Latest news with #Farida
The Star
27-07-2025
- The Star
Public transport users feel safer with seat belt ruling
The wearing of seat belts is now compulsory in express and tour buses. — Filepic THE enforcement of seat belt use for passengers and drivers on express and tour buses nationwide has received positive feedback. A French tourist, who wished to be known as Farida and was travelling around the country with her husband and three daughters, gave it a thumbs up. 'In our country, it is not mandatory to wear seat belts on city buses and as such, we forgot to fasten up when we arrived in Malaysia. 'It is always good to use the seat belt as it can save lives,' she told StarMetro while waiting for a bus at the Larkin Sentral bus terminal in Johor Baru. Human resource executive Yap See Wei, who commutes between Johor Baru and her workplace in Singapore, described it as a positive step. 'Wearing a seat belt can ensure passengers are not flung out in the event of an accident. 'I always fasten my seat belt, especially for long-distance travel.' She also suggested that stricter action be taken against repeat offenders. Polytechnic student S. Theivaanaath, who was travelling back to Seremban with his sister after a term break, also welcomed the enforcement. Yap (left), pictured with her sister says she feels safer now that the seat belt ruling has been enforced. 'I think it is for everyone's safety. When we wear seat belts, we can reduce the chances of serious injuries or death during an accident. 'Even the bus driver wore a seat belt and reminded us, too. 'So, I think the enforcement is working,' he said, adding that it should be continuous. Universiti Kuala Lumpur student Siti Noorsyahirah Mohammad Yusof said authorities should focus on the conduct of bus drivers. 'I take long-distance express buses weekly to return to my hometown in JB and I have seen drivers playing games, making loud video calls at night on their phones and even hurling insults at other motorists. 'Passengers can be fined for not wearing seat belts but what about the drivers? 'Shouldn't they face stricter consequences since they are the ones who drive recklessly and cause accidents?' She also shared her frightening experience during a trip returning from her campus in Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru. 'We were all sleeping when suddenly, there was a strong, burning smell. 'A passenger at the back started shouting to alert the driver. 'At first, he ignored it. Only after a while did he stop to check on the vehicle's condition. 'Everyone had been worried that the bus would catch fire if the driver did not stop to inspect the source of the burning smell.' It was reported that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had enforced the installation and use of seat belts for all express and tour buses starting July 1. This is in line with Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008). For the first offence of not wearing a seat belt, the fine is RM2,000 or a jail term of not more than six months.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Two techies nabbed with MDMA, LSD stamps in Kochi
KOCHI: Two IT professionals, including a woman, were arrested in the early hours of Thursday with narcotic substances, including MDMA and LSD stamps, in Kochi. Farida, 27, a native of Lakshadweep currently residing in Kangarappady, Ernakulam, and Shivajith Sivadasan, 24, of Muvattupuzha, were apprehended by inspector K P Pramod of the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotics Special Squad, Ernakulam. The team seized 4 grams of MDMA and 30 LSD stamps. 'The two were arrested from a lodge on Electronic Street, in Pallimukku, based on a tip-off. They bought the narcotics from online sources using cryptocurrency primarily for their own use and distribution within close circles,' an official with the Ernakulam excise circle said. Preliminary investigations indicate previous drug purchases, though this is the first time they've been caught, he added. Pramod said the duo were employed with a Bengaluru-based firm, for whom they were working remotely from Kochi. They first met while working for a company in Thiruvananthapuram. What began as a professional acquaintance eventually turned into a relationship, and they resigned that job to join the Bengaluru firm.'As per their statements, Farida and Shivajith first bought the narcotics for personal use, before starting to supply them within select circles,' Pramod said. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the two were produced before court and remanded. 'We are now investigating the source of the drugs, the extent of the involvement of cryptocurrency, and whether a larger network is linked to the operation,' a senior officer with the excise squad said.
