Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

issue

FIFA

football

Donald Trump

integrity

World Cup 2026

red card

Folarin Balogun

Article 27

Belgium

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been plunged into controversy after FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match suspension, allowing the United States striker to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 despite receiving a straight red card just days earlier.
The unexpected decision has triggered criticism from Belgian football officials and sparked debate over sporting integrity, with multiple international media outlets reporting that US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension.
Balogun Cleared To Play Despite Automatic Ban
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🇺🇸🇧🇪 Incroyable : apr&egrave;s que Trump a appel&eacute; Gianni Infantino, la FIFA annule le carton rouge du joueur am&eacute;ricain Folarin Balogun, qui pourra donc &ecirc;tre align&eacute; face &agrave; la Belgique lundi. Un carton pourtant indiscutable, au vu du geste extr&ecirc;mement dangereux. M&ecirc;me s'il n'est pas&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/8FZ3kKiZE2">https://t.co/8FZ3kKiZE2</a> <a href="https://t.co/68cEPhlQhI">pic.twitter.com/68cEPhlQhI</a>
&mdash; Cyprien Ronze-Spilliaert (@cyprien_ronze) <a href="https://x.com/cyprien_ronze/status/2073893517894537404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2026</a></blockquote>

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Balogun was sent off during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review determined he had stepped on defender Tarik Muharemović's foot.
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically results in a one-match suspension, with no avenue for appeal by the player's national team. The Arsenal academy graduate had accepted that he would miss the clash against Belgium, describing it as "something I have to just accept."
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension would instead be placed on probation for one year under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This means Balogun remains eligible to play immediately and would only serve the suspension if he commits another similar offence within the next 12 months.
FIFA did not provide any detailed explanation beyond citing Article 27.
Reports Claim Trump Personally Contacted FIFA
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/50d57f57f215e78609323d513f18a8c7f3e0e29b6eefefcbd5c09e09ab43141a" />
According to AFP, Reuters, The New York Times and The Guardian, President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino shortly after Balogun's dismissal and urged him to review the punishment.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7617acb04eeebac3db586b28c8a78ac9d169230183df838895b6e7058db4a962" />
Trump later welcomed the outcome on Truth Social, writing:
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also publicly criticised the red card and called for the suspension to be reconsidered.
Although FIFA has not confirmed whether the reported conversations influenced the disciplinary committee's decision, the reports have fuelled questions about possible political involvement in football governance.
Belgium Condemns The Decision
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The Royal Belgian Football Association described FIFA's decision as "astonishing", arguing that it contradicts the governing body's own competition regulations regarding automatic suspensions.
The association said it was exploring all available legal options to defend the integrity of the tournament and the principle of fair play.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia mocked the announcement, joking that he "didn't know 5 July had become 1 April", comparing it to an April Fool's joke.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also admitted the late reversal came as a surprise, saying Belgium would have preferred earlier clarification to better prepare for the match.
USA Welcome Balogun's Return
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ee509b3a9c7c68735f9b5512572b62ae0fb3e92c8f07cd7e528d5275819a744c" />
The decision has been warmly received by the United States camp.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino maintained that Balogun's red card had been excessively harsh, describing the punishment as unfair for what he believed was an accidental challenge. Captain Christian Pulisic called Balogun's return "a huge boost", while US Soccer also welcomed FIFA's decision.
Balogun has scored three goals during the tournament and has been one of the United States' standout performers as the co-hosts target their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002.
Questions Over FIFA's Consistency
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e300cd25dc94913d1b4a3781f92bcde30aa88764d313b1a51375a03034691518" />
The decision has also prompted wider questions about consistency in FIFA's disciplinary process.
While Article 27 allows disciplinary sanctions to be suspended under certain circumstances, critics have pointed out that other players sent off during the tournament have all served their automatic bans. Former England defender Micah Richards criticised the ruling, arguing that it undermines confidence in the competition's disciplinary system.
The Royal Belgian Football Association also questioned why FIFA used its disciplinary code to override regulations stating that players receiving red cards are automatically suspended for the following match.
Rare Move At A World Cup
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e4fa9a37b70d3351abcfaa7ed6a8e7eaebca5c08ad53acf6530554346b63b21e" />
There is some precedent for suspended bans under FIFA rules.
Cristiano Ronaldo previously had part of a suspension deferred following a red card during World Cup qualifying, allowing him to feature at the tournament.
However, Balogun's case is considered far more unusual because the incident occurred during the World Cup itself rather than in qualification. Historically, very few players have avoided serving suspensions after being sent off during the tournament.
With Belgium continuing to challenge the decision and questions remaining over the reported involvement of political figures, Balogun's eligibility has become one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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FIFA's integrity at its best. No further explanation needed. 

