Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Foodie

chocolate

halal

understanding

haram

levels

consumer

Kit Kat

muslim

To Malaysian fans of Japanese snacks, KitKat is more than a chocolate wafer &mdash; it is a collectible in its own right. For years, travellers returning from Japan have filled their suitcases with limited-edition flavours that cannot be found anywhere else: smooth matcha, tangy yuzu, sakura mochi, Tokyo Banana, rum raisin, roasted green tea, and dozens more.These flavours have become a cultural phenomenon among Malaysians, often shared as gifts or sought after in speciality shops like Don Don Donki.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9e291da3109b7fedf3d68fc7f292979b14f66c4cfa431d48c98d205eb56b8abd" />
But the excitement around these treats has collided with a new wave of concern. A viral post has placed Japanese KitKat flavours under scrutiny, sparking renewed debate among Muslim consumers in Malaysia about what is truly permissible to eat.
Viral Screenshots Show Japanese KitKat Listed as &lsquo;Haram LV2&rsquo;
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The issue gained traction after Threads user @_ju_mira posted screenshots from the popular Halal Japan mobile application. The images showed several Japanese-exclusive KitKat products &mdash; including matcha, yuzu, sakura mochi and Tokyo Banana &mdash; marked with a red &ldquo;Haram LV2&rdquo; label.
The post quickly went viral, amassing nearly 100,000 views and prompting widespread discussion about whether these much-loved snacks could still be consumed by Muslim travellers or gifted to Muslim friends.
The &ldquo;Haram LV2&rdquo; designation puzzled many, as it does not imply that the product contains haram ingredients such as pork gelatine or alcohol. Instead, according to the classification provided in the app, the concern lies in the manufacturing process. A Level 2 haram label suggests that the production line used may be contaminated with non-halal animal derivatives, even if the final ingredients list appears clean.
This distinction matters, because it separates products that contain prohibited substances from those that become questionable due to cross-contamination &mdash; an issue often encountered in countries without widespread halal certification.
Understanding Halal and Haram Levels: What Does LV2 Really Mean?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/35b3b91954a5cfb259d30c57fd8e34a7f056552ab222b16d309b5450730ef14e" />
The Halal Japan app categorises products into multiple tiers to help users assess the level of compliance:
<ul>
<li>Halal LV1 &ndash; Fully certified by an authorised halal body.</li>
<li>Halal LV2 &ndash; Contains no haram ingredients and produced entirely on halal-exclusive lines.</li>
<li>Halal LV3 &ndash; Ingredient list is clean, but products are manufactured on shared lines that undergo cleaning before halal production.</li>
<li>Haram LV1 &ndash; Directly contains haram ingredients such as alcohol or pork derivatives.</li>
<li>Haram LV2 &ndash; Does not contain forbidden ingredients, but manufacturing takes place on contaminated or non-halal lines.</li>
</ul>
For many Malaysians, this was the first time they were exposed to such detailed gradings, prompting confusion, discussion and calls for clearer official guidance.
Shock, Confusion and Healthy Debate Among Malaysian Consumers
Reactions were varied. Some Malaysians admitted they had unknowingly consumed the products for years, believing that anything without obvious pork or alcohol was safe. One user said their non-Muslim colleague had brought Japanese KitKat back as souvenirs and they enjoyed the matcha flavour without a second thought.
Others expressed gratitude for the explanation, saying they appreciated learning more about halal manufacturing standards and how cross-contamination plays a role in determining permissibility.
However, the post also attracted scepticism. Some commenters argued that &ldquo;Haram LV2&rdquo; might refer to pork-derived gelatine or questionable gelatine sources, though other users quickly countered that such cases would fall under Haram LV1, not LV2. Several pointed out that Japan&rsquo;s food industry often uses shared machinery across multiple product lines, which complicates halal verification.
The debate highlighted an important truth: many Malaysians &mdash; including non-Muslims hoping to buy gifts &mdash; still find it difficult to navigate halal labelling abroad, where certification is not as commonly practised as in Malaysia.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0b02621f1c6e5b0e0b9bd39e52ba0efed83505260d7feb38c5d08682c85ddcc8" />
Credibility of the Halal Japan App Sparks Further Conversation
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0c38ba441f66beebc8451eadddb348071266a621eb3fabf31ce12fedc2e1abd0" />
As the discussion escalated, attention shifted to the reliability of the Halal Japan application. While many praised it as a helpful tool for travellers, others questioned whether its assessments aligned with official halal authorities.
The original poster defended the app&rsquo;s methodology, claiming that some individuals were downplaying the warnings by conducting their own &ldquo;research&rdquo; without understanding how halal auditing works. The poster also noted that a fake account had attempted to argue against the app&rsquo;s findings, further muddying the conversation.
Several users pointed out that the app&rsquo;s barcode-scanning feature would be particularly valuable when shopping at Japanese import stores in Malaysia, where packaging rarely includes halal certification. Others suggested that the app could complement &mdash; but not replace &mdash; guidelines from recognised halal bodies.
The conversation expanded into broader consumer concerns as well, with some commenters calling for a boycott of Nestl&eacute; (KitKat&rsquo;s parent company) due to unrelated global campaigns, showing how a single post can trigger multiple layers of public debate.
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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A viral post reignites discussions on how Muslim consumers should verify the halal status of Japanese snacks.

4ea580975232b4c892f111cc66e4f408c7f9cc701ba32cb1d634d46b96ddf005

Japanese KitKat Flavours Spark Halal Debate in Malaysia After ‘Haram LV2’ Label Appears On Verification App

