viral. Nicknamed "The Reaper" by netizens for his daring yet graceful movements, Dika's performance struck a chord not just in Indonesia, but internationally.
The viral sensation quickly caught on. IndyCar racer Robert Shwartzman mimicked the pose, French football team Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) shared a celebratory video featuring players Neymar and Bradley Barcola doing the dance, and even British YouTuber KSI, Thai-British F1 Driver Alex Albon and American golf star and 2x major champion Bryson DeChambeau jumped on the trend.
This global interest has elevated the tradition to an unprecedented level of visibility, with the hashtag #AuraFarming drawing millions of views and spawning fan tributes, memes, and media features across platforms.
Here&rsquo;s some of the video edits online:
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@robertshwartzman/video/7523601959920700694" data-video-id="7523601959920700694">
<section><a title="@robertshwartzman" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@robertshwartzman?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@robertshwartzman</a> Aura farming 😎 <a title="aurafarm" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/aurafarm?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#aurafarm</a> <a title="robertshwartzman" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/robertshwartzman?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#robertshwartzman</a> <a title="indycar" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/indycar?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#indycar</a> <a title="aura" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/aura?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#aura</a> <a title="♬ original sound - 𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7458831105029147397?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - 𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@psg/video/7522080480452267286" data-video-id="7522080480452267286">
<section><a title="@psg" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@psg?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@psg</a> His aura made it all the way to Paris 🇫🇷✨ <a title="psg" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/psg?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#psg</a> <a title="indonesia" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/indonesia?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#indonesia</a> <a title="aurafarming" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/aurafarming?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#aurafarming</a> <a title="♬ original sound - 𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7458831105029147397?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - 𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@sidemen/video/7522100240271297814" data-video-id="7522100240271297814">
<section><a title="@sidemen" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sidemen?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@sidemen</a> @KSI aura farming 😮&zwj;💨 <a title="sidemen" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sidemen?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sidemen</a> <a title="ksi" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ksi?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#ksi</a> <a title="aurafarming" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/aurafarming?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#aurafarming</a> <a title="♬ Young Black &amp; Rich - Melly Mike" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Young-Black-Rich-7370712348132804625?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Young Black &amp; Rich - Melly Mike</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@alex_albon/video/7524700716464737568" data-video-id="7524700716464737568">
<section><a title="@alex_albon" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alex_albon?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@alex_albon</a> Always at 1000% accuracy <a title="indonesianboatracing" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/indonesianboatracing?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#indonesianboatracing</a> <a title="♬ Young Black &amp; Rich - Melly Mike" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Young-Black-Rich-7370712348132804625?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Young Black &amp; Rich - Melly Mike</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@brysondechambeau/video/7522572775291161911" data-video-id="7522572775291161911">
<section><a title="@brysondechambeau" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@brysondechambeau?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@brysondechambeau</a> Highlight of my life&hellip; <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="golf" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/golf?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#golf</a> <a title="♬ original sound - brainrot.com1" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7521017688399891222?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - brainrot.com1</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

