Latest news with #NewStraitsTimes
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Police looking for driver of black MPV seen in video overtaking dangerously
KUALA LUMPUR: Those with information about a luxury multipurpose vehicle seen in a social media video overtaking in a dangerous manner are urged to contact the police. A 10-second video circulating on social media shows several vehicles nearly forced off the road as a black MPV dangerously attempts to overtake a trailer lorry. Bukit Aman Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the owner of the dashcam that recorded the video as well as those who witnessed the incident should come forward to help investigations. "We are also working on identifying where and when this incident occurred," he told the New Straits Times today. The video shows a blue Proton Wira and the the vehicle from which the footage was recorded slowing down and veering to the road shoulder as a black MPV is seen flashing its high beams lights while overtaking a lorry in the opposite lane. Yusri advised motorists to be patient and courteous when driving. "Always adhere to the traffic rules and avoid driving in a reckless and dangerous manner which puts all road users at risk. "We urge anyone with information on this incident to come forward immediately so that we can take action," he said.
!['Where will we go?': Elderly lament Penang Turf Club closure [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FPenangTurf_300525_1748652100.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Where will we go?': Elderly lament Penang Turf Club closure [WATCH]
GEORGE TOWN: As the final race at the historic Penang Turf Club (PTC) is held today, a quiet but heartfelt plea comes not for the horses or trophies, but for the people who call it home. Leading this plea is 83-year-old Tan Joon Long @ Tan Chow Kang, who, along with his wife, have been loyal patrons since the early 1980s. Tan, a retired Kedah executive council member, said they have been visiting the PTC since they were 39. "This place gave us a routine, friends, memories. Now, if it closes, we elderly patrons really have nowhere else to go," he told the New Straits Times during a recent visit to the PTC. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the Penang Turf Club committee, Tan urged them to reconsider the full closure of the 160-year-old institution. While acknowledging that horse racing on the track may no longer be financially viable, he appealed for part of the club to remain open as a recreational venue. "We understand that the club is losing money and attendance has dropped. The big trophies are costly and ticket sales are low, we get that. "But we are not asking for full-scale racing any more. Just a small area to stay open, so we can continue watching international races, like those from Hong Kong or Australia. We are happy just to spend time here," he said. Tan's plea goes beyond nostalgia. For many elderly patrons, the PTC has long been a second home — a place not only for racing but for social interaction, mental stimulation and emotional well-being. "Coming here keeps our minds active. We don't want to end up sitting alone at home, slowly forgetting things. "Watching races and discussing tips helps keep our brains sharp." Tan said he speaks for many elderly patrons whose concerns often go unheard. He had considered starting a petition but found the logistics challenging. "So I wrote the letter instead, on behalf of all of us," he added. In his appeal, Tan also suggested raising the entrance fee from RM9 to RM20 or even RM30 to help cover air-conditioning and maintenance costs. "We don't mind paying more, as long as the place doesn't close completely. "We know times are tough, and even those who raise the horses are struggling, but we're willing to do our part," he said. He also pointed out the club's value as a tourist attraction. "Penang is an international tourism hotspot. If part of the club remains open, visitors from other states or countries can come. It will benefit the state, too," he said. Founded in 1864 and relocated to its current site near Bukit Gantung in 1939, the Penang Turf Club is the oldest in the country. It carries a rich colonial legacy, is one of Asia's few remaining international-grade racecourses, and holds a special place in Penang's social and architectural heritage. The PTC recently announced that the full dissolution process is expected to take up to two years. While 318 out of 320 members voted in favour of closure at a special general meeting, public sentiment — especially among older patrons — tells a different story. "We sincerely hope the chief minister will speak with the committee," Tan said. "We know the final decision rests with the club, but we ask, please don't shut us out completely. This place is more than horses. It's our memory. It's our life," he added.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Coach backs Sivasangari to shine at British Open
