Nabil Luqman

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Social

tech

jobs

Apple Store

expansion

spotlight

Putrjaya

speculations

Malaysia could be on track to get its second official Apple Store, with Putrajaya emerging as the strongest candidate based on a new wave of recruitment activity by Apple.
The speculation comes after Apple began advertising a sizeable number of Apple Retail positions based in Putrajaya. While the company has not announced plans for another Malaysian outlet, the scale and variety of the vacancies suggest that something bigger could be in the works.
Apple currently operates just one official retail store in Malaysia, located at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur, which opened in June 2024.
22 Apple Retail Positions Listed In Putrajaya
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d3ed7bdf56818a7f37b803145e47039434f1624ab498f9c549340098899352cd" />
Apple&rsquo;s careers website currently shows 22 vacancies associated with Putrajaya, covering a broad mix of retail, technical and customer-facing positions.
The listings include roles such as Apple Retail Senior Manager, Manager, Technical Expert, Technical Specialist, Genius, Genius Admin, Pro and Specialist, with both full-time and part-time positions also available.
The range of positions is particularly noteworthy because these are not simply corporate or administrative jobs. Many of the roles are directly associated with the day-to-day operation of an Apple Store, including sales, technical assistance and customer service.
However, the listings do not explicitly state that they are for a new retail outlet. Apple has also yet to publicly confirm that it is planning a second store in Malaysia.
For now, the vacancies are therefore best viewed as a strong hint rather than confirmation.
Could IOI City Mall Be The Location?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/be7a5fd4a92b9d4dc46673d781c980789f74cd605693b2f55224d811aa2d2c34" />
The biggest mystery surrounding the potential second Apple Store is its eventual location. While the new job listings are specifically tied to Putrajaya, Apple has not revealed which development or shopping centre the roles are intended for.
Naturally, IOI City Mall has emerged as one of the names being floated. The mall is already a major retail destination in the area and has continued expanding since opening, making it one of the more obvious possibilities for a high-profile international brand such as Apple.
However, there are other possibilities. D&rsquo;Pulze Putrajaya could potentially be considered, while newer developments and retail spaces around Putrajaya may also be in the running.
At this stage, though, there is no evidence confirming any of these locations. The Putrajaya job listings only indicate where the positions are based, rather than where a physical store would eventually operate.
Until Apple makes an official announcement, the exact location remains anyone&rsquo;s guess &mdash; although the recruitment activity has certainly given Malaysians plenty of reasons to speculate.
Apple&rsquo;s Previous Hiring Pattern Could Offer A Clue
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a32567c85e63a75e55f96e136ebd92536ed198239676da99a1019f749716d31c" />
Interestingly, Apple&rsquo;s current recruitment drive bears similarities to how the company prepared for its first Malaysian store.
In December 2022, Apple began advertising a number of retail positions in Malaysia, including roles such as Store Leader, Manager, Senior Manager, Genius, Creative, Specialist and Technical Specialist. At the time, Apple had not publicly announced plans for a Malaysian retail outlet. However, the variety of positions suggested that the company was preparing to operate a physical store.
The recruitment continued into early 2023, before Apple eventually opened its first Malaysian outlet at The Exchange TRX on 22 June 2024. That means there was a gap of roughly 18 months between the initial recruitment activity and the store's opening.
If Apple is following a similar timeline with its latest Putrajaya recruitment, Malaysians could potentially have a considerable wait before a second outlet becomes a reality.
What Makes An Official Apple Store Different?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/41b1cd7a39548c3e41d1128dc7101119b5007ec36af0f1bda95d4add61f9465f" />
Another Apple Store would offer more than simply another location to purchase an iPhone, MacBook or Apple Watch.
Apple&rsquo;s official retail outlets provide customers with access to Apple Specialists, who can offer advice on products, help customers compare devices and assist with setting up new purchases.
Customers can also access the Genius Bar for technical support, troubleshooting and assistance with their Apple devices. Depending on the store, other services such as product demonstrations, trade-ins, collections and workshops may also be available.
The existing TRX outlet also features The Forum, a dedicated space used for Today at Apple sessions and other activities designed to help customers learn more about Apple's products and creative tools.
Apple's direct retail stores also provide customers with access to Apple's own return and refund policies when purchasing directly from the company, subject to the relevant terms and conditions.
Still No Official Confirmation
For now, the Putrajaya Apple Store remains unconfirmed.
The 22 retail vacancies certainly make the possibility more interesting, particularly given Apple's previous hiring pattern ahead of the TRX store. However, without an official announcement, the exact purpose of the recruitment drive, location and opening date remain unknown.
If Apple does eventually open a second Malaysian outlet, Putrajaya would mark a significant expansion of the company's physical retail presence beyond Kuala Lumpur.
For now, Malaysians will have to wait and see whether these job listings are the first sign that Apple Store No. 2 is on its way.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Apple posted 22 retail vacancies in Putrajaya, sparking speculation over a second Malaysian store. Could it be next?

