
#SHOWBIZ: Ben Amir: I didn't move to the Philippines because of girlfriend
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Ben Amir has debunked rumours that his move to Siargao Island in the Philippines was prompted by a romantic relationship.
While he confirmed he's currently in a relationship, he stressed that his decision to relocate had no bearing on it.
The Spanar Jaya X star, whose real name is Muhammad Amir Sabaruddin, explained that he's in Siargao to establish a restaurant and resort business.
"Yes, I'm in a relationship, but that's got nothing to do with me going to Siargao. We've known each other for two years, and she's from the Philippines too," he said at the premiere of his latest film, Gantung: Musketeer Code, at GSC Mid Valley Megamall yesterday.
Ben added that his restaurant and resort are slated to commence operations by year-end.
"Becoming an entrepreneur has always been part of my dreams, and I'm very happy in Siargao right now. "Nevertheless, I still love acting and I'll appear in Malaysian productions from time to time."
Gantung tells the gripping story of four college friends accused of causing the death of a female peer by hanging.
Directed by Nadia Khan, the film opens on June 5 and also features Ikmal Amry, Hafreez Adam, Shazia Rozaini, and Taufiq Hanafi.

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The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia's music icon Hael Husaini celebrates stupendous year with his first-ever solo concert at Zepp KL on Aug 8
He is the current trendsetter of Malaysian music. And Hael Husaini aims to strike it even higher with sterling show and that will come with his first solo concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Aug 8. The musician, singer, composer, writer and brilliant in his work aim to raise the bar in his career after confirming to media on his first-ever solo concert in Malaysia. In a media statement on Saturday, Hael said the best way to celebrate with his fans after his stupendous success over the last two years is having a night out with them and hence the solo-concert on Aug 8. It has been success after success for Hael over the last two years. Of course, the height of it all was his Hari Raya duet with songstress Nadeera Zaini. The duet's "Meriah Lain Macam" for the Raya festival was simply stupendous, to say it right. Over 1.87 billion hits in media and social streaming platforms and being ranked No.1 in so many charts. Breaking records just about everywhere and also a superb 16 million-plus hits in You Tube alone. Also known for her extraordinary vocals, creativity beyond the norm and classy style, the "Hael Husaini & Repertoire Concert" promises a night that is not just a concert — but an artistic, fashion and emotional experience that is sure to become a part of the history of Malaysian music. "That is my promise to my fans," said Husaini. "It will be a memorable night for me and my fans and I can ensure it will a show they will not forget in time to come. From Local Music Star to Name Mentioned at Buckingham Palace Since stepping into the art industry, Hael Husaini has not only carved a name for herself as the winner of the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) two years in a row with iconic songs such as "Jampi" and "Haram" (a duet with Dayang Nurfaizah), but has also changed the local music landscape with his creative touch as a songwriter for leading artists. Among his masterpieces is 'Anta Permana' sung by Datuk Sri Siti Nurhaliza which has not only become a favorite of Malaysians, but also received an extraordinary honor when it was selected by HRH King Charles III for the official royal playlist 'The King's Music Room' on Apple Music. 'When I was told that the song I composed was on King Charles' official playlist, I was speechless. It is not just a personal achievement, but a recognition for Malaysian music,' said a moved Hael. AACA 2024 Best Theme Song & National Fashion Representative 2024 also saw Hael make history when the song 'Diam' — the OST of a local drama was announced as the 'Best Theme Song' at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) held in Singapore. In addition, hi bold and sophisticated persona and style took her to the Milan and Paris Fashion Week 2025 stages, showcasing luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Zegna, Amiri, Emporio Armani and Kenzo — while mingling with international celebrities at the front row of exclusive fashion shows. 'I don't just want to be known as a singer or composer, but as an artist who represents Malaysia with style wherever I stand,' explained Hael. Official Announcement at Big Stage Alpha After giving fans a mysterious glimpse at the 'Antonim Night' mini showcase on May 31 at PJPAC, the official announcement about the concert was finally made during the live broadcast of Big Stage Alpha on June 1, 2025, where Hael was also a regular judge. The announcement at Big Stage Alpha only highlighted two glimpses of future singers who will also join "Hael Husaini & Repertoire Concert". And through a post on Hael Husaini's own socs media page, he announced that Dayang Nurfaizah and Nadeera, who will be his special guests who will be also be sharin g the stage with Hael at the concert. 