Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

youth

controversy

fraud

photographer

NatGeo

community pride

A Malaysian photographer&rsquo;s claim of being selected for National Geographic&rsquo;s prestigious Explorer programme has unravelled after the organisation confirmed his acceptance letter was &ldquo;fraudulent&rdquo;. Yet, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) &mdash; which contributed RM15,000 towards his trip &mdash; is standing by him, insisting he was a victim, not a fraudster.
From Inspiration to Sponsorship
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f8e8663a4aebcb0056b4cc17f272366a2dfddbd7f974272028704ddd59a9e47f" />
The case revolves around Tinesh Sritharan, who told local media in early August that he had been chosen to document the Great Migration at Kenya&rsquo;s Masai Mara National Reserve. His announcement drew praise, with MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran calling it a &ldquo;moment of pride&rdquo; for the community.
According to MIC central working committee member Dato&rsquo; Sivaraj Chandran, Tinesh first approached the party after spotting earlier news reports about his own achievement gaining attention. The photographer reached out via Instagram, leading Sivaraj to arrange a meeting with Vigneswaran.
The president was reportedly impressed by Tinesh&rsquo;s passion for wildlife photography and his stated plans to capture and raise awareness about conservation. MIC quickly decided to sponsor his journey, pledging RM15,000 to cover part of his travel and equipment costs.
A Sense of Community Pride
Sivaraj described the sponsorship as more than just financial support:
&ldquo;We saw this as a chance to showcase Malaysian Indian talent on an international platform. Supporting someone chasing a dream in a specialised field like wildlife photography reflects our commitment to helping youth achieve their ambitions.&rdquo;
MIC&rsquo;s support was part of a wider sponsorship pool that also included the Wedding Professionals Alliance Malaysia (WPAM) and Sony Malaysia via Alpha Universe Malaysia, which loaned Tinesh advanced camera gear &mdash; including a 400&ndash;800mm telephoto lens ideal for long-range wildlife shots.
The Truth Emerges
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7326c018775e320afb741d3fc83ef500d06cf681000cbbb84615846bd75f30ec" /> Image via <a href="https://says.com/my/news/fraudulent-nat-geo-denies-malaysians-claim-of-being-selected-for-prestigious-programme">Says</a>
But the celebration was short-lived. When SAYS attempted to verify Tinesh&rsquo;s story, they found no record of his name in the official National Geographic Explorer directory. Contacting the organisation directly, they received a reply from Natasha Daly, senior manager and editor, stating:
&ldquo;Tinesh Sritharan is not an Explorer. The letter you&rsquo;ve attached is a fraudulent letter that is not genuine.&rdquo;
This cast immediate doubt over the legitimacy of Tinesh&rsquo;s claim &mdash; and, by extension, the sponsorships.
MIC&rsquo;s Reaction to the Scandal
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/30344cf5e5b3f62caddb95ff754f5be020b5a6e03791f849c20cf7025f72e0b9" />
Rather than distancing themselves, MIC doubled down in their defence. Sivaraj stressed that the fraud lay in the letter, not in Tinesh himself.