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FIFA Clears Folarin Balogun To Face Belgium After Suspension Reversed Following Reported Trump Intervention

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Malaysia's crackdown on the misuse of subsidised fuel has resulted in one of its first successful prosecutions under stricter enforcement rules, after a Singaporean driver was fined RM20,000 for illegally purchasing RON95 petrol in Johor.
The case serves as a reminder that while Malaysia's subsidised RON95 fuel is significantly cheaper than premium petrol, it is reserved exclusively for eligible Malaysian motorists and cannot be purchased by foreign-registered vehicles.
Singaporean Driver Pleads Guilty
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/816c0128f8387d17fbab56b4ecb68ea1822fb44208461df92c2845a367077543" />
The man, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court after being caught filling his Singapore-registered Honda Civic with subsidised RON95 petrol at a petrol station on 9 April.
The offence was uncovered during Op Tiris 4.0, an enforcement operation carried out by officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
Sessions Court Judge Datuk Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim sentenced him to a RM20,000 fine, with an additional three-month jail term if he failed to pay. According to local reports, the driver settled the fine on the very same day.
Why Foreign Vehicles Cannot Buy RON95
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a14f673653dfc027a26aa21093d5dbdfb4fbd3e0a8be0a769e3f1a557d07e800" />
Malaysia has prohibited foreign-registered vehicles from purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol since 2010.
The subsidy exists to ensure Malaysian taxpayers benefit from government-funded fuel assistance, with eligible Malaysians currently paying RM1.99 per litre for RON95.
Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles are instead required to purchase RON97, which is sold at market prices.
While the restriction has existed for years, enforcement has become significantly stricter since 1 April 2026.
Previously, legal action was primarily taken against petrol station operators found selling subsidised fuel to foreign vehicles. However, under the revised enforcement measures, authorities can now prosecute both petrol station operators and the owners or drivers of foreign-registered vehicles.
This Johor case is believed to be among the first prosecutions under the tougher approach.
Authorities: Subsidies Must Reach The Right People
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3c7e3a6b0c6c09110bf80bb66cd6e19e8d6c4a585bb42fd5bf28561ee4b19d43" />
Johor KPDN director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the successful prosecution demonstrates the government's continued commitment to preventing the misuse of controlled goods.
She explained that enforcing the regulations helps protect consumer interests while ensuring Malaysia's subsidised fuel remains available for those it is intended to benefit.
Authorities also reminded the public that purchasing subsidised fuel using a foreign-registered vehicle is an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Under the law, first-time offenders can face fines of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including fines of up to RM3 million and jail terms of up to five years.
Companies or petrol stations found supplying subsidised fuel illegally may also face fines reaching RM2 million, increasing to RM5 million for repeat offences.
A Costly Attempt To Save On Fuel
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3199f97008424903f1313149810d2f8c4e90a4037fec6357c5f289f9deef9e67" />
Authorities did not reveal how much fuel the driver purchased.
However, the RM20,000 penalty far outweighs any potential savings he could have made by choosing subsidised RON95 instead of RON97.
At the current price of RM4.00 per litre for RON97 in Malaysia, the fine is equivalent to around 5,000 litres of premium petrol &mdash; enough to fill a typical 50-litre passenger vehicle approximately 100 times.
The case highlights just how seriously Malaysian authorities are now treating attempts to misuse the country's fuel subsidy programme.
Malaysia Vs Singapore Fuel Prices
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/42efe1111ab9d55f646d8dbde77dd6b2bc9bb345fdab57ae406d36695e3b1b7c" />
The incident also highlights the significant difference in fuel prices between Malaysia and Singapore.
In Malaysia, eligible motorists currently pay RM1.99 per litre for subsidised RON95, while RON97 costs RM4.00 per litre. Eligible BUDI Diesel recipients are also able to purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre.
In comparison, fuel prices in Singapore are considerably higher due to the absence of fuel subsidies, higher taxes and market-based pricing. Based on current pump prices, petrol in Singapore costs approximately RM9.30 to RM11.30 per litre, depending on the fuel grade and retailer, while diesel is priced at roughly RM9.00 to RM9.70 per litre.
The sizeable price gap has long made Malaysia an attractive destination for motorists crossing the border to refuel. However, Malaysian authorities have reiterated that subsidised RON95 is reserved exclusively for eligible Malaysian motorists, with stricter enforcement now targeting both petrol station operators and foreign drivers who attempt to misuse the subsidy.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A cheaper tank of petrol turned into a RM20,000 lesson for one Singaporean driver.