Claims of Malaysian Origin Stir Online Backlash 
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/88704f46443837d661aee34e3899c7381690292fe63a90d07511907d91478466" />
Amid the euphoria, tension quietly simmered when a few alleged Malaysian accounts began commenting under the viral videos, claiming that pacu jalur originated in Malaysia. The remarks ignited a strong backlash among Indonesian netizens, who swiftly condemned the perceived cultural appropriation. The issue snowballed into national headlines after prominent Indonesian news outlets and public figures weighed in.
Riau Governor Abdul Wahid responded to the controversy by urging calm, stating that cultural exchange between neighbouring nations like Malaysia and Indonesia is natural due to shared roots. However, he firmly reiterated that the tradition of pacu jalur is historically and culturally linked to Kuantan Singingi, not Malaysia.
&ldquo;Cultural assimilation is inevitable, but look at the facts and reality &mdash; pacu jalur has long existed in Riau. It's not a recent phenomenon,&rdquo; he told Detik. Wahid also confirmed that Dika has been appointed as Riau&rsquo;s tourism ambassador for his role in bringing global attention to the tradition.
Were the Claims Really From Malaysians?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ac1f18f9f604bae0ec6d345596dae11e1f528077bf3b7f06794b21339da28aa4" />
Interestingly, further investigation suggests that the original comments claiming Malaysian origin might not have come from Malaysians at all. A TikTok user reviewed the profiles responsible for the claims and discovered that they were registered under Indonesian locations, raising questions about whether false flag accounts or misunderstood comments fueled the controversy.
Malaysian outlet Murai.my clarified that while a pacu jalur-inspired event was once held in Perlis, it was never marketed as a native Malaysian tradition. Instead, the event served to introduce Malaysians to regional cultures &mdash; especially in northern states with strong ties to Sumatra &mdash; and was never recognised as part of Malaysia&rsquo;s official cultural heritage.
The site also warned readers about the volatile nature of online discourse, pointing out that even a single offhand remark can spiral into a full-blown cultural dispute in today&rsquo;s social media landscape, especially when it involves the long-standing sensitivities between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Calls for Accuracy Amid Shared Histories
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2aff8cbe42e16986c387a97cc81a93c31d9c1eaa2c6d6ecb70716da88f1edd85" />
Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon has reaffirmed pacu jalur&rsquo;s heritage status, while Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka joined the trend in solidarity by posting his own rendition of Dika&rsquo;s dance. Local officials, including Riau&rsquo;s tourism director and Kuantan Singingi cultural leaders, have also stressed that historical records, rituals, and practices tied to the event all point to its deep Indonesian origins.
Roni Rakhmat, head of Riau's Tourism Department, dismissed the Malaysian origin claims as baseless: &ldquo;There are long-standing rituals, ceremonies, and a deep cultural process behind it. The historical documentation is clear &mdash; this is Riau&rsquo;s heritage.&rdquo;
Ultimately, while the trend has sparked joy and cultural curiosity, it has also become a reminder of how digital virality can blur national boundaries and historical context, often with unintended consequences.
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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Who knew a kid dancing on a boat could cause such a stir?

bcbf0211ea72c14da7bc6af09bf575f04f87f136b7b45a9f6c202e388104faad

Viral 'Aura Farming' Trend Sparks Cultural Row As Indonesia Rejects Malaysian Claims Over Pacu Jalur