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Apple May Be Preparing Malaysia’s Second Official Store, With Putrajaya In The Spotlight

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BIllie Eilish UMMY

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Coke Fifa

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UMMY Sienna Spiro

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Moviegoers, especially Potterheads, if you have absolutely nothing going on on 28 August, you might want to keep your entire day free because Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) is bringing the magic of Hogwarts back to the big screen with a 24-hour Harry Potter movie marathon.
The special screening will take place at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur, giving fans the chance to watch all eight films back-to-back in what GSC describes as a celebration of 25 years of Harry Potter magic.
For anyone who has ever wanted to experience the entire journey from Harry receiving his Hogwarts letter to the final battle against Voldemort on the big screen again, this might be your excuse.
Eight Movies, Almost 24 Hours Of Magic
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3bf4ca5ecb5e8692505fd30884d2e6aa0448aae5fe48cb9ef8746e9900204f99" />
The marathon kicks off at 9pm on 28 August with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, before taking fans through all eight films until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows &ndash; Part 2 concludes the marathon the following evening.
The screening schedule is:
<ul>
<li>9.00pm &ndash; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</li>
<li>12.00am &ndash; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</li>
<li>3.15am &ndash; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban</li>
<li>6.15am &ndash; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire</li>
<li>10.00am &ndash; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix</li>
<li>1.30pm &ndash; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince</li>
<li>4.30pm &ndash; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows &ndash; Part 1</li>
<li>8.00pm &ndash; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows &ndash; Part 2</li>
</ul>
With each film running for around two and a half hours, fans will also get breaks between screenings to stretch their legs, grab food and, most importantly, survive the overnight portion of the marathon.
GSC has also advised attendees to arrive around 30 minutes before each screening for a briefing.
Tickets Start From RM299
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a659d5836d34763c66f59cdf7a665843aff40e258fc3cc4c0d7ee5394b1f3d61" />
Now, here's where things get interesting.
GSC is offering two different bundles for the marathon, with the more affordable Knight Bus Bundle priced at RM299, down from its stated RRP of RM440.
The package includes a 2D Aurum Pass for all eight films, three main meals, printed merchandise, a marathon certificate, an exclusive Harry Potter tumbler, as well as unlimited popcorn, drinks and snacks.
For those looking to go all-out, there's also the Hogwarts Express Bundle, priced at RM988, compared with an RRP of RM1,928.
This premium package comes with a Getha Lux Suite Aurum Pass for all eight movies, alongside the same meals, merchandise, certificate, tumbler and unlimited refreshments. It also includes a Getha Lux blanket, Tencel eye mask and Getha Premium Botanical Body Wash.
So yes, you could technically spend nearly RM1,000 to watch Harry Potter for 24 hours. But for the ultimate Potterhead, that might just be the price of admission to Hogwarts.
Reddit Is Already Debating The Price
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b1d8797ec038e3664e06c82b431a8e030485ae34742d92a09ca5a1ee71c9955c" />
Unsurprisingly, the ticket prices have already become a talking point among Malaysian Harry Potter fans online, with Reddit users discussing whether the marathon is actually worth the hefty price tag.
Some have pointed out that RM299 is considerably more expensive than a normal cinema ticket, particularly when the marathon requires fans to commit almost an entire day to the experience.
Others, however, have taken a more Potterhead approach: if you're already a massive fan and have always wanted to experience all eight films in a cinema setting, the additional meals, snacks, merchandise and exclusive memorabilia could make the package more worthwhile.
And honestly, we get it. Some people collect sneakers, some people spend on concerts and some people apparently have no problem spending their galleons to sit through eight Harry Potter films in one sitting.
What's Aurum Theatre At The Exchange TRX Like?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/fa0b52d43c74533706925d84731591be5df94a96209d0fe682112e1001c188ea" />
For those unfamiliar with the venue, Aurum Theatre at The Exchange TRX is GSC's premium cinema concept, offering a more elevated movie-going experience compared with a standard GSC cinema.
The venue is known for its premium seating and upgraded cinema experience, making it a fitting location for an event that is essentially asking fans to live inside a cinema for almost 24 hours.
The premium Hogwarts Express package takes this even further with access to the Getha Lux Suite, along with additional comfort items such as a blanket and eye mask &mdash; something you might genuinely appreciate when you're watching The Goblet of Fire at 6.15am.
Tickets Are Already Selling Out
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1152172d4b131458659433550f0c1086a6283c6944b32ef99c35098b517b83bf" />
If this sounds like your kind of weekend, you might want to move quickly.
Tickets are currently selling out, with the marathon being promoted as a limited-seat event and potentially the final opportunity to experience the 24-hour Harry Potter marathon.
So, whether you're a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, 28 August could be your chance to spend nearly an entire day back in the Wizarding World.
Just remember to bring your wand, your Hogwarts robes and, most importantly, enough stamina to make it through eight films.
Because let's be real &mdash; RM299 might sound steep, but Potterheads will understand that some things are simply priceless.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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They must be Running out of New Movies .. ✨

