Latest news with #Johorean
Barnama
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Onn Hafiz Becomes First Johorean To Receive LKYEF Award
JOHOR BAHRU, July 30 (Bernama) -- Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi made history by becoming the first Johorean to receive the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship (LKYEF), a prestigious international award now in its 82nd edition, thereby raising the state's profile internationally. He is also the ninth Malaysian to be honoured with this award, which recognises capable leaders in public policy and leadership in the region. Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the achievement was not only a personal success for the Chief Minister, but also a source of pride for all the people of Johor.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor plans bigger KJH next year with Tourism, Majestic Johor
JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government plans to collaborate with Tourism Johor and Majestic Johor to expand the scale and reach of the Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) next year. State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the initiative aims to provide a broader and more impactful platform for local young entrepreneurs. Speaking at the KJH X National Pineapple Day event at Angsana Johor Baru Mall, Mohd Hairi said that the three-day programme had already attracted more than 250,000 visitors as of yesterday. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to Media Prima for organising this programme, which serves as a stepping stone for emerging entrepreneurs. "We can see many Johorean entrepreneurs, particularly among the younger generation, raising their profiles and becoming more competitive in the market. "God willing, we hope to organise an even bigger programme next year. Today, visitors were already arriving early in the morning. I, along with the Tourism Johor director, may begin early planning, potentially in partnership with Majestic Johor. "I also hope that next year's edition will feature Johor-born artistes," he told reporters during his visit to the KJH X National Pineapple Day booths, accompanied by Media Prima chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar. Yesterday, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup was reported as saying that the ministry was confident of achieving its 500,000-visitor target for KJH X National Pineapple Day. As of yesterday, he said, 50 per cent of that target had already been achieved.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Many thought Iran was evil — now they show support,' says Malaysian content creator
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian woman with family ties in Tehran says the recent Israel-Iran conflict left her worried for her in-laws' safety and struggling to stay in contact during the height of the missile strikes. Norazryana Mat Dawi said the missile exchange between the two countries in April was a deeply stressful experience for her and her family. The 40-year-old Johorean,who is married to an Iranian and currently resides in the Czech Republic, considers Iran her second home. "I couldn't believe it was really happening. For 17 years I've been part of the Iranian community, and we always talked about the possibility of war. When it finally happened, it was heartbreaking." she told the NST. Her husband's family lives in Tehran, one of the areas affected during the 12-day conflict. Although the strikes did not directly hit their home, the situation left the family anxious and on edge. "They were terrified. The attacks happened while they were asleep. Although the missiles weren't near their area, the sound of the explosions woke them," she said. The first three days were the most worrying, as her in-laws could not leave Tehran due to heavy traffic and road congestion. They eventually managed to relocate to their second home in northern Iran on the fourth day. Norazryana said communication also became difficult when the Iranian government restricted internet access due to fears of cyberattacks. "From day six to nine, we lost contact for a few hours. Iran only allowed access to their local intranet. Incoming international calls were blocked, and we couldn't get updates from Iranian media or our family," she said. She and her husband resorted to using a locally developed Iranian messaging app, although the internet speed was poor. A landline call from her in-laws finally reassured them that everyone was safe. As a content creator who regularly shares updates about Iran, Norazryana said the conflict changed how Malaysians view the country. "Before this, many were sceptical and thought Iran was evil. But after the conflict, especially after Iran responded to Israel, I noticed more Malaysians showing sympathy and support," she said. She hopes more people will understand the hardship ordinary Iranians face under international sanctions. "There are over 90 million people in Iran who just want a normal life. "They are struggling with high inflation and a weak passport. This conflict has only made things harder," she said. International political observer Nasaie Ismail said the April missile strikes placed Malaysians in Iran at potential risk, as key cities like Tehran and Isfahan where most students, workers, and businesspeople live, were among the targeted areas. "This naturally raises concern for any Malaysian residing in or travelling to these high-risk zones," he said. He added that while a ceasefire was eventually declared, trust remains fragile. "Iran sees itself as the victim in this conflict. Even though the United States and Israel have signalled a desire to de-escalate, Iran is hesitant to accept any ceasefire without clear and fair conditions," Nasaie said. Nasaie noted that Iran's domestic unity has strengthened post-conflict, and he expects the country's internal situation to become more stable in the coming months.