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Scentify

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Oatside

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Rohto

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The brutal killing of a university student in Cyberjaya has taken a grim turn as two teenagers were formally charged with her murder in court today. The case, which has attracted widespread attention, may result in the death penalty if the accused are found guilty.
Pair Formally Charged in Sepang Court
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a1b3d2a1c9eb4a2f41f5109168dc618b3183e2bc0f01d91c98f6915a4d4f28ad" />
On Thursday (10 July), 19-year-old odd-job worker M. Sri Darvien and his girlfriend, 19-year-old student D. Thineswary, were brought before the Magistrate's Court in Sepang to face charges in connection with the death of 20-year-old Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a Bachelor of Physiotherapy student at the University of Cyberjaya.
Darvien has been charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction. If the court opts not to impose the death sentence, he faces imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years up to 40 years, along with at least 12 strokes of the cane.
Thineswary, meanwhile, was charged under Section 109, read together with Section 302 of the Penal Code, for allegedly abetting the murder. If convicted, she too could face the same penalties.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Crime
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fb15bbe32281c8a0d7bb63ad2c66391e73dbb5da0a9a9ea6b28532d8af095bb8" />
According to the charge sheet, Darvien is accused of committing the murder between 9.11pm and 11.31pm on 23 June at Block A of the Mutiara Ville condominium in Cyberjaya. Thineswary is believed to have abetted the crime at around 12.30pm the same day at the same location.
Both appeared separately before Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani. Darvien was clad in a plain white T-shirt, while Thineswary was dressed in black. No pleas were recorded during the session, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Prosecution and Defence Submissions
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/25770f94b2d68cd625941fe9ea2c4efd8c751c4e9d5cb9e58f1d7a98c831a6c7" />
Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin informed the court that no bail would be offered, citing the severity of the charges. She also requested additional time to complete the forensic, post-mortem and chemistry reports before proceeding with the application to transfer the case to the High Court.
Representing Darvien, defence counsel M. Manoharan appealed for an expedited transfer, while Thineswary&rsquo;s lawyer, Mohamed Baharudeen Mohamed Ariff, stressed the need for urgency, noting the public scrutiny and viral nature of the case.
However, the prosecution explained that relevant documents must first be served to the defence before seeking consent for the transfer from the Attorney-General&rsquo;s Chambers. The court has fixed 11 September as the next mention date to review the case&rsquo;s progress.
A Case That Shocked the Nation
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/99967af9ee5ede1d8e1e84b070f39474fcefa7285d47d14313a7eb957c06ddc1" />
Maniishapriet&rsquo;s murder stunned many across Malaysia. Originally from Kuching, Sarawak, she was studying physiotherapy in Cyberjaya and living in student housing. On the morning of 24 June, her body was discovered by a friend who entered her condominium unit after being unable to reach her.
At the time, her housemates had gone home for the holidays, leaving Maniishapriet alone. Police investigations revealed no signs of forced entry or sexual assault, but several of her belongings&mdash;including her iPhone, laptop, and ATM card&mdash;were missing.
Following a post-mortem examination, the cause of death was confirmed as blunt force trauma to the head. Police later revealed that the male suspect had allegedly stayed at the unit before the killing, having been granted access through keys and an entry card provided by his girlfriend.
Victim's Family Calls for Swift Justice
Lawyers Datuk Rajpal Singh, Raspreet Kaur, and Sarabmeet Singh appeared on behalf of the victim&rsquo;s family, holding a watching brief. Rajpal, who is also Maniishapriet&rsquo;s uncle, has been vocal in calling for a fair but speedy resolution to the case, underscoring the family's grief and the need for justice.
Next Steps in a High-Profile Murder Case
The tragic case has become a focal point in discussions about campus safety, domestic abuse, and youth crime in Malaysia. With the next court mention scheduled for September, the nation awaits developments as the wheels of justice begin to turn.
For now, both accused remain in custody as investigations continue. The prosecution team, consisting of multiple deputy public prosecutors, is preparing the necessary documentation to ensure the case is heard in the appropriate legal venue.
As the case unfolds in the High Court, it remains to be seen how the judiciary will weigh the facts and determine accountability in one of the country&rsquo;s most high-profile murder cases this year.
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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Up to 40 years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane await — but we’ll have to wait until September for the next step in the case.

2a1aeae3a54900fe0e134de81449673982271410a7e4e65c7044885f264cb15f

Teen Couple Charged With Murder Of Cyberjaya Student, Facing Possible Death Penalty

