Latest news with #MovementControlOrder
Sinar Daily
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
'Abe Pajerolife' explores Peninsular Malaysia in old car
Using a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero he purchased for RM5,000 in 2020, Muhammad Harith Ghazali, 32, gradually modified the SUV during the pandemic into a "mobile home', complete with a sleeping area, kitchen, storage space and even a shower. 07 Jun 2025 12:01pm Better known as Abe Pajerolife among his TikTok followers, Muhammad Harith said the idea for his road trip emerged during the Movement Control Order period when his desire to explore the outside world grew stronger, but financial constraints pushed him to think creatively. - Photo source: Muhammad Harith via Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - A vehicle that is over 20 years old may be considered unworthy for long trips but for a young man from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, it became a loyal companion throughout his 26-day solo journey around Peninsular Malaysia in October last year. Using a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero he purchased for RM5,000 in 2020, Muhammad Harith Ghazali, 32, gradually modified the sport utility vehicle (SUV) during the pandemic into a "mobile home', complete with a sleeping area, kitchen, storage space and even a shower. Better known as Abe Pajerolife among his TikTok followers, Muhammad Harith said the idea for his road trip emerged during the Movement Control Order period when his desire to explore the outside world grew stronger, but financial constraints pushed him to think creatively. - Photo source: Muhammad Harith via Bernama Better known as Abe Pajerolife among his TikTok followers, Muhammad Harith said the idea for his road trip emerged during the Movement Control Order period when his desire to explore the outside world grew stronger, but financial constraints pushed him to think creatively. "I've always loved travelling, so I needed a way to do it without spending a lot. At the same time, I wanted to break away from my daily routine and explore new things,' he told Bernama. He said the vehicle modifications were done over four years, inspired by YouTube content from travellers abroad who converted their vehicles into mobile homes. Muhammad Harith said he had spent nearly RM40,000 to fully equip his Pajero for long-distance travel. The sum included repainting, engine repairs and interior modifications to ensure his mobile home functioned properly. "Only after that did I feel confident enough to travel around the entire Peninsular Malaysia. I started (my journey) in Perlis and made my way south to Johor, which was my last destination before returning to Kelantan,' he said, adding his vehicle did not encounter any major issue. Although the vehicle is fitted with a gas stove and basic amenities, the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak graduate said he preferred dining at local eateries as a way to experience the food and culture of each state. "I love eating local food because it helps me understand the culture. Every state has its own unique flavours,' he added. Besides discovering new places, Muhammad Harith viewed his trip around the peninsula as an opportunity for self-reflection, using the alone time to better understand his strengths and weaknesses. Better known as Abe Pajerolife among his TikTok followers, Muhammad Harith said the idea for his road trip emerged during the Movement Control Order period when his desire to explore the outside world grew stronger, but financial constraints pushed him to think creatively. - Photo source: Muhammad Harith via Bernama His entire journey cost around RM4,000, covering fuel, food, daily expenses and campsite fees. Sharing more about the experience, Muhammad Harith, who is self-employed, said one of the biggest challenges of being 'Abe Pajerolife' was making sure he arrived at each destination before 6 pm, as he is not comfortable driving at night. "Driving alone makes one feel drowsy easily. Since I had experienced microsleep previously, I didn't want to take any risk (during the trip). So, I would set off after dawn and aim to arrive (at my destination for the day) by evening,' he said. An avid camper, especially around Malaysia's east coast area, Muhammad Harith said during his journey, he also faced other challenges such as running out of electricity - leaving him to sleep in the heat - as well as contending with eerie disturbances in remote areas. For those considering similar expeditions, he offers this advice: "Start by building strong mental resilience because journeys like these are anything but easy, especially when you're doing it alone.' - BERNAMA More Like This
Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Dream turned reality with Shell LiveWire