8953610e6bbc9a08e0177df353a93943dd7e077e39c6fea8e537912d5b0fa637

Harry Potter Marathon For RM 2k In Gold Class Cinema

Meta has confirmed that one of its artificial intelligence models accessed the internet and exploited a security vulnerability in a third-party service during a cybersecurity evaluation. The incident adds to a growing number of cases involving advanced AI models carrying out unexpected cyber activity during controlled testing.
Meta said the incident was caused by a misconfiguration in the testing environment operated by Irregular, an independent cybersecurity evaluation company working with the tech giant. The error unintentionally gave the AI model access to the open internet, allowing it to interact with systems outside the intended testing environment.
Meta said it is investigating the incident and plans to provide more information once it has established the full details.
How The AI Model Gained Access
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e8b26d2caf7e957da01f5672361db776f53868a244f5a5b38f5139dcde9e6992" />
According to Meta, the model was supposed to operate within a controlled evaluation environment designed to test its cybersecurity capabilities safely.
However, a configuration error by Irregular inadvertently allowed the model to access the internet. Once connected, the model went on to exploit a security vulnerability in a third-party service.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the behaviour was similar to previously reported incidents involving AI models from other companies.
Reports from The Information identified the model involved as Muse Spark 1.1, which Meta has described as its most capable model for real-world coding and agentic tasks. The model reportedly breached an unidentified company's systems and made changes to its internal environment.
However, Irregular stressed that the incident did not involve an AI model escaping from a secure sandbox or carrying out a sophisticated cyberattack.
The company described it as an evaluation-environment issue and said there were no ongoing security issues resulting from the incident.
Irregular is now working on a white paper outlining best practices for safely containing AI models and conducting cybersecurity evaluations.
Similar Incidents Involving Anthropic And OpenAI
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aa66d350a68b48e24177213667c3aa35bd9a2028cae7803564a1405c86c60b8c" />
Meta's disclosure comes shortly after similar incidents involving other major AI companies.
Anthropic recently revealed that some of its models had accessed the internet and breached the systems of three organisations during cybersecurity testing. Like the Meta incident, Anthropic said the models were given unintended internet access because of a configuration issue involving Irregular's testing environment.
OpenAI has also disclosed a separate incident involving its AI agents during cybersecurity testing. In that case, an AI system reportedly exploited a previously unknown vulnerability to gain internet access and subsequently targeted systems associated with Hugging Face, an AI development platform.
The OpenAI case differed from the Meta and Anthropic incidents because the model itself identified and exploited a vulnerability rather than simply benefiting from an incorrectly configured testing environment.