Malaysia is set to welcome a new pair of giant pandas &mdash; Chen Xing and Xiao Yue &mdash; as part of its continued conservation partnership with China. The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, on Monday (5 July) to celebrate the successful repatriation of the previous panda pair.
The earlier duo, Fu Wa and Feng Yi, affectionately known in Malaysia as Xing Xing and Liang Liang, were returned to China on 18 May 2025, concluding their 11-year stay at Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur.
Renewed Commitment to Conservation
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The event was attended by top officials including Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, Director-General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and Siva Kumar Solay Rajah, Secretary of the Biodiversity and Forestry Management Division. Both praised the strong bilateral cooperation that enabled Malaysia to fulfil its conservation obligations and maintain its standing as a trusted partner in wildlife diplomacy.
They also emphasised that the successful return of the pandas showcased Malaysia&rsquo;s dedication to international conservation efforts, and expressed hope that the incoming pair, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, would continue to inspire public interest in environmental preservation.
The ministry also confirmed that preparations are underway to receive the pandas, with close coordination ongoing between Malaysian authorities and Chinese officials.
Malaysia&rsquo;s Panda History: A Symbol of Diplomacy
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ebde71cc98c5f9139001315c29a18e0a498da9be5890545ac1548c24919b045f" />
Malaysia&rsquo;s panda journey began in 2014, when China loaned Fu Wa and Feng Yi to commemorate 40 years of diplomatic ties. The pandas, later renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang, became immediate public favourites, drawing thousands of visitors to Zoo Negara and sparking interest in wildlife conservation among Malaysians of all ages.
In 2015, Liang Liang gave birth to Nuan Nuan, the first panda cub born in Malaysia. Nuan Nuan was returned to China in 2017, in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, marking another key milestone in the conservation programme.
Over their 11-year stay, Xing Xing and Liang Liang played an instrumental role in raising awareness about endangered species and promoting Malaysia&rsquo;s commitment to wildlife preservation.
Panda Viewing at Zoo Negara
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/83cb82e0c2770adcc27ab33fb40d89139cf535d5b74df9fdfda31d6bf4f0a4a7" />
Once Chen Xing and Xiao Yue arrive and complete their required quarantine and acclimatisation process, they will be housed at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at Zoo Negara. This specially designed facility features temperature-controlled enclosures, feeding stations, and educational displays to ensure the pandas' health and comfort.
The pandas will be accessible to the public during regular zoo hours:
<ul>
<li>Zoo Operating Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM</li>
<li>Giant Panda Viewing: Typically available throughout the day, subject to health and feeding schedules</li>
</ul>
Visitors are encouraged to follow Zoo Negara Malaysia&rsquo;s official channels for updates on their arrival, ticketing information, and public viewing arrangements.
The arrival of Chen Xing and Xiao Yue is set to usher in a new era for panda conservation in Malaysia, once again bridging international goodwill with local engagement. As the nation prepares to welcome its newest residents, the public can look forward to another chapter in this heartwarming panda story.
Time to keep an eye out for when they arrive and schedule a visit to the Pandas! 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Malaysia's panda chapter continues and yes, they're as adorable as ever!