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Team Brutti. The woodworking and furniture manufacturing business in Sabah is changing and at the centre of this shift is Shell LiveWire Malaysia's inspiring success story. Shell Malaysia's support structure has enabled young entrepreneurs to not only maintain centuries-old crafts, but also engage in sustainable business strategies that are redefining industries. Advertisement Brutti, a bespoke sustainable furniture company created by husband-and-wife team Lukman Awaluddin and Siti Faznur Khaleq, reflects this shift. Their endeavour has rekindled young peoples' interest in woodworking and furniture manufacturing, bringing out the value of preserving traditional skills while incorporating sustainable approaches. This has encouraged a new generation to see the industry not just as a viable professional alternative, but also as a way to help preserve the environment and cultural traditions. The impact goes far greater than individual success stories. The woodworking and furniture industry in Sabah is currently undergoing a favourable development, shaped by better young participation, sustainable methods and innovation. Advertisement The Shell LiveWire has helped to nurture entrepreneurial talent and provide the resources needed for enterprises to expand and adapt to changing market needs. As more young entrepreneurs emerge, such as Brutti, the business is expected to expand further, with a focus on sustainability, cultural preservation and economic development. Backyard beginnings to business What began as a small carpentry venture in the backyard with the simple goal of starting a YouTube channel has grown into Brutti, a company that prioritises great workmanship, smart design and sustainability. Lukman, who was born and raised in Kota Kinabalu and has a background in automotive engineering and his wife Siti Faznur, who is also from Kota Kinabalu with a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management, attribute their success to the transformative power of Shell LiveWire's support system. From the start, their goal has been to create pieces that are both visually pleasing and extremely functional, effortlessly integrating form and function with responsibly sourced wood. During the second Movement Control Order (MCO), their cleaning services business was hampered by restrictions. Faced with uncertainty, they made the courageous decision to enter an entirely new field with no prior experience. With drive as their guiding force, they dedicated themselves to studying through courses, workshops and mentorship from industry experts. 'It was during the second MCO that we found ourselves at a critical crossroads,' said Lukman. 'We needed to find a new, reliable source of income. Every challenge we faced became a stepping stone towards growth,' he added. Shell LiveWire unlocks potential The couple's journey took an unforgettable turn when they discovered Shell LiveWire thanks to the enthusiastic recommendations of former winners who were close friends. Inspired by the founders of successful enterprises such as Dumowongi, Tem Tem, Kebun Mama, Farm Tokou, Wagas De Asi, G1FT, Le Doux Coffee and Grace Creation, they viewed Shell LiveWire as more than just a competition. It provided an opportunity to grow, learn and contribute while making connections with like-minded innovators. In 2023, their participation in Shell LiveWire resulted in recognition as one of theTop 5 Sabah State winners, signalling the start of a new and exciting path. 'Throughout our participation in Shell LiveWire, one of the most valuable outcomes was the opportunity to gain more knowledge into our own business,' said Siti Faznur. 'The structured exercises, workshops and mentorship sessions provided us with tools to critically assess every aspect of our operations, from our business model and value proposition to customer engagement and financial planning,' she said. The programme pushed them to look into their business from fresh perspectives, helping identify strengths and areas for improvement. Whether mapping customer journeys, calculating unit economics or crafting their pitch, each task helped solidify their understanding of business operations and growth potential. During the pitching session, they had the opportunity to discuss their goal with a distinguished panel of judges. This was one of the most crucial moments in their Shell LiveWire journey. Standing before experienced professionals and industry experts, they communicated not only their business strategy, but also the heart and purpose of their job. 'It was not just a pitch. It was a moment of storytelling in which we expressed our passion, the challenges we had overcome and the impact we hoped to make,' said Lukman. 