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Singaporean Driver Fined RM20,000 After Illegally Filling Up With Subsidised RON95 Petrol In Johor

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.

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

Nearly 200,000 owners of diesel-powered pick-up trucks and jeep-type vehicles across Malaysia will receive a larger monthly allocation of subsidised fuel under the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) programme, following the Ministry of Finance's latest announcement.
Beginning this month, eligible recipients will see their monthly subsidised diesel quota increase from 200 litres to 300 litres, providing an additional 100 litres to better support motorists who rely heavily on their vehicles for work, business and travel.
The move comes just days after the nationwide rollout of the BUDI Diesel programme, which was introduced in Peninsular Malaysia on 27 June before expanding to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan on 1 July.
Government Increases Monthly Quota To 300 Litres
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/823cb9ae7e2a2815c66260b1b19f1ea5964e4f82e2f3dadd7e94a1ee197d2a87" />
According to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the increased allocation has been approved for almost 200,000 vehicle owners nationwide.
The expanded quota benefits more than 174,000 recipients in Peninsular Malaysia, alongside over 22,000 recipients in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, as of 4 July.
Eligible owners can continue purchasing subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre, with the higher quota taking effect immediately from July.
The ministry explained that the additional allocation takes into account the significantly higher fuel consumption of diesel pick-up trucks and jeep-type vehicles, many of which are used for commercial purposes or frequent travel to rural and remote areas.
Designed To Support Those Who Depend On Their Vehicles
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1c558c616e30438b034455943e85dc173a1332537ee71e256b07ba72ac745b19" />
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government recognises that these vehicles are more than just personal transport.
For many Malaysians, especially small business owners, farmers, contractors and those living outside urban areas, pick-up trucks and diesel utility vehicles are essential tools for earning a living and managing everyday family responsibilities.
He said the additional 100 litres is intended to help eligible recipients better manage their monthly fuel expenses while ensuring government assistance reaches those who genuinely require it.
Public Response Has Been Encouraging
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a356febee968302f269c70958a0240b0d0a0221fd667f0d70d2aeb1604fa7539" />
The BUDI Diesel programme has recorded strong public participation since its implementation.
According to Amir Hamzah, more than 238,000 users have already benefited from the initiative.
Between the programme's early access period on 27 June and 4 July, more than 336,000 subsidised diesel transactions were successfully recorded.
During that period, motorists purchased approximately 12.6 million litres of subsidised diesel, with the government providing more than RM23 million in fuel subsidies.
The recorded transactions include purchases made during the early access phase when diesel was priced at RM2.15 per litre, before the official subsidised price was reduced to RM2.10 per litre following the programme's full implementation on 1 July.
Eligibility Transfer Now Available For Family Members
Following public feedback, the government has also introduced a new eligibility transfer mechanism under BUDI Diesel.
The new feature is designed to help families where the registered vehicle owner is not the person who regularly drives the vehicle, or where ownership records have yet to be updated.
Under the new system, registered BUDI Diesel recipients can apply through the official BUDI MADANI portal to transfer subsidy eligibility to an immediate family member, subject to verification and programme conditions.
Alternatively, motorists may choose to officially update their vehicle ownership records with the Road Transport Department (JPJ). To encourage ownership updates, the government has also waived diesel vehicle ownership transfer fees for three months starting from 1 July 2026.
So far, more than 2,000 transfer applications have already been submitted through the portal.
More Eligible Owners Can Still Apply
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/09f7e86b3dc52fc19efe065390d5f1dcbe6b5bec460ede1b75982c0ebec917b5" />
Owners of eligible diesel-powered pick-up trucks and jeep-type vehicles who have not yet received the additional 100-litre allocation can still submit an application through the <a href="https://www.budimadani.gov.my/">BUDI MADANI portal</a>.
The same online portal is also used for eligibility transfer requests and ownership-related updates.
The government has encouraged eligible motorists to apply if they have yet to join the programme.
Programme Will Continue To Be Refined Using Real Data
Although the programme is still in its early stages, the government says it will continue monitoring its implementation closely.
Amir Hamzah explained that BUDI Diesel will adopt a data-driven approach, with future improvements based on actual fuel usage patterns, public feedback and industry input rather than assumptions.
He pointed to previous adjustments made under other targeted subsidy initiatives, where fuel quotas were revised after analysing consumption data to better reflect real-world usage.
The minister added that it is still too early to determine the total savings generated by the targeted diesel subsidy programme, as transaction data is still being collected and verified.
However, initial feedback from petrol station operators suggests diesel sales volumes have already declined slightly, indicating fewer purchases by motorists who are not eligible for subsidised fuel.
The government believes this will help reduce subsidy leakages and ensure public funds are directed towards Malaysians who genuinely qualify, while allowing future savings to be channelled into additional assistance programmes.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Good news, the government has increased the monthly BUDI Diesel quota to 300 litres.