606d09aa0d20eb28ace54d3767413956d4f4e9293e1ca85af2cda9bf8c299d39

Malaysia To Welcome New Giant Pandas Chen Xing And Xiao Yue From China

The Malaysian government is making significant strides towards implementing a dedicated anti-scalping law, following widespread frustration among concertgoers and event fans over inflated resale prices and fraudulent ticket sales. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that detailed discussions are now underway between the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), aimed at formulating legislation to combat scalping, particularly within the live events sector.
The move comes in the wake of repeated controversies surrounding ticket scalping in Malaysia &mdash; most notably during Coldplay&rsquo;s sold-out 2023 concert in Kuala Lumpur, where tickets were quickly snapped up and resold at astronomical prices. With no legal framework currently in place to prohibit or regulate such practices, resellers have been operating freely, often at the expense of genuine fans and event organisers.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c6d68a6f82d0136d1e0d8f40585131458b54462cca20f215768ff1e8bbad8e64" />
Speaking to Malay Mail, Fahmi said his deputy, Teo Nie Ching, has been engaging with key industry stakeholders, including local ticketing platforms and the Association of Live Event Organisers (ALIFE), to explore the best mechanisms for enforcement. &ldquo;There are active discussions between KPDN and the Communications Ministry,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We're listening carefully to feedback from industry players to ensure the law is effective and enforceable.&rdquo;
Proposals Include ID Verification and Tougher Penalties
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8c9d2385629f4be13b3ac49ef4047d772683f40cdedb4270c2247d1e00d2ef25" />
One of the core proposals under consideration involves the introduction of identification (ID) verification at entry points. This system would require ticket holders to present the same identification used during the online purchase process, matching the name printed on the ticket with a valid government-issued document.
&ldquo;This approach was adopted in Indonesia and, while not entirely foolproof, has helped reduce the scale of ticket scalping there,&rdquo; Fahmi explained. &ldquo;We believe a similar measure could be adapted here, though implementation logistics are still being reviewed.&rdquo;
Malaysia currently lacks any law that expressly bans ticket reselling above face value, meaning that scalpers continue to exploit fans through inflated resale prices or fake listings. This legal loophole has significantly hindered authorities&rsquo; ability to take action against resellers, despite public outcry and repeated calls for regulation.
Although a draft law has yet to be finalised, the government has pledged to continue its consultations with ALIFE and other industry players. Fahmi noted that ALIFE is currently in the process of gathering feedback from its members before returning to the ministry with further recommendations. A concrete timeline for when the Bill will be tabled in Parliament, however, has yet to be announced.
Surging Live Event Sector Amplifies Scalping Problem
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/65ae10c8e375a20c68922c5a2d0a123de16db0891ce383e8eaaaa4f664ee4fb7" />
Malaysia&rsquo;s live entertainment sector has witnessed a rapid resurgence since the country reopened post-pandemic, further intensifying the scalping issue. According to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, live events have played a crucial role in reviving Malaysia&rsquo;s tourism economy, stimulating business in accommodation, dining, retail, and travel sectors.
In 2024 alone, Malaysia hosted 408 concerts &mdash; a substantial increase from 335 in 2023 and nearly four times the 108 concerts recorded in 2022. This growth, while positive for the economy, has also made high-demand events a prime target for ticket resellers looking to exploit shortages and desperate fans.