'The panel's attentiveness and insightful questions helped us feel seen and heard. Their constructive and encouraging responses confirmed that even a tiny idea, when supported by hard effort and purpose, is worth pursuing,' he said. This moment helped them realise their business's potential on a larger scale and gave them confidence to keep moving forward, serving as a reminder that every big journey starts with a small dream. The impact of Shell LiveWire's support system was instantly evident. The extensive media attention they received was critical in increasing their brand's awareness, allowing people to connect with their story, understand their principles and identify the heart behind their work. This exposure resulted in enhanced brand awareness and trust among current and potential customers. The media attention provided not only visibility, but also credibility, connection and community trust. Stakeholders, clients and partners came to see Brutti as far more than a product or service provider, but as an important and reputable participant in their sector. Beyond media exposure, Shell LiveWire enabled connections with other businesses. What began as casual conversations during networking sessions evolved into genuine friendships rooted in mutual support, shared values and common drive for growth. Many of these connections transformed from peers to partners, with fellow entrepreneurs becoming regular clients who support Brutti's services based on quality and purpose. The expansion milestone Brutti has grown noticeably since winning the Shell LiveWire competition, showing the programme's breakthrough power. They shifted to a larger, purpose-built industrial facility, taking a step toward expanding their operations in a more efficient and professional environment that matches industry standards. The new building increased their manufacturing capacity and provided a safer, more organised environment for their growing crew. With this expansion, they invested in better equipment, streamlined workflows and hired new trained workers, bolstering their ability to satisfy rising demand while maintaining quality and craftsmanship. 'We are proud to share that we have started receiving larger orders and long-term projects from corporate clients and prominent companies,' said Siti Faznur. 'This shift in our client base is a testament to the trust we have earned and the reputation we have built for delivering reliable, high-quality work,' she added. What began as a small operation has evolved into a scalable, credible business, reflecting the concrete results that Shell LiveWire's support system can achieve. Even successful Shell LiveWire alumni confront hurdles, but the programme's emphasis on constant learning and progress enables them to overcome barriers efficiently. Recently, Brutti experienced delays due to an unanticipated rise in larger orders. Instead of seeing this as a setback, they devised strategic ways to improve productivity and workflow management. 'This experience showed the importance of adaptability in our operations,' Lukman said. 'From fine-tuning resource allocation to improving internal processes, each step puts us closer to our objectives. 'It is an ongoing journey, and each day brings new lessons about managing scale, improving communication, and streamlining production cycles,' he said. This flexible approach conveys the core values that Shell LiveWire instils in its participants whereby they see setbacks as chances for growth and continual progress. Defined purpose through Shell LiveWire The success story of Brutti through Shell LiveWire offers insights for aspiring Malaysian entrepreneurs. 'Before starting any business, it is important to have a clear and well-defined purpose,' said Lukman. 'Understanding why you are starting and what you aim to achieve sets the foundation for every decision you make. Your purpose becomes your guiding light, helping you stay focused through challenges and uncertainty,' he said. 'Do not wait for the perfect moment or for all resources to fall into place,' adds Siti Faznur. 'Start small if you have to, but start. What matters most is consistency, dedication and willingness to put in extra effort. Even the smallest venture can grow into something significant with persistence and a growth-oriented mindset,' she said. They said continuous improvement is essential DNA for entrepreneurs, staying flexible and learning from every experience while always seeking ways to refine products, processes or services. Most importantly, they advocate surrounding oneself with knowledgeable mentors and industry experts who can provide invaluable insights and accelerate learning curves. Building tomorrow's future Shell LiveWire is much more than just a business competition or grant programme. It was founded in 2015 as a holistic ecosystem to help Malaysian entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses. The curriculum aggressively seeks entrepreneurs with creative ideas that will improve people's lives through environmental sustainability, social impact, and business innovation. 'Shell LiveWire is more than simply a platform. It is a powerful launchpad for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses beyond local borders,' said Siti Faznur. 