7e02dde93a1558f71707866af497704a54d338980bc1e72cad335de0df1471c7

Nearly 200,000 BUDI Diesel Recipients To Receive Increased 300-Litre Monthly Subsidised Quota From July

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

Just weeks after BIGBANG delighted fans by announcing their long-awaited return to Kuala Lumpur, another familiar face from the legendary K-pop group is also heading to Malaysia.
Former BIGBANG member T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, has officially announced his first-ever solo Asia fan meeting tour, "T.O.P PRE-STUDIO 2026", with Kuala Lumpur confirmed as one of the tour's major stops.
The announcement marks another exciting moment for Malaysian K-pop fans, who will now have the opportunity to meet the rapper, actor and artist in person as he embarks on a new chapter of his career.
Who Is T.O.P?
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/f56047c22f63d469ceb7244b32d918d7177103da86d27e33b0ce093c2b628ac2" />
T.O.P debuted as one of the lead rappers of BIGBANG in 2006, a group widely regarded as one of the pioneers that helped propel K-pop onto the global stage. Alongside members G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri, the group became one of the most influential acts of the second-generation K-pop era.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/--zku6TB5NY?list=RD--zku6TB5NY&amp;start_radio=1" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Over the years, BIGBANG dominated music charts across Asia and beyond with iconic hits including Fantastic Baby, Bang Bang Bang, Haru Haru, Lies, Blue and Last Dance. Their influence earned them numerous accolades, including multiple Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, and international recognition for helping shape the global Hallyu wave.
While T.O.P was known for his distinctive deep voice and charismatic stage presence, he also established himself as a respected solo artist. His breakout solo releases such as Turn It Up and the critically acclaimed Doom Dada showcased his experimental style, artistic visuals and unique approach to hip-hop.
Why Did T.O.P Leave BIGBANG?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/446059b4f67d777c7f7d4d82908a739ada6572b56e452f9e9f5f950f5e07ac8d" />
T.O.P officially parted ways with YG Entertainment in 2022 before confirming his departure from BIGBANG in 2023 as he shifted his focus towards pursuing independent creative projects.
Following his departure, he expanded his career beyond music, becoming increasingly involved in contemporary art, entrepreneurship and acting.
Most recently, T.O.P introduced himself to a new generation of global audiences through his role as Thanos in Netflix's hugely successful Squid Game series. His appearance in the hit Korean drama reignited public interest in both his acting career and eventual return to music.
Earlier this year, he also made his long-awaited musical comeback by releasing his first full-length studio album in more than a decade, signalling a fresh start as an independent artist.
T.O.P PRE-STUDIO 2026 Heads Across Asia
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed5058b4ed0754119c0278f201d62135845364df0df733d2f0d0538b447727de" />
The newly announced PRE-STUDIO 2026 tour marks T.O.P's first solo fan meeting tour since making his debut nearly two decades ago.
The multi-city tour will kick 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, will be invited as a gesture of appreciation for their years of support.