Mid East Info
03-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE's Top Employers Honoured at Employee Happiness Awards 2025 — Culture Over Perks, Say Winners - Middle East Business News and Information
The 2025 Employee Happiness Awards set the stage for a powerful celebration of workplace excellence, with 75% of the UAE's Top Employers stealing the spotlight for their exceptional work culture June 03, Dubai, UAE: The third edition of the Employee Happiness Awards was held last week at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, honouring companies across the UAE that have built thoughtful, reliable frameworks to support employee well-being, culture, leadership, and inclusion. Hosted by Eventyst Global, this year's awards drew the strongest response yet, with more than 380 entries submitted across 26 distinct categories. The audience featured major employers from sectors such as aviation, banking, logistics, retail, and real estate. Among the standout winners were Deloitte & Touche, honoured for HR Team of the Year ; Etihad Airways, for Best Employee Wellness Initiative ; DHL Global Forwarding, for Best Women-in-Leadership ; Bacardi, for Best Diversity and Inclusion Program ; and Emirates NBD, for Best Community Impact Initiative . Emirates Islamic won the Gold Award for Best Employee Driven Business Change . 'For us at EI, creating a positive and supportive environment isn't just part of the job; it's something we genuinely care about,' said Farida, Chief Human Resources Officer. 'We empower our employees to reach their full potential, we support our women at the workplace and value diversity. We always look at ways to transform our processes.' Xworks won the Silver Award for Best Company to Work For – Small , for its deeply collaborative and people-led approach. 'Xworks' journey from nomination to becoming a finalist for the Employee Happiness Award has been both inspiring and validating,' said Soren Kraen, Owner & Executive Director. 'It reflects a true team effort and stands as a testament to the collaborative, people-first culture we've built together.' Balmer Lawrie UAE LLC won the Gold Award for Best Retention Initiatives , for its long-standing focus on employee loyalty and workplace longevity. 'We are proud to share that Balmer Lawrie UAE LLC has been honored with the Gold Award for Best Retention Initiatives at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025,' said Francis Jerome, VP (HR). 'This recognition is a testament to our enduring commitment to people-first practices. With a 48-year legacy in the UAE as a joint venture between the Govt of India and the Ruling Royal Family, Balmer Lawrie UAE LLC has always prioritized creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Today, 45% of our workforce has been with us for over a decade — a reflection of the culture we've built together. Our sincere thanks to the Employee Happiness Awards committee, Plan3 Media, and all our stakeholders for their continued support and recognition.' Ricci Di Napoli won the Silver Award for Best Employee Driven Business Change , recognising its commitment to employee-led transformation. 'Winning the Silver Award is a proud moment for Ricci Di Napoli,' said Kamal Al Najjar, CEO. 'It shows our commitment to building a workplace where innovation, employee well-being, and strong performance grow together. This recognition is a result of our team's dedication, which continues to shape our company and raise standards across the region.' Looking back at the evening, Jatin Deepchandani, Founder and CEO of Plan3Media, said, 'This year, we weren't looking for fancy perks or buzzwords. We were looking for purpose. For companies that have moved beyond casual Fridays and Sports Day posters and are actually building workplaces where culture is intentional, and leadership is real. And that's exactly what many of this year's winners showed us.' The Employee Happiness Awards will now expand to new markets – with upcoming editions planned in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Malaysia – continuing with the same jury-led, evidence-driven process that puts substance ahead of optics. About Plan3Media Event Management Plan3Media (P3M) is a unique event and media company that conceptualises original event ideas and transforms the ideas into thriving, intellectual event properties through seamless end-to-end execution. Founded in 2015, P3M focuses primarily on international business conferences, awards, seminars, and community events. For more information or interviews, please contact: Your Wordsmiths – Content & PR Neha Kaul 0504507068 neha@
Arab Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Expats On Hunt For Affordable Housing After Dubai's Partition Flats Ban
DUBAI, June 7: Following a recent crackdown on illegally partitioned housing units in Dubai, many low-income expats have been forced to relocate, with a growing number moving to Sharjah and other neighbouring emirates in search of more affordable rent. While these moves offer financial relief, they come at the cost of longer commutes, overcrowded living conditions, and disrupted routines. For thousands of workers, partitioned flats — often cramped, shared spaces just large enough for a bed and a fan — were far from ideal but offered proximity to jobs, public transport, and basic amenities. Their sudden removal has left many scrambling for alternatives. "Saving on Rent" Mohammed Irfan, who works at a restaurant in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), was paying AED 1,400 for a partitioned space in Al Rigga. After a recent raid on the building, he moved to Sharjah's Abu Shagara, where he now pays AED 700 to share a room with two others. 