&ldquo;He is a genuine photographer, and nothing in this incident changes that fact. If indeed he has been scammed, then we feel sympathy for him. His passion, his work, and his ambitions remain his own, and they deserve respect.&rdquo;
Internally, MIC leaders were said to be frustrated that such a scam could slip through, but the mood quickly shifted to rallying behind Tinesh. &ldquo;When one door closes, 10 more open,&rdquo; Vigneswaran reportedly told him. &ldquo;You are already there, so make the most of it. Return home with work you can be proud of.&rdquo;
Why MIC Chose to Stand By Him
MIC&rsquo;s choice not to cut ties was based on two key factors:
<ol>
<li>No evidence he fabricated the scam himself &ndash; The email came from a Gmail address claiming to be from National Geographic.</li>
<li>The sponsorship&rsquo;s intent &ndash; The funds were given to support a Malaysian youth&rsquo;s aspirations, regardless of the platform.</li>
</ol>
Sivaraj told media the party felt it would be unfair to label Tinesh a fraud when he might simply have been an unsuspecting target of a sophisticated con.
A Push for Scam Awareness
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8b16c373ec3ed30491c5d3745c1a42df9d95b999f7afaae38b521d235d39a533" />
MIC has since used the incident to call for stronger action against scams that exploit ambition and opportunity. The party urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate similar frauds and increase public awareness.
&ldquo;This case shows how even those with good intentions can be misled. We must educate our youth to verify opportunities thoroughly before committing,&rdquo; Sivaraj said.
Tinesh&rsquo;s Version of Events
Tinesh maintains that in November 2024, he pitched a wildlife photography project to Sadie Quarrier, National Geographic&rsquo;s senior director of storytelling, via email. Receiving no reply, he deleted the message. Months later, on 16 April 2025, he received an acceptance email from a Gmail address &mdash; with the now-confirmed fake letter attached.
&ldquo;This was the only thing that I received. I&rsquo;m lost for words&rdquo;. He never got the &ldquo;briefing packet&rdquo; promised in the letter and now wonders if someone deliberately targeted him.
Making the Most of Kenya
By the time the scandal broke, Tinesh was already in the Masai Mara. MIC encouraged him to continue photographing the migration and to use the trip to produce work that could open doors to legitimate opportunities in the future.
Despite the embarrassment, MIC sees the RM15,000 as an investment in talent rather than a loss. &ldquo;He is still representing Malaysia with his camera,&rdquo; Sivaraj said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s worth something.&rdquo;
A Lesson in Verification
For MIC, the saga is a reminder of the need for rigorous vetting before committing funds to high-profile claims. For the public, it&rsquo;s a warning that scams can target anyone &mdash; even with official-looking documents.
As Tinesh continues his work in Kenya, the party hopes the controversy will be a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Whether or not National Geographic ever comes calling for real, MIC insists the photographer has already proven his dedication &mdash; and that is what they intended to support.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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While the letter from “Sadie” was fake, MIC still supports the photographer in chasing his ambitions.

