Latest news with #Maghrib
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) Michael Wong Successfully Concludes 2-Day Concert At Stadium Merdeka
The past weekend saw a bunch of concerts, including back-to-back shows by Malaysian singer-songwriter Michael Wong, fondly known as Guang Liang (光良). The singer's two-day concert at Stadium Merdeka was a huge success and also earned the singer praise for a respectful gesture. Last Friday and Saturday (18th and 19th July 2025), Michael Wong held his 'Never Apart. Lonely Planet 3.0' concerts at Stadium Merdeka. The two-day show received a lot of attention from the start after the star announced that all tickets to the concert were uniformly priced at RM199. The generous move was to show Michael's gratitude to his fans for their love and support throughout his 30-year career in the music industry. The two shows were a success, with a total of 40,000 tickets sold for both days. Fans were also satisfied with the performances, as Michael sang all his classic love songs for more than three hours each night. Most amusingly, during Day 2, fans wouldn't leave the stadium after the show ended and continued chanting 'encore' despite it being after midnight. While Michael was flustered that fans wouldn't leave the hall, he continued singing for another half an hour. Michael also celebrated the success of his concert tour with a celebration banquet. During the event, he received a certification from the ASEAN Records for being the first artist to perform twice at Stadium Merdeka with full capacity and uniformly priced tickets. He also spoke candidly about how he fulfilled his promise to return to Malaysia and thanked the fans for their continued support. Interestingly, the singer and his concert also received praise for a respectful gesture. On Twitter, journalist Norman Goh revealed that both concerts started at 9pm to respect the Maghrib and Isyak prayers. The crew also paused the music at the venue during the Azan. Many netizens praised Michael and the concert organiser for respecting religion during the show and for showing cultural sensitivity. We congratulate Michael on the success of his concerts and his new ASEAN Record. We also share our kudos to him for respecting the prayer times. Check out some clips from his concerts below: Sources: China Press (1)(2), Twitter
AsiaOne
7 days ago
- AsiaOne
Woman loses husband in JB crash 3 months after miscarriage, Singapore News
In just six months, 31-year-old Miza Amira Ismail lost both her unborn child and her husband. She suffered a miscarriage in April - about three months after getting married. Then on July 16, her husband, Haritsa Zaihan, also 31, died in a road accident while on his way to work. "Our life together was very short... I had a miscarriage in the third month after we got married," she told Berita Harian. "Now, it's my husband's turn to leave forever. Maybe he will reunite with our child, Insya Allah (if God wills)," said the housewife who could not hold back her tears. Haritsa, a Singaporean, had been living with his Malaysian wife in Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru (JB), since their wedding on Dec 28, 2024. He commuted daily to Singapore by motorcycle for work. On July 16, he was reportedly involved in an accident along the Tuas Second Link around 8am. According to his close friend Syed Muhammad Hanafiah Syed Omar Almashore, the accident may have involved a bus, but details are still unclear. According to Miza, Haritsa was said to have died in the ambulance en route to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in JB. The case is currently under investigation by the Malaysian police as it happened in Malaysia. Berita Harian contacted the Iskandar Puteri District Police for more information, but was informed that the case was still under investigation and no official statement has been issued so far. 'Loving and dependable' Haritsa, the eldest of six siblings, was remembered by his younger brother, Imanulhassan Zaihan, 26, as a devoted and responsible individual who put family first. "He prioritised family, took care of his siblings and parents, and was loving and dependable. He never caused trouble for others," said Imanulhassan, the third of the six siblings. Though based in JB, Haritsa remained connected to his family in Singapore and would often attend family gatherings. "His ambition was not to chase after luxury, but to ensure that his parents and siblings lived comfortably. My brother was sincere, firm, but had a sense of humour." His father, Zaihan Sudar, 60, shared that Haritsa was skilled in reading the Quran and served as a part-time imam (prayer leader) at Masjid Firdaus in Choa Chu Kang. Recalling memories with his close friend, Hanafiah said: "The sweetest memory I have with him was when we handled his wedding together - he was very earnest. He once told me that he hoped his story would be featured in the newspaper. But not like this." The family is appealing for anyone who was travelling along Tuas Second Link between 8am and 8.30am on July 16 to come forward with information or dashcam footage. Haritsa was laid to rest after Maghrib prayers on the same day at the Kassim Noor Islamic Cemetery in Kampung Sungai Danga, Johor. "We just want to know what happened," said Ms Miza. "If there are any witnesses or recordings, we would appreciate their help." This article was first published in The New Paper . Permission required for reproduction.
