Latest news with #Ipoh-born
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Friends, co-stars fondly remember Mano as a 'man for all seasons'
KUALA LUMPUR: The late veteran actor Mano Maniam has been hailed as a "man for all seasons" by his friends and co-stars, and a truly Bangsa Malaysia entertainer. Mano, who passed away yesterday at the age of 79, coincidentally starred in a play titled A Man For All Seasons back in 1991. Throughout his illustrious, five-decade acting career, he made his mark across various mediums – television, film, and theatre. Douglas Lim, actor and comedian, who co-starred with Mano in Kopitiam, described the Ipoh-born screen legend as a great "sifu" (master) and friend. "I first met him while we were starring in Kopitiam back in the 1990s, and he was always kind, friendly, helpful, and fun," said Lim. "I'm honoured to have known and worked with him, for he always encouraged me to aim high and helped introduce me to the entertainment industry." Lim also noted Mano's superb sense of humour. While they didn't work together often in the last decade, Lim will always cherish Mano's friendship and guidance, describing his death as a significant loss to Malaysian showbiz. Kopitiam's main actress, acting coach Joanna Bessey, remembered Mano as a great mentor and father figure. "Mano was always a teacher and a friend to me. We actually met in a play called Witness For The Prosecution before Kopitiam began, and I was instantly struck by his jovial, chatty, and playful demeanour," said Joanna, who also highlighted Mano's extensive knowledge. "Over the years, we met many times, and I learnt a lot from him. He taught performing arts in colleges and universities, as did I, and when he couldn't conduct his classes or workshops, he got me to stand in for him!" In 2019, Joanna, Lim, and Mano reunited for Kopitiam Double Shot, reprising their roles as Marie, Steven, and Uncle Chan respectively. Joanna described Mano as one of Malaysia's "brightest stars" in showbiz, who bridged the gap between television, film, and theatre, as well as English, Malay, and Tamil entertainment. "He was truly a Bangsa Malaysia icon in entertainment, and we will all miss him," she added. A PILLAR OF MALAYSIAN ARTS Datuk Faridah Merican, founder of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), shared that Mano had been a close friend for five decades. "We first met in the 1970s, and he played my father, a circus owner, in a play titled He Who Gets Slapped," she recalled. "I was impressed not only by his brilliant acting but also his passion for the arts and all-round friendliness." She added that they worked together in many plays over the decades, and he was a regular visitor to KLPAC. Faridah further noted that Mano was a great teacher of the arts, conducting acting classes for senior citizens who greatly enjoyed his workshops. "He didn't confine himself to English language theatre and starred in Malay language television dramas and comedies, as well as movies," Faridah said. "One of the main highlights of his career was playing Moonshee in Anna And The King alongside Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat, which was partly filmed in Malaysia in 1999." Faridah believes Mano helped put Malaysian entertainers on the world map. She lamented that Mano was due to receive a special award for his lifetime contributions but passed away before he could attend the ceremony. "Malaysia has lost a giant in entertainment, but he will always be in our hearts – a passionate actor, a great teacher, and a wonderful friend." INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION Actor and comedian Datuk Afdlin Shauki said that Mano was an inspiration in his acting career. They both attended the same school, Sekolah Menengah Anglo Chinese in Ipoh. "Both of us were active in our alma mater's music and drama society, which staged many musicals in the 1980s," Afdlin said. "I played Datuk Lat in a musical adaptation of the legendary cartoonist's famous, semi-autobiographical cartoon book Town Boy in 1987, and he commended me for doing a great job." Afdlin added that he learned a lot about acting from Mano and also starred with him in Anna And The King. Afdlin described Mano as one of the country's best-known actors who represented Malaysia in several international movies. "He was one of the few actors who put Malaysian talent on the world map, and I'll always remember him for his love of the arts and great humour."