a0116813a95a55cfa5a952365ea0715c2686e58058a87d1eb94028b162298761

MIC Stands By Photographer After RM15,000 Donation, Says Fake National Geographic Letter Was The Real Fraud

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Fans hoping to meet T.O.P in Kuala Lumpur will have to wait a little longer, as his upcoming &ldquo;PRE-STUDIO 2026&rdquo; fan meeting has been postponed.
Organisers StarryLive Ent, Tonz Entertainment and Yvents announced on 12 August that the event, originally scheduled for 27 September 2026 at Unifi Arena, will be rescheduled due to production adjustments.
In a statement shared on social media, the organisers said the decision was made &ldquo;to ensure the best possible live experience&rdquo;. A new date will be announced separately, with fans advised to wait for further updates from the organisers.
The organisers also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the change and thanked fans for their continued support and understanding.
New Date Yet To Be Announced
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While the postponement has disappointed some Malaysian fans, many have expressed that they are willing to wait as long as the event goes ahead.
Some local TOPSXs have also voiced their frustration over the timing of the announcement, particularly those who had already made travel and accommodation plans for the original date.
However, the organisers have confirmed that the event has been rescheduled rather than cancelled, giving fans hope that T.O.P will still make his long-awaited return to Kuala Lumpur.
The fan meeting was initially announced as part of T.O.P&rsquo;s first solo fan meeting tour, with stops planned across several Asian cities, including Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo and Kaohsiung.
The Kuala Lumpur stop is particularly significant for Malaysian fans as it marks T.O.P&rsquo;s return to the country after 11 years.
His last appearance in Malaysia was with BIGBANG during the group&rsquo;s &ldquo;MADE&rdquo; world tour in July 2015. BIGBANG performed two consecutive concerts at Putra Indoor Stadium, now known as Unifi Arena, on 24 and 25 July that year.
T.O.P&rsquo;s First Solo Fan Meeting Tour
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed5058b4ed0754119c0278f201d62135845364df0df733d2f0d0538b447727de" />
&ldquo;PRE-STUDIO 2026&rdquo; marks an important moment in T.O.P&rsquo;s career as it is his first solo fan meeting tour since his debut.
The tour kicked off with a special free fan event in Yokohama, Japan, on 9 July, where around 10,000 members of his official Japanese fan club, TOPSX JAPAN, were invited.
The tour was then scheduled to continue through Asia, with Kuala Lumpur originally set to take place on 27 September, followed by Bangkok on 5 and 6 October, Tokyo in November and Kaohsiung on 19 December.
T.O.P&rsquo;s agency, TOPSPOT PICTURES, has also hinted that additional cities could be added to the tour.
Who Is T.O.P?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/81bda7a6d4c014228eed1a40229acf845403bb2564e8227c9052968874fddcfe" />
For those who may not be familiar with him, T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, first rose to fame as one of the lead rappers of BIGBANG.
Debuting with the group in 2006 alongside G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung, T.O.P became known for his deep voice, charismatic stage presence and distinctive approach to hip-hop. BIGBANG went on to become one of the most influential groups of the second-generation K-pop era, helping bring Korean pop music to audiences around the world.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAoME_aMm1w" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The group delivered numerous iconic hits, including &ldquo;Haru Haru&rdquo;, &ldquo;Lies&rdquo;, &ldquo;Fantastic Baby&rdquo;, &ldquo;Blue&rdquo;, &ldquo;Bang Bang Bang&rdquo; and &ldquo;Last Dance&rdquo;, while earning major awards from the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards and Melon Music Awards.
Beyond BIGBANG, T.O.P also established himself as a solo artist with releases such as &ldquo;Turn It Up&rdquo; and the critically acclaimed &ldquo;Doom Dada&rdquo;, which showcased his more experimental artistic style.
After leaving YG Entertainment in 2022, T.O.P confirmed his departure from BIGBANG in 2023 as he shifted his attention towards independent creative projects, including music, acting, contemporary art and entrepreneurship.
He later introduced himself to a new generation of audiences through his role as Thanos in Netflix&rsquo;s &ldquo;Squid Game&rdquo;, which reignited interest in his career and musical comeback.
A New Musical Era With &ldquo;Another Dimension&rdquo;
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/5ORJMfjjUnPI2gJwI35OjE?utm_source=generator&amp;si=480734cdc6c94bbe" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
T.O.P&rsquo;s return to music has also entered a new chapter with the release of his latest studio album, &ldquo;Another Dimension&rdquo;.
The album marks his first full-length solo project in more than 13 years and was released independently under TOPSPOT PICTURES. It represents a new artistic direction for the rapper, combining cinematic production, introspective storytelling and futuristic visuals.
The album also performed strongly internationally, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes Albums Chart in 15 countries and securing a spot on the Billboard World Albums Chart.
With &ldquo;PRE-STUDIO 2026&rdquo;, fans can expect T.O.P to showcase tracks from &ldquo;Another Dimension&rdquo; alongside favourites from his solo career, giving longtime supporters a chance to experience his latest musical era.
For now, Malaysian TOPSXs will have to wait for the new Kuala Lumpur date &mdash; but with the organisers promising a better live experience, the extra wait could hopefully be worth it.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Bad news for Malaysian TOPSXs: T.O.P’s KL fan meeting has been rescheduled.