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BIllie Eilish UMMY

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Meta has removed one of the key features of its newly launched Muse Image AI tool just days after its debut, following widespread criticism over privacy, consent and the use of public Instagram content.
The company confirmed that the feature, which allowed users to generate AI images by referencing public Instagram accounts, is no longer available after admitting it "missed the mark". The decision follows backlash from users, creators and industry groups who argued that the feature relied on an opt-out system rather than obtaining explicit permission.
The swift reversal marks one of Meta's fastest product rollbacks in recent years and highlights the growing debate over how artificial intelligence should use publicly available online content.
What Is Muse Image AI?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4d25a0cec7b913239c04b31fc2b556002d84a7d9d10d6b73d9cee310b864285f" />
Muse Image is Meta's first image-generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. It allows users to create and edit images using text prompts, uploaded photos and sketches through Meta AI.
The technology also powers more than 30 AI effects for Instagram Stories and is integrated into Meta AI on WhatsApp, with plans to expand to other Meta platforms.
Every image generated by Muse Image includes Meta's Content Seal watermark, which is designed to remain attached even after editing or cropping.
The feature that sparked controversy allowed users to generate AI images by simply mentioning public Instagram accounts in their prompts. The AI would then use publicly available images from those accounts as visual references when creating new content.
Why Did It Face Backlash?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b2682ad94e06ba2d67eb8a044283a61000cbeef555f34c3bd572fa5374954eec" />
The criticism centred on the fact that public Instagram accounts belonging to users aged 18 and above were automatically included in the feature by default.
Rather than asking users to opt in, Meta required those who did not want their public photos referenced by AI to manually disable the setting or make their accounts private.
Many users argued that publicly sharing photos does not automatically mean they should be available for AI-generated content. Others were concerned that Instagram users would not be notified if their images had been used as references for someone else's AI creations.
The feature also reignited broader discussions surrounding consent, digital likenesses and the ethical use of publicly available content by AI systems.
Entertainment Industry Raises Concerns
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c0d297576752950aadd859e6b4691268577744e2a7467352fad980b9b5e8dfeb" />
The backlash quickly spread throughout the entertainment industry.
Emmy-winning actress Hannah Einbinder, known for Hacks, criticised the feature after discovering it had been enabled automatically on her account and encouraged others to switch it off.
The criticism was echoed by SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and media professionals, which urged Instagram users to opt out and argued that anything other than a clear opt-in system was unacceptable.
The union warned that AI-generated digital replicas remain a growing concern and said users should have complete control over how their likenesses are used.
Meanwhile, talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) said names, images, voices and creative work should never be used by AI systems without clear, documented consent. The agency also called for stronger safeguards that would allow creators to monitor and restrict how their content is used.
After Meta removed the feature, both SAG-AFTRA and CAA welcomed the decision, describing it as the responsible course of action.
Meta Reverses Course
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/213810264761e54e1efc1f8e62afa74daa51b71dd369617f0e7b6dcf3a65b654" />
Muse Image was introduced alongside Muse Video as part of Meta's latest AI rollout. However, the controversial Instagram referencing function lasted only three days before being withdrawn.
In a statement, Meta said its goal had been to provide a useful creative tool while allowing users to control whether their public content could be referenced.
"Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," the company said.
"We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available."
Before removing the feature, Meta maintained that Muse Image had been launched with safety controls, including automatically excluding private accounts and users under 18. However, those safeguards failed to ease concerns over the default opt-out approach.
Privacy Debate Far From Over
The controversy surrounding Muse Image reflects the wider challenges facing AI companies as generative AI becomes increasingly sophisticated.
While AI tools continue to unlock new creative possibilities, they have also raised concerns over consent, copyright, digital identity and the use of people's images without permission.
Although Muse Image's broader image-generation capabilities remain available, Meta's decision to remove its Instagram referencing feature suggests that users expect stronger privacy protections and greater transparency over how their publicly shared content is used.
The incident also serves as another reminder that as AI technology evolves, balancing innovation with user trust and consent will remain one of the industry's biggest challenges.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Users and creators pushed back, and Meta took action. The Muse AI image feature is officially gone — at least for now.

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Meta Removes Controversial Muse AI Image Feature Just Days After Launch Following Privacy Backlash

Former Youth and Sports Minister and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has been fully acquitted after the Federal Court dismissed the prosecution's final appeal against his earlier acquittal on four criminal charges.
The ruling brings an end to a legal battle that spanned six years, with the apex court deciding in a 2-1 majority that there was no basis to overturn the Court of Appeal's decision, which had cleared Syed Saddiq in 2025.
The decision means the 33-year-old remains free from all charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), dishonest misappropriation of property and money laundering linked to funds belonging to Bersatu Youth (ARMADA).
Earlier in the day, Syed Saddiq arrived at the Palace of Justice accompanied by his family, fianc&eacute;e Bella Astillah, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and former Education Minister Datuk Dr Maszlee Malik.
Federal Court Delivers Split 2-1 Decision
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c44572b84ca4d28ec9dd5d1a660fc4b43f260d8a9b1dee784699aa5b0b962e30" />
The three-member Federal Court bench consisted of Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, alongside Federal Court judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah.
Judges Che Mohd Ruzima and Sequerah formed the majority in dismissing the prosecution's appeal and upholding the Court of Appeal's earlier acquittal, while Abu Bakar delivered a dissenting judgment on three of the four charges.
All three judges unanimously agreed that the prosecution failed to prove the charge of abetting criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million from Bersatu Youth funds.
The majority also ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish the necessary legal elements to prove Syed Saddiq had dishonestly misappropriated RM120,000 from Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise (ABBE), a company established to generate income for Bersatu Youth through merchandise sales.
As a result, the two money laundering charges, which were based on the alleged misappropriation offence, also could not be sustained.
Judge Sequerah agreed with the Court of Appeal's earlier finding that there was insufficient evidence to show the RM120,000 belonged to ABBE or another party, while Judge Ruzima concurred with the same conclusion.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Rahman performed a sujud syukur (prostration of gratitude) after being acquitted of corruption charges in the lobby of the Putrajaya court. This gesture is an Islamic expression of deep thankfulness to God, often done after relief from hardship. Vid:Public <a href="https://t.co/WRTU9Pf8dM">pic.twitter.com/WRTU9Pf8dM</a>
&mdash; Kuala Lumpur Reporter 🇲🇾 (@KL_Reporter) <a href="https://x.com/KL_Reporter/status/2076517061585686916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2026</a></blockquote>

