Loud and Clear , Yb.

T E R B A I K

Tetima kasih YB

Senyap sunyi sepi dr thn lepas..hantar borang permohonan

KKmart should take discipline action for those monitoring the halal certification in their company

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

what SOP you suggest ? Easy to say & point fingers now .. triggered by the "Ham Sandwich" .. go to the source of the problem, sorry to say but its an industry problem faced by all marts & retailers. Jakim should be proactive and do periodic checking because only they are authorised to verify halal status. They should open their doors to allow the public esp retailers to check & verify halal status including online apps

Good work YB

Selamat Hari ponggal

Happy Pongal!

www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/01/13/german-firms-in-china-hire-private-detecti… "BEIJING (SCMP): German companies are hiring private detectives to investigate whether employees on long-term sick leave are genuinely ill, viewing it as an effective way to dismiss unproductive workers during economic hardship. The practice has sparked a heated discussion on social media in China. One such private detective agency, Lentz Group, located near Frankfurt’s main railway station, is experiencing a surge in business in this niche market, according to AFP. Marcus Lentz, the founder of the agency, revealed that the company receives approximately 1,200 commissions annually, around double the figure of a few years earlier. According to the federal statistics agency Destatis, German workers averaged 15.1 days of sick leave in 2023, up from 11.1 days in 2021. This high rate of absenteeism is estimated to have reduced Germany’s GDP by 0.8 per cent in 2023, contributing to an economic contraction of 0.3 per cent. The TK, one of Germany’s major statutory health insurers, also reported a record high average of 14.13 sick days among the workers it covers in the first nine months of 2024. According to data from the Organization of Economic Development (OECD), Germans missed an average of 6.8 percent of their working hours in 2023 due to illness, performing worse than other European Union (EU) countries such as France, Italy, and Spain. One possible reason for such a high rate of sick leave is the convenience of obtaining medical approval for leave due to post-pandemic policies. During the Covid-9 pandemic, Germany introduced a system that allowed employees with mild symptoms to obtain sick leave certificates over the phone. This has led to widespread misuse post-pandemic, with some people feigning illnesses such as coughing or faking symptoms during phone consultations to secure sick leave. In Germany, sick employees are entitled to a full salary from their employer for up to six weeks per year. After this period, health insurance institutions take over by paying sickness benefits. Faced with financial burdens, some companies are turning to private detectives for investigations, viewing it as a worthwhile investment to address employee inefficiencies, despite the potential hefty costs. “There are just more and more companies that do not want to put up with it any more. If someone has 30, 40 or sometimes up to 100 sick days in a year, then at some point they become economically unattractive for the employer,” Lentz told AFP. The cost of hiring such services was undisclosed. Lentz recalled cases where employees on long-term sick leave were helping out at family businesses or renovating their houses. However, gathering evidence does not always lead to successful dismissals. For instance, a bus driver in Italy was fired after he was caught singing and playing the piano at a bar during sick leave, purportedly for anxiety. However, Italy’s Supreme Court ruled that such activities helped alleviate his condition and ordered his reinstatement. Experts also caution that such services may not address the causes of high sick leave rates, which have increased due to legitimate issues like rising respiratory illnesses, increased work stress, and growing mental health challenges after the pandemic. The news has sparked a lively online discussion in China, where sick leave generally requires deductions from salaries based on tenure at the company. One online observer said: “Wait, sick leave in Germany does not deduct from performance bonuses or year-end rewards? What a dream.” “In China, sick leave requires a medical certificate and deducts part of your salary. If this is the case in Germany, then problem solved,” said another. – SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST"