e0f380f7c91e57deb3384de6841f3bed84cf602b37e4b7b0aec664de08e5b466

T.O.P’s KL Fan Meeting “PRE-STUDIO 2026” Gets Rescheduled

Former Subang MP Wong Chen has officially left PKR after 17 years with the party, describing the decision as difficult but necessary as he moves into a new political chapter with Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).
Wong, who served as the Subang MP for three terms, resigned from his parliamentary seat before leaving PKR in accordance with Malaysia&rsquo;s anti-party-hopping law. He subsequently applied to join Bersama, with his membership approved shortly before the announcement.
Speaking at a press conference at Bersama&rsquo;s headquarters in Puchong, Wong said leaving a party he had served for nearly two decades was a &ldquo;very difficult&rdquo; and &ldquo;heartbreaking&rdquo; decision.
Wong Says Decision Was Necessary
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1559b69f6a49465f6752c96e38077012cc0eddedfb53619cac7cdc032625e426" />
Wong said he personally went to PKR&rsquo;s headquarters at around 11am to submit his resignation, which took effect immediately.
While acknowledging that his decision had disappointed some constituents, he said he believed leaving was necessary for him to continue pursuing his commitment to democratic reform.
&ldquo;I have done my job as a diligent MP over the last 13 to 14 years,&rdquo; Wong said, adding that his decision to step down before the next general election was something he felt he owed an explanation to the people of Subang.
He said his responsibilities now extended beyond serving as an elected representative, with his focus shifting towards defending democracy, the Federal Constitution and pushing for reform through Bersama.
Wong also described Malaysia's current political environment as a &ldquo;very toxic phase&rdquo;, arguing that the country needed a stronger multiracial and progressive political alternative.
Personal And Political Factors Behind The Exit
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1e81d2dc2361cf4761f54b556d454fde15dad9a28308698db97bc48dd5fccc33" />
Wong did not deny that personal factors had influenced his decision to leave PKR.
Among the issues he highlighted was his removal in May as non-executive chairman of government-owned technology financier Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV). Wong had previously said he felt the decision was a personal insult, particularly after the company returned to profitability following losses in 2023.
His constituency office also lost access to MyKhas, a government portal used to manage constituency development allocations, after he and fellow PKR lawmakers were associated with Bersama's launch.
Wong argued that such restrictions could ultimately affect constituents rather than politicians, adding to his frustration with how the government was handling institutional reform.
He said political parties needed to clearly demonstrate their positions on issues rather than simply speaking about reform.
&ldquo;Every political party needs to show its real position on every matter, not just talk about reform,&rdquo; he said.
Wong To Lead Bersama's Policy Development
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/71d727595b260ba508ce40e51293aeb534aa2e43f691c06006deeac584489b5f" />
Wong's arrival is also expected to strengthen Bersama's policy-making efforts ahead of the next general election.
Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said Wong's parliamentary experience would be particularly useful as the party develops a series of detailed policy proposals.
The former PKR deputy president said he and Wong had entered Parliament in 2013 and previously worked together in Pakatan Harapan on policy documents, including alternative budgets and election manifestos.
Under his new role, Wong will oversee the preparation of Bersama's policy papers, which will be published under the &ldquo;Kertas Kancil&rdquo; series.
The papers will expand on Bersama's 12 key agendas, moving beyond broad goals to outline specific policies, laws, programmes, implementation measures and estimated costs.
The party plans to release the first paper around Merdeka Day, followed by further papers every two to three weeks. Bersama also intends to hold public consultations and forums to allow Malaysians to discuss and respond to the proposals.
Issues expected to be covered include the cost of living, wages, employment, housing and integrity.
Bersama Expands Its Leadership
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/640b2569f447fe90e3cfd8f21a0d47f2af5323f88705cbd2e316461645e786bb" />
Wong's entry comes as Bersama expands its organisational structure and prepares for its next phase of growth.
The party has introduced seven new spokespersons from different professional backgrounds, including economist Sum Dek Joe, former media personality Ibrahim Sani, accountant Wan Zulaika Abdul Kahar, engineer Jhen Pei Seah, former Subang Jaya city councillor Anbarasan Murugesu, media personality Tang Hong Yau and lawyer Rabiatul Adawiyah Sulaiman.
Bersama also plans to develop spokespersons, shadow candidates and party movers as it builds its grassroots and parliamentary presence.
Spokespersons will represent the party on specific areas of expertise, while shadow candidates will be identified and prepared for parliamentary constituencies the party intends to contest. Movers, meanwhile, will help coordinate party activities and expansion at the grassroots level.
Will Wong Return To Subang?
Despite vacating his parliamentary seat, Wong has indicated that he intends to remain active in Subang.
He said he would continue working with the local community and planned to maintain an office in the constituency, although the existing signage would need to be removed following his resignation.
Whether he contests Subang again under Bersama will ultimately be decided by the party.
Wong acknowledged that not everyone was happy with his decision, saying he still needed to meet residents and explain why he chose to resign before the end of the parliamentary term.
However, he said reactions on his social media accounts had largely been positive, with around 80 to 90% of responses supporting his decision.
For now, Wong's departure marks the end of a 17-year relationship with PKR and the beginning of a new role within Bersama &mdash; one centred less on holding elected office and more on shaping the party's policies and reform agenda ahead of Malaysia's next general election.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Wong Chen leaves PKR after 17 years, citing a “very toxic” political climate and the need for a new progressive alternative.

