
'I came as a guest and sang without payment'
Pop queen Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin has clarified that she did not charge the government for her performance at the Health Ministry's Hari Raya celebration yesterday.
She shared a short video on her Instagram stories of her on stage with a clarification to media reports quoting netizens who questioned the price tag that the ministry had to pay for such a star-studded open house.

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New Straits Times
04-06-2025
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#SHOWBIZ: Nadeera Zaini: A Sitizoner at heart since age three
KUALA LUMPUR: Like many Malaysians, singer Nadeera Zaini is a devoted admirer of the National Songstress, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin. "I admit that I am a Sitizoner. I have been a fan of hers for a long time. When I was three years old, I was told that the first song I ever sang was her track, 'Cindai'. Every time I heard 'Cindai', I would start dancing," she recalled. The 32-year-old singer shared this revelation with 350 spectators who attended her recent showcase, 'An Evening With Nadeera', held in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. At the showcase, the Johor-born singer also performed Siti's song, 'Tanpa Dendam Di Hati'. "I chose 'Tanpa Dendam Di Hati' because I truly appreciate the lyrics, which remind me not to hold any grudges against those who may have wronged me or hurt my feelings," she said.


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
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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