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One Judge Dissented On Three Charges
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3c4df5b99ce3003ec512ae37443701b16efa6320fd901f991a8751399e430ce9" />
Although the appeal was dismissed, Court of Appeal President Abu Bakar Jais disagreed with the majority on the RM120,000 misappropriation charge and the two related money laundering charges.
He held that the fundraising proceeds belonged to the donors rather than Syed Saddiq personally, finding that the prosecution had proven the element of dishonest misappropriation because contributors were never informed that the money would be transferred into his personal account.
Abu Bakar said there was no need for the funds to pass through another account before eventually being deposited into Syed Saddiq's personal bank account.
Under his dissenting judgment, Syed Saddiq would have been sentenced to six months' imprisonment, one stroke of the rotan and financial penalties on the money laundering charges.
However, as it formed part of the minority opinion, the judgment carries no legal effect.
Case Dates Back To 2021 Charges
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/52f4d4fd66ec46df2da6617e37f5a2103850daa9713f840420c7e9e82d716348" />
Syed Saddiq was first charged in 2021 over several offences linked to funds belonging to Bersatu Youth.
The first charge accused him of abetting former ARMADA assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali in committing criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million withdrawn from Bersatu Youth's account in March 2020.
He also faced a charge of dishonestly misappropriating RM120,000 from ABBE by causing the money to be transferred into his personal bank account.
In addition, he was charged with two counts of money laundering involving RM50,000 each after transferring the funds into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) account.
In November 2023, the Kuala Lumpur High Court found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, two strokes of the rotan and a RM10 million fine.
However, the Court of Appeal overturned both the convictions and sentence in June 2025, ruling that the convictions were unsafe after finding that the prosecution had failed to prove the essential ingredients of the offences.
The prosecution subsequently brought the matter to the Federal Court in a final appeal, which has now been dismissed.
Defence Welcomes Verdict As Justice Prevails
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/77c57578b73d6fa237a6f6b2fce51010c220abb3da1ab1583096ad7704e7531a" />
Following the ruling, lead defence counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik described the decision as confirmation that justice had ultimately prevailed after years of legal proceedings.
He said the Federal Court carefully examined the evidence before concluding there was insufficient basis to uphold the convictions.
Hisyam also thanked the wider legal team, including Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Gobind Singh Deo and Datuk Yusuf Zainal Abiden, for their contributions throughout the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court proceedings.
Ambiga described the ruling as deeply relieving after six years of litigation, saying the defence team believed justice had finally been served.
Syed Saddiq Thanks Family And Looks Ahead
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alhamdulillah. Hari ini, mahkamah tertinggi negara telah membuat keputusan. Pembebasan saya kekal. Tetapi hari ini bukan sekadar tentang kebebasan saya. Ini tentang satu prinsip bahawa kebenaran mesti dipertahankan, walaupun harga yang perlu dibayar sangat mahal. Lebih enam&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/j0vK8pP1kD">pic.twitter.com/j0vK8pP1kD</a>
&mdash; Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) <a href="https://x.com/SyedSaddiq/status/2076552305902760200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2026</a></blockquote>

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Speaking to reporters after the verdict, an emotional Syed Saddiq thanked his legal team, supporters, family members and the judges who heard his case throughout the years.
He said the lengthy legal process had strengthened rather than weakened his confidence in Malaysia's judiciary.
"I bear no grudges whatsoever," he said, adding that justice should always be decided through the courts regardless of political differences.
Reflecting on the difficult journey, he urged Malaysians never to compromise their integrity or principles, even during the toughest moments.
He also thanked his fianc&eacute;e, actress and singer Bella Astillah, acknowledging that it had not been easy standing by him after he was initially convicted by the High Court.
Syed Saddiq hinted that the couple may soon move forward with their wedding plans but said he preferred not to discuss personal matters at the courthouse out of respect for the judicial process.
On his political future, he said he intends to spend time with his family before making any announcements, but stressed that his commitment to serving the country remains unchanged.
"The fire to help rebuild Malaysia will never, ever be extinguished," he said.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Justice served. The Federal Court has upheld Syed Saddiq's acquittal, bringing his six-year legal battle to an end.

736e4b77f83b2f1cd1215034205694d202cd0e151e3306e9cc4defd2336ac52a

Syed Saddiq Cleared As Federal Court Upholds Acquittal In Final Appeal

Malaysian fans can look forward to welcoming Henry Lau back to Kuala Lumpur this October as the multi-talented singer, songwriter and entertainer brings his 2026 "ENJOY THE SHOW" World Tour to Malaysia.
The concert marks Henry's return to the country following his appearance at The Exchange TRX's 2025 New Year's Eve Countdown celebration. Known for his energetic performances and exceptional live musicianship, fans can expect an evening filled with hit songs, impressive instrumental performances and immersive stage production.
The Kuala Lumpur stop is part of Henry's wider Asia tour, which also includes Bangkok, Tokyo, Jakarta and Seoul.
Who Is Henry Lau?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bc8bf8a29e9ecaade0351121f5ee349c86aee8dba383e8c5162f2b3c73aec8e0" />
Henry Lau is a Chinese-Canadian singer, songwriter, producer, actor and television personality who first rose to prominence as a member of Super Junior-M, the Mandarin-language sub-unit of K-pop group Super Junior.
Although he debuted as part of one of K-pop's biggest acts, Henry soon established himself as a successful solo artist, earning praise for his versatility and outstanding musical abilities. Unlike many performers, he is known for playing multiple instruments, including the violin, piano, guitar and drums, often incorporating them into his live performances.
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His breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of Trap in 2013, featuring Super Junior's Kyuhyun and SHINee's Taemin. The song showcased a blend of pop, R&amp;B and orchestral elements while highlighting Henry's vocal talent and musicianship, helping him carve out his own identity beyond Super Junior-M.
Since then, he has released popular tracks such as It's You, Monster, Girlfriend, Moonlight, Thinking of You, and Radio, building a loyal international fanbase.
Beyond music, Henry has become a familiar face on Korean television through hit variety programmes including I Live Alone, Begin Again and Real Men, where his humour, personality and musical talent have earned him even wider recognition across Asia.
Throughout his career, Henry has received numerous accolades, including awards for music, variety entertainment and television appearances, cementing his reputation as one of the entertainment industry's most versatile performers.
Kuala Lumpur Concert Details
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5ee7842ba5651d3bb8a7b8bc209ac3659fb04cfa553fc9d345ba7e2e7fcaf70e" />
Henry will perform at Idea Live Arena on Saturday, 3 October 2026, with the show scheduled to begin at 7.30pm.
Organised by iMe Malaysia, the concert promises an immersive production featuring live instrumentation, storytelling and Henry's signature stage presence.
Fans can expect a setlist featuring many of his biggest solo hits alongside performances from his latest musical era.
Henry Lau "ENJOY THE SHOW" World Tour &ndash; Kuala Lumpur
<ul>
<li>Date: 3 October 2026 (Saturday)</li>
<li>Time: 7.30pm</li>
<li>Venue: Idea Live Arena, Kuala Lumpur</li>
<li>Organiser: iMe Malaysia</li>
</ul>
Ticket Prices &amp; Sales
Tickets will be available through <a href="https://www.fantopia.io/">Fantopia</a>, <a href="https://my.bookmyshow.com/en">BookMyShow</a>, <a href="https://www.maiseat.com/en-US">MAISEAT</a>, and <a href="https://my.trip.com/?locale=en-my">Trip.com</a>.
Ticket categories are priced as follows:
<ul>
<li>PS1: RM698</li>
<li>PS2: RM598</li>
<li>PS3: RM498</li>
<li>PS4: RM398</li>
</ul>
Fans looking for a more exclusive experience can also purchase VIP packages:
<ul>
<li>Enjoy VIP: RM1,298</li>
<li>The VIP: RM998</li>
<li>Show VIP: RM798</li>
</ul>
The exclusive pre-sale will take place on 16 July 2026 from 12.00pm to 3.00pm, while general ticket sales begin on 17 July 2026 at 12.00pm.
Stream Henry Lau's Latest Single 'Enjoy The Show'
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Ahead of the concert, fans can stream Henry's latest single, Enjoy The Show, on Spotify and other major streaming platforms.
The track serves as the title song for his latest world tour and reflects the uplifting, feel-good energy Henry hopes to share with audiences around the world. Blending catchy pop melodies with warm instrumentals and his signature heartfelt vocals, the song encourages listeners to embrace every moment, celebrate life's experiences and simply "enjoy the show".
With the new single expected to feature prominently during the Kuala Lumpur concert, fans have plenty of time to learn the lyrics before singing along with Henry live this October.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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From soulful vocals to live violin solos, Henry Lau is ready to light up the stage once again.