d4883defef5fba97fd6c2c99fed52255a71420d4d5246f59c4c2a99a58c7467d

Wong Chen Leaves PKR After 17 Years, Joins Bersama To Push For Reform

Malaysians could have a little extra mobile data to work with this Merdeka season, with eligible users set to receive 10GB of free internet data in conjunction with the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
The initiative, introduced under the Rahmah Rebate Incentive, is a collaboration between the Communications Ministry and five major telecommunications providers &mdash; CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile and YES.
Both eligible prepaid and postpaid Malaysian users will be able to benefit from the offer.
5GB On National Day, Another 5GB On Malaysia Day
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the free data will be split across the two national celebrations.
Eligible users will receive:
<ul>
<li>5GB on National Day &ndash; 31 August 2026</li>
<li>5GB on Malaysia Day &ndash; 16 September 2026</li>
</ul>
This gives eligible Malaysians a total of 10GB of free data across the two dates.
However, the exact redemption process and validity period have not yet been announced. Each participating telco will provide further details, with the offer subject to its respective terms and conditions.
The Communications Ministry is also expected to publish an FAQ on its website explaining the initiative in greater detail.
How Will Malaysians Redeem The Free Data?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/90aa2088a503757f0cb3a7a7d70eb9c3431284d9affaf7fc4600a5865833dee0" />
For now, users will need to wait for their respective telecommunications providers to announce the redemption process.
The five participating telcos &mdash; CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile and YES &mdash; are expected to provide information on how eligible customers can claim their allocations and how long the data will remain valid.
At the time of the announcement, the telcos had yet to release detailed redemption information.
The additional data could provide some useful savings for Malaysians, particularly those who rely heavily on mobile internet for everyday activities such as messaging, social media, entertainment, work, online learning and accessing public services.
For families, the extra quota could also be used for children's educational content, schoolwork and communication without eating into their usual monthly data allocation.
HKHM 2026 Sponsorship Surpasses RM48 Million
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f41c886d70c220e223ec86309db4989744d90a4c094403366d5717a929a3df19" />
The free data announcement came alongside an update on sponsorship for this year's National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
Fahmi said confirmed sponsorship for HKHM 2026 has reached RM48.63 million, representing an increase of more than 118% compared with the RM22.3 million secured for last year's celebrations.
Of the total, RM2.7 million consists of cash contributions, while RM45.93 million comes in the form of goods and services.
According to Fahmi, 50% of the total sponsorship value will be allocated towards promotional activities, while 30% will comprise goods to be distributed to visitors. The remaining 20% will support committees involved in organising the 2026 celebrations.
The sponsorship comes from 139 strategic partners, with contributions supporting both the main celebrations and related activities.
Free Data Is Part Of Wider Rahmah Initiative
The 10GB data offer forms part of the broader Rahmah Rebate Incentive introduced for the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
With internet access increasingly becoming part of everyday life, the additional data could benefit Malaysians in more ways than simply browsing social media or streaming videos.
Students can use it for online resources and assignments, while working adults can rely on the additional quota for communications and work-related activities. Families can also use the data to stay connected while taking part in Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations.
For now, Malaysians can mark 31 August and 16 September on their calendars and wait for their telcos to reveal the details on how to claim the free data.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A little extra data for the celebrations! Eligible Malaysians will get 5GB on Merdeka and another 5GB on Malaysia Day.