New Paper
18-07-2025
- New Paper
Woman loses husband in JB crash 3 months after miscarriage
In just six months, 31-year-old Miza Amira Ismail lost both her unborn child and her husband. She suffered a miscarriage in April - about three months after getting married. Then on July 16, her husband, Haritsa Zaihan, also 31, died in a road accident while on his way to work. "Our life together was very short... I had a miscarriage in the third month after we got married," she told Berita Harian. "Now, it's my husband's turn to leave forever. Maybe he will reunite with our child, Insya Allah (if God wills)," said the housewife who could not hold back her tears. Haritsa, a Singaporean, had been living with his Malaysian wife in Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru (JB), since their wedding on Dec 28, 2024. He commuted daily to Singapore by motorcycle for work. On July 16, he was reportedly involved in an accident along the Tuas Second Link around 8am. According to his close friend Syed Muhammad Hanafiah Syed Omar Almashore, the accident may have involved a bus, but details are still unclear. According to Ms Miza, Haritsa was said to have died in the ambulance en route to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in JB. The case is currently under investigation by the Malaysian police as it happened in Malaysia. Berita Harian contacted the Iskandar Puteri District Police for more information, but was informed that the case was still under investigation and no official statement has been issued so far. 'Loving and dependable' Haritsa, the eldest of six siblings, was remembered by his younger brother, Imanulhassan Zaihan, 26, as a devoted and responsible individual who put family first. "He prioritised family, took care of his siblings and parents, and was loving and dependable. He never caused trouble for others," said Mr Imanulhassan, the third of the six siblings. Though based in JB, Haritsa remained connected to his family in Singapore and would often attend family gatherings. "His ambition was not to chase after luxury, but to ensure that his parents and siblings lived comfortably. My brother was sincere, firm, but had a sense of humour." His father, Zaihan Sudar, 60, shared that Haritsa was skilled in reading the Quran and served as a part-time imam (prayer leader) at Masjid Firdaus in Choa Chu Kang. Recalling memories with his close friend, Mr Hanafiah said: "The sweetest memory I have with him was when we handled his wedding together - he was very earnest. He once told me that he hoped his story would be featured in the newspaper. But not like this." The family is appealing for anyone who was travelling along Tuas Second Link between 8am and 8.30am on July 16 to come forward with information or dashcam footage. Haritsa was laid to rest after Maghrib prayers on the same day at the Kassim Noor Islamic Cemetery in Kampung Sungai Danga, Johor. "We just want to know what happened," said Ms Miza. "If there are any witnesses or recordings, we would appreciate their help."
Nikkei Asia
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Through the Lens: Malaysia's Mahathir turns 100 and Japan's emperor visits Mongolia
Mahathir Mohamad, one of the world's oldest living former heads of government, celebrates his 100th birthday. Born in 1925, he entered politics in the 1940s and twice served as Malaysia's prime minister, first for a 22-year term from 1981 and then for about two years from 2018. Mahathir Mohamad, pictured here at his office in Putrajaya on July 9, turned 100 years old on July 10. The former Malaysian prime minister still maintains a disciplined daily routine, which includes staying engaged in national discourse, meeting with visitors, writing and offering counsel on political affairs. (Photo by) Mahathir holds a watch at his office on July 9. As the country's fourth and seventh prime minister, he served a total of 24 years in office from 1981 to 2003, and again from 2018 to 2020. (Photo by) A collection Mahathir's family photos is seen at his private residence in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia, on July 8. (Photo by) Mahathir works at his private office in Putrajaya, on July 9. (Photo by) Mahathir eats breakfast at his private residence in Seri Kembangan on July 8. (Photo by) Fondant figurines of Mahathir and his wife Siti Hasmah sit on top of a cake at a birthday meet-and-greet in Putrajaya on July 10. (Photo by) Mahathir receives gifts from supporters during his birthday meet-and-greet in Putrajaya on July 10. (Photo by) Supporters take photos with Mahathir and his wife Siti Hasmah during Mahathir's birthday meet-and-greet in Putrajaya on July 10. Siti Hasmah's 99th birthday was two days later on July 12. (Photo by) Mahathir rides on a tandem bicycle, accompanied by his personal security detail, during a birthday picnic event at Putrajaya Lake on July 13. The event was organized in celebration of Mahathir's 100th birthday and Siti Hasmah's 99th birthday. During the event, Mahathir rode around the lake before leaving earlier than expected after reportedly feeling slightly fatigued. (Photo by) A supporter holds up Mahathir's memoir during a birthday picnic for the former prime minister at Putrajaya Lake on July 13. (Photo by) Mahathir supporters gather at his birthday picnic at Putrajaya Lake on July 13. (Photo by) Hundreds of people perform Maghrib prayers at the Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab mosque in Kuala Lumpur during a special prayer event held in conjunction with Mahathir's 100th birthday. (Photo by Faris Hadziq/AP) The special prayer event at the Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab mosque in Kuala Lumpur served as a moment of reflection and tribute to Malaysia's longest serving prime minister. (Photo by Faris Hadziq/AP) Mahathir performs the Maghrib prayer at the Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab mosque in Kuala Lumpur on July 10. (Photo by Faris Hadziq/AP) Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Mongolia from July 6 to July 13. The state visit cast a spotlight on the widely forgotten detention of thousands of Japanese soldiers and civilians in the last days of World War II. The emperor said he wished "to pay tribute to and ponder over the hardship of those who unwillingly lost their lives far away from their homeland." A motorcade for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako heads to a hotel in Ulaanbaatar on July 6, kicking off an eight-day state visit to Mongolia, the first by a Japanese emperor. (Pool photo) Emperor Naruhito plays a viola during a state banquet in Ulaanbaatar on July 8. (Pool photo) Emperor Naruhito talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in a ger, a traditional Mongolian tent, at the government office in Ulaanbaatar on July 8. (Pool photo) Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako talk with bereaved family members at the Dambadarjaa cemetery for deceased Japanese prisoners of war in Ulaanbaatar on July 8. (Pool photo) People wait in front of an image of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako ahead of a welcoming ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar on July 8. (Photo by B. Rentsendorj/Reuters) A crowd waits to see Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar on July 8. (Photo by B. Rentsendorj/Reuters) Emperor Naruhito and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh review an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar on July 8. (Photo by B. Rentsendorj/Reuters) Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watch Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh shoot an arrow during a traditional archery competition at the Naadam Festival held at National Central Stadium in Ulaanbaatar on July 11. (Pool photo) A mounted honour guard takes part in the opening ceremony for the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar on July 11. (Photo by B. Rentsendorj/Reuters) Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watch an equestrian competition as part of the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar on July 12. (Pool photo) Riders participate in a horse race on a field in Ulaanbaatar on July 12. (Pool photo) Emperor Naruhito speaks with the press after a visit to Hustai National Park, about 100 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar, on July 12. (Pool photo) Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave as they wrap up their visit to Mongolia, at Chinggis Khaan International Airport on July 13. (Pool photo)
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Free food cafe serving the poor closes after five years amid funding crunch
ALOR SETAR: A free food cafe that once served as a lifeline for the homeless and the poor has been forced to shut down after nearly five years due to a lack of funding. The cafe, run by Food Bank Malaysia, first opened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 at premises on Jalan Sultanah and had since become a fixture for free meal distribution. Its founder, Mohd Azrul Mohd Razak, 40, said the initiative started with food basket distributions after seeing how many people were struggling during the pandemic. "Many came asking for help. Some had lost their jobs, others became homeless. I also thought about those renting small rooms without kitchens. "They were hungry too, but had no place to cook. That's when I started turning the space below our office into a cafe where they could come and eat," he said. Starting with a small kitchen and help from friends, Azrul and a team of volunteers prepared food every Friday. They served rice, dishes, vegetables and either fruit or ice cream for the children. "Those who came were not only allowed to eat there, but could also pack food for their families at home, especially if someone was unwell and couldn't come. "We created a restaurant-like concept so that children from poor families could enjoy the experience of dining out, which they usually only watched others do," said the father of four. Azrul said the cafe saw a steady flow of 50 to 80 visitors each week. Preparations would begin as early as 3pm, with food served after Maghrib prayers until 10pm or 11pm. What made the cafe even more special was how it provided side income opportunities for single mothers and asnaf (eligible zakat recipients), who were paid to cook and clean. "This wasn't just a place to eat. It was a space to help more people whether they were hungry or in need of work to support their families," he said. However, since the beginning of this year, the cafe's regular funding began to dry up. Azrul said that from February onwards, he and his fellow volunteers relied on their savings and personal contributions to keep things going. "Last week, on July 12, that was our last day of operations. Once the money completely ran out, we had no choice but to close," he said. The closure, he added, was felt not only by the recipients but also by the volunteers, who had become like a big family. "This place wasn't just for meals. It was where they shared stories, laughed, and relieved stress. That atmosphere is gone now," he said. Each meal session cost up to RM1,000, including ingredients and wages, amounting to around RM4,000 monthly, a burden that became unsustainable without regular sponsorship. Now, although the cafe's doors are shut, Azrul and his team continue distributing food baskets to the best of their ability. "We use our own salaries and chip in a little each. Just so they'll still have some groceries at home," he said. Azrul said he truly understands the hardship of going hungry, having experienced it himself as a child. "Because I've felt hunger, I know how painful it is. When God gives more, I just want to give back," he said.