The Star
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Royal regalia reflect cultural legacy
HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim may now serve as King of Malaysia but his Johorean roots remain firmly woven into royal protocols, attire and traditions that set him apart from his predecessors. In Malay royal traditions, regalia are not just ornaments but 'instruments of authority' and symbols that convey a Ruler's source of power and sovereign rule. Johor Council of Royal Court president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli said each Malay Ruler has his own set of regalia reflecting the customs of his state. 'Royal regalia are instruments of authority, meaning that they exhibit the source of power of the Ruler. Each state Ruler has his own regalia, including Sultan Ibrahim, as His Majesty is also the Johor Ruler. 'However, there are subtle differences between his state regalia and that of the federal throne as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,' he told The Star in an interview. As the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim's official ceremonial dress is known as the Muskat, complete with a royal headdress, buckle and short dagger, which are part of the royal regalia. The Muskat is a long, black robe adorned with golden embroidery and its design is inspired by the traditional outfits of the people of Oman and Kedah's baju sikap – the official dress of the state officials. His Majesty often dons the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces at official events, reflecting his military background. — Photos from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page The King also wears a royal headdress known as Tengkolok Diraja, made of black songket embroidered with gold thread, complete with a royal buckle and keris. Affixed at the front of the royal headdress is a platinum ornament in the shape of a crescent and a 14-pointed star with Malaysia's coat of arms in the centre. Abdul Rahim pointed out that there are subtle contrasts between federal and Johorean royal traditions in attire. 'Although His Majesty's forefather Sultan Abu Bakar designed the baju Melayu teluk belanga, that attire is not used as the official ceremonial uniform. 'With Johor being a modern state, Sultan Ibrahim wears a tunic and military cap. His Majesty also carries a sword instead of a keris due to his military background,' he explained. As the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Sultan Ibrahim is also often seen wearing a variation of ceremonial dress representing different branches of the army, police or the Johor Military Forces, complete with berets. In terms of royal regalia, there are similarities and differences in the federal and state instruments. The royal regalia of the Agong includes two royal sceptres known as Cogan Alam (Sceptre of the Universe) and Cogan Agama (Sceptre of Religion). Cogan Alam, a silver mace measuring 162.66cm, is headed with an orb on which a crescent and a 11-pointed star made of gold are surmounted, symbolising Islam as the main religion of the country. The orb is decorated with the crests of the 11 states in the peninsula. These are also made of gold and supported by four tigers symbolising national bravery. The shaft features six stalks of paddy carved in gold. Meanwhile, the Cogan Agama is 155.04cm long and made of silver. The item consists of a large, conical head with a five-pointed star made of gold mounted on a long shaft. Quranic verses are embossed on the headshaft. Abdul Rahim noted that Johor's royal regalia also includes the Sceptre of Universe, marked by a crescent and star symbolising Islam, while the Sceptre of Religion has a head shaped like a betel leaf with the names of Allah and Prophet Muhammad written in Jawi. 'One key distinction since Sultan Ibrahim ascended the federal throne is the use of royal umbrellas. Previously, the kings were shaded with a yellow umbrella during ceremonies and the inspection of guards. 'But since Tuanku became Agong, this practice has stopped. In Johor, royal umbrellas are always closed as His Majesty feels that an unfurled umbrella creates distance between the Ruler and the people. He wants the people to feel close to him, true to the saying of rakyat dan raja berpisah tiada (the people and the king are inseparable),' he added. In another departure from conventional federal protocol, the practice of angkat sembah, where both palms are held together at the forehead to salute or greet the king, is no longer done. 'A simple bow is sufficient,' said Abdul Rahim, citing a long-standing Johor tradition that avoids hand clasping. Other differences can be seen in the royal court music – Istana Negara uses nobat while Johor relies on its military brass band for ceremonies and royal functions, another reflection of its modern roots. Even colour schemes at the federal palace have changed since Sultan Ibrahim's reign. Previously, yellow was the dominant colour at Istana Negara as it is traditionally linked to royalty. 'In Johor, blue is associated with the royal family as it reflects the colours of the state flag. Now, the carpets at the palace in the capital city have been changed to blue in a firm nod to Johor's identity,' he said. As someone who has served five generations of the Johor royal family – from Sultan Ismail to the present Raja Muda of Johor Tunku Iskandar (first son of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail) – Abdul Rahim said Sultan Ibrahim ensures Johor's traits are maintained even when His Majesty is the King. 'These are subtle but meaningful differences,' he added. While the regalia and royal customs may differ between federal and state, what remains constant is His Majesty's love for Johor and commitment to serving the people, both as their state Ruler and as King of Malaysia.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Playing in front of local supporters brings smile back to Tze Yong's face
KUALA LUMPUR: The smile is back for men's singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong after going through a tough time. Last year, the 25-year-old thought his badminton career was over when he was struggling with a persistent back injury. Tze Yong suffered the injury in the Malaysian Open first round against Japan's Koki Watanabe at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. After undergoing two surgeries, the Johorean still could not shake off the issue. Tze Yong though painstakingly underwent rehab and managed to recover and will be making his first appearance at home in the same venue in the Malaysian Masters today. In his element: A cheerful Tze Yong during a training session. —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star. He will face Hong Kong's world No. 21 Angus Ng Ka Long in the first round. Tze Yong is happy to be playing in front of the home fans again after coming close to giving up on the sport. 'It was a very difficult time for me last year as I was struggling to recover from my back injury,' said Tze Yong. 'Playing badminton is my passion but there were times when I thought my career was over. 'After two surgeries, the injury still did not heal and I was feeling confused. 'After undergoing rehab for a year, I slowly recovered and could compete again. It feels good to get to play at home again after quite long.' Tze Yong was forced to miss last year's Malaysian Masters and the home Open in January due to his injury. He shared that singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen's support helped him with his recovery and return to tournaments. Jonassen joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in January. 'The coach trusts me a lot. When I was injured, he gave me lots of support,' said Tze Yong. 'He helped to ease the pressure on me and thanks to him, I could focus on my rehab without worrying too much about my future.' Tze Yong made his competitive return at the Asian Championships last month in Ningbo, China, and also played in the Taiwan and Thailand Opens. He lost in the first round in the three events and is hoping to get his first win to revive his career. 'I'm not feeling any pain anymore and my movement on court is getting better, so this is a positive for me although I lost all my matches so far,' said Tze Yong. 'For now, I'm looking at progressing in each match rather than only the results. 'I feel if I can win one match, it will boost my confidence and I can regain my old form faster. 'Against Angus, I'm the underdog but I will go all out to try to win.' Meanwhile, Tze Yong's teammates Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh will also open their respective campaigns today against Ireland's Nhat Nguyen and Japan's Kodai Naraoka respectively.