Following Japan, the tour will visit several major Asian cities including:
<ul>
<li>Hong Kong &mdash; 15 August</li>
<li>Taipei &mdash; 22 August</li>
<li>Jakarta &mdash; 19 September</li>
<li>Kuala Lumpur &mdash; 27 September</li>
<li>Bangkok &mdash; 5 &amp; 6 October</li>
<li>Tokyo &mdash; November</li>
<li>Kaohsiung &mdash; 19 December</li>
</ul>
His agency, TOPSPOT PICTURES, has also hinted that additional cities may be announced in the near future.
Kuala Lumpur Fan Meeting Details
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c61ebd27edb8c7c07d88f0f69b81cda59babf98075482ec4d5feeff4712259a0" />
Malaysian fans can catch T.O.P live on:
T.O.P PRE-STUDIO 2026 &ndash; Kuala Lumpur
<ul>
<li>Date: 27 September 2026 (Sunday)</li>
<li>Venue: Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena)</li>
<li>Organiser: To be announced</li>
<li>Ticket Prices: To be announced</li>
<li>Ticket Sales: To be announced</li>
</ul>
While ticketing details have yet to be revealed, fans can expect more information, including seating plans and pricing, to be announced through the organiser's official channels in the coming weeks.
Unlike a traditional concert, fan meetings typically feature a mixture of live performances, exclusive talk sessions, games, behind-the-scenes stories and interactive activities that allow artists to connect more personally with their fans.
A New Era With Another Dimension
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/5ORJMfjjUnPI2gJwI35OjE?utm_source=generator&amp;si=a2c6204f014346ff" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
The tour follows the successful release of T.O.P's latest studio album, Another Dimension, which arrived earlier this year as his first full-length solo project in over 13 years.
Released under his independent label TOPSPOT PICTURES, the album represents a fresh artistic direction for the rapper, blending cinematic production, introspective storytelling and futuristic visuals. It also performed strongly internationally, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes Albums Chart in 15 countries while also securing a place on the Billboard World Albums Chart.
The PRE-STUDIO 2026 tour is expected to showcase songs from Another Dimension alongside fan-favourite tracks from throughout T.O.P's solo career, offering longtime supporters a chance to experience his new musical era live.
Listen To T.O.P On Spotify
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/4yiB30K5scGkjmAgHGIH8Y?utm_source=generator&amp;si=5e40081ef63f4f85" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
If you're planning to attend the Kuala Lumpur fan meeting&mdash;or simply want to revisit some of his biggest releases&mdash;now's the perfect time to stream T.O.P's music on Spotify.
Fans can revisit classics such as Doom Dada and Turn It Up, while also diving into his latest album, Another Dimension, which marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter in his career as both a musician and performer.
With both BIGBANG and T.O.P now making their way back to Malaysia this year, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for longtime VIPs and K-pop fans alike. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Longtime fans, this one's for you. Meet T.O.P in Kuala Lumpur this September!

e112f3f1743322272f677ab1f4647d9d147b6df8e8c6846bc962e8761167b74d

T.O.P Announces First Solo Asia Fan Meeting Tour, With Kuala Lumpur Stop Confirmed This September