'Designed to support startups and early-stage ventures, it provides an ecosystem rich with resources that are often hard to access in the early phases of building a business,' she added. Entrepreneurs are connected to industry experts and experienced professionals who may provide essential advice. Whether it is refining business models, assessing market dynamics or managing hurdles, having access to experienced mentors can be truly transforming. The platform opens doors to networking locally and internationally. By joining the Shell LiveWire community, young entrepreneurs connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners and collaborators who can help expand their reach and impact. In today's interconnected world, Shell LiveWire supports the vision of global scaling by promoting innovative businesses on international stages, helping them gain visibility and credibility in new markets. This long-term commitment ensures sustainable growth and continued support well beyond the initial competition phase. Shell LiveWire Malaysia operates across Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Peninsular Malaysia, ensuring nationwide coverage and equal opportunities for entrepreneurs regardless of their location. Five winners from each state receive seed grants of RM10,000, while five national winners compete for an additional RM30,000. The programme's structure includes three years of mentorship and business guidance, opportunities for supply chain absorption and retailer partnerships, plus access to a network of successful alumni and ongoing peer support. The success of Brutti and countless other Shell LiveWire alumni reflects Shell Malaysia's commitment to nurturing local talent and driving sustainable economic growth. By focusing on environmental sustainability, social impact and business innovation, Shell LiveWire is not just creating successful businesses, it is building a foundation for Malaysia's entrepreneurial future. Shell LiveWire Malaysia continues to seek passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to transform their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Join the ranks of successful Shell LiveWire alumni who are making meaningful impacts in their industries and communities. Your story of transformation and success could be the next inspiration for Malaysia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Registration for Shell LiveWire Sabah closes on June 23. Do not let this opportunity pass by. Register today at and begin your journey toward entrepreneurial success. Live your dream with Shell LiveWire Malaysia! * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Many are not taking their heart health seriously: Expert
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Dr Rowland showing how the heart works. CONSULTANT Cardiologist Dr Rowland Chin Wee Ming is convinced many Sabahans are taking their heart health for granted based on witnessing a steady increase in heart-related ailments. They start making drastic changes to their lifestyle only when the alarm bells go off – chest pains and discomfort when doing physical activity, pain spreading to the left arm, back or jaw, palpitations, fainting or difficulty breathing. When this happens the blockage in their arteries usually would have reached 70 percent or more, making intervention necessary, he said. 'Last year alone I handled between 6,000 and 7,000 cases, including outpatient clinic visits, inpatient care, emergencies and interventional procedures such as angiograms. 'I have seen a 40 per cent increase in my load over the last few months,' he said and attributes this to several factors, including greater awareness and improved referral systems from smaller hospitals like Keningau, Tenom, Sandakan and Tawau. But he believes much of what contributes to ischaemic heart disease – where blood vessels become narrowed or blocked due to calcification or fatty deposits – has to do with our changing lifestyles. 'Our lifestyle has been changing. We become more modernised and basically our diet quality has been reduced. We tend to eat more processed food, food which are high in carbohydrates or saturated fat.' Coronary artery disease remains the most prevalent heart condition he encounters in his practice at a leading private medical centre. This occurs when blood vessels in the heart becomes narrowed or blocked by cholesterol or plaque. 'I personally feel diet is very important. We must be very careful about what we eat. Nowadays we are busy that we do not have home cooked meals which are very important in maintaining a good, healthy heart,' he said. Besides, modern lifestyles also leave little time for exercise, while urbanisation has reduced available spaces for physical activity. Then there are the other factors like increasing rates of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and smoking. Genetics also plays a role. Patients with family histories of heart disease often have cardiac issues at a younger age. He said a growing number cases lately have been women and younger aduilts, especially after the Movement Control Order period. 'As for women, I think it is due to post menopause or hormonal changes playing a role,' he said, adding that heart attack symptoms in women also often differ from men. 'Their symptoms are atypical. They do not present like men having the usual typical chest pain or difficult breathing. Women's symptoms can be subtle. 