'I save money, but I spend more than 90 minutes each way commuting,' Irfan said. 'Earlier, I could walk to the metro in minutes. Now, I take a bus, then the metro, and sometimes even a taxi from the station. Everything was within reach in Dubai — groceries, the pharmacy, the metro. Now, it all feels much harder.' He now wakes up earlier to accommodate the long commute and arrives at work already fatigued. "We Had to Split — It Was Too Crowded" Mary, a sales assistant at Al Ghurair Mall in Deira, previously shared a 2BHK flat in Muraqqabat with 13 others, paying AED 800 per bed space. After the crackdown, her group split up. She has relocated to Al Nahda, Dubai, paying AED 1,000 to share a room with three others. 'There are fewer people in the room now, but expenses and travel time will go up,' she said. "No Privacy, But This Is All I Can Afford" Rupa, who works at a beauty salon, used to pay AED 600 for a shared space close to her workplace. She is currently staying temporarily with a friend while searching for affordable housing, possibly in Al Nahda, Sharjah, for AED 850 per bed space. 'My commute will increase. The salon was just a minute away before,' she said. 'If it becomes too difficult, I might need to find a new job closer to home.' Despite the situation, Rupa remains grateful for whatever accommodation she can find. 'I don't earn much. This is the best I can manage.' "My Daughter's School Is Now Far" Farida, a single mother, had to move to Sharjah with her teenage daughter after being asked to vacate their Deira flat. While the new AED 1,200 partitioned room is larger than their previous AED 1,500 space in Dubai, the distance to her daughter's school poses a challenge. 'School holidays are coming, so it's manageable now. But once classes resume, I'll need to either figure out transport or transfer her to another school,' Farida explained. "We Need Legal, Affordable Housing" Javed, a salesman, moved into a shared villa in Sharjah after being evicted from his Deira accommodation. He now pays AED 500 for a bed space shared with eight others. 'With this crackdown, it's pointless to look for new housing in Dubai. It will only happen again,' he said. 'Most of us live paycheck to paycheck. We can't afford AED 2,000 in rent. There should be proper, legal low-cost housing for people like us.' "I Sleep in a Storeroom" Shahid, a delivery rider, now sleeps in a converted storeroom in a shared flat in Sharjah for AED 450. The room has no ventilation, and even the fan barely works. 'I had to buy a cooler, but it doesn't help much in this heat,' he said. 'Still, I'm out all day delivering. I just came back to sleep.' He noted that his previous room in Dubai was partitioned but better maintained. 'Now, I don't complain. I just need to save on rent.'
Identity
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
4 TV Characters That Give off Cancer Vibes
We've officially entered Cancer season, also known as the season of feelings, attachment issues, and emotional depth that runs deeper than your sleep-paralysis thoughts. Whether you're a Cancer or are emotionally held hostage by one (kidding), you already know the deal: they care too much, cry too easily, and somehow mother everyone around them even when no one asks. But what brings that energy to life? TV characters. You know those who love too hard, carry the weight of the world, and make you want to call your mom mid-episode. So we rounded up a few characters that give off major Cancer vibes, whether they're making you your favorite 'Mahshy' or emotionally blackmailing you into staying home. Abdel El Hamid – Abou El 3arousa If Cancer had a dad version, it would be him. The man's entire personality is loving his family too much. He's soft-spoken, emotionally intelligent, and constantly sacrificing without expecting a thank you. He listens, he hugs, and yes, he cries at weddings. A national dad treasure and a perfect example of healthy masculinity Marwan – Embratoryet Meem The responsible sibling secretly holds the entire house together while looking slightly annoyed all the time. He's giving 'I don't want to talk about my feelings, but I feel everything' energy. And when it comes to relationships, he's charismatic without trying, and when he loves, he loves all in. Unconditionally. The type to remember your coffee order, your favorite song, and every time you said 'I'm fine' but weren't, he's a classic Cancer heartthrob. Zeinab – Mawdoo3 3a2ely The kitchen is her kingdom, and the family is her entire world. Zeinab is the emotional glue holding everyone together, and when she cries (which is often), it's loud, dramatic, and oddly comforting. She takes everything personally, forgives way too quickly, and fights because she cares too much. Without her, the whole house would collapse literally and emotionally. She is the heartbeat of the home. Farida – Kamel El 3adad She won't always express her feelings, but she feels it all. Farida is the quiet Cancer, the one who loves in silence, gives without asking, and carries her family in her heart like it's second nature. She's a little introverted, gets lost in her thoughts (and feelings) more often than not, and sometimes disappears emotionally just to recharge, and when she's hurt, it lingers. She's the kind of person you trust without even knowing, and that's her Cancer superpower. So if you've been feeling a little soft lately, it's not just the heat. It's Cancer season, so cry if you need to, romanticize the little things, and love a little too much. You know what they say: not all heroes wear capes. Some just bring tissues and overanalyze your tone.