Together, the incidents have raised questions about how effectively increasingly capable AI systems can be contained, particularly when they are given the ability to perform complex tasks autonomously.
AI Models Are Becoming More Capable
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4dff0145bfaff573d4b9eadb8d58690ba704f985459304f6fc484fdbb789f46c" />
The incidents highlight a growing challenge for AI developers: models designed to solve increasingly complicated problems can sometimes find unexpected ways to achieve the objectives they are given.
Daniel Hulme, global chief AI officer at WPP, told the BBC that AI systems are not conscious or deliberately acting maliciously. Instead, they can develop sophisticated strategies to achieve a particular goal, including approaches that their developers may not have anticipated.
This is particularly relevant to so-called agentic AI, where models can independently carry out multi-step tasks, use tools, browse the internet and interact with external systems.
As these capabilities improve, ensuring that models remain within their intended boundaries during testing becomes increasingly important.
Growing Concerns Over AI Cybersecurity
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/98bb14e438c895fe583c245186b299d7bbc22fcea434c4d8bb7d9c15409fe849" />
The recent incidents have also attracted attention from cybersecurity researchers and policymakers, with concerns that increasingly capable AI could eventually be used to conduct or facilitate real-world cyberattacks.
The UK's AI Security Institute (AISI) recently reported finding instances of "unsanctioned agent behaviour" during its own cybersecurity evaluations. Some AI systems reportedly took autonomous actions online, including creating fake identities to interact with real people and attempting to gain access to services.
AISI stressed that its tests were deliberately conducted under reduced safeguards, including intentionally enabled internet access, to assess the maximum capabilities of advanced AI models. The conditions did not reflect how the models are normally deployed to the public.
OpenAI and Anthropic similarly said their incidents occurred in controlled testing environments with safeguards reduced or altered specifically to assess cybersecurity capabilities.
The Challenge Of Testing AI Safely
The latest Meta incident demonstrates the difficult balance AI companies face between testing what their models are capable of and ensuring those tests do not create genuine security risks.
Cybersecurity evaluations often require models to be given significant freedom to explore vulnerabilities. But if those safeguards are incorrectly configured, a model may be able to interact with real-world systems beyond the intended test environment.
With Meta, Anthropic and OpenAI all reporting incidents involving AI models and cyber systems in recent weeks, pressure is likely to grow on developers to establish stronger testing standards and containment measures.
For now, Meta and Irregular say the incident is being investigated, with Irregular preparing guidance on how future AI cybersecurity evaluations can be conducted more securely.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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AI security concerns grow after Meta’s AI model hacked a third-party system during testing.

d905e7d6af07f9cda9114d6e2e949d4e92245fd968293b63af7b7e22b25037b9

Meta AI Model Hacks Another Company During Testing After Internet Access Misconfiguration