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Recognition from Johor top cop spurs on policemen in their duties
(From left) Sjn Fauzi, Insp Abdul Usairi and Kpl Harvinder with their certificates at the assembly in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star IT WAS a proud moment for 25 police officers and personnel when they were awarded commendation certificates by Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar. The awards acknowledged their commitment and service in ensuring public safety and security. Among the recipients was Kpl Harvinder Singh, 37, who is attached to Taman Universiti police station under the Johor Baru North police district headquarters. The Ipoh-born cop serves in the crime prevention department of the police station in a busy Iskandar Puteri suburb. 'While out on patrol, we received information about drug trafficking activity taking place. 'We stopped a car for inspection. Inside the vehicle was a couple, and further checks found 180 packets of drugs,' Kpl Harvinder told StarMetro when met during the Johor police monthly assembly at state police headquarters in Johor Baru. With the arrest of the two suspects, he said they were able to curb drug trafficking activities. 'I feel very proud and happy to have been presented with the certificate.' Kpl Harvinder, who has served in the force for 15 years, never thought growing up that he would be a policeman. 'My dream was to become a doctor to save lives. 'However, fate decided that I would be able to do this wearing a policeman's uniform, and I am very proud to do so,' he shared. Another recipient, Sjn Mohd Fauzi Karto, 49, who is also attached to Taman Universiti police station, said this was his second commendation in his 29 years of service. The first was presented by Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat just before he retired as Johor police chief last year. 'Receiving such a certificate from our chief makes it all worthwhile, because it shows that our work and dedication are recognised,' he said. Inspector Abdul Usairi Saini, who is attached to Kulai police district headquarters narcotics department, received the certificate following the success of a police operation which led to the arrest of a drug trafficker earlier this year. 'Police had launched a major narcotics operation during which we had arrested a local man for possessing about 8kg of ecstasy powder. 'This certificate will surely give me the encouragement to carry out my duties well,' said the father of two from Kuching, Sarawak, who has been with the force since 2008. Earlier in his speech, Comm Kumar congratulated recipients for playing a major role in ensuring public order and safety. 'The public is always watching. Our actions, good or bad, are constantly under scrutiny. 'As men of law, we must uphold integrity and professionalism in all that we do,' he said. On another matter, Comm Kumar said Johor police recorded a 10.3% drop in fatal road accidents in the first four months of 2025. However, he warned that driver behaviour remained the biggest threat to road safety. He revealed that 33,555 road accidents were recorded during that four-month period. Of these, 322 were fatal crashes that led to 359 deaths, a 6.75% drop from the same period last year. 'The primary cause of accidents is still the attitude of road users. 'While the statistics show a positive trend, we will not be able to significantly reduce fatal accidents without strong support and discipline from the public. 'I urge all road users to adopt a more responsible attitude and obey traffic laws,' he said. Comm Kumar added that Johor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department had maintained a strict approach under its total enforcement and advocacy model. He explained that operations targeting reckless motorcyclists, street racers, drunk drivers and commercial vehicle violations continued to be a major part of the enforcement strategy. The Jan-April 2025 period also saw 528 arrests for traffic and criminal offences, he said, with the department achieving a 91.2% investigation paper resolution rate and 85.6% prosecution rate.
New Paper
25-05-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
King Ravana brings up first career win for Khor in Ipoh
IPOH - Khor Peng Hwa was thrilled to be welcoming his first winner at his third meeting as a full-fledged trainer, when King Ravana took out the opener in Ipoh on May 24. Previously known as Gold Rush when trained by Tan Kah Soon in Singapore, King Ravana ran seventh over 1,400m in his first run for the new Malaysian handler in Ipoh on May 11. He then ground out a tough win in the the RM20,000 (S$6,000) Class 5A event (1,600m) second-up. The $27 shot led in the straight under Saddam Saari. But at the 200m, A Better Tomorrow (Harmeet Singh Gill), on his outside, and Circuit Star (Lim Shung Uai), on his inside, drew level with him. King Ravana fought back with every stride to score by ¾ length from A Better Tomorrow eventually. Circuit Star finished third. Before the Ipoh-born Khor - more popularly known as Ah Lek - received his trainer's licence in April 2025, he was an assistant trainer to the late Dutch-Malaysian trainer Evert van Breukelen, and more recently, Peter Lee. The 60-year-old had tasted success regularly while working under his former bosses, but this time, he won it in his own right. Khor did not dream of working in the racing industry, even if he was born into racing, figuratively. "My father, Khor Sun Yam, was a gardener with the Perak Turf Club, and my family stayed in the staff quarters on the racecourse grounds," he said. "I played with horses in the stables as a kid, but I never thought I would be in racing." Khor studied up to Form Six, but had no idea what to do for his first job. It was then when he recalled enjoying the company of the horses and the excitement of seeing the equine athletes in action. He started out as a syce with trainer Mohd Zafir when he was 20 years old. After working under Loh Kit Soon and Johnny Kok, he joined van Breukelen as a stable supervisor. Khor was also granted his B trainer's licence while with van Breukelen, but when his mentor passed away, he joined Lee for four years. King Ravana's victory did not come easy, but Khor praised the Jimmy Choux eight-year-old for his sheer grit in races. "I am elated to finally saddle my first winner. I want to thank the Perak Turf Club for giving me the licence," said Khor, who is single. "Last time, the 1,400m was a bit too short for him. The 1,600m and 1,800m should be his best trips. "I was not so worried even if he looked a bit one-paced (in the last 200m), because he has a big heart and would always find that extra gear. The last time he won (on March 3, under Lee), he fought back to beat his then-stablemate (Char Kway Teow) by a nose. "He should be up in Class 4 next, which is tougher. We'll see what is available on the programme." Unplaced in 12 starts at Kranji, King Ravana broke through immediately in Malaysia in 2022. He had four consecutive wins for Leong Poh Keong, before picking up two more in 2023 and 2024 when under Lee's care. TURFONLINE