The secondary market has become a battleground, with tickets for major acts such as Coldplay, Blackpink, and Ed Sheeran often being resold within minutes of general release &mdash; sometimes at double or triple the original price. In some cases, fans have also fallen victim to fraudulent sales and ticket duplication, leaving them locked out of events they had paid significant sums to attend.
The situation has not only drawn criticism from consumers but also from artists, promoters, and international observers, many of whom have called on Malaysian authorities to strengthen consumer protections and level the playing field for fans.
Global Case Studies: How Other Countries Tackled Scalping
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ecd2727bcd1701977e15c1924681a8a86f9f09b3d5443e06a2cae62d650b9a10" />
As Malaysia moves closer to implementing its own anti-scalping legislation, policymakers are studying examples from abroad to identify best practices and potential pitfalls.
In the United States, the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act was passed in 2016 to prohibit the use of automated bots and software to circumvent ticketing platform limits and security features. The law also bars individuals from reselling tickets knowingly obtained through such illegal means. Violations of the Act are subject to enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has the power to impose significant financial penalties. In 2021, the FTC and Department of Justice took legal action against three New York-based ticket brokers accused of illegally acquiring over 150,000 tickets, reselling them for millions in profit. A combined civil penalty of over US$31 (~RM131 million) million was levied, though later reduced due to the defendants&rsquo; financial situation.
The United Kingdom also addressed the issue in 2018 by amending the Digital Economy Act, criminalising the use of bots to bulk-buy event tickets. The UK law focuses on cracking down on "secondary ticketing" platforms and resellers who significantly mark up prices. Those found in breach of the law face unlimited fines.
In Canada, although there is no federal anti-scalping law, provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have enacted their own legislation. The Ticket Sales Act, enforced at the provincial level, bans the use of automated purchasing software and restricts bulk purchases. Violators face substantial fines and possible imprisonment.
These models offer valuable insights into how Malaysia might tailor its own version of an anti-scalping law &mdash; though officials have yet to confirm whether the legislation will be limited to live events or broadened to include sectors such as gaming, electronics, and merchandise where scalping is also prevalent.
Fans Hope for Fairer Access &mdash; But When Will the Law Arrive?
Although the government&rsquo;s intentions have been welcomed by both fans and industry stakeholders, many remain cautious, pointing to previous delays in bringing similar consumer protection laws to fruition. With no fixed date for parliamentary debate, questions remain over how quickly the proposed anti-scalping framework will be finalised and whether it will be ready in time to protect fans ahead of another packed concert calendar in 2025.
Still, the current momentum signals a growing recognition within the government that consumer confidence must be restored in Malaysia&rsquo;s burgeoning entertainment scene. If passed, the law would mark a significant step forward in ensuring fairer access to live events &mdash; and a major win for Malaysian fans long frustrated by ticketing injustice.
Let&rsquo;s hope the law comes into effect soon &mdash; but with My Chemical Romance tickets going on sale tomorrow (Friday, 11 July), it&rsquo;s likely that scalpers will once again flood the secondary market before real fans even get a chance.
For now, all we can do is hope the authorities act swiftly and decisively to curb this growing issue. What do you think? Should scalping be criminalised in Malaysia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Government responds to public outcry over ticket resale abuse. 