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob&rsquo;s scheduled court appearance has been postponed after he was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) with an irregular heartbeat.
The 66-year-old Bera Member of Parliament was due to appear before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (7 August) to face a charge under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, believed to be linked to the declaration of his assets.
His lawyer, Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, told the court that Ismail Sabri had been admitted to IJN the previous day after experiencing health problems while recording his statement at MACC headquarters.
The prosecution did not object to the postponement, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusof Khan saying it was appropriate on humanitarian grounds. The court subsequently fixed 27 August for the charge to be read and for Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s plea to be recorded, subject to his health improving sufficiently for him to attend.
Health Setback Delays Court Proceedings
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d42e5d494ab1bbf2c9c6a4dac850350057370b16a70968890f1ba4eb20f6da88" />
According to Amer, Ismail Sabri was at MACC headquarters from around 9am until 6pm on Thursday when he began experiencing health problems. MACC officers were informed of his condition before he was taken to IJN for further assessment.
Doctors later confirmed that he was suffering from arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. He is scheduled to undergo a pacemaker procedure at IJN and is expected to require several days of recovery.
Amer also revealed that Ismail Sabri had suffered a fall around two weeks ago and was admitted to Pantai Hospital. He had already been scheduled for a check-up at IJN next week before his latest health episode.
The lawyer said Ismail Sabri remains under MACC bail and there was no concern that he would abscond.
After visiting his client at IJN, Amer said the former prime minister remained determined to clear his name, although his immediate priority was his health.
&ldquo;He is determined to clear his name. However, his immediate priority is his health,&rdquo; Amer said, adding that the legal team would be ready to return to court once Ismail Sabri had stabilised and received medical clearance.
Charge Linked To Asset Declaration
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f0a2dd52a394d17c8e36792fe57987e4309d151533e1eccae4e5abafc9de2a85" />
The charge is registered under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act, which concerns compliance with a notice issued by the anti-corruption agency.
The case stems from a wider MACC investigation into Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s declaration of assets. He was questioned by the agency several times throughout 2025 as investigators examined allegations linked to corruption and money laundering during his time as prime minister.
The investigation reportedly centred on expenditure and procurement for promotional and publicity activities under the Keluarga Malaysia initiative, which was launched during Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s tenure from August 2021 to October 2022.
MACC completed its investigation in June 2025.
RM170 Million In Cash And Gold Seized
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b34fb93db8dfa79ba60456c9b33fe96fdb63472d97fe2ba1f06059097f496622" />
The investigation gained significant attention after MACC arrested four of Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s senior aides in February 2025 and carried out raids on properties believed to have been used as &ldquo;safe houses&rdquo;.
Authorities seized around RM170 million in cash in various currencies, approximately 16kg of gold bars valued at about RM7 million, as well as jewellery and luxury watches.
In October 2025, the Sessions Court ordered more than RM169 million in cash allegedly linked to Ismail Sabri and his former political secretary, Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus, to be forfeited to the Malaysian government.
The money included Malaysian ringgit and several foreign currencies, including US dollars, Singapore dollars, Swiss francs, euros, Japanese yen, British pounds, New Zealand dollars, Emirati dirhams and Australian dollars.
The forfeiture was not contested by Ismail Sabri or his former aide, and no third-party claims were made against the money.
The forfeiture proceedings are separate from the criminal charge that Ismail Sabri is now expected to face.
Court Proceedings Rescheduled For 27 August
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5014c66fc93a4de65a017e2b94bcceee97afa10dabd0a3bbd4ba7f601a014462" />
Ismail Sabri was originally expected to become the third Malaysian prime minister to face criminal charges, following former prime ministers Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Earlier reports suggested prosecutors could seek permission for the charge to be read at IJN following his hospitalisation. However, the court ultimately decided to postpone the proceedings instead.
The prosecution did not object to the defence&rsquo;s application, while the judge accepted that Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s medical condition and scheduled pacemaker procedure made it inappropriate to proceed with the charging and plea recording.
The case will now return to the Sessions Court on 27 August, when the charge is expected to be formally read and Ismail Sabri&rsquo;s plea recorded, provided he is medically fit to attend.
For now, his legal team says his focus remains on his recovery, while maintaining that he is prepared to face the allegations in court and clear his name.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Hospitalised with an irregular heartbeat, Ismail Sabri’s hearing has been postponed to Aug 27.

