Latest news with #HarianMetro
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Illegal 'prebet sapu' operations hurting local taxi income
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreigners are believed to be operating illegal taxi services or "prebet sapu" openly in the city centre, raising safety concerns and affecting the income of licensed drivers. A recent two-hour observation by Harian Metro near an embassy in the capital revealed several individuals, believed to be foreigners, loitering near the entrance before being picked up in private vehicles. Each car carried between two and five passengers, believed to be sharing fares based on their destinations. Several cash transactions were seen taking place before the vehicles departed. None of the vehicles displayed official e-hailing stickers. Some only carried a probationary driving licence (P licence) sticker on the rear windscreen, raising concerns about the drivers' legitimacy and qualifications. When approached, both drivers and passengers declined to comment. Some pretended not to understand questions, even when spoken to in both Malay and English. "I don't know anything. I'm just waiting for a friend," said one foreign passenger who claimed he had just arrived in Malaysia. The activity has raised public concern, with many saying the situation is out of control, poses safety risks, and threatens the livelihoods of local taxi and e-hailing drivers. Checks along Jalan Chan Sow Lin found more individuals, believed to be foreigners, allegedly offering prebet sapu rides. Some were seen targeting compatriots before leading them to waiting cars, believed to be part of the operation. Vehicles suspected to be involved were also seen parked along roadsides or outside business premises, particularly in the mornings and around midday. Previously, a viral video showed foreigners gathered outside an embassy before boarding private cars. In the clip, a local man confronted one of the drivers, who was seen ferrying multiple passengers. The footage sparked public outrage, with many questioning the effectiveness of enforcement and urging authorities to crack down on illegal ride services involving foreigners.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Leez's 1989 hit 'EL' trends on TikTok, singer hesitant on comeback
KUALA LUMPUR: Former singer Noor Liza Abu Bakar, better known as Leez, 55, was surprised to discover her 1989 hit 'EL' has recently gone viral on TikTok's For You Page. Harian Metro reported today that the 55-year-old said she had recently been inundated with WhatsApp messages and social media friend requests, despite having left the limelight many years ago. Leez went on to release a second album, 'Jendela', in 1990 (produced by Usop of Kopratasa and Eric Yeoh) and recorded a third for BMG that was never issued. After marrying composer-producer Razman, she stepped away from music to raise two daughters, now 29 and 25. She currently runs a catering and nasi lemak business. Though invited twice to join the TV comeback show 'Gegar Vaganza', she declined. "I'm afraid that the glamour would give me a headache as my 15 minutes of fame have passed," she said. However, she doesn't rule out a future single, saying, "We may plan, but God decides." Meanwhile, netizens have been debating the identity of the singer of "EL", with some mistaking her for Leez Rosli (an Akademi Fantasia 4 alumna), while others even believed the singer had already passed away.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Actress Linda Hashim slams estranged husband over blame game
KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Linda Hashim, 41, has hit back at her estranged husband, Beego, who recently issued a public statement on social media blaming her for their marital problems. Linda said that Beego "should know" what truly caused the ongoing conflict within their family. "Beego thinks only he is in the right," she told Harian Metro. Linda refuted Beego's claims of providing sufficient child maintenance, explaining that the amount he gave was inadequate for the current cost of living. "The most he ever gave me was RM500. I fully cover all our children's school expenses. When any of them falls ill, I also bear all the medical costs," she said. Beego recently disclosed on social media that Linda had frequently left their home without his permission over the past nine months and had blocked him on all social media platforms except Facebook. The couple married in June 2013 and have three daughters: Jelita Clarissa, 11; Anggun Cassandra, 10; and Indah Camelia, 6.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
'I won't leave her': Husband cares despite own illness
KUALA LUMPUR: "I will always love and cherish my wife," said 63‑year‑old Ah Yauddin, who remains devoted to caring for his wife despite her severe illness and his own health struggles. Behind his gentle smile, Ah Yauddin carries a heavy burden. His wife, Roslina Yusof (57), lost her left leg to diabetes and suffered a stroke during the Movement Control Order (MCO) lockdown around five years ago, which has left her immobile and unable to speak. She now relies on a wheelchair and a feeding tube. Ah Yauddin, who suffers from stage‑five kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes himself, makes no excuse. "It has never crossed my mind to leave the love of my life," he told Harian Metro at the Pantai Dalam night market stall. Each Saturday, he brings Roslina along to the night market, carrying her from their fourth‑floor flat in Pangsapuri Meru Ehsan to continue earning a living by selling drinks — and fulfilling his duty as a husband. "I love and cherish her, even though she's unwell," he said. "My greatest fulfilment is caring for her, loving her and staying by her side." Their only daughter, 21‑year‑old Siti Nur Aliah, helps daily. She has put her studies on hold to care for her mother. "I look up to my father as a role model," she said. "I haven't continued my studies because I want to help care for her." Ah Yauddin remembers when Roslina could walk, talk, run a business and prepare meals that their neighbours loved. "Now I pray every day for guidance and strength," he said. Sometimes, when he sees his wife open her eyes and look at him, he feels relief and calm. "My greatest fear is seeing her eyes closed." There are moments when he weeps, longing for the life they once shared. "One of the things I miss most is her cooking," he said softly. "As long as I have the strength, I will continue to care for her." Despite his frailty, he ensures Roslina attends all physiotherapy sessions and hospital appointments at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang. He brings her down and back up their building stairs without complaint. Roslina's condition may be dire, but the family's resilience shines through. Their deep bond underscores an unwavering love and duty in the face of adversity.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
KLCC street photographers fined RM2,000 each
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 30 freelance street photographers offering on-the-spot photo services to locals and tourists at KLCC were issued compound notices on Sunday night, each hit with a stiff fine of RM2,000 for operating without a valid permit. Authorities said the photographers were operating without valid permits in a public space. The action was taken following growing complaints and a recent misunderstanding involving some of the individuals, which went viral on social media, Harian Metro reported. The operation, involving personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immigration Department (JIM), and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), saw nearly 30 individuals compounded under By-law 3(1) of the Federal Territory Hawkers Licensing By-Laws 2016. These freelance photographers are known for offering smartphone photography services at busy tourist spots, particularly around the KLCC area, often taking pictures of visitors with the Petronas Twin Towers and other landmarks in the background. One of the photographers, who declined to be named, said this was the first time they had received a fine for offering such services. "The notice says RM2,000. That's a lot. If this keeps happening, I'll have to find another job," he said, adding that enforcement officers had mentioned the possibility of a future permit system. He also addressed the recent viral incident, saying it stemmed from a language barrier between a photographer and a foreign tourist. "I wasn't there, but from what I heard, it was just a misunderstanding. Now, we're all affected by it," he said. Despite some resistance during the operation, officers were able to manage the situation professionally, and no serious incidents were reported. Kuala Lumpur Immigration Director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff was present during the operation. Authorities are reportedly looking into formal licensing mechanisms to regulate freelance photography services in public areas.