bba346719dd1d66fd5597648572a6798ec518f9495432f05550af153169ccadd

Malaysia Moves Closer To Introducing National Anti-Scalping Law

Malaysian actor, TV host, and former Miss Grand Malaysia, Lishalliny Kanaran, has publicly come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual assault by a Hindu temple priest in Selangor. What was meant to be a quiet moment of spiritual reflection turned into a harrowing ordeal, one that the 28-year-old said has left her mentally scarred and emotionally broken.
On 21 June, Lishalliny visited a well-known temple in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, alone. Her mother was away in India at the time, and she had recently begun turning towards religion, exploring her spirituality more deeply. Though she had never been particularly devout before, she described feeling a sense of peace at the temple &mdash; a place she visited regularly and where a priest had been guiding her through rituals. That trust, she now claims, was exploited.
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In an emotional post on Instagram, Lishalliny recounted the events of that day, saying that while she was engaged in her prayers, the priest approached her and offered to bless her with holy water and a protective string &mdash; a common Hindu ritual. After completing her prayers, she said the priest asked her to meet him in an office within the temple grounds. She waited for roughly half an hour as he completed blessings for other devotees.
But once inside the office, things quickly took a dark turn.
A Ritual Turned Invasive
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e5fd9e6729d103129d1a6f2f35b629012dc236078180d9df7627a0d30c72a132" />
According to Lishalliny&rsquo;s statement, the priest poured a strong-smelling liquid &mdash; described as rose or flower essence &mdash; into a container of holy water, claiming it was a sacred substance from India that was not typically used on &ldquo;ordinary people.&rdquo; He began splashing the water aggressively onto her face, to the point that her eyes stung and she was momentarily blinded.
He then allegedly asked her to lift her Punjabi suit, which she declined, citing that the blouse underneath was tight. Despite her refusal, the priest continued the ritual while standing behind her. Lishalliny alleged that it was then that he put his hands inside her blouse and under her bra, touching her inappropriately. She described being frozen in fear, unable to move or speak &mdash; a reaction many victims of sexual trauma experience.
&ldquo;He murmured prayers and held my head. And then, without warning, he put his hands into my blouse,&rdquo; she wrote. &ldquo;My brain knew everything about that moment was wrong, and yet I couldn&rsquo;t move. I couldn&rsquo;t speak. I froze.&rdquo;
According to her, the priest went even further, telling her: &ldquo;It would be a blessing if you did &lsquo;it&rsquo; with me, because I serve God.&rdquo; After the incident, she said he casually told her: &ldquo;This will be a lucky week for you. I&rsquo;ve done this for you.&rdquo;
The shock and betrayal were overwhelming. What was meant to be a safe, sacred environment had been corrupted &mdash; and the damage left behind was deeply personal.
Silence, Shame, and the Strength to Speak Up
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/73e0bd59641fdb3f6cd2e4d4a0caedeb49840627fb82ee1564137bd9907f4686" />
For nearly two weeks, Lishalliny kept the incident to herself. She described crying herself to sleep, plagued by shame and fear, unable to make sense of what had happened.
&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t sleep because every time I closed my eyes, it replays in my head. I didn&rsquo;t know who to tell. I was ashamed,&rdquo; she confessed in her post. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always seen myself as strong and brave &mdash; and yet I was broken.&rdquo;
When her mother returned to Malaysia on 4 July, Lishalliny finally opened up about the assault. Her family responded immediately. Accompanied by her mother and two brothers, she went back to the temple to confront the priest &mdash; but was informed by temple management that he was no longer there.
According to Lishalliny, temple authorities appeared more concerned with their reputation than her allegations. &ldquo;Apparently, someone had already reported him before &mdash; and no action was taken,&rdquo; she said. The chairman allegedly downplayed any relationship with the priest, claiming he had &ldquo;only met him once&rdquo; and did not know his whereabouts.
Undeterred, Lishalliny and her family lodged a police report on the same day.
A Widening Investigation
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d81ab470385f8de4be0978dfbc0b937520ee08f0943595c08e2bed84270cf02b" />
The case is now under investigation by the Sepang district police, with Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman confirming that the incident occurred at a Hindu temple in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.
The priest in question, an Indian national, was reportedly only a temporary replacement, brought in while the temple&rsquo;s resident priest was overseas. Authorities say his modus operandi involved sprinkling holy water on the victim as part of a ritual, before allegedly molesting her.
The case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty &mdash; a charge that carries a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment, a fine, whipping, or any combination of these punishments upon conviction.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to have fled the premises. They are urging anyone with information to contact the Sepang Police Headquarters or the lead investigating officer, Inspector Sathiyan Balrajoo.
Adding to the seriousness of the case, another woman came forward in the comments section of Lishalliny&rsquo;s Instagram post, alleging that she too had experienced a similar incident at the same temple on 30 June &mdash; just nine days after Lishalliny&rsquo;s ordeal. The case now raises questions about whether other victims may have been similarly harmed, and whether the temple failed in its duty of care.
Rallying Support and A Call for Change
Since going public, Lishalliny has received an outpouring of support from fellow Malaysians and international figures. Among them is Chinmayi Sripaada, an Indian playback singer and vocal advocate of the #MeToo movement, who commented on the post, urging Lishalliny to report the incident and reminded her: &ldquo;It is not and never your fault. It is not your shame.&rdquo;
Here&rsquo;s some comments from netizens online:
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/87aa36d5468f1897e1fe292d579365af623a2625194b8d1ff4e9fab2ba318c69" />
Despite being pressured to stay silent, Lishalliny has refused to back down. She made it clear that she is not seeking sympathy, but hoping to give courage to others who may have suffered in silence.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not writing this to victimise myself. I&rsquo;m writing this to voice out so that anyone else who has gone through something like this knows: you are not to blame. You did nothing wrong. And if you ever need someone, I&rsquo;m here. You are not alone.&rdquo;
Her bravery has ignited wider public discussion on sexual misconduct in religious settings, accountability of temple leadership, and the importance of safe spaces for women seeking solace, regardless of faith.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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When a search for spirituality turns into trauma.

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Malaysian Actress & Pageant Winner Alleges Assault By Temple Priest In Selangor

