Latest news with #FreeMalaysiaToday
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Veteran actor Mano Maniam dies at 79, hours before receiving award
PETALING JAYA: Veteran actor and drama instructor Mano Maniam has passed away at the age of 79. Renowned for his role as Uncle Chan in NTV7's sitcom Kopitiam, Mano was also celebrated for his work as a director, writer, and voiceover artist in the local film and television industry over several decades. His brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed his passing to Free Malaysia Today, saying Mano died at his apartment last night. He added that Mano valued his privacy and had been living alone. 'It happened all of a sudden. It could have been due to old age, a heart attack, or even a stroke. We're still not certain. 'We only found out about his passing later. We are currently making the necessary funeral arrangements and will announce the details in due course,' Madi said. Although Mano lived alone, Madi noted that he remained close to his family. In addition to his role in the seven-season local sitcom Kopitiam, which aired from 1998 to 2003, Mano also appeared in international productions such as Indian Summers (2015–2016), Netflix's Marco Polo (2014–2016), and Anna and the King (1999). Mano continued to be active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). 'He was still doing voice overs recently,' said Madi. Madi also revealed that Mano was scheduled to receive an award that evening at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and the Malaysian performing arts scene. 'He had been preparing for the event and even had his suit laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,' he added.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Veteran actor Mano Maniam dies at 79
PETALING JAYA: Veteran actor and drama instructor Mano Maniam has passed away at the age of 79. Renowned for his role as Uncle Chan in NTV7's sitcom Kopitiam, Mano was also celebrated for his work as a director, writer, and voiceover artist in the local film and television industry over several decades. His brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed his passing to Free Malaysia Today, saying Mano died at his apartment last night. He added that Mano valued his privacy and had been living alone. 'It happened all of a sudden. It could have been due to old age, a heart attack, or even a stroke. We're still not certain. 'We only found out about his passing later. We are currently making the necessary funeral arrangements and will announce the details in due course,' Madi said. Although Mano lived alone, Madi noted that he remained close to his family. In addition to his role in the seven-season local sitcom Kopitiam, which aired from 1998 to 2003, Mano also appeared in international productions such as Indian Summers (2015–2016), Netflix's Marco Polo (2014–2016), and Anna and the King (1999). Mano continued to be active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). 'He was still doing voice overs recently,' said Madi. Madi also revealed that Mano was scheduled to receive an award that evening at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and the Malaysian performing arts scene. 'He had been preparing for the event and even had his suit laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,' he added.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Media Practitioners Start To 'Camp Out' At KLCC Ahead Of 46th ASEAN Summit
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Local and international media practitioners have started to "camp out" at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, which will begin on Thursday with meetings at the senior officials' level. Bernama's observations today found that most media practitioners were there to collect accreditation cards and cover the visit of Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to KLCC, where he was overseeing preparations for the summit. Among the facilities provided at the International Media Centre (IMC) located in Hall 1, KLCC, are workstations equipped with power outlets, internet services, hotel-standard food and beverages, and relevant information from the ASEAN Media Secretariat. One of the journalists interviewed, Natasha Busst from Free Malaysia Today (FMT), said that the facilities at the IMC meet the needs of media practitioners to carry out their duties effectively. "In my opinion, the most important thing is electrical plug points to keep our devices running, and of course, good internet connection. 'From what I see, the number of workstations provided is a lot, hope it can be enough to accommodate the media personnel covering the summit. "Another crucial aspect will be food and coffee, because we just wanted to focus completely on work when here (without worrying where to get meals)," said Natasha who has two years of experience in journalism. Meanwhile, experienced journalist Norman Goh from Nikkei Asia said that for now, the registration process and arrangements at the IMC are running smoothly. "We expect this place to be packed with activities during the summit, but so far it has been very smooth. It's exciting to have massage chairs to rest and rejuvenate during tiring days," he said.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM1.9 million in rental arrears at a single PPR site, says DBKL
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is grappling with longstanding rent arrears in its public housing (PA) units, with some tenants failing to make payments for up to 26 years and individual debts reaching RM39,140. City mayor Maimunah Sharif said total arrears now stand at RM70 million, despite the monthly rental being fixed at just RM124, excluding maintenance charges. According to Free Malaysia Today, the worst cases were recorded at PPR Kampung Muhibbah with RM1.9 million in arrears, followed by Desa Rejang at RM1.28 million. "Some tenants have not made payments for more than two decades. It has become necessary to review our approach to ensure the system remains sustainable," said Maimunah. An internal meeting is scheduled next week to reassess enforcement methods and formulate more structured procedures for dealing with defaulters. "At the moment, we speak directly to tenants, ask for explanations and, in some cases, lock up their water meters," she said. Although DBKL has the legal authority to evict tenants who fail to pay, she said they must tread carefully as most affected households fall under the B40 income bracket. "We will analyse the matter further and bring it to the attention of the federal territories minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa," she said. Maimunah said that while many tenants cite financial hardship, complaints about parking shortages were also commonly raised. "There may be a perception that strict enforcement won't happen, which could be contributing to the problem," she said. To address the situation, DBKL will begin issuing formal notices to tenants with arrears and establish clearer guidelines on rent collection and enforcement. She added that water supply cuts have previously led to repayments, and tenants had been allowed to settle arrears in instalments.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Some PA tenants owe up to 26 years of rent, arrears over RM39,000
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, recently revealed that some Public Housing (PA) tenants have not paid their rent for up to 26 years, accumulating arrears amounting to RM39,140. The monthly rent is RM124, excluding maintenance charges. According to Maimunah, the highest arrears were recorded at the People's Housing Programme (PPR) in Kampung Muhibbah, estimated at RM1.9 million, and in PPR Desa Rejang at RM1.28 million, Free Malaysia Today reported. To address the issue of mounting arrears in both PPR and PA schemes – now totalling RM70 million – Maimunah said a discussion would be held next week. She said that the situation requires face-to-face meetings with tenants to understand the reasons for non-payment and locking their water meters. 'We do have the authority to evict non-paying tenants, but most of them are from the B40 group, so we have to consider the situation carefully. 'I will conduct an analysis and discuss the matter with the Federal Territories Minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa,' she was quoted as saying. She added that tenants often cite financial difficulties as the reason for not keeping up with rent payments. 'But when we visit their areas, they complain about a lack of parking. I understand that having a car is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Still, people need to prioritise. 'At the moment, we're not taking strict action so some feel there's room not to pay,' she was also quoted as saying. Maimunah also confirmed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would develop clearer procedures for dealing with housing and rental arrears. Furthermore, public notices regarding outstanding rent payments will be issued to warn tenants, ensuring they are aware of the issue before enforcement actions are taken. 'When we shut off the water supply, they often find a way to pay. Previously, we also introduced a scheme allowing them to settle arrears in instalments if they couldn't pay in full,' Maimunah added.