00d3b82441ecce7987d985f4ca127d92516beb2aa69b985bdc2954b3ae44f9ce

Malaysians To Get 10GB Free Data For Merdeka And Malaysia Day 2026

Have you ever thought about becoming a YouTuber and turning your content into a source of income? You are far from alone.
Content creation has become an increasingly attractive career path, with millions turning to platforms such as YouTube to build audiences, personal brands and, eventually, make money. YouTube now has more than 3 million creators in its Partner Programme (YPP), while Shorts receives more than 200 billion views every day.
But for aspiring creators hoping to earn through advertising, the road to monetisation is about to get tougher.
YouTube Is Doubling The Grind For Ad Revenue
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/58ca6aed4a74a57f73519918e7320a92940110520cb97a6a3cae6f58cb46820e" />
Starting 1 February 2027, new creators applying for YouTube's Partner Programme will need significantly higher viewing figures before they can access advertising and YouTube Premium revenue sharing.
Currently, creators need at least 1,000 subscribers and either:
<ul>
<li>4,000 qualified public watch hours in the past 12 months; or</li>
<li>10 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days.</li>
</ul>
Under the new requirements, those figures will double to:
<ul>
<li>8,000 qualified watch hours over the previous 365 days; or</li>
<li>20 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days.</li>
</ul>
The 1,000-subscriber requirement remains unchanged.
The new thresholds will only apply to creators joining YPP for advertising and Premium revenue. Existing YPP members will not be affected by the higher entry requirements.
YouTube said the changes mark its first significant overhaul of the Partner Programme requirements since 2018.
Shorts Creators Face A New Hurdle
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f5ea1b9cad4e012cd512f4a628440b5f333a6a1dbbcd60edf611d0008338e609" />
The changes will also affect creators already earning from Shorts.
From February 2027, creators will need to maintain at least 10 million qualified Shorts views within a rolling 90-day period to remain eligible for Shorts advertising and subscription revenue sharing.
Those who fall below the threshold will remain in YPP and can continue earning from their long-form videos. Shorts revenue sharing will automatically resume once they cross the 10 million-view mark again.
YouTube said creators already generating significant revenue from Shorts are unlikely to be heavily affected.
Why Is YouTube Raising The Bar?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f63b92982d0567ded99160216a4db1269f11eef442b50f1803c21fc873e36dd3" />
According to YouTube Vice President of Creator Products Amjad Hanif, the changes are designed to make Shorts revenue more "meaningful" for creators.
With the enormous growth of Shorts, YouTube says it wants to reward creators who consistently drive views, engagement and conversations on the platform.
However, for smaller creators, reaching 20 million Shorts views in 90 days or 8,000 watch hours in a year could make the journey towards ad monetisation considerably harder.
Smaller Creators Still Have Other Options
YouTube is not completely closing the door on smaller channels.
The requirements for Fan Funding and Shopping features will remain unchanged. Creators can still qualify for the lower YPP tier with:
<ul>
<li>500 subscribers</li>
<li>At least three public uploads within 90 days</li>
<li>Either 3,000 qualified watch hours in the past year or 3 million qualified Shorts views within 90 days</li>
</ul>
This tier does not provide advertising or YouTube Premium revenue, but allows eligible creators to access tools that let fans directly support their work.
YouTube is also planning new incentive programmes for creators who fall below the Shorts threshold, including potential bonuses through YouTube Shopping, incentives for brand deals and earnings boosts for creators who start or grow trends.
More details are expected to be announced later.
Premium Lite Could Open Another Revenue Stream
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/470b5e30406690355b5eacd0d633777245efe276a23ed4b92b2b2a3fb300527e" />
Alongside the monetisation changes, YouTube is expanding Premium Lite to all countries where full YouTube Premium is available.
Premium Lite offers uninterrupted viewing of most videos, as well as offline downloads and background playback, although it does not provide the same ad-free experience for YouTube Music.
The subscription will also contribute to a dedicated creator revenue pool. YouTube says 60% of net Premium Lite subscription revenue will go into this pool, compared with 30% for full Premium.
The money is then distributed according to subscriber watch time and views, with creators receiving 55% of allocated revenue from long-form videos and 45% from Shorts.
YouTube also expects to pay creators more in 2027 than it did in 2026.
The Creator Grind Is Getting Real
YouTube's changes reflect just how competitive the creator economy has become. With more than three million creators already in YPP and billions of daily Shorts views, simply going viral may no longer be enough to turn content into a steady income.
For aspiring YouTubers, the message is clear: building a consistent audience and keeping viewers engaged will matter more than ever.
The dream of making "YouTube money" is still alive &mdash; but from 2027, creators may have to grind a lot harder to get there.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Dreaming of making it big on YouTube? You might have to grind twice as hard to get paid.