After several days of disruption caused by a cyberattack, motorists across Selangor can once again use the Smart Selangor Parking and Flexi Parking apps to pay for parking as normal.
Both platforms confirmed on 2 July that their services have now been fully restored following recovery works and extensive system testing. This also means that parking enforcement by local councils has officially resumed, so drivers are once again required to pay for parking according to the usual rates and time limits to avoid receiving a parking summons.
In separate announcements, both Smart Selangor Parking and Flexi Parking thanked users for their patience throughout the outage and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
What Happened To The Parking System?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c8b2caf2a7876309bb08bc737d7191b491490d4f4a9008746c4d976f12afbf29" />
The disruption began on 30 June, when motorists suddenly found themselves unable to make parking payments through the affected applications.
Initially, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the issue was related to a system migration and instructed local councils across the state to temporarily suspend issuing parking summonses while the platform was unavailable.
However, Selangor Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim later confirmed that the outage was caused by a cyberattack involving the Flexi Parking system.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Famirudinbinshari%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0mqyhVRvYQYaZaGLCfG8B3b7YHa3NH39xFxUhzAjRgSCsysVnTkFqvU65GytnfRtMl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="693" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The incident was not limited to Selangor alone. The Flexi Parking platform, which is used by 64 local authorities nationwide, experienced widespread disruption that also affected states such as Sabah and several councils across Malaysia.
The matter has since been referred to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further investigation.
Expect A Few Minor Issues After The Restoration
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/3db6cafc09d8906cec7e4fa264c971f7e2ce717d57b6db6b53c2cae288af385b" />
Although both applications are now operational again, users have been advised that some teething issues may still occur while the system stabilises.
Flexi Parking says it is currently handling a high volume of enquiries from users experiencing issues, with reports including:
<ul>
<li>Missing account credit or top-up balances</li>
<li>Difficulty reloading funds</li>
<li>Payment history discrepancies</li>
<li>Other app-related technical issues</li>
</ul>
The company has assured users that every report is being reviewed individually and has asked affected motorists to contact its customer support via private message with the following information:
<ul>
<li>Registered phone number</li>
<li>Vehicle registration number</li>
<li>Description of the issue</li>
<li>Screenshot (if available)</li>
<li>Payment or compound details, where applicable</li>
</ul>
Given the scale of the disruption, users may need to exercise a little patience while customer support works through the backlog.
Parking Summonses Are Back &mdash; And So Are Previous Records
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2b9f4685953997f575fd8fd331ee3321879d5fadd15daeca8eb1c9c9506afbc6" />
For motorists who enjoyed a brief break from parking enforcement during the outage, that grace period has officially ended.
With both Smart Selangor Parking and Flexi Parking fully operational again, local councils have resumed issuing parking summonses, meaning drivers should ensure they continue paying for parking before leaving their vehicles.
Those checking their accounts may also notice that previous summonses and compound records have reappeared following the system's restoration.
While some users were initially surprised to see outstanding compounds showing up again, these records were only temporarily inaccessible during the service disruption and have now been successfully restored alongside the system.
A Cyberattack That Affected Much Of Malaysia
The incident highlighted just how widely the Flexi Parking platform is used across the country.
Developed by Leading Innovative Technologies and Systems (LiTS), the platform powers digital parking payments for 64 local authorities nationwide, making the outage one of the largest disruptions to Malaysia's digital parking infrastructure in recent years.
During the downtime, several local authorities temporarily suspended parking enforcement because motorists were unable to make payments, while others introduced alternative payment methods where available.
Now that recovery has been completed, authorities say parking services have returned to normal. However, motorists are encouraged to double-check their parking sessions, account balances and outstanding compounds, and to report any discrepancies through the official customer support channels.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Parking payments and enforcement have resumed across Selangor, but some users are still reporting minor issues after the system's restoration.

FIFA Clears Folarin Balogun To Face Belgium After Suspension Reversed Following Reported Trump Intervention

FIFA's integrity at its best. No further explanation needed.

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