Kuala Lumpur is set to welcome back one of South Korea&rsquo;s most beloved K-pop boy groups, WINNER, as part of their much-anticipated &ldquo;OUR MOMENT&rdquo; 2025 Asia Tour. Marking their first full concert in Malaysia since 2020, the group&rsquo;s return is a momentous occasion for local fans who have long awaited another opportunity to see their idols live on stage.
The official announcement was made on Tuesday, 8 July, by CQ Entertainment, who confirmed that Malaysia will be one of the tour&rsquo;s stops. WINNER is slated to perform in Kuala Lumpur on 1 November 2025 (Saturday). While the venue and ticketing details are still pending, the excitement has already begun to ripple across social media.
A Long-Awaited Comeback on Malaysian Soil
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/82f5e63e2e0149a75d93e0d81bab4767f5454c49b551f1985fb74543dbc14d4a" />
Formed under YG Entertainment, WINNER&mdash;comprising Kim Jin-woo, Lee Seung-hoon, Song Mino, and Kang Seung-yoon&mdash;first made waves in 2014 after emerging victorious on the survival show WIN: Who Is Next. Their debut album, 2014 S/S, was a critical and commercial success, with its lead single &ldquo;Empty&rdquo; topping charts and cementing the group as K-pop&rsquo;s emotional storytellers. Known for their melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, WINNER carved out a distinct identity in an era dominated by high-energy pop.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gEqlF5N8UMs" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
They followed up with a string of hits including &ldquo;Really Really,&rdquo; &ldquo;Everyday,&rdquo; &ldquo;Millions,&rdquo; &ldquo;Island,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Ah Yeah.&rdquo; Notably, Really Really became the first K-pop boy group song to surpass 100 million streams on Melon, showcasing their mainstream appeal and musical versatility.
Over the years, WINNER has collected numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year at the Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). In addition to group achievements, members like Song Mino have also built successful solo careers in music, fashion, and entertainment.
Despite a quieter period during the pandemic, WINNER has maintained a strong global presence and loyal fanbase, known as Inner Circle. The group last visited Malaysia in 2020, and now their return marks a new chapter in their career.
In May 2025, YG Entertainment announced that WINNER would hold a three-day special concert at Olympic Hall in Seoul this July, stirring excitement about a broader world tour. The group&rsquo;s upcoming tour will officially begin in Macau on 23 August, with additional stops in Bangkok, Taipei, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur, fueling speculation about a long-awaited comeback album&mdash;possibly their first since Remember in 2020.
A Promising Setlist and Unforgettable Moments Await
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a9910b86cd625660cd992a432fd20a50dd53660499465019204e5a80e9436728" />
WINNER &ldquo;OUR MOMENT 2025 ASIA CONCERT&rdquo; in KUALA LUMPUR
<ul>
<li>Date:&nbsp;1st November 2025 (Saturday)</li>
<li>Venue:&nbsp;TBA</li>
<li>Organiser: CQ Entertainment</li>
</ul>
The &ldquo;OUR MOMENT&rdquo; tour is expected to reflect the group&rsquo;s artistic growth over the past few years, showcasing both musical maturity and continued fan dedication. For many, this tour isn&rsquo;t just a concert &mdash; it&rsquo;s a celebration of WINNER&rsquo;s legacy and the loyal community they&rsquo;ve built since their debut in 2014.
Their previous shows have been praised for high production value, emotional fan interactions, and tight choreography, and fans are hopeful that the Kuala Lumpur stop will be no exception.
Follow Official Channels for the Latest Updates
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e12aae32ae5994bb50211685bf08f65e1e26a1b352c68718638b2428b6b182b0" />
Fans are strongly encouraged to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cq.entertainment/?hl=en">CQ Entertainment</a> on social media for up-to-date information on ticketing, seat maps, VIP packages, and venue announcements. Details are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks as the concert date approaches.
This upcoming show is just one of several major K-pop events set to hit Malaysia in 2025, reflecting the country&rsquo;s growing importance as a concert hub in the region. WINNER&rsquo;s return stands out not only for its significance to long-time fans but also as a testament to the ongoing global appeal of Korean pop music.
Whether you&rsquo;re a dedicated Inner Circle &mdash; the group&rsquo;s official fan club &mdash; or a casual listener, 1 November promises to be a night of nostalgia, joy, and unforgettable performances as WINNER takes the Kuala Lumpur stage once more.
In the meantime, you can listen to their music on Spotify below:
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/5DuzBeOgFwViFcv00Q5PFb?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Another day, another K-pop concert to look forward to!

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