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Free Malaysia Today
Raising spirits: how Tuak Alus is brewing a cultural revival
Ayden Chong and Raffly Langi began brewing tuak in their own kitchens for personal consumption. (Tuak Alus pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Raffly Langi grew up with tuak in his village in Betong, Sarawak. As an Iban, this traditional rice wine was a staple at home during harvest festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings. 'My family has been brewing tuak for a very long time,' the 32-year-old told FMT Lifestyle. 'My aunties would prepare the yeast a few months before Gawai, and they'd use the rice they harvested to ferment it into tuak.' Raffly, a former service engineer, didn't pay much attention to the brewing process back then. Little could he know that years later, he'd become the master brewer of Tuak Alus, a brand co-founded with Ipoh-born Ayden Chong – and another partner who has since left to pursue other goals – seven years ago. Together, they have turned a village tradition into a smooth, golden pour that's making waves across the Klang Valley and beyond. 'I feel very proud because I finally get to create something that celebrates my culture – something that can bond and unite everyone. I'm also really happy because many Borneans enjoy our tuak. They truly believe it's on a different level,' Raffly, who is now based in KL, shared with a smile. Operating mostly at pop-up markets in Klang Valley malls, Tuak Alus produces over 100 bottles a month. You'll also find the tuak mixed into cocktails at some of KL's top bars. Raffly and Chong currently offer three flavours: tuak laki, the boldest of the lot; tuak induk, a sweeter version with palm sugar; and tuak pandan, which is light and easy. Chong fell in with tuak when he tasted the rice wine during the Gawai Festival one year. (Tuak Alus pic) 'We have created our own ecosystem. We make our own yeast, which has galangal, ginger, and pepper – a little bit of Kuching,' quipped Chong, a recruitment consultant. He noted that the higher yeast content gives Tuak Alus a stronger alcohol by volume (ABV) content than most. 'The longer we let it brew, the more the rice and yeast settle to the bottom. That's what gives it the clear, golden colour and smooth taste. 'This is how we distinguish ourselves. Some tuak brands out there are either too milky or too sour,' the 30-year-old added. Chong's own love affair with tuak began years ago in Raffly's village, even though the pair hadn't met yet. He fondly remembers his first Gawai celebration in a longhouse, where the Iban hospitality came with generous pours and the notorious tuak trail – house to house, glass after glass. 'I only lasted halfway!' he laughed. But that buzz sparked an idea: why not bring this beloved Bornean brew to peninsular Malaysia? So, after connecting with Raffly, the duo began brewing in their kitchen, using Raffly's family recipe. They started with small batches, gradually refining their process. 'We shared our brew with our friends and family, and began experimenting with different flavours. Soon, our friends started ordering from us,' Chong recalled. Raffly says they only filter their tuak after letting it sit for months, which results in its unparalleled smoothness. (Tuak Alus pic) Tuak Alus has since built a loyal following, especially among Sarawakians living in the Klang Valley. 'One lady from Bintulu tried our tuak in a KL pub and couldn't stop thinking about it,' said Raffly, now a full-time brewer. 'She ordered bottles from us and paid the high shipping fee just to get it sent back to Sarawak!' Their dream is to put tuak on the world map, the way soju is tied to Korea or sake to Japan. 'It's a beautiful way to represent one of Malaysia's many cultures,' said Chong. For Raffly, the biggest stamp of approval comes from home. 'My family finishes our bottles really fast!' he laughed. 'They tell me it's different from anything they've had before. That's why it's so special to me.' So, the next time you're looking to raise your spirits – figuratively and literally – skip the usual wine or whisky and give Tuak Alus a try. It's bold, it's golden, and it might just leave you wondering how you ever partied without it. Follow Tuak Alus on Instagram.
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Mediacorp actress Juin Teh moves to JB, takes public transport across Causeway
JOHOR BARU: To save on rising rental costs in Singapore, Ipoh-born actress Juin Teh has moved here recently. When the 34-year-old Mediacorp actress posted an Instagram video of herself moving out of her apartment and bidding goodbye to living in the island republic early this month, many netizens wondered if she was leaving the broadcaster for good. But the actress whose bulk of work is based in Singapore is still very much a full-time Mediacorp artiste. However, in a follow-up video she uploaded on April 7 on social media, Teh said she had merely moved to Johor to spend more time with her family and to save on rising rental costs across the Causeway. Teh can be seen playing a servant in the popular series 'Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story.' She was recently quoted in the Chinese news outlet Lianhe Zaobao that she has been commuting to Singapore for work from her Johor Baru home on public transport. She moved back on April 1 after the rental lease on her apartment in Singapore expired. "Rent went up, so I thought it might be good to move back home to Johor Baru. My mother's getting older too, so I want to spend more time with her," she said. Moving back home saves her about S$1,000 (RM3,305) a month, although she spends more time commuting. It now takes her two hours to get from her home in Johor Baru to Mediacorp. The trip can take up to three hours on weekends. She said: "When a job ends late but I have other work to attend to early the next morning, I'll stay over with a friend or a relative here (in Singapore)."