53135824521ddc8abac8aac146f6b5469fcca4242c42f3ad74d8a4fc728bd125

Former PM Ismail Sabri’s Corruption Charge Postponed After Hospitalisation

Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is set to launch its first standalone hijab collection in Malaysia on 17 August 2026, marking another step in the brand&rsquo;s growing focus on modest fashion and everyday wear.
The collection is developed under UNIQLO&rsquo;s LifeWear philosophy, which focuses on creating functional clothing designed around comfort, practicality and quality. Rather than following seasonal fashion trends, the brand said the new hijab range was created around fabric innovation, with each design offering different features to suit various lifestyles and occasions.
The collection includes three styles &mdash; the AIRism UV Protection Hijab, Georgette Hijab and Satin Hijab &mdash; each designed with different materials and wearing experiences in mind. All three designs will be priced at RM59.90 and will be available at all UNIQLO stores nationwide as well as through the brand&rsquo;s online store.
Three Hijabs Designed For Different Needs
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/61f00bf7e6943f271f42af64504871c2839dd17eb1190bf7cf808f097a05363b" />
The AIRism UV Protection Hijab is positioned as an everyday option, featuring UNIQLO&rsquo;s signature AIRism fabric known for its lightweight, breathable and quick-drying properties. The hijab also includes UV protection, making it suitable for Malaysia&rsquo;s warm and humid weather, especially for those who spend long periods outdoors.
Meanwhile, the Georgette Hijab focuses on a softer and more lightweight feel, offering a flowing texture and elegant drape. The Satin Hijab provides a smoother finish with a subtle sheen, designed for those who prefer a more polished appearance for formal occasions or events.
The three styles come in a variety of colours and feature a one-size triangular cut aimed at providing a simple and versatile wearing experience.
The launch also builds on UNIQLO&rsquo;s previous involvement in modest fashion. In 2015, the retailer collaborated with British-Japanese designer Hana Tajima to introduce a modest-wear collection featuring hijabs, long dresses and loose-fitting clothing. The collection was first launched across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand before later expanding into markets including the United Kingdom and United States.
Collection Sparks Debate Over Hijab Coverage
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6cb4a7c0905b3e0ea49eaf131b3aa160011962052f1d56680ab67b3c46510fe8" />
While many welcomed UNIQLO&rsquo;s entry into the hijab market, the collection has also sparked debate online, particularly regarding the level of coverage provided by the designs.
Some social media users questioned whether the product fully aligns with traditional expectations of a hijab in Malaysia, with criticism focusing on the fact that certain campaign images appeared to show parts of the wearer&rsquo;s neck and chest area remaining visible.
Some critics argued that the design was closer to a turban-style head covering rather than what many Malaysians commonly understand as a hijab. Others called on the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to review the branding and use of the term &ldquo;hijab&rdquo;, expressing concerns that consumers could be confused about the meaning and expectations associated with the product.
The discussion also extended to the wider issue of how international fashion brands adapt products for different cultural markets, particularly when terms carry religious and social significance.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some users defended the collection, noting that hijab styles can vary depending on personal preference, cultural background and individual interpretation. Others argued that consumers should have the freedom to choose how they wear the product based on their own understanding of modesty.
Some also pointed out that creative decisions behind major campaigns usually involve multiple stakeholders, including brands, agencies and production teams, rather than being determined by a single individual.
Modest Fashion Continues To Grow Globally
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c84e34790a503167834d28b332b11700c482768106ee5cb04727763f69616b1f" />
The debate surrounding UNIQLO&rsquo;s collection comes as modest fashion continues to expand from a niche market into a major segment of the global fashion industry.
Over the past decade, international brands have increasingly introduced products aimed at customers seeking modest clothing options. Sportswear giant Nike launched its Pro Hijab for Muslim athletes in 2017, while brands such as H&amp;M, Tommy Hilfiger, Mango and Dolce &amp; Gabbana have also explored modest fashion through dedicated collections or campaigns featuring hijab-wearing models.
For UNIQLO, the latest launch reflects the brand&rsquo;s approach of applying its expertise in functional fabrics to meet the needs of a wider customer base. With features such as breathability, comfort and versatility, the collection appears designed to cater to women looking for practical everyday options, particularly in warmer climates.
As the launch approaches, the collection has already generated both excitement and discussion among Malaysian consumers. While supporters see it as a step towards greater representation and accessibility in fashion, critics continue to debate whether the designs reflect local expectations surrounding hijab coverage.
Regardless of differing opinions, UNIQLO&rsquo;s latest move highlights the increasingly complex conversation around modest fashion &mdash; where functionality, cultural identity and personal choice intersect.
The UNIQLO Hijab Collection will officially launch on 17 August 2026, with all three styles available nationwide and online at RM59.90 each.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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The collection is here, but UNIQLO’s hijab design has sparked a wider conversation.

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UNIQLO Launches First Standalone Hijab Collection In Malaysia, But Coverage Sparks Debate

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has denied a viral claim that all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 payment under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme in conjunction with this year's National Day.
The ministry confirmed that the poster circulating on social media is fake and stressed that no such payment has been officially announced.
MOF has urged the public not to believe or share the misleading poster, reminding Malaysians to rely only on information published through its official channels.
Viral Poster Claims RM100 Will Be Credited Through MyKad
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKemKewangan%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0zPZEctfwW8CyAhfnmsUmWRds2KKg91McjWXZ75mLWmkozP4hhguq87QWE8pFKo2vl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="737" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The viral poster claimed that every Malaysian aged 18 and above would receive RM100 under SARA between 15 August and 31 August 2026.
It also alleged that the assistance would be credited directly to recipients' MyKad and could be used to purchase essential goods at more than 4,100 participating stores nationwide.
However, MOF dismissed the claims, saying no official announcement has been made regarding any National Day SARA payment.
"The public is advised to always obtain verified information through the Ministry of Finance's official channels before sharing it, to avoid the spread of false information that could mislead the public," the ministry said.
As such, there are currently no confirmed plans for another nationwide RM100 SARA distribution in conjunction with National Day.
What Is SARA And Who Is Eligible?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0fd2847c7fa1841c003c8e55e78d135a1f92d1c0e5cb64e008d88cb585871123" />
Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) is a government assistance programme that helps eligible Malaysians purchase essential goods using their MyKad instead of receiving cash directly.
The programme is intended to ease the cost of living by allowing recipients to buy approved daily necessities, such as groceries and household essentials, at participating retailers. Earlier this year, frozen food was also added to the list of eligible purchases.
Eligibility is determined by the government and generally covers qualifying recipients under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme, as well as other approved low-income groups. Eligible recipients do not need to submit a separate application if they have been approved under the relevant government assistance schemes.
Once the assistance is credited, recipients simply present their MyKad when making purchases at participating stores. The amount spent is automatically deducted from their available SARA balance.
The Last RM100 One-Off SARA Payment Was Distributed Earlier This Year
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/836cd80a4c44a98240d49fb2a3085eb1fdd85c6e9993676aaf874a2cb3c0caf2" />
The government previously introduced a one-off RM100 SARA allocation for Malaysians aged 18 and above, which was credited on 9 February 2026.
The assistance was loaded directly onto recipients' MyKad and can still be used to purchase approved essential items at participating merchants until the end of 2026.
Although a similar initiative was introduced earlier this year, MOF said there has been no announcement that the programme will be repeated for this year's National Day celebrations.
Government Considering Higher STR And SARA Assistance
While there is no new RM100 National Day payment, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently said the government is considering increasing assistance under both the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and SARA programmes if economic conditions allow.
The proposal was discussed with Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican and is expected to be considered as part of the upcoming Budget announcement.
Until any official decision is made, MOF has advised Malaysians to ignore unverified claims and refer only to official government announcements regarding financial assistance programmes.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Don’t trust everything you see on the internet. MOF has debunked the fake RM100 SARA claim with an official post.

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