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YouTube Doubles Ad Revenue Thresholds For New Creators From 2027

Malaysia has capped the validity of its international passports at a maximum of 10 years, following reports of travellers facing difficulties at airline check-in counters overseas with passports that were issued with validity periods exceeding a decade.
The Immigration Department said the move takes immediate effect and is intended to standardise passport validity and prevent further confusion during international travel.
Why Were Some Passports Valid For More Than 10 Years?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/03a229d91100d765d4055fc984f93bd2fb447b3d56321dc9c2c0781274ca53a2" />
The issue stemmed from a previous renewal arrangement where up to six months of remaining validity from an existing passport could be carried forward to a new one.
For example, someone renewing a 10-year passport with six months still remaining could receive a new passport valid for 10 years and six months.
While the arrangement was not prohibited under international regulations, it created complications when some travellers encountered airline systems and check-in staff that interpreted passport validity requirements differently.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department had referred the matter to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which confirmed that passports valid for more than 10 years did not breach international rules.
However, several Malaysians reportedly experienced problems when travelling overseas, prompting the department to standardise the validity period.
Airlines And Border Systems Caused Confusion
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0ec0c2bc8882cdbdf72521c1b322491fa381258d6eb1d51d90751b5ce65f6835" />
According to the Immigration Department, the difficulties were largely linked to how individual airlines and their systems interpreted passport requirements.
Some airlines apply strict requirements regarding passport validity, including the commonly used rule that travellers must have at least six months of validity remaining when entering certain countries.
The different interpretations meant that passports which were technically valid could still cause problems during check-in or ticket booking.
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The issue gained attention after reports circulated online from Malaysians who claimed to have encountered difficulties at overseas airports, including problems with boarding and baggage arrangements.
Immigration said it had received several complaints relating to flight bookings and advised Malaysians holding affected passports to purchase tickets directly from airline service counters where their documents could be checked immediately.
Affected Passports Can Be Replaced For Free
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/430f7b2c1a6302a4a4e4765f07bcc5b1a5cffe9ce636c82408606c1dbe430a6d" />
Under the new policy, passports issued with more than 10 years of validity will no longer be issued.
Malaysians who already hold passports exceeding the 10-year limit will be allowed to replace them free of charge, with affected applicants given priority.
The Immigration Department will also issue notification letters to airlines to help travellers who are currently overseas and may encounter difficulties with their extended-validity passports.
The department said the measure is intended to ensure passport requirements are applied consistently and to reduce unnecessary complications for Malaysians travelling abroad.
What Happens When Renewing Your Passport?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5cf19143399a3467ab01fda1cc89cff2893c16f2138afca1e0ba723307992b42" />
For Malaysians opting for the 10-year renewal, the new passport will now carry exactly 10 years of validity.
Any remaining validity from the old passport will no longer be added to the new document.
However, the existing arrangement for five-year passports remains different. Up to six months of remaining validity from the previous passport can still be carried forward, meaning a five-year passport could have a validity period of up to five years and six months.
The Immigration Department said around 26,000 passports with validity periods exceeding 10 years had been issued since the 10-year passport option was introduced in July.
10-Year Passport Remains Valid Under International Rules
Despite the change, Immigration stressed that there is no international rule prohibiting passports from being valid for 10 years or longer.
The department said ICAO had confirmed that passports exceeding 10 years did not breach international regulations and that longer validity periods do not, in themselves, prevent travellers from crossing international borders.
The decision to impose a 10-year cap is therefore aimed at standardising the Malaysian passport system and avoiding issues with airlines, rather than correcting a breach of international law.
The 10-year Malaysian International Passport was introduced on 1 July, costing RM350, while the five-year option remains available at RM200.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Travelling soon? Immigration has a new update for passport holders.