www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2025/01/13/perdana-botanical-garden-kls-oldest-public-… "Once a colonial vision, this iconic garden has a legacy dating back to the 1880s." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxFull Story Herexxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "KUALA LUMPUR: Did you know that one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic parks began as a simple patch of land in 1888? Perdana Botanical Gardens, the oldest public park in KL, now a lush green haven, was brought to life by the vision of Alfred Venning, then Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board. Venning’s idea was simple: to create a public garden that could serve as a green sanctuary amidst the burgeoning city. His proposal received the support of British colonial official Frank Swettenham, who approved the plan and secured a modest grant to clear 173 acres of land. Fun fact: Swettenham became the first Resident-General of the Federated Malay States, uniting Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang under a single administration based in Kuala Lumpur. He was a key figure in shaping British policy and the structure of governance in the Malay Peninsula. To bring Venning’s vision to life, the Sungai Bras-Bras was dammed to form a picturesque lake named Lake Sydney, after Swettenham’s wife. (The lake is now known as Perdana Lake.) This serene water feature became the heart of the gardens. Initially, the landscape was adorned with ornamental palm trees and shrubs, but the gardens soon flourished with the addition of 100 Michelia alba trees, known for their bright yellow flowers, and citrus trees. Many of these were donated by prominent figures of the time. On May 13, 1889, the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens was officially opened by the Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Cecil Clementi Smith. In its early years, the gardens became a social hub for the British and European communities. The Lake Club, established in 1890 by 28 prominent figures, including government officials and police superintendents, quickly became the centre of social life for Europeans in Kuala Lumpur. Now known as the Royal Lake Club, it stands as a lasting symbol of Kuala Lumpur’s colonial past. With over 9,000 members, it is recognised as one of the most active and established clubs in the country. Tucked within the gardens, the Carcosa Seri Negara residence holds its own fascinating history. Built in 1904 as the official home of Swettenham. The building also played a pivotal role in Malaysia’s journey to independence. From 1955 to 1957, it housed discussions and the drafting of the Malayan Constitution. After independence, it was returned to Malaysia in 1987 and restored as a boutique hotel. Though currently closed for renovations, Carcosa Seri Negara remains an enduring symbol of Malaysia’s colonial and post-independence history. Perdana Botanical Gardens also reflects Malaysia’s multicultural spirit. The nearby National Mosque, built between 1963 and 1965, was designed by the Malays, built by the Chinese and Indians, and was financed collectively by the Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. In 1975, the park was renamed Taman Tasik Perdana (Perdana Lake Gardens) by Tun Abdul Razak, and became a popular spot for jogging, and family outings. Initially designed as a recreational park, it gradually evolved over the decades, featuring flora from around the world. Its biggest transformation came in 2011 when then-prime minister Najib Tun Razak officiated its rebranding as Perdana Botanical Gardens, reflecting its focus on conservation, education, and biodiversity. What sets this garden apart is its impressive variety of plant life. Visitors can discover Bornean trees, rare fruit collections, and even a charming miniature herb garden. Today, you’ll find labels on the many plants here, detailing their common and scientific names. For the tech-savvy explorer, some even come with QR codes that provide instant access to additional information about their origins and uses. Among the gardens’ many attractions is the Orchid Garden, opened in 1986, which showcases over 800 species of orchids, including rare and endangered varieties. Located at the highest point in the gardens, it also acts as a nursery, a conservation centre and a research centre for orchids. Nearby, you’ll find the Hibiscus Garden – dedicated to Malaysia’s national flower – all in full bloom. This 0.9-hectare space is protected by mature trees making it highly suitable for hibiscus cultivation. Perdana Botanical Gardens is now a popular spot for photography, featuring lakes, picturesque bridges, and even a deer park. The shaded pathways are perfect for picnics or quiet reflection, making it a must-visit spot in the bustling city of KL. Perdana Botanical Garden Jalan Kebun Bunga Tasik Perdana 55100 Kuala Lumpur