'Maybe a bit of numbness in the hand or gastric discomfort or tiredness that could be underdiagnosed.' He cited the case of a 40-year-old woman who was misdiagnosed elsewhere and who was later correctly diagnosed as having ischemic heart disease. 'Traditionally, women are said to be of less risk but it is changing. We cannot just assume that women will be low risk. We must take case by case,' he said. In fact, different groups of people may have different risks for heart disease based on their background. 'Ethnic background can also influence risk. I have been to West Malaysia as well and over there Indians have a higher risk and often at a younger age. In Sabah, the Kadazan Dusun and Bajau also. 'It could be due to increased incidence of diabetes and blood pressure due to lifestyle changes which also put them at higher risk. But this is not set in stone. We still have chance to reduce the risk,' he said. # Daily Express reached out to the State Medical authorities on the situation faced at the Sabah Heart Centre at QE2, but received no response. 60-70pc patients require stenting Stenting, which involves inserting a small tube into a blocked or narrowed vessel and open it to facilitate blood flow has become increasingly popular as an intervention procedure. Dr Rowland said roughly 60 to 70 per cent of patients with coronary artery disease require stenting, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). 'Patients typically present with unstable conditions where chest pain becomes frequent and severe, often accompanied by symptoms like difficulty breathing. We call this acute coronary syndrome or heart attack,' he said. As a Consultant Cardiologist, he has performed over 8,000 stenting procedures and in the process introduced several advanced techniques in East Malaysia, including intravascular ultrasound imaging, rotablation and shockwave lithotripsy for hardened blood vessels. With such technology available locally, Sabahans no longer need to fly to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore for the life-saving procedure. 'These advanced technologies have revolutionised how we treat coronary artery disease,' Dr Rowland told Daily Express. 'With rotablation, we can drill through severely calcified blockages that were previously impossible to treat. 'Shockwave lithotripsy allows us to break up hardened calcium deposits, while intravascular ultrasound gives us a cross-sectional view inside blood vessels to optimise stent placement.' The importance of this technology cannot be overstated as heart disease cases continue to rise in Sabah. 'Many patients present late, especially those from the interior where screening is not easily accessible. By the time they come to us, the only option is stenting because they have gone beyond the stage where medical therapy alone would help,' he said. Dr Rowland simplifies the procedure by comparing stenting to plumbing. 'Our heart has pipes (blood vessels) that can clog up. As interventional cardiologists, we are like professional plumbers. We try to open up narrowed vessels using micro balloons and then we put in a stent to support the structure,' he said. He said stenting is minimally invasive unlike bypass which requires open-heart surgery. 'We access the heart through blood vessels in the wrist or groin area by inserting a small catheter, connect it to the heart vessel and inject dye to see where the blockage is. A stent is then placed to open up the blockage. The injection of dye is called an angiogram, which provides an X-ray image of the heart vessels, while Angioplasty refers to the actual procedure of inserting a balloon or stent. Bypass solution for multiple blockages DR Rowland said stenting is not always necessary. 'If the disease is very mild or if patient is stable with no chest pain, he or she can often be treated with medications alone,' he said. Stenting might also be avoided for the elderly, frail patients or those with multiple medical conditions like stroke or kidney failure. 'For those with limited life expectancy due to age or conditions like cancer, medical therapy might be the better choice. Besides some patients may not be able to afford stenting and angioplasty. Every case must be evaluated individually,' he said, adding that financial considerations also play a role. While stenting technology has advanced significantly, bypass coronary artery bypass grafting is typically recommended when the patient has multiple vessel blockages. 'For instance, if all three vessels are totally blocked, especially at the origin of the left main vessel, we would recommend bypass,' he said. He said bypass surgery is also considered when blockages are too diffused or when the vessels are extremely hardened, making them unsuitable for stenting. This is particularly true for diabetic patients with multiple blockages. 'Bypass is a major operation performed by cardiothoracic surgeons. It is a full open-heart surgery where surgeons make a midline incision, open up the muscle and bone and expose the heart. 