8198da52c3d8bf318b4d28b157de5af88a9c867b98bb8d6319ff85c3b863d494

Malaysia Caps Passport Validity At 10 Years After Overseas Travel Issues

The Malaysian Bar has called for a thorough investigation and stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws following the death of Rocky, a dog that died during a stray-dog enforcement operation carried out by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) on 29 July.
In a statement on 11 August, Malaysian Bar president Anand Raj said the lack of a pet licence could never justify cruelty towards, or the killing of, an animal.
&ldquo;The mere lack of a pet licence, ie, a piece of paper, cannot justify cruelty to, or the killing of, an animal,&rdquo; the Bar said, stressing that animal welfare laws must apply regardless of whether an animal is licensed.
Malaysian Bar Raises Concerns Over Rocky&rsquo;s Death
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e6cb06c89e283b108d2a3352ae17a61d9c176be6e955d82bbd38670a7d3f471f" />
Rocky died during an operation involving the capture of stray dogs in Klang, prompting public concern over the methods used by enforcement personnel.
The Malaysian Bar said it was &ldquo;gravely concerned&rdquo; by the incident, emphasising that no enforcement objective, even if legitimate, should result in unnecessary pain, suffering or death.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 428 of the Penal Code, which covers mischief by killing an animal. Separately, the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is investigating the case under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (AWA 2015).
The Bar questioned whether the use of the Penal Code adequately reflected the seriousness of alleged animal cruelty, arguing that the AWA 2015 was specifically enacted to protect animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering.
Animal Welfare Act Should Take Precedence
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20380c17498be03746bae176f1a5be7f742a09355b99b20fd9fe47a2d394fdcd" />
The Malaysian Bar said investigating animal deaths solely under the Penal Code could risk reducing cruelty to an issue involving damage to property, rather than recognising the welfare and suffering of the animal involved.
It argued that the AWA 2015 provides stronger and more specific protections against cruelty and should therefore play a central role in investigations involving alleged mistreatment.
The Bar also pointed out that the AWA 2015 is the latest and specific federal legislation governing animal welfare. As such, it said the Act should take precedence over any state legislation or subsidiary rules that contradict its provisions.
It also highlighted the Federal Constitution, which places the prevention of cruelty to animals under the Concurrent List. This means both the Federal and state governments have responsibilities in preventing animal cruelty, with that responsibility extending to local authorities such as MBDK.
The Bar also echoed remarks made by Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin on 1 August, who said cruelty towards animals should not be tolerated regardless of whether the perpetrator is an individual, company or government agency.
Licence Status Does Not Remove Animal Welfare Protections
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/236e0bafa3803570d71d0b5e29c0364a1bbf16c516f9ae6de5c950ba4c0e6bde" />
Under Section 29 of the AWA 2015, the Malaysian Bar noted that acts of violence or cruelty towards an animal constitute an offence regardless of whether the animal is licensed.
Section 30 also generally prohibits the killing of animals, subject to limited exceptions.
The Bar stressed that these provisions should guide all enforcement operations involving animals, meaning the absence of a licence should not be treated as permission to use unnecessary or harmful methods.
It said the principle should apply equally to members of the public and enforcement authorities.
&ldquo;No one is above the law,&rdquo; the Bar said.
Calls For Stricter Stray Dog Enforcement Procedures
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4ae76f97b32b395b553a0ce0d0789578ec66995fcd5f3287ebc8125771123319" />
The Malaysian Bar also called on local authorities and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to ensure strict compliance with existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the capture and disposal of stray dogs.
Under the current SOP, approved methods include the use of a loop, trap, net or tranquiliser gun. Certain methods require prior approval from the police and DVS.
The Bar said authorities must ensure these procedures are followed and that clear consequences are imposed when they are breached.
It also welcomed the Selangor Government&rsquo;s commitment to review stray animal management procedures across local councils, but stressed that any new or revised SOPs must be consistent with the AWA 2015.
The review, it added, should form part of a broader move towards a more humane, coordinated and data-driven approach to managing stray animal populations.
Suggests Summons Instead Of Capturing Owned Dogs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ce7ae42355cf584c46ecd4f108aafd7e4a07e8e1348fe96cdf686d072b29f00" />
The Bar also proposed an alternative approach when authorities encounter animals with identifiable owners.
Instead of immediately capturing, detaining or potentially killing the animal, authorities could consider issuing a summons to the owner, similar to how traffic offences are handled.
It argued that this would be a more proportionate response where ownership can be established and other enforcement options are available.
The Malaysian Bar said enforcement methods should also keep pace with modern technology and focus on protecting both public interests and animal welfare.
Calls For Transparent Investigation And Reform
The Malaysian Bar has called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into Rocky&rsquo;s death, with accountability imposed if wrongdoing is established.
It also urged authorities to introduce meaningful and lasting reforms to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The Bar said animal welfare should not be treated as secondary during enforcement operations, particularly when laws and procedures already exist to regulate how animals should be handled.
&ldquo;The humanity (or cruelty) with which a society treats its pets and animals is a mark of its civilisation,&rdquo; Anand said.
The case remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With answers and accountability needed, the Bar says a lack of a pet licence should never justify animal cruelty.

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