www-malaymail-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2025/01/12/life-afte… "-Malaysia’s K9 Unit dogs are retired as early as eight years old based on health evaluations, with stringent medical care and humane treatment prioritised, including euthanasia only as a last resort. -Retired dogs remain in the K9 Unit kennels, receiving round-the-clock care as treasured members of law enforcement, despite not holding formal ranks. -PDRM urgently needs more dogs, requiring 95 replacements for retired or unwell canines, with plans to acquire 25 new ones every two years to meet increasing demands. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 — Malaysia’s K9 Unit dogs are essential partners in law enforcement, working tirelessly alongside their human handlers to detect drugs, track suspects, and even protect their teams. However, as these highly trained animals age or sustain injuries, the time inevitably comes when they can no longer serve. So, what happens to them once they retire from active duty? "These boys are that much to us, and it is very hard to put the ones who are ill down,” Assistant Deputy Director of Technical Assistance Division (D6), Criminal Investigation Department, ACP Zuraimi Zam Zam told Malay Mail in an interview at Bukit Aman here. Zuraimi insisted that utmost care is given to each K9 Unit member, with euthanasia only as an absolute last resort — when the dog is nearly vegetative. Do police dogs have ranks? Although these exceptional dogs form an elite unit, they serve in their capacity without any police ranks. "Imagine their handlers, police corporals, and the canines being sergeants? That’s quite a mismatch, and it would be really awkward!” Zuraimi said, laughing. "That’s a joke among us, but honestly, it would create difficulties, so our canines don’t have ranks. They all share one big rank: very good boys!” However, the dogs are recognised and categorised according to their specialities, including: crime, narcotics detection, cadaver detection, bomb and weapons detection, electronic storage device (ESD) detection, and mantrailing to locate missing persons or suspects wanted for investigations. Once they retire, they will stay in their own kennel in the K9 Unit, where they are given all the love, care and affection they deserve. "Here, the term put-to-sleep or PTS is something that is abhorred. Our canines are very treasured and each one leaves a footprint when they come, and go when their time is up,” he explained. Zuraimi said stringent medical check-ups are done and veterinarian doctors are consulted once a canine is found to be completely unable to function. "It is the very, very, very last decision and that too if nothing more can be done,” he added. Retirement can begin as early as eight Zuraimi said that the retirement age starts at eight based on the veterinarian’s advice, but this is not fixed and depends on each individual dog’s fitness and health levels. "The health of the dog is a critical factor. If the dog has a chronic condition or issues such as heart or hip problems, the veterinarian will assess their condition. "We will then review the findings and, based on this, we may decide to retire the dog, even if they are only six or seven years old,” Zuraimi said. He explained that by the time the canines reach nine or 10-years-old, they are typically retired, as their performance may decline over time, making them slower on field duties. The dogs are given meticulous care, Zuraimi said, which also includes monthly check-ups that consist of blood tests. "So in cases of emergency when our dogs are ill, we go to the veterinary hospital in Universiti Putra Malaysia, but if anything untoward happens after office hours, we have our assigned private panel clinics for immediate care,” Zuraimi said. Unwell canines receive medical care, followed by recovery in the K9 Unit kennels with round-the-clock attention. As government assets, they remain in the unit for security reasons and cannot be taken home by their handlers. Not enough canines Zuraimi said more canines are needed, especially for border control efforts. "We lack a lot more dogs. Many of our borders do not have dogs, and adding to this is the increase in criminal activities, which are getting more sophisticated with technology,” he said. He stated that PDRM currently require around 95 dogs to replace those that have retired, become ill, or passed away. To address this, Zuraimi hopes to get 25 new canines every two years, both to replace retired dogs and to improve efficiency. "Dogs are living creatures, and we need to treat them with the same respect we give to humans. Before I joined the K9 Unit, I saw them as just animals, but they give so much of their lives to us,” Zuraimi related. "It’s truly disheartening when they grow old, when they are sick and lying in their kennels. Throughout their lives, they have served as cops, and until their last breath, they carry that honour and identity with them. "So regardless whether a dog is a stray or is in active service, be kind. Don’t hurt them,” he suggested."

www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2025/01/12/039oceans-that-speak039-exhibition-explores-cultu… "It's almost unimaginable now, but there was a time when bustling ports and open seas were the lifeblood of cultural and spiritual exchange. Centuries ago, the Malay Peninsula stood as a thriving crossroads where traders, scholars, and artisans converged, shaping the course of history. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur is highlighting this historic era with its new exhibition Oceans That Speak: Islam And The Emergence Of The Malay World. This insightful show, running through June 15, reveals how maritime trade became the driving force behind the spread of Islam and left an indelible mark on the cultural evolution of the Malay Peninsula and its surrounding archipelagoes. “The exhibition’s narrative begins with the spread of Islam and the introduction of the Jawi script, followed by mapping routes and boundaries, the rise of port cities and trade, the cosmopolitan Malay world, and the networks of ‘ulama’ (religious scholars). It then explores European colonisation and concludes with the enduring Islamic influences and traces of the pre-Islamic era,” says Siti Marina Mohd Maidin, the exhibition’s lead curator. The Oceans That Speak exhibition, which was planned nearly four years ago, presents an array of artefacts, manuscripts, letters, textiles, ceramics, and artworks, each piece offering a glimpse into the interconnected worlds of culture, spirituality, and commerce that shaped the Malay Peninsula. The collection, comprising over 100 artefacts, traces trade routes and narratives spanning present-day Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. “The spread of Islam to this region was a multifaceted process, involving Muslims from diverse ethnic backgrounds – from the Hijaz and the land of Tarim to the Indian subcontinent and even China – each contributing to the rich and varied Islamic cultural landscape of the Malay world,” she adds. The age of trade For a glimpse into the Malay world before the arrival of European powers, IAMM curatorial team members Izuan Fadzli and Dalia Mohamed also offered invaluable insights, explaining the exhibition’s storyline and the significance of each artefact within its historical context. “In the 13th century, the ocean served as a grand stage for travelers from across the globe – a meeting point for cultures that had never before intersected. The artefacts on display here reveal how Islam, alongside other influences, became deeply woven into Malay-Islamic art and daily life,” says Izuan, who also curated the museum’s permanent “Malay World Gallery”. Situated between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, the Malay world has long been a vital hub of international trade, particularly during the Spice Route era. Strategic ports like Melaka emerged as bustling crossroads where traders from diverse regions converged. “Many religious scholars from the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula spent extended periods in the Malay world, advising local leaders and spreading Islam to regions such as Aceh and the East Coast, including Terengganu,” he explains, gesturing towards a manuscript, believed to feature the oldest known Malay interlinear translation in Jawi script. A lasting legacy At the beginning of the exhibition, the “Gebyok”, a 19th-century Javanese entrance gate or partition, serves as a prime example of this era of transformation in architecture, where Quranic verses began to be intricately carved into wood. “What I find fascinating about this design, aside from its ability to provide ventilation through the gaps in the calligraphy – a practical feature for South-East Asia’s climate – is the choice of verse: Surah Al-Fatihah. For Muslims, this verse is recited in every prayer, so the artisan who crafted this piece was particularly creative in emphasising its significance,” says Dalia, who is also an Arabic researcher at IAMM. A display of Chinese porcelain plates featuring Arabic script also highlight the fascinating fusion of cultures along ancient trade routes. These pieces not only showcase the artistry of their makers but also symbolise the spread of Islam, blending Eastern craftsmanship with Islamic spirituality. Another section of the exhibition focuses on Malay culture and the ways in which travellers began to adopt its influences. The trade in spices and textiles symbolised the deep ties of the Malay Archipelago with global markets. These goods not only filled treasure chests with wealth but also carried stories, art, and knowledge across the seas, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s cultural fabric. “In port cities, there was a strong demand for textiles from India, particularly from Gujarat and the Coromandel Coast,” says Izuan. “However, the Malays developed their own distinct preferences when it came to design. This is where we start to see local motifs, like ‘pucuk rebung’ – a pattern commonly found in batik and songket – appear in foreign textiles, such as Indian patola,” he adds, pointing to the collection of garments and accessories displayed in the gallery. The exhibition, featuring the IAMM collection, also showcases spices and a detailed map of the Spice Trade Route, a network facilitating trade between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. “One of the key reasons the Dutch and British fought to control the trade routes in the Malay world was its wealth of natural resources,” explains Dalia. “As shown on the map, islands with significant economic value are marked with their key products, particularly sandalwood and cloves. For instance, the modern-day Nusa Tenggara region, including the island of Sumba and the Sumba Strait between Sumbawa and Sumba Islands, is marked for its sandalwood. Meanwhile, the cluster of islands around Amboina in the Banda Sea, part of the Moluccas Islands, is marked as the Clove Islands due to their major production and export of the spice,” she adds. The exhibition then transitions into the era of colonialism, showcasing an array of weapons and armour, with muskets shown as symbols of conquest, and the changing tides during this period. For history enthusiasts and visitors alike, the IAMM is offering guided tours for the Oceans That Speak exhibition. An accompanying publication has been also been released, alongside a monthly series of related programmes."

www-nst-com-my.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2025/01/1159884/three-millio… "ALOR GAJAH: Three million giant freshwater prawn larvae will be released in public waters around Melaka with the assistance of the Fisheries Department this year. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the effort is meant to boost the fisheries' supply of resources, especially for freshwater prawns, in the state in hopes of meeting local demand. It will also help raise the supply of catches by anglers, especially in the Paya Lebar area, which is known as a giant freshwater prawn haven. "Out of three types of giant freshwater prawn larvae released, it is expected 25 per cent will breed and be caught as food stocks in a period of six months. "About 100,000 larvae were released today at the Paya Lebar Fishermen's Jetty in Lubok China in conjunction with this programme," he told reporters here today after officiating an agriculture carnival for the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency. He said that the agriculture carnival will be expanded throughout the state as part of the government's efforts to transform and empower economic development in rural areas. Such programmes would strengthen the agriculture and agro-food industries and serve as a platform to collect and sell agricultural products and food directly to local communities, he added. "The public will not only get to enjoy necessities at prices 30 per cent cheaper than market prices but also can watch demonstrations of product manufacturing and briefing on coconut crops, as well as obtain coconut saplings, fertiliser and other products for free," he said. – BERNAMA"