'They then take vessels from the leg and create bypasses around the blocked areas,' he said, adding the procedure can take about six hours under general anaesthesia. Patients may need to stay in hospital for a week or even a month. 'In contrast, stenting typically take between 30 minutes and two hours and patients can usually go home the next day,' he said. While Dr Rowland has treated patients of all ages, his youngest patient was an 18-year-old boy with high cholesterol and a heavy smoker. 'My youngest female patient was a 23-year-old, also a smoker with family history,' he said. His oldest patient was a 91-year-old male with multiple health issues. 'He had triple vessel blockage, along with cancer, kidney failure and lung problems. After assessment, I decided to fix the main vessel and he lived for another six or seven years. One of his most challenging cases involved a 40-year-old female athlete with no apparent risk factors. 'She had no diabetes, no hypertension, no high cholesterol, was a non-smoker and had no family history of heart disease. 'Yet she had one of the most difficult blockages I have ever treated. It was hardened, 100 per cent blocked, calcified and in a winding vessel,' he said. The procedure took seven hours, split into two sessions, four hours to cross the blockage and three hours for rotablation. 'It required multiple wires and devices, extreme patience and precision. 'We had to be very careful since the vessel was windy, push the wire too hard or in the wrong direction and you might burst the vessel. 'We had to feel it, apply the right force and try to find the right path. Thankfully she is now leading a healthy life,' he said. Stent technology has made great strides Stent technology has evolved since its introduction in the 1990s. 'Initially, we had bare metal stents with no medicine coating. This evolved into drug-eluting stents, which have medicine coated around them to reduce the risk of restenosis (re-narrowing),' said Dr Rowland. Recent innovations include bioabsorbable stents that dissolve after about a year, polymer-free stents that minimise inflammation and drug-coated balloons that do not require stent placement. 'With drug-coated balloons, for patients with soft plaque, we can inflate the balloon, squash the cholesterol and remove the balloon without leaving a stent behind. We have always believed that the patient's own vessel is the best and will last the longest. About 60 per cent of patients in KPJ will use this approach if the narrowing is very soft,' he said. Dr Rowland is proud of pioneering several techniques in East Malaysia. 'I started using intravascular ultrasound in East Malaysia, which is like a hair-like micro camera that goes inside the vessel to see what is there. 'This helps us optimise stenting and make procedures much safer,' he said. He also introduced rotablation in the private sector in 2017. 'Many patients in Sabah have hardened vessels that are difficult to treat with standard stenting. Rotablation, which is like drilling, can open up these vessels more effectively. We were trained by Japanese and Thai specialists and this technique has saved many lives,' he said. In 2020, Dr Rowland pioneered the use of shockwave lithotripsy in the State, with training from a specialist from Brunei. 'This is basically a balloon to open up hardened calcified plaque. Under my direction we pioneered all three - intravascular ultrasound, rotablation and shockwave lithotripsy,' he said. Successful stenting procedures require a well-coordinated team. 'A standard procedure needs at least one doctor (the interventional cardiologist), one scrub nurse to assist, one circulating nurse who gives medicine as needed and a radiographer. 'These are the bare minimum four, but usually we have five to six staff for each procedure to increase efficiency and safety,' he said. He credits his team for their dedication. 'My nurses are well-trained, dedicated and committed to patient care. They have the most patience in the world and they can really synchronize with me. With them, we can overcome the most difficult and seemingly impossible cases. 'I must thank my angiogram nurses and radiographer who have worked tirelessly with dedication to help me over the last 10 years since we started their angiogram service in 2014. 'Everything is about teamwork, not just one cardiologist,' he said. While stenting is generally very safe Dr Rowland acknowledges that complications can occur in rare instances. 'The risk of complications is very low, less than 0.01 per cent. Potential risks include vessel dissection or perforation, stent thrombosis, bleeding, heart attack during the procedure, stroke or kidney failure. 'That is why we are very careful. We use meticulous techniques, select patients carefully, and provide proper pre- and post-procedure monitoring to minimise these risks,' he said. 'I am proud that due to our team of nurses and our meticulous care, our risk is very minimum, maybe less than 0.01 per cent,' he said. Despite the advances in cardiac care, Dr Rowland noted that Sabah still faces a shortage of specialists. 'All three private hospitals in Kota Kinabalu can now perform stenting procedures. Queen Elizabeth Hospital also provides these services,' he said. However, he acknowledged the need for more trained cardiologists. 'We are still relatively understaffed in terms of cardiologists versus the demand. We need to train more local specialists to increase our capacity,' he said. For bypass surgery, options in Sabah are even more limited. Most cases are referred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which currently has only one cardiothoracic surgeon. What to watch out for: Chin THE most common heart conditions that cardiologists treat include coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, heart failure and valvular heart disease, where valves become leaky, fail to close properly or become too tight or narrow due to age. 'If a person previously fit cannot walk more than 15 minutes and experience chest discomfort or pain or difficulty breathing or if they go up two stories or two flights of stairs and have to stop and catch their breath, they should see a cardiologist already,' he said. He said atypical symptoms like jaw pain, numbness in the left hand, persistent stomach discomfort, leg swelling and inability to sleep at night could also indicate heart problems. 'Every successful treatment or procedure is not about opening a vessel. It is about giving back someone's parent or spouse or child. 'Even in terminal cases, we give emotional support and often find that medical therapy can make a significant difference. 'I always believe in prevention. Early detection is always better than cure and treatment because if you catch the disease early, it is not too difficult to treat. 'You need to have a healthy lifestyle. That means you have to have a balanced diet, low salt, low sugar, more vegetables, moderate amount of fruit and whole grain,' he said. He also recommends not smoking, remaining physically active with about 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and controlling conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 'For those who are well, an annual health checkup is advised, particularly for those with a family history of heart disease. 'If you are not careful with your diet, it will definitely contribute to early heart disease,' he said, recommending home-cooked meals where possible. Throughout his career, Dr Rowland has witnessed firsthand the difference that specialised cardiac care can make. He recalls a case in his early days when, without access to intervention facilities, he lost a patient with diabetes and chest discomfort despite a month of medical treatment. In contrast, when they gained access to an angio-cath lab, they were able to save a younger patient who had collapsed during football by performing an angiogram and inserting a stent. 'He woke up and he is still healthy and well to this day. That is the difference. 'I truly believe we have played a significant role in setting up the intervention service in Sabah, whereas in the past we did not have it,' he said. His dedication to medicine was shaped by his experience serving in Beaufort in 2000. 'I was exposed to the rural difficulty and tertiary care difference like that. That made me decide I want to do something rather than just be a General Practitioner,' he said. 'With my dedicated nurses, we improve our service, get new equipment. Whatever overseas have, we acquire them, learn them. And I sent my nurses for training. 'It is important for nurses to go for training, which a lot of hospital management must understand that is important,' he said. The family man with two children credits his success to a supportive network, including his dedicated nursing team, his understanding wife who supports him during long hours at the hospital and night calls, his children and his mother who always believed in him. 'For me, the most rewarding thing is to come back to Sabah, use my skills overseas and give back to the Sabah people and contribute to the interventional cardiology field in Sabah, provide world-class service. 'For me, to be able to save someone's parents or spouse or children is priceless,' he said. 'My journey is far from over,' he says, expressing his commitment to ensuring that more doctors can become world-class cardiologists and provide the best care to patients in Sabah. Top student owes it to Yayasan Sabah scholarship As one of Sabah's top students in the SPM exam in 1990, Dr Rowland Chin Wee Wing is a role model Sabah scholarship recipient. Rather than seize the opportunity to work abroad for higher remunerations, Roland decided he owes it to Yayasan Sabah for the opportunity to graduate as a cardiologist specialising in intervention procedures – a skill that is still considered new in Malaysia. In doing so he was also living up to his mother's expectations who wanted him to rise to as high as his career choice would let him. His mother told him 'you will be great one day'. Thirty years later, Dr Rowland found himself doing great things. He specialises in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, with particular expertise in interventional procedures that can save lives. Today, he is one of Sabah's leading cardiologists. 'I was born in Queen Elizabeth Hospital and always take pride in returning back to Sabah. I had many chances to migrate, especially to Australia but decided Sabah is my home,' said Dr Rowland. He praised the current hajiji-led State Government's emphasis on scholarships as it was this opportunity that allowed him to pursue his medical degree at the University of New South Wales, Australia, among the top 20 global universities. 'Without this scholarship, I would be a nobody. I had the chance to become someone because of this scholarship. 'That is why, I decided to come back and improve healthcare in Sabah using my skills,' said Dr Rowland, whose parents are from Sarawak. A consultant cardiologist for 20 years, his specialised training began in 2006 at Sarawak General Hospital under one, Dr Omar, as Sabah did not have a cardiac centre then. He then underwent training at Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne, where he gained expertise in handling complicated cardiac cases. He returned to Sarawak in 2009 before coming back to Sabah when the heart centre was being established. In 2012, Dr Rowland together with Dr Liew Houng Bang, set up the first independent intervention service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, performing up to 1,000 angioplasties annually. In 2014, he helped set up the first independent intervention service at a private facility. Where stenting is concerned, he is among cardiologists who have done the most. 'Number is not important. What matters most is the quality of care. As long as a patient is safe, that is most important,' he said. 'What sets cardiologists apart from regular doctors is that we have the special skill and training to open up blood vessels. 'We can fix them within one or two hours and patients can potentially go back in the next few days. Last time they had to wait for one month or go to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Institut Jantung Negara.' Dr Rowland also does pacemaker implants for patients with slow heartbeats. 'When your heartbeat becomes very slow, we put in a battery to make your heart beat faster, this is called a pacemaker,' he said. Additionally, he conducts echocardiograms, which allow him to visualise how the heart beats, assess its strength and determine if there is heart failure.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Satay seller 'Abang Kataks' turns heads in frog costume
PASIR GUDANG: To stand out, Muhammad Nur Aiman Baharuddin sells satay wearing a frog costume. The 27-year-old from Taman Scientex said he wears the costume to attract customers. The father of two is assisted by two workers. They sell chicken, beef, and lamb satay daily, except on Mondays. "I used to work as a cook at a restaurant, and later as a factory operator. At one point, I was juggling two jobs—working at the factory during the day and selling satay at night. "But after the Movement Control Order (MCO), I decided to sell satay full-time as the business had become stable, and also following my wife's suggestion. "Because I wanted to stand out and be creative, I chose to wear a costume and picked a frog. I also use the name 'Abang Kataks' on TikTok, which was a nickname I had during school," he told Harian Metro. Aiman said he doesn't wear the costume every day or for the entire working hours. Customer reception has been positive so far, and he enjoys entertaining his customers, especially children. "At the moment, I operate from 6.30pm to 10pm, with the help of workers who grill the satay in front of my house. "At the same time, another worker and I go around on motorcycles, grilling and serving satay at our customers' homes," he said. Muhammad Nur Aiman added that as long as he can, he will continue selling satay as his main source of income.
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fauzy Wahad named new group CEO of WTCKL
KUALA LUMPUR: The World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) has appointed Fauzy Wahab as its new group chief executive officer effective May 1. In a statement today, WTCKL said Fauzy, who has served as the organisations' chief operating officer since 2019, helped lead the centre through the pandemic, including its role as a major Covid-19 vaccination hub during the Movement Control Order. He also played a part in the 2018 rebranding of the former Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), the statement read. With over 26 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Fauzy said he aims to strengthen WTCKL's position as a leading events destination in the region. "WTCKL is not just an international trade centre, we also want to be the country's top event infrastructure manager and support a wider diversity of events," he said. He said the venue now hosts a wider range of events, including concerts, festivals, corporate functions and lifestyle activities, including meet-and-greet sessions with international stars and athletes.
