Latest news with #Leong
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sabahan artist's epic Kaamatan-inspired folio transformed into children's book
A close-up view of Leong's 'Pesta Menuai' children's book, featuring text in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Dusun. Photo: Rizo Leong In August 2023, Sabahan woodcut artist Rizo Leong exhibited an epic "art book" installation titled Tadau Kaamatan (harvest festival), which was showcased at the GoBlock: Senibuku group show in Kuala Lumpur. Printed on a long sheet of paper, Tadau Kaamatan, measuring 4.3m in length, celebrates the rice-growing journey – from ploughing and planting to harvest – honouring farmers' labour and the spirit of cooperation. In an art gallery space, it remains Leong's longest woodcut artwork. The 14-page book 'Pesta Menuai' covers the process of planting and harvesting paddy that is traditionally carried out by the entire community among the farming villages in Sabah. Photo: Rizo Leong Nearly two years later, the art folio has been reimagined as Pesta Menuai, Leong's first children's book – bringing Sabahan harvest festival art and celebrations to young readers through illustrations and storytelling. 'I turned it into a children's book because as a proud Sabahan, I want to keep our culture and traditions alive. What better way to preserve them than by teaching younger generations through stories?" says Leong. The book was released to coincide with this year's Kaamatan, the annual Kadazandusun harvest festival, and is available at the Arcane Literature and Kinderstories Hub booth at the 2025 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Sabahan printmaker Rizo Leong (right) alongside Memeto Jeck, a fellow artist. Both of them are part of the Pangrok Sulap collective. Photo: Rizo Leong Leong, a founding member of the Pangrok Sulap art collective formed in Ranau, Sabah, hopes the book will reach both local and international audiences. Written in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Dusun, the 14-page book also highlights the strong community spirit of Sabah's farming villages. 'I also wanted to write the book (in three languages) because as a culturally-diverse country, I feel it is very important to use as many languages as possible if we want to spread knowledge of our traditions for educational and illustrative purposes, especially in Sabah,' he adds. Pesta Menuai might be Leong's first children's book as a writer and illustrator, but he's no stranger to the genre, having illustrated the Alak series with writer Salhan K. Ahmad. Leong's 'Tadau Kaamatan' art book installation, measuring 4.3m long, was showcased at the 'GoBlock: Senibuku' exhibition at Cult Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in August 2023. It has since been adapted into a children's book titled 'Pesta Menuai'. Photo: The Star/Filepic Leong sees Pesta Menuai as a book for all ages – a Sabahan story meant for everyone. 'I think readers of all ages can learn and appreciate the book's main message, which is the importance of retaining our customs and culture,' he concludes. Pesta Menuai, priced at RM15, is also available by mail (postal charges apply). In Kota Kinabalu, you can find it at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and Ruang Tamu Ekosistem at Alamesra. More info here.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Forex scam: Dad drains savings to settle daughter's debts with loan sharks
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian family has been left traumatised after a 22-year-old woman became caught up in a foreign exchange scam, forcing her retired father to use RM150,000 of his life savings to protect them from loan sharks. The woman, known only as Leong, a recent graduate, invested RM9,000 — all her savings — into what she believed was a legitimate scheme. After receiving an early return of RM500, she was encouraged to invest further, only to be told later that a large "processing fee" was required to withdraw the full amount. In desperation, Leong secretly borrowed RM20,000 from 17 unlicensed moneylenders to cover the supposed fee, China Press reported. Unable to repay the loans, she and her family soon became targets of threats and harassment. Speaking at a press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday, Leong admitted she was unemployed and had hoped the investment would provide some financial relief. Her father, a 61-year-old retired bank employee with a disability, said he felt he had no choice but to settle the debts using his retirement savings when the threats escalated. Despite paying off the initial amount, the harassment continued. The loan sharks began sending him disturbing messages and images, including photos of their current and former homes, their vehicles, and even family identification cards. He said the lenders threatened to harm them if payments were not continued, and claimed his youngest daughter still owed RM70,000 in interest — a sum he could no longer afford. A police report was filed, and the investigating officer reached out to the loan sharks. However, instead of backing down, they became more aggressive, issuing further threats and warnings.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Family devastated after woman trapped in forex scam and loan shark debt