NATIONAL squash ace S. Sivasangari is poised to reach new heights at the upcoming British Open, with her coach Ajaz Azmat backing the world No. 8 to deliver a standout performance in Birmingham. The 26-year-old Malaysian, who created history by making it to the quarter-finals of the World Championships in Chicago earlier this month — a feat last achieved by Datuk Nicol David in 2017 — is brimming with confidence heading into the prestigious Diamond-level tournament. ALSO READ: Sivasangari smashes history – ends Malaysia's 8-year World Champs drought Sivasangari, who already clinched the Cincinnati Open title this year, has been training under the guidance of former world champion and three-time British Open winner Gregory Gaultier in Prague since April. 'Sivasangari's game has matured under Gaultier. I'm confident we'll see an even better version of her at the British Open,' Ajaz, who oversees her training in Malaysia, told New Straits Times. She starts her campaign with a first-round bye and is expected to cruise past her second-round match against either Scotland's world No. 53 Lisa Aitken or India's world No. 56 Anahat Singh. Her first major hurdle is anticipated in the third round against Japan's world No. 9 Satomi Watanabe, who, like Sivasangari, reached the World Championships quarter-finals and recently made the final of the Palm Hills Open in Giza. 'Satomi did well to reach the Palm Hills final and will be full of confidence going into Birmingham,' said Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) coaching director Andrew Cross. If Sivasangari overcomes Satomi, she is likely to face Egypt's world No. 5 Amina Orfi in the quarter-finals — a rematch of their Malaysia Cup clash in November, which Orfi won. Last year, Sivasangari exited the British Open in the second round after falling to Egyptian star Nour El Sherbini. In the men's draw, national No. 1 Ng Eain Yow, ranked 12th in the world, also received a first-round bye. He will face France's Victor Crouin (No. 14) in a tough second-round encounter. 'Matches against Crouin are always tight,' said Cross. 'He had to dig deep to beat him 20-18 in the fifth game at last year's Singapore Open.' Victory could set Eain Yow up for a quarter-final showdown with world No. 5 Joel Makin of Wales. Meanwhile, Rachel Arnold (No. 19), Aifa Azman (No. 39), and Ainaa Amani (No. 48) will also represent Malaysia in the women's main draw. Rachel will play Egypt's Kenzy Ayman (No. 38), Aifa meets Zeina Mickawy (No. 29), while Ainaa faces England's world No. 25 Sarah-Jane Perry in their opening matches.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
'Better than ever' – Coach backs Sivasangari to shine at British Open
NATIONAL squash ace S. Sivasangari is poised to reach new heights at the upcoming British Open, with her coach Ajaz Azmat backing the world No. 8 to deliver a standout performance in Birmingham. The 26-year-old Malaysian, who created history by making it to the quarter-finals of the World Championships in Chicago earlier this month — a feat last achieved by Datuk Nicol David in 2017 — is brimming with confidence heading into the prestigious Diamond-level tournament. Sivasangari, who already clinched the Cincinnati Open title this year, has been training under the guidance of former world champion and three-time British Open winner Gregory Gaultier in Prague since April. 'Sivasangari's game has matured under Gaultier. I'm confident we'll see an even better version of her at the British Open,' Ajaz, who oversees her training in Malaysia, told New Straits Times. She starts her campaign with a first-round bye and is expected to cruise past her second-round match against either Scotland's world No. 53 Lisa Aitken or India's world No. 56 Anahat Singh. Her first major hurdle is anticipated in the third round against Japan's world No. 9 Satomi Watanabe, who, like Sivasangari, reached the World Championships quarter-finals and recently made the final of the Palm Hills Open in Giza. 'Satomi did well to reach the Palm Hills final and will be full of confidence going into Birmingham,' said Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) coaching director Andrew Cross. If Sivasangari overcomes Satomi, she is likely to face Egypt's world No. 5 Amina Orfi in the quarter-finals — a rematch of their Malaysia Cup clash in November, which Orfi won. Last year, Sivasangari exited the British Open in the second round after falling to Egyptian star Nour El Sherbini. In the men's draw, national No. 1 Ng Eain Yow, ranked 12th in the world, also received a first-round bