Latest news with #Ismadi
New Paper
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Bittersweet day for Ismadi after Vincent's Star's easy win
Talented sprinter Vincent's Star posted an impressive 5¼-length victory first-up in the RM30,000 Enrich Stakes A contest (1,200m) at Ipoh on Aug 10, but that was to be his last run for trainer Ismadi Ismail. The five-year-old son of Epaulette, together with stablemate Quicken Away - who finished third in the same race - will both be transferred to trainer Wayne Lim's yard to continue their racing careers in Kuala Lumpur. The Ipoh-based Ismadi had already spoken to Vincent's Star and Quicken Away's owners, S-Equine Racing Stable and Jimmy Bin Nonong, about a month ago. "They will go to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. Of course I feel a bit sad, but they are both good horses and I've already spoken to their owners about their future," he said. "I said it's better for them to race in KL where they can compete in better races than here, where races can sometimes get cancelled." Ismadi fielded a three-pronged attack in the highlight race, which also included Rocket Boy, and he was relieved to see Vincent's Star bounce back from his disappointing run last time. The Australian-bred was coming off the back of four consecutive wins - all over the 1,200m - when he stepped out in the Perak Turf Club Community Shield (1,200m) on May 11. Then ridden by regular partner Rueven Ravindra - who won on him on that four occasions - Vincent's Star could not muster an acceleration like he usually did in the straight and faded away to run sixth, almost 10 lengths behind the winner Faithful Leader. This time, however, Vincent's Star (Azizi Azhari) stalked noted speedster Big Bad Mama (Ganeesh Munusamy) in second, and his two-kilo claimer waited patiently till the 200m to make his move. Vincent's Star ($15) struck the front quickly, before going away to win effortlessly on the yielding ground. A line of four behind him fought for the minor placings, with Shirvo (Lim Aun Kean)grabbing second, just ½ length ahead of Quicken Away (Hafis Saari). Ismadi's third runner, Rocket Boy (How Yang) finished another short head away in fourth, beating Big Bad Mama into fifth. Ismadi said the three-month break did Vincent's Star a world of good. "He is very sensitive. After the run last time, his weight dropped and I suspected he had ulcer, so I let him rest," he said. "I probably rushed him a bit after his four straight wins, but he's back to his ideal weight of 528kg now. "I wanted to take two kilos off him, so I put Azizi on and he rode him beautifully." Malaysian jockey Lim took the riding honours of the day in Ipoh with a rare four-timer, booting home Northern Alliance ($84), Chosen One ($29), Mega Ocean ($31) and Autumn Blitz ($29), and brought up his season tally to 11 wins. sharonzhang@
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Murals, shared kitchen benefit Sentul Utara folk
Ismadi (centre) trying out the new kitchen at Pangsapuri Sentul Utara in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star A beautification project and cloud kitchen initiative have brought significant improvements to those living in and around Pangsapuri Sentul Utara in Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. Through Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) Karya Komuniti programme, eye-catching murals were painted and pedestrian walkways spruced up in the area. 'This programme aims to revitalise public spaces through creative mural art as well as help curb vandalism,' said DBKL executive director (Socioeconomic Development) Ismadi Sakirin, who launched the event. 'In recognition of Sentul's role as a major railway operations hub in the late 19th century, the murals are themed around its industrial and transportation heritage.' He added that the week-long mural project was carried out as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, with Nippon Paint as the main sponsor and contributor of supplies and artists. At the same event, Dapur Digital was introduced to empower the B40 group, especially single mothers and youths. Resident Nadia Muslemin, who is helping to manage the cloud kitchen at the flats, said community members could contribute by conducting cooking classes to earn an income. Murals painted along pedestrian walkways which have been spruced up to revitalise public spaces. — Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star 'Residents can also use the kitchen to start a small business and use technology to expand their reach, with Pepper Labs providing the digital platform,' she added. Social enterprise Pepper Labs project executive Mohd Radzi Idrus said the idea for the programme arose from observing the struggles faced by low- income families during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the organisation works closely with residents, it noticed a common issue of families, especially those caring for a sick relative, who were running small food businesses from home but lacked proper equipment and space. 'We realised that many of them were trying to earn a living by cooking at home. 'Their kitchens were small, equipment was limited and it was difficult to manage. 'So, we created this Dapur Digital idea, which is a shared space for residents to cook safely with more tools while exploring other food options,' he said. Mohd Radzi said the initiative had been launched at other public housing areas such as PPR Kampung Limau, PPR Kerinchi, PPR Intan Baiduri, PPR Setapak Jaya PPR and PPR Wangsa Sari.