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian family has been left traumatised after a 22-year-old woman became caught up in a foreign exchange scam, forcing her retired father to use RM150,000 of his life savings to protect them from loan sharks. The woman, known only as Leong, a recent graduate, invested RM9,000 — all her savings — into what she believed was a legitimate scheme. After receiving an early return of RM500, she was encouraged to invest further, only to be told later that a large "processing fee" was required to withdraw the full amount. In desperation, Leong secretly borrowed RM20,000 from 17 unlicensed moneylenders to cover the supposed fee, China Press reported. Unable to repay the loans, she and her family soon became targets of threats and harassment. Speaking at a press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday, Leong admitted she was unemployed and had hoped the investment would provide some financial relief. Her father, a 61-year-old retired bank employee with a disability, said he felt he had no choice but to settle the debts using his retirement savings when the threats escalated. Despite paying off the initial amount, the harassment continued. The loan sharks began sending him disturbing messages and images, including photos of their current and former homes, their vehicles, and even family identification cards. He said the lenders threatened to harm them if payments were not continued, and claimed his youngest daughter still owed RM70,000 in interest — a sum he could no longer afford. A police report was filed, and the investigating officer reached out to the loan sharks. However, instead of backing down, they became more aggressive, issuing further threats and warnings. During the press conference, the father received messages accusing him of "disrespecting" the lenders by speaking publicly.
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Bursa Malaysia bucks regional trend to end lower, sans fresh local leads
KUALA LUMPUR — Bursa Malaysia bucked the regional trend to settle lower on Thursday, as selling pressure in selected banking heavyweights dampened sentiment, in the absence of fresh domestic catalysts coupled with an unexciting batch of corporate earnings releases, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped 4.50 points, or 0.29 per cent, to 1,518.98 from Wednesday's close of 1,523.48. The benchmark index opened 2.12 points higher at 1,525.60 and fluctuated between 1,518.38 and 1,526.94 throughout the day. In the broader market, decliners beat gainers 478 to 466, while 460 counters were unchanged, 982 untraded and 110 suspended. Turnover expanded to 3.30 billion units worth RM2.22 billion compared with Wednesday's 2.50 billion units worth RM2.03 billion. Apex Securities Bhd head of research Kenneth Leong expects that the key index may attempt to find stability above the 1,500 level on the back of potential bargain hunting, going forward. 'Still, we believe that any potential gains could be capped by the resumption of foreign funds outflow. 'Looking ahead, investors will be keeping a close watch on the second reading of the US first-quarter 2025 gross domestic product data to be released later tonight,' he told Bernama. Domestically, Leong said the key focus remains on the ongoing corporate earnings releases. Meanwhile, UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said the release of the latest US Federal Reserve (Fed) minutes proved pivotal. 'The Fed's reaffirmation of its cautious stance—highlighting persistent inflationary pressures and resilient US macroeconomic data—has effectively tempered market expectations for a near-term rate cut.' 'This recalibration in rate outlook translated into upward pressure on global yields, a dynamic to which Malaysia's banking-heavy benchmark index remains acutely sensitive,' he told Bernama. Mohd Sedek said the uplift in regional equities was underpinned by a US federal court's decision to block President Donald Trump's proposed 'Liberation Day' tariffs, which materially improved global risk appetite. However, domestic sentiment remained subdued, weighed down by profit-taking in heavyweight banking counters. Among heavyweights, Maybank gained three sen to RM9.87 and CIMB increased one sen to RM6.88. Public Bank and Tenaga Nasional fell two sen each to RM4.31 and RM14.08 respectively, while IHH Healthcare was flat at RM6.91. As for active stocks, Permaju inched down half-a-sen to one sen and Nationgate dropped 14 sen to RM1.44, while Velesto and NexG added one sen each to 18.5 sen and 37.5 sen respectively. MYEG was flat at 89 sen. On the index board, the FBM Emas Index slid 14.84 points to 11,382.33, the FBM ACE Index rose 42.82 