Health minister confirms no payments for star-studded Raya bash
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed that no payment was made for the performances by several well-known celebrities during the ministry's Hari Raya celebration on Tuesday.
In a brief statement, Dzulkefly said the attendance and performances by Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, Norsyarmilla Jirin (Mila AF), and Jamal Abdillah were done voluntarily to celebrate the presence of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Health Ministry staff.
The Kuala Selangor MP added that Siti Nurhaliza...
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The Star
a day 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.
The Star
02-06-2025
- The Star
Starchild: Why cookies are every Malaysian kid's sweetest craving
Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 Who doesn't love cookies? These sweet, yummy treats come in different shapes, sizes and flavours. Some are round, some are square, and some are shaped like animals or cartoon characters! Cookies can be soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. One of the most popular cookie flavours is chocolate chip. But did you know there are many other flavours and types too? You can find peanut butter cookies, butter cookies and even colourful rainbow cookies. In Malaysia, some cookies are made for special occasions. Nor Aina Harris, 12 For Hari Raya, families bake kuih raya like cornflakes cookies and chocolate almond cookies. Chinese New Year is not complete without dragon biscuits and peanut cookies. Even Deepavali has its own tasty treats like murukku and coconut biscuits. Every celebration has its own special cookie to be enjoyed and shared. Cookies are great to eat with a glass of milk, share with your friends or give as gifts. They remind us of fun times in the kitchen, happy moments with family and the joy of sharing something sweet. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Cookies. 'Being a cookie fan, my cookie invention will come in a variety of flavours. On the menu will be delicious quadruple chocolate cookies, fruity filling cookies, and even vegetable cookies; there will be a type of cookie suitable for everyone, young and old,' writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, seven, says: 'I would like to come up with a type of Pokemon series cookies since many children and adults like Pokemon. The cookie will be colourful and it's in a secret rainbow flavour that you need to try to know how it tastes.' Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 7 'I love cookies – especially chocolate chip ones. Sometimes, my mum and I bake them together on weekends. I get to mix the dough and add lots of chocolate chips. The best part is smelling the cookies while they are baking in the oven,' writes Nor Aina Harris, 12. ITEM: Imagine if you had a superpower, like talking to animals or being in charge of the weather. What would you do to make the world happier? Maybe you'd chat with playful monkeys or make the sun shine every day so flowers bloom and butterflies dance. What if you could build a magical home just for animals? A cosy forest with ripe, sweet fruits and sparkling streams where every animal feels safe and free. You might even throw the biggest, happiest animal party ever! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 13. Please put 'STARCHILD: The Magic of Nature' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Engaging Sepang folk via radio
Muhamad Shah (left) being interviewed by producer Nur Syahirah Abdul Ghani (right) during the pilot Kopi & Susu programme. Looking on is another producer Putri Fazlyen Azzaharah Mohd Fauziman. SEPANG Municipal Council (MPSepang) has taken to the airwaves with its own radio station to provide updates to the local community. Launched last August, Radio MPSepang is the first local authority-run station in Selangor. The council staff, many of whom are from Sepang, double as on-air talent who are better able to relate to their target audience. MPSepang deputy president Muhamad Shah Osmin revealed that the concept was inspired by a visit to Radio MBI, the online station of Perak's Ipoh City Council. Seeing the potential of using internal staff as radio announcers, MPSepang decided to adopt the idea. 'We appointed two staff members as producers to oversee the station's operations,' Muhamad Shah said. 'MPSepang Radio serves as a direct link for the community to hear from us. 'Being online, it means anyone with Internet access can tune in from anywhere, at any time.' An audition was held to select the radio announcers, who now host three-hour shifts once a week. This schedule ensures their primary duties at the council remain unaffected. Muhamad Shah said the station's programming was curated to provide updates on local government initiatives, public services and community matters. The radio features two main segments: Semarak Pagi from 9am to noon, Mondays to Fridays, and Kopi & Susu from 3pm to 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 'We began with Semarak Pagi which focuses on important council announcements. 'In February, we launched Kopi & Susu, featuring guest interviews from government agencies and organisations, among others,' he explained, adding that he was the first guest on the slot. The Kopi & Susu segment has seen a surge in listener numbers, reflecting strong community interest in interviews and informative discussions. 'Since its launch, the station recorded a total of 18,231 listeners by the end of March. 'However, for Kopi & Susu alone, we recorded 17,990 listeners in February and March. 'Our audience is drawn to relevant topics and expert guests,' he shared. For example, during the fasting month, dietitian Faizah Ahmad Mokhtar from Hospital Cyberjaya shared tips on staying hydrated. Leading up to Hari Raya, Sepang OCPD Asst Comm Norhizam Bahaman discussed home safety during the 'balik kampung' season. Looking ahead, Muhamad Shah said plans are underway to expand programming with guest announcers and external personalities, and foster greater engagement with the local community. Radio MPSepang can be accessed at