The Star
29-06-2025
- The Star
KL residents concerned about traders blocking walkways
TRADERS blocking walkways was among the concerns raised during Kuala Lumpur's 'Dialog Bandar Raya' (City Dialogue). The session, held for the Bukit Bintang parliamentary constituency, marked the second in a series of 11 dialogues scheduled by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) this year to engage communities and address urban challenges across the city. Bukit Bintang Federal Territory Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) sub-zone 4 chairman Cynthia Hor brought up the proliferation of roadside traders in Brickfields. She said the traders operating on public walkways hindered accessibility for pedestrians. 'We have brought this up with DBKL many times in the past, but it has only reorganised traders. 'These traders should be relocated and the walkways left free for pedestrians,' Hor said. DBKL executive director Ismadi Sakirin (Socio-economic Development), who moderated the session, responded that the issue of roadside stalls was a long-standing and complex one. Ismadi (right) moderating the second Dialog Bandar Raya at Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Fong (left) and DBKL heads of department. While DBKL had undertaken several efforts to reorganise and regulate such traders, he said, enforcement alone was not a sustainable solution. 'We are also looking at long-term strategies, including identifying suitable trading zones and improving enforcement coordination.' Jalan Alor Hawkers and Traders Association secretary Simon Ang called on DBKL to address the issue of pickpockets operating along the road. He said business owners had observed a rise in pickpocketing since the nightly road closure began in 2023. 'We have raised this matter several times with the police, but nothing concrete has been done,' he said, adding that it was affecting visitor confidence and tarnishing the reputation of the popular tourist food street. Ang also voiced concern about beggars in the area, saying they often approached diners. In response, Ismadi said inter-agency solutions needed to be discussed and coordinated. 'Some of the issues raised here require further investigations by relevant departments. 'Feedback to residents will be given in two weeks.' Several participants also raised concerns over the lack of parking in their neighbourhoods, urging DBKL to propose viable solutions. Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, who also attended the session, said the dialogue provided a valuable platform for the public to voice their concerns and suggestions directly to DBKL. 'As an MP, I constantly receive feedback from constituents, whether through social media, my service centre or face-to-face.' Fong said while such dialogues were important, they should not be merely symbolic. 'Each suggestion must be properly recorded, evaluated and the findings communicated back to the community.' About 250 people attended the event held at Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur. The next sessions will be held on July 12 for Lembah Pantai constituents at Pusat Komuniti Bukit Bandaraya and on July 26 for Titiwangsa constituents at Dewan Perdana, Keramat Mall.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
DBKL alone not enough to tackle sex trade in city, says official
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) says coordinated action from all agencies is needed to fully eradicate prostitution around Jalan Petaling and Jalan Pekeliling. Despite multiple operations, syndicates involving foreign sex workers remain difficult to eliminate. DBKL Socioeconomic Development executive director Ismadi Sakirin said the city hall acts only within its jurisdiction, and other agencies must also play their part. "I won't comment further as this involves lengthy discussions, and it is not solely DBKL's responsibility," he said at the City Dialogue 2025 programme yesterday. The event is part of DBKL's ongoing engagement series to ensure the voices and aspirations of city residents are heard. Ismadi said the dialogue serves as a key platform to strengthen ties between DBKL, other agencies, and residents, particularly in Bukit Bintang. "It began in June and will continue until November, covering 11 areas including Bukit Bintang," he said. He added that the programme not only helps residents better understand DBKL's services but also gives them space to lodge complaints, share suggestions, and provide constructive feedback. "Today, we received 16 questions from community representatives in Bukit Bintang, and we aim to respond with the best possible actions to resolve issues affecting the local community," he said.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
DBKL's festival showcases 14 orchestral ensembles at 10 venues
(Seated, from left) Izwan, Lim, Ismadi, Naquib and Pek at the event's pre-launch in Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy of DBKL KUALA Lumpur is set to transform into a vibrant cultural soundscape with the return of Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL). Now in its second edition, the festival runs until June 29, taking place at selected venues across the city. Organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), this year's festival showcases 14 local and international orchestral ensembles, bringing together over 1,200 musicians. 'This is not just about music – it's about creating inclusive and impactful cultural experiences,' said DBKL Socioeconomic Development executive director Ismadi Sakirin at the festival's pre-launch. 'Beyond contributing to the growth of orchestral music, the festival also enhances KL's reputation as a cultural hub.' Also present at the launch were DBKL Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sport Department director Naquib Hamdan, DBKL Music Unit head Isabella Pek, DBKL Culture, Art, Tourism and Sports senior deputy director Izwan Razif and Kuala Lumpur Society vice-president Jack Lim. Ismadi noted that FOKL will expand its reach this year, taking place at 10 locations, up from just three last year – an indication of DBKL's growing commitment to the initiative. Ismadi says the festival will position Kuala Lumpur as a cultural hub. Festival venues include Auditorium DBKL and Dataran DBKL at DBKL headquarters, DBKL's training institute in Cheras, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, and the River of Life area in Masjid Jamek. The programme also features workshops led by musicians from across Asia, including Japan, China and Thailand. To nurture the next generation of talent, the festival will spotlight performances by schoolchildren and youth ensembles. According to a DBKL statement, over 60 schools have been invited to attend selected performances. To promote accessibility, DBKL is collaborating with GNB Disabled Welfare Association to ensure people with disabilities can attend the concerts. FOKL will also include a charity performance in support of the Malaysian Association for the Blind. Admission is free. For schedule of performances, venues and showtimes, visit