points to 4,592.16, but the FBMT 100 Index fell 19.34 points to 11,142.02. The FBM Emas Shariah Index lost 9.68 points to 11,365.83 while the FBM 70 Index perked up 25.65 points to 16,332.31. By sector, the Financial Services Index slipped 64.33 points to 17,893.57, the Industrial Products and Services Index edged up 0.32 of-a-point to 153.02, the Energy Index put on 1.67 points to 708.18, while the Plantation Index added 1.40 points to 7,293.95. The Main Market volume improved to 1.56 billion units valued at RM1.93 billion against Wednesday's 1.34 billion units valued at RM1.80 billion. Warrants turnover swelled to 1.37 billion units worth RM164.04 million from 815.91 million units worth RM113.60 million previously. The ACE Market volume advanced to 364.60 million shares worth RM120.88 million from 346.43 million shares worth RM119.44 million yesterday. Consumer products and services counters accounted for 354.51 million shares traded on the Main Market, industrial products and services (317.02 million), construction (98.30 million), technology (235.43 million), SPAC (nil), financial services (70.33 million), property (170.33 million), plantation (14.93 million), REITs (88.90 million), closed/fund (2,700), energy (150.03 million), healthcare (36.24 million), telecommunications and media (56.54 million), transportation and logistics (15.65 million), utilities (34.86 million), and business trusts (23,400). — BERNAMA
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor must get its tourism sector in order before 2026
JOHOR BARU: With under six months to Visit Johor 2026, Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong warned the state must reform its tourism sector or risk wasting a major opportunity. Leong welcomed the Johor government's Majestic Johor campaign but said slogans must be matched by real reforms. "Johor has the potential to become the most vibrant and sustainable state in Malaysia," Leong said. "But let's be clear, we cannot do this alone. Private and public sectors must work together to create experiences, not just sell products." Leong urged Johor to move away from outdated models and tackle problems hurting legal tourism, especially illegal operators. "Licensed tourist guides are begging for action. Illegal Airbnb operations and multipurpose vehicles ferrying tourists without proper papers are running unchecked," he said. "These rogue entities are robbing the industry while the government looks away." He questioned how licensed guides can survive when undercut by unregulated operators and proposed making it mandatory for all foreign tourist groups in Johor to use licensed guides. "Tourism's success isn't measured in brochures printed, but in jobs created. If we want to raise standards, we must first treat legal tourism partners with dignity," he said, warning that morale within the industry is wearing dangerously thin. On the broader strategy, Leong said that post-pandemic traveller behaviour has shifted dramatically, with most tourists now planning and booking trips entirely online. "Visitors are not stepping into travel agencies anymore. Flights, rooms, tours are all booked online…everything's digital. "If we want Visit Johor 2026 to succeed, our strategies must be relevant to the times," he added. Despite the challenges, Leong remained optimistic. He said Johor's proximity to Singapore is an advantage. "With the right policies and better enforcement, Johor could be transformed into a garden city known for its space, hospitality and rich cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, unveiled an ambitious tourism overhaul under the newly corporatised Majestic Johor Tourism (MJT) Sdn Bhd. Johor aims to draw 12 million visitors in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026. The strategy, announced during the recent state assembly, signalled a shift from reactive to proactive tourism management, blending upgraded infrastructure with world-class digital marketing and global partnerships. "Johor is blessed with stunning beaches, lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage, but we must be honest in acknowledging that our tourism offerings have not yet reached their full potential," Onn Hafiz said. "We have listened to feedback, especially on social media, and are using it as a catalyst to elevate our standards." Onn Hafiz said MJT will lead the charge with a corporate structure, tapping tourism professionals to steer Johor's branding, promotional campaigns and international event collaborations. This, he said, would bring professionalism, agility, and global sensibility to Johor's tourism engine. "We are not simply launching another campaign," he said. "We are laying the foundation for tourism to become a sustainable economic driver that will improve the lives of Johoreans and puts the state on the global map." Criticism, he added, had played a constructive role. "Rather than take offence, we take ownership. The feedback has galvanised our efforts to rethink, rebuild and relaunch," he said.