'Dayang and I have been through various phases in our careers. She is not only a singer that I admire, but also a true friend. Meanwhile, Nadeera is the face of the future of Malaysian music. I am very excited to share the stage with them both,' said Hael. But the special guests list is not stopping there as Hael also announced two more singers who would be joining the "Hael Husaini & Repertoire Concert" -- they are rising stars of Malaysian music Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali. A Special Night for Everyone – More Than a Concert The "Hael Husaini & Repertoire Concert" is expected to not only present a range of Hael's popular songs from the past to the present, but will also feature new musical arrangements, cinematic visual performances, guest artist segments, and of course, an exclusive fashion show that reflects Hael's own aesthetic evolution. 'I want the fans who attend to not just hear the songs, but to experience my journey, immerse themselves in my emotions, and witness my true creative side – from music, visuals, to fashion. I want them to leave Zepp feeling inspired, fulfilled and proud to have been a part of the night,' Hael said. Ticket Categories for the Concert: Platinum (Standing) - RM258; Gold (Standing) – RM168; Silver (Standing) – RM148; Bronze (Standing)– RM120; VIP Box (Seated) –RM588 Special Ticket Benefits Platinum (Standing): Autographed poster by Hael Husaini VIP Box: Special box for 10 people each; Meet and Greet passes; Autographed poster by Hael Husaini; special merchandise, food and drinks; special VIP entrance for ticket holders Ticket sales are now open to fans via The latest information on "Hael Husaini Concert & Repertoire" will be updated via Hael Husaini and Rocketfuel Entertainment's official social media channels.


New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ex-Harimau Malaya star Krasniqi's wonder goal goes viral
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Focus Malaysia
9 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Pearly-Thinaah's ‘undies on the outside ala superman' tournament apparel invites ridicule
TOP national women's doubles pair of Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan needs no introduction for their court exploits. On May 18, the duo was crowned the Toyota Thailand Open 2025 champion to become the first Malaysian women's pair to win the 41-year-old event. They came close for close to their second title this year at the Kapal Api Indonesia Open 2025 only to lose out in the final to China's world's No.1 of Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning in rubber set 25-23, 12-21, 19-21 on June 8. However, a recent social media post chose to highlight the pair's somewhat bizarre on-court outfits. Facebooker Rinny Ryn Yong has likened the pair's skirt as looking like 'a boy's boxer shorts with a sweat towel tucked behind'! Her light-hearted observation drew a lot of comments with many thinking they were the only ones who thought the sports attire looked weird. But alas, many out there shared the same observation. Quite a few were left wondering why the famed shuttlers were wearing their undies on the outside – ala superman – or in this case 'Malaysian superwomen'. Many did highlight that it was the fault of the kit designers rather than the pair per se. The duo who is currently ranked third best women's doubles pairing in the world were said to have little choice in the matter as the outfit is largely dictated by the Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) sponsors. One netizen though wondered how such design could be approved by the BAM which is the sport's governing body in Malaysia. Quite a few though did see the funny side, claiming it was designed to purposely confuse the opponents. One went on to label it as a clever 'deceptive strategy'. All said and done, Pearly-Thinaah are no chumps. As reported in the New Straits Times, they have already pocketed RM614,511 from the World Tour in 1H 2025 alone. They earned the hundreds of thousands from 10 tournaments with the biggest purse coming from the Indonesia Open where they took home US$50,750 (RM214,670; runners-up). Earlier in the year, they earned RM158,689 for their Thailand Open triumph. Their other winnings came from the Indonesia Masters 2025 (RM76,368; runners-up) and India Open 2025 (RM56,275; semi-finalist). Pearly-Thinaah will resume their hunt for more honours and money at the Daihatsu Japan Open 2025 from July 15-20 which offers RM265,782 for the women's doubles top prize. Let us all wish them luck while at the same time hope they have snazzier uniforms this time. But as one netizen pointed out, whatever uniform they may be wearing, the important thing is their form on the court. – June 14, 2025