2d1e62af8c4f53bee875a256d6336d331d9b91c6428095e94847d85fc5a39635

Henry Lau To Bring ‘ENJOY THE SHOW’ World Tour To Kuala Lumpur This October

Parti BERSAMA Malaysia suffered a crushing defeat in its first-ever election after all 15 of its candidates lost their deposits in the Johor state election, marking a difficult debut for the political party founded by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli just 52 days before polling day.
The disappointing result came as Barisan Nasional (BN) strengthened its dominance in Johor, securing a landslide victory by winning 48 of the state's 56 seats and expanding its majority from the 40 seats it won in the 2022 election.
Despite the setback, Rafizi described the election as the beginning of BERSAMA's political journey rather than its conclusion, pledging that the party would study its weaknesses and continue building support ahead of future elections.
All BERSAMA Candidates Lose Deposits
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d49abdfeb58191ff549c07a4976f70dbf9d5ec68ddb5376313faf6020649ef60" />
In a statement following the election, Rafizi confirmed that every BERSAMA candidate failed to secure the minimum 12.5% of votes required under Malaysian electoral laws to retain their election deposits.
For Johor state assembly (DUN) elections, each candidate is required to place a RM5,000 deposit, which is forfeited if they fail to obtain at least one-eighth of the total valid votes cast.
Based on preliminary figures collected from Form 14 polling documents and unofficial results, BERSAMA candidates received an average vote share of between 3% and 6% across the 15 constituencies the party contested.
The outcome also fell well short of the party's internal target of obtaining at least 15% of the vote in every seat.
"This means all BERSAMA candidates lost their deposits because they did not obtain the minimum 12.5% of votes," Rafizi said.
He added that the party would carry out a detailed review of the results to improve its strategy and better connect with voters in future elections.
Rafizi: BERSAMA's Journey Has Only Just Begun
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4f673af8f1a6311182079b3523babb2e9f4075046d385c66a14933a27516d7e8" />
While acknowledging the disappointing outcome, Rafizi maintained that the campaign had provided valuable experience for a party that had only existed for 52 days.
He thanked Johor voters who placed their trust in BERSAMA despite its infancy, while also expressing appreciation to the party's candidates, members, volunteers and supporters who helped throughout the campaign.
A modest appreciation event for the party's election machinery will be held at BERSAMA's new headquarters once it is ready for use in the coming weeks.
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In a separate message to supporters, Rafizi urged them not to lose hope, describing the Johor election as merely the first chapter in a much longer political journey.
He said building a political movement capable of returning power to ordinary Malaysians could never be achieved within just a few weeks.
"The results are not the end, but the beginning. We knew this journey would not be easy," he said.
Rafizi added that every vote, conversation, criticism and word of encouragement received during the campaign would serve as motivation for the party to improve.
He also reiterated that BERSAMA was founded with the aim of introducing a new political culture centred on honesty, public service and empowering Malaysians, rather than simply competing for political power.
"The seed has been planted. Now it is time for us to nurture it together. BERSAMA's journey has only just begun," he said.
Urban Seats Failed To Deliver Reform Vote
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0df55674df9df8e9797c8d8fec86de3617459dd299e85ee10928bf43449109dc" />
BERSAMA had focused much of its campaign on urban constituencies, hoping to attract younger and reform-minded voters.
However, the strategy failed to translate into votes.
The party contested several seats in and around Johor Bahru, including Permas, Tiram, Kota Iskandar, Skudai, Larkin, Perling and Stulang, but none produced the breakthrough the party had hoped for.
Most candidates recorded between 2% and 5% of the total vote, while Bukit Naning proved to be the party's weakest performance with just 138 votes, equivalent to only 0.8% of ballots cast.
Although some analysts noted that BERSAMA consistently secured around 3% to 4% of the vote in several urban constituencies, the figures remained far below the threshold needed to pose a serious electoral challenge.
Political observers have also suggested that the party's visibility on social media did not translate into meaningful support at polling stations, highlighting the gap between online engagement and actual voter turnout.
BN Dominates Johor As Opposition Suffers Heavy Losses
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/99d8fad2a235ee6776230f0ff4455632c7f5ba4815ef56fdd7f2c7c7bba585d0" />
BERSAMA was not the only party to endure a disappointing night.
BN comfortably retained control of Johor after winning 48 seats, surpassing the 38-seat threshold required for a two-thirds majority in the state assembly.
UMNO won 36 of the 37 seats it contested, while MCA doubled its representation by winning eight seats, including several constituencies previously held by DAP. MIC also secured victory in all four seats it contested.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) finished with eight seats overall, comprising six won by DAP, one by Amanah, and one by PKR.
PKR's only successful candidate was former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik, who retained Puteri Wangsa with 41,821 votes in a five-cornered contest, defeating BN's MCA candidate by a majority of 5,744 votes.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) failed to retain any of the three seats it previously held, while MUDA was also wiped out after losing every seat it contested, with many of its candidates forfeiting their deposits.
Overall voter turnout stood at 69.57%, a notable increase from 54.9% recorded during the 2022 Johor state election.
According to early assessments shared by Rafizi, there was a significant swing in support towards BN across different age groups and ethnic communities, affecting candidates from PH, PN, MUDA and BERSAMA alike.
With Negeri Sembilan and Melaka expected to head to the polls next, BERSAMA has indicated it will use the lessons learned from Johor to reassess its campaign strategy as it prepares for future state elections.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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BN tightens its grip on Johor as BERSAMA's first electoral test ends in a complete wipeout.

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BERSAMA Wiped Out In Johor Polls As All 15 Candidates Lose Deposits, BN Tightens Grip On State

The government has made a significant U-turn on its recently introduced Lindung 24 Jam scheme, announcing that contributions to the Social Security Organisation's (SOCSO) Non-Workplace Accident Scheme will no longer be mandatory for Malaysian employees.
The decision comes just over a month after the scheme was introduced on 1 June following amendments to the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), which expanded social security protection to cover accidents that occur outside normal working hours. Initially, all local employees were required to contribute towards the scheme through deductions from their salaries.
However, following widespread public feedback, the Cabinet has now decided that participation will instead be voluntary with immediate effect, allowing Malaysian workers to decide whether the additional coverage suits their personal needs.
Cabinet Reverses Mandatory Contributions
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/443eef064581444592b25c6b6bff0fd9fdef5515c2ff2d0898ddc70805509ec1" />
Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced the decision after the weekly Cabinet meeting on 8 July, saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had raised concerns over public feedback surrounding the implementation of the scheme.
"The Cabinet has decided that contributions will no longer be mandatory, but voluntary, with immediate effect," Fahmi said, adding that the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) will provide further details on how the new voluntary mechanism will operate.
The announcement marks a swift policy reversal, considering the scheme only came into force a month earlier and was promoted as an expansion of Malaysia's social protection framework.
Why Was The Scheme Introduced?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/64e913a3499f3c5d3c6704dd3ac0fe225f8fd4326aff5adc5fdb9a44aa80ef7a" />
Lindung 24 Jam was introduced by PERKESO to provide broader protection for employees who suffer accidents outside their workplace and beyond official working hours.
Unlike the existing Employment Injury Scheme, which primarily covers work-related accidents, Lindung 24 Jam extends coverage to incidents that happen during everyday life. This includes accidents at home, while travelling for personal reasons, during recreational activities, on weekends, public holidays, or while carrying out other non-work-related activities.
According to PERKESO, the aim is to provide workers and their families with a more comprehensive social safety net by recognising that serious accidents can happen at any time, not just while someone is at work.
Benefits under the scheme include financial assistance, medical treatment support and other forms of social security protection for eligible contributors who suffer non-work-related accidents.
Public Criticism Prompted The Policy Change
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/78672613b72675d40c6a091eccda4e23b5294150da9e805c7024d623be8c6836" />
While the objective of the scheme was generally welcomed, its financing model quickly became a point of contention.
Under the original implementation, the entire contribution would have been paid by employees instead of employers, resulting in additional monthly salary deductions.
The contribution structure was introduced in phases:
<ul>
<li>0.75% of monthly wages during the first two years</li>
<li>1.0% over the following three years</li>
<li>1.25% from the sixth year onwards</li>
</ul>
The contributions were subject to a wage ceiling of RM6,000.
For example, an employee earning RM3,000 a month would have contributed around RM22.50 monthly during the first phase, while someone earning RM5,000 would contribute approximately RM37.50.
Although the monthly amounts were relatively modest, many Malaysians questioned why the scheme should be compulsory, especially when numerous workers already pay for personal accident insurance or medical insurance through private providers.
The announcement triggered widespread discussion across social media, with some arguing that workers should be allowed to choose whether they wanted the additional protection instead of having another mandatory deduction from their salaries.
Following the public response, the Prime Minister reviewed the feedback before the matter was brought before the Cabinet, which ultimately decided to make participation voluntary.
Foreign Workers Will Still Be Covered
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2042ca6c2573a857abacae9fda8ef4fd12ba3e9ab71643a94dd4facbec40c14e" />
While Malaysian employees can now decide whether to join the scheme, the government confirmed that the policy remains unchanged for foreign workers.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said contributions under Lindung 24 Jam will continue to be mandatory for foreign workers in accordance with existing legal provisions.
He explained that the Cabinet's latest decision only affects local employees, giving Malaysians the flexibility to determine whether the additional protection matches their own financial circumstances and insurance needs.
PERKESO is expected to announce the implementation mechanism, including how Malaysian workers can voluntarily register for the scheme, in the near future.
PERKESO Says The Scheme Is Already Benefiting Workers
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98ae7b9835d9cf30ffaa910c5da3ba6e2d0c8dfb213a313b19d349fbe3c6b32a" />
Despite the public debate surrounding mandatory contributions, PERKESO maintains that Lindung 24 Jam has already demonstrated its value during its first month of implementation.
According to the agency, more than RM1.2 million in benefits has already been paid out after 592 claims were approved.
The organisation also reported recording an average of nearly 20 non-workplace accident cases each day, highlighting the frequency of accidents occurring outside working hours.
Of the total amount paid, around RM1.16 million went towards implant costs, while approximately RM99,000 was disbursed as temporary disablement benefits.
PERKESO has consistently maintained that extending social security beyond the workplace helps protect workers and their families from unexpected financial burdens arising from accidents that occur during everyday life.
Government To Review The Scheme's Future
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/054992d8c724b074744a0d365ba25884af7e495163c428b34337670d64c3ec57" />
Although the contribution requirement has now become voluntary for Malaysian workers, the government says Lindung 24 Jam remains an important component of Malaysia's social protection system.
Ramanan said the Human Resources Ministry will conduct a comprehensive review of the scheme towards the end of the year, covering its policy direction, implementation effectiveness and long-term financial sustainability.
If necessary, the findings will be tabled in Parliament together with proposed amendments to the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 to ensure the scheme remains practical, sustainable and beneficial to workers.
In the meantime, PERKESO will continue strengthening public awareness efforts by educating workers on the benefits offered under Lindung 24 Jam, allowing Malaysians to make informed decisions on whether they wish to participate now that enrolment is no longer compulsory.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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After widespread public feedback, the government has reversed its decision, making SOCSO's Lindung 24 Jam contributions voluntary instead of mandatory.

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Government Makes U-Turn On Mandatory SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam Contributions, Scheme Now Voluntary For Malaysians

Local fast-food chain Ahmad's Fried Chicken has officially rebranded as Ahmad's HotChicken, unveiling a refreshed identity alongside one of its boldest moves yet &ndash; the appointment of an "AI CEO" to help manage the business.
The announcement has quickly attracted attention online, with the company claiming to be among the first fast-food brands in Malaysia to integrate artificial intelligence into such a senior leadership role.
AI To Support Operations And Business Decisions
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According to Ahmad's HotChicken, the AI CEO will assist with day-to-day operations, marketing, data analysis and strategic decision-making, allowing the company to respond more quickly to market trends and customer needs.
The brand said artificial intelligence will help it make faster, data-driven decisions while enhancing the overall customer experience.
"AI technology enables us to work faster, make decisions based on data and continuously improve the customer experience. It is part of Ahmad's direction to build the fast-food brand of the future," the company said.
While the announcement refers to an "AI CEO", the company has not disclosed exactly which AI system is being used or how much authority it has within the organisation.
Based on the company's statement, the AI appears to function more as a digital executive assistant or decision-support system rather than replacing a human chief executive entirely.
At the time of writing, Ahmad's HotChicken has yet to provide further technical details on how the AI will operate.
More Than Just A Name Change
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fbdc91966940ed1fe8279fe04c9da09d1c7ed4bb933275264210c2bd2f54c0cb" />
The rebranding goes beyond a new logo and name.
Ahmad's says it has rebuilt the brand from the ground up, refreshing its menu, recipes, customer experience and overall identity to create what it describes as a more modern and distinctive spicy fried chicken brand.
One of the biggest additions is its new "5 Levels of Heat" system, allowing customers to customise the spiciness of their meals. The heat scale ranges from Scaredy Cat for those who prefer no spice, followed by Low Key, Mid, Nocap Hot, and finally Reaper, which uses the famously fiery Carolina Reaper chilli.
The chain said the idea is to let customers choose a spice level that best suits their own tolerance rather than offering a one-size-fits-all experience. Alongside its fried chicken, Ahmad's HotChicken has also introduced new menu items, including Signature Mac &amp; Cheese, made with three types of cheese and topped with crispy beef bacon.
Some customers have also noticed that several promotional visuals and menu graphics appear to have been generated using AI, although the company has not officially confirmed this.
More Than 40 Outlets Across Malaysia
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/648c43a281ba57c442b4355c97a3e01c0b2f52aa58c9465e11b632de94751a76" />
The rebranded chain currently operates more than 40 outlets across Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
The company also has ambitions to continue expanding both locally and internationally as part of its long-term growth strategy.
AI In The CEO's Office Is Still Rare
Although artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in customer service and business operations, appointing an AI to a leadership role remains highly unusual.
One of the best-known examples is Dictador Europe, a Polish spirits company that introduced an AI-powered robot named Mika as its CEO in 2023.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based gaming and education technology company NetDragon Websoft appointed an AI-powered virtual executive called Tang Yu to oversee organisational management, workflow automation and data-driven business processes.
Whether Ahmad's HotChicken's AI CEO will have a similarly significant role remains to be seen, but the move highlights how Malaysian businesses are beginning to experiment with artificial intelligence beyond traditional customer-facing applications.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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New name, new identity, and an AI-powered “CEO”? Is this the future of the F&B industry? 

fb45bee9eb71fc1c8532d8b08e46c365b92f76256bc8397ba3f4a6c0c619be9f

Ahmad's Fried Chicken Rebrands As Ahmad's HotChicken, Introduces AI-Powered "CEO" To Help Run Business

Roma has launched its latest "Sedap Dimakan, Enak Dicelup" campaign, celebrating the authentic coconut goodness of its iconic Roma Kelapa biscuits while bringing Malaysians together through moments of sharing and togetherness.
The campaign also marks the return of South Korean superstar Lee Minho as Roma's brand ambassador for a third collaboration, reinforcing the brand's long-standing values of authenticity, trust and family bonding.
Lee Minho Returns As Roma's Brand Ambassador
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/19a6ea78a8ea9f743bf33f77c813e66bac889164f9d32ebd24b5fef00cd6fc01" />
Returning for his third collaboration with the brand, Lee Minho once again fronts the Roma Kelapa campaign, helping introduce the biscuit to a new generation of consumers while celebrating the heritage that has made Roma a trusted household name across the region.
Interactive Roadshow At IOI City Mall
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/1f81e0a8815fcc69a295817603fd6aa6de2ad6fb039923af038d836595936b9b" />
As part of the campaign, Roma is hosting an 11-day roadshow at AEON, LG East Court, IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, from 2 to 12 July 2026. Visitors can enjoy interactive activities, product sampling and experience Roma Kelapa's signature dipping ritual, alongside opportunities to redeem exclusive Lee Minho-themed merchandise while stocks last.
Made with real coconut and enriched with Vitamins E, B1, B2, B6 and B12, Roma Kelapa is known for its distinctive coconut aroma, crunchy texture and the iconic "dip before you eat" experience that has been enjoyed by generations of Malaysians.
Exclusive Collectibles For Fans
Fans can also get their hands on the Lee Minho Edition Roma Kelapa Pack, available in four Roma Kelapa variants. Limited-edition collectibles, including exclusive stickers, floral hand towels, blind boxes featuring Lee Minho keychains and Roma shopping bags, are available throughout the nationwide campaign.
A special campaign event held on 4 July also brought together members of the media, influencers, content creators and Lee Minho fan communities, where guests explored Roma's heritage and took part in a "See, Smell, Crunch &amp; Savour" tasting experience showcasing the biscuit's signature flavour and texture.
Through the campaign, Roma hopes to celebrate not only one of its most iconic products, but also the simple joy of bringing Malaysians together over a familiar family favourite.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Fans can enjoy exclusive Lee Minho collectibles, Roma Kelapa experiences and more in the brand’s latest campaign.

6f15237b0a92ff5c9fd4d93af08f17d369972d71391e3d9db045b9088a9f9228

Lee Minho Returns As Roma Ambassador For New Roma Kelapa ‘Sedap Dimakan, Enak Dicelup’ Campaign

If you're a fan of IKEA's famous Swedish meatballs, curry puffs or RM1.20 soft serve ice cream, you may remember that the IKEA Cheras Swedish Restaurant was temporarily ordered to close by the Ministry of Health (KKM) last month.
The restaurant has since resumed operations after rectifying the issues raised by health inspectors. However, just under two weeks after reopening, IKEA Cheras has found itself back in the spotlight after a customer spotted a cockroach near one of its ice cream machines.
READ: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/5138/ikea-cheras-swedish-restaurant-reopens-with-15percent-discount-but-customers-say-bigger-issues-remain">IKEA Cheras Swedish Restaurant Reopens With 15% Discount, But Customers Say Bigger Issues Remain</a>
The latest incident has sparked fresh discussions online, with many wondering whether it was linked to the restaurant's earlier temporary closure.
Why Was IKEA Cheras's Swedish Restaurant Closed?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6c22c6e24162b17af42058ffbb75ce652103e1ac5a46f27a3a223a19979fbfd1" />
The temporary closure dates back to 17 June, when the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department ordered the Swedish Restaurant at IKEA Cheras to cease operations under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
Although many assumed the closure was due to serious hygiene concerns throughout the premises, IKEA Malaysia later clarified that the issues identified were confined to the restaurant's kitchen and operational procedures.
According to IKEA Malaysia Country Retail Director Malcolm Pruys, speaking to <a href="https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2026/07/03/we-could-have-stayed-open-we-didnt-ikea-cheras-director-sets-record-straight-on-hygiene-closure/#gsc.tab=0">The Rakyat Post (TRP)</a> after the reopening, inspectors found evidence of cockroach activity inside a drain beneath the kitchen floor, uncovered food stored in a freezer, the absence of a required no-smoking sign within the kitchen, and one newly hired employee who had yet to complete the mandatory food handling certification.
Importantly, no contaminated food was discovered during the inspection, and the customer dining area was not cited for any hygiene issues.
Although the closure notice allowed the restaurant to remain open until later that evening, IKEA voluntarily ceased operations immediately before carrying out remedial works.
The restaurant reopened on 22 June, just five days later, after replacing sections of kitchen plumbing, intensifying pest control measures and ensuring the outstanding staff certification had been completed.
IKEA Says It Has Never Failed An Independent Food Safety Audit
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2c47567800ab0f01e6e8b7f2376f8cb2bb3e4d7c32c3a9acde216b226515f8ef" />
In the same interview, Pruys stressed that the June incident did not reflect IKEA's long-term food safety record.
He revealed that the IKEA Cheras restaurant undergoes three independent and unannounced food safety audits every year, adding that the outlet has never failed a single audit since it first opened.
Pruys also said IKEA's own internal food safety standards are set even higher than the minimum requirements imposed by the Ministry of Health, making the incident particularly disappointing for the company.
Cockroach Spotted Near Ice Cream Machine
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Just days after the restaurant resumed operations, another incident attracted attention online.
On 4 July, a customer shared photos and videos on Threads after spotting what appeared to be a cockroach crawling near the self-service ice cream machine at the IKEA Cheras Bistro on the ground floor.
The post quickly gained traction, with hundreds of thousands of views as many users questioned whether the sighting was connected to the restaurant's previous hygiene-related closure.
Some social media users also tagged the Ministry of Health and called for further inspections.
IKEA Clarifies The Bistro And Swedish Restaurant Are Separate
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b6c20a2952c67f0a9272bd02d0ee8dd42fe39ee52fbdc189169b8d8f40d987d7" />
Following the viral post, IKEA Malaysia responded by explaining that the incident involved the IKEA Cheras Bistro, not the Swedish Restaurant that had been temporarily closed in June.
The company emphasised that these are two separate dining areas within the same store and that the Bistro had remained operational throughout the Swedish Restaurant's temporary closure.
As a precaution, IKEA said it immediately inspected the affected area and all ice cream machines after becoming aware of the video.
The company added that the area underwent a thorough cleaning while additional pest control treatment and inspections were carried out.
Despite the incident, the Bistro continued operating as normal.
IKEA Reaffirms Commitment To Food Safety
In its statement, IKEA Malaysia said food safety, hygiene and product quality remain among its highest priorities.
The retailer explained that pest control inspections and treatments are conducted weekly across all of its food operations as part of its standard operating procedures. Following the latest incident, IKEA said it has further strengthened its monitoring and inspection routines as an added precaution.
The company also thanked the customer for highlighting the issue, adding that customer feedback plays an important role in helping improve its operations. IKEA further clarified that the incident does not affect the IKEA Cheras Swedish Restaurant, nor any other IKEA Restaurants, Caf&eacute;s or Bistros nationwide.
While the two incidents occurred within the same IKEA Cheras outlet, they involve separate dining areas and are not considered the same case from a regulatory standpoint.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A new cockroach sighting at IKEA Cheras has sparked fresh concerns just days after its Swedish Restaurant reopened.

776a0e7eb362e0b6d81f0d5d9d248c2c0646468665fa3cdfe41d762ead70d2b1

Cockroach Spotted At IKEA Cheras Bistro Days After Swedish Restaurant Reopened, IKEA Responds

Popular entrepreneur and content creator Khairul Aming has apologised to customers after a technical issue disrupted lunch service at his restaurant, Rembayung, leading to long waiting times and delayed entry for many diners.
The incident, which took place during the restaurant's busy lunch period, quickly gained attention on social media after customers shared videos and posts showing crowded waiting areas and describing the atmosphere as chaotic.
Addressing the situation openly, Khairul Aming explained that the disruption was caused by an unexpected failure of the restaurant's StoreHub Point of Sale (POS) system, marking the first time such an incident had occurred since Rembayung opened six months ago.
What Happened At Rembayung?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/600aeb4e6916ed107d4f895fd33a262b8eefaaf512b9b8078e41213f2c82f6fc" />
According to Khairul Aming, the issue began when the StoreHub POS system suddenly stopped transmitting customer orders to the kitchen.
As a result, although customers were able to place their orders, the kitchen did not receive them through the digital ordering system, forcing the restaurant team to immediately switch to manual order-taking.
Staff had to write down every order individually before passing them to the kitchen, significantly slowing down food preparation and affecting the restaurant's scheduled dining slots.
The delays during the lunchtime service also had a knock-on effect on later reservations, with customers booked for the 2pm session reportedly having to wait longer before they could be seated.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8fd8235b2f10ddf792888e51535633992848b4cbe1a4d7d7bfe5272282d61f3a" />
In a post shared on Threads, Khairul Aming wrote:
"Sorry for today's chaotic lunch service. Throughout six months of operating, today is the first time our StoreHub POS system went down, causing every order to fail to reach the kitchen.
"We had to manually write every single order, which delayed food preparation during the lunch slot and caused the 2pm session to be pushed back. The system is still down for now, but the situation is under control for the 4.30pm slot onwards."
Operations Gradually Returned To Normal
Despite the unexpected disruption, Khairul Aming assured customers that his team acted quickly to minimise the impact.
While the POS system remained unavailable for some time, the restaurant continued operating using manual processes to ensure customers could still be served.
According to his update, operations became significantly more manageable by the 4.30pm dining session as staff adapted to the temporary workflow while waiting for the system to recover.
The incident also highlighted how heavily modern restaurants rely on digital ordering systems, where even a brief technical outage can quickly affect kitchen operations, table turnover and customer waiting times.
Customers Praise Khairul Aming's Transparency
As news of the disruption spread online, some customers initially shared concerns over the long queues and delays, with one social media user joking that the restaurant looked "like a riot" as diners waited outside for their allocated time slots.
However, the conversation soon shifted after Khairul Aming personally addressed the issue and explained what had happened. Many netizens praised him for responding promptly, taking responsibility and communicating openly instead of remaining silent.
Several commenters also pointed out that technical failures can happen to any business, especially those that rely heavily on digital systems, and commended the restaurant staff for continuing to serve customers despite having to process every order by hand.
Others expressed sympathy for the kitchen and front-of-house team, noting that manually recording dozens of food orders during a busy lunch rush would inevitably slow service.
First Major Technical Issue Since Opening
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ec3fd924baab286c1a75d9d47499a5aad2761e48a598a6dd16d3a867f9782bce" />
According to Khairul Aming, the POS outage is the first major operational issue Rembayung has experienced since opening around six months ago.
The restaurant has grown rapidly in popularity, regularly attracting fully booked dining slots and long queues thanks to its modern take on traditional Malay cuisine and the entrepreneur's strong online following.
Although the unexpected system failure temporarily disrupted one of the restaurant's busiest services, many customers appeared understanding of the circumstances, acknowledging that technical issues are sometimes unavoidable.
With operations already stabilising by the afternoon, diners are hoping the issue has now been fully resolved and that Rembayung will soon return to its usual smooth service.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Every business faces its first hurdle. For Rembayung, it came in the form of an unexpected system outage during the lunch rush.

edbe16ef458e3475a4ea18bb78cc61abb7d7769933e4b7745ad869020e8f7717

Khairul Aming Apologises After Rembayung's POS System Outage Causes Delays During Lunch Service

Sushiro Malaysia has temporarily closed its Suria KLCC outlet following an order from the Malaysian health authorities, just days before the Japanese conveyor-belt sushi chain is set to open its second branch in the country.
In a statement shared on its official social media channels on 1 July, the company confirmed that its flagship Malaysian outlet has ceased operations with immediate effect while it works to fulfil the authorities' requirements before reopening.
Sushiro Announces Temporary Closure
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Sushiro said the temporary closure was implemented following guidance from the Malaysian health authorities.
"We are currently working closely with the Malaysian health authorities to meet the required conditions and take the necessary steps toward resuming operations," the company said.
The restaurant also apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused, adding that it is fully committed to reopening as soon as possible. Updates on the outlet's reopening will be shared through Sushiro Malaysia's official social media platforms.
Reason For Closure Not Officially Disclosed
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At the time of writing, Sushiro has not revealed the specific reason behind the closure, nor have the health authorities publicly disclosed the exact findings that led to the enforcement action.
The company only stated that it is working to satisfy all required conditions before operations can resume.
However, discussions on social media have seen some customers speculate that the closure may be related to hygiene standards, with several claiming that cleanliness at the outlet had deteriorated in recent months. These claims have not been confirmed by either Sushiro or the authorities.
According to notices circulating online, the Suria KLCC outlet is expected to remain closed until 14 July, although the company has yet to officially confirm a reopening date.
A Popular Brand That Quickly Won Over Malaysians
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Founded in Japan in 1984, Sushiro has grown into one of the world's largest conveyor-belt sushi chains, operating more than 800 outlets globally.
The brand made its long-awaited Malaysian debut in February 2025 with its first restaurant at Suria KLCC, attracting long queues and strong demand from diners eager to experience its affordable Japanese sushi concept.
Since then, Sushiro has established itself as one of the Klang Valley's most sought-after Japanese dining destinations, with customers often waiting hours during weekends and peak dining periods.
Despite the temporary setback, the company is continuing with its expansion plans in Malaysia.
Its second outlet is scheduled to open at 1 Utama Shopping Centre on 10 July, while a third branch has also been confirmed for Sunway Pyramid, further expanding the brand's presence in the Klang Valley.
Health Authorities Continue Crackdown On Food Premises
Sushiro's temporary closure is the latest in a series of enforcement actions carried out by health authorities against food establishments in recent weeks.
Last month, the <a href="https://myc.my/articles/5138/ikea-cheras-swedish-restaurant-reopens-with-15percent-discount-but-customers-say-bigger-issues-remain">IKEA Cheras Swedish Restaurant</a> was ordered to temporarily cease operations following inspections by the authorities. Several food outlets at MyTOWN Shopping Centre were also instructed to close temporarily over hygiene-related concerns.
Beyond shopping malls, enforcement officers have also conducted inspections across numerous eateries in SS2, Petaling Jaya, with several food premises ordered to suspend operations after failing to meet cleanliness and food safety standards.
The recent inspections suggest authorities are continuing to take a firm approach towards ensuring restaurants comply with public health regulations, particularly in high-traffic dining areas.
For now, Sushiro customers will have to wait for further updates regarding the reopening of the Suria KLCC outlet, while those looking forward to the brand's expansion can still expect its highly anticipated 1 Utama opening later this month, followed by its arrival at Sunway Pyramid.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The popular Japanese conveyor-belt sushi chain says it is working closely with health authorities to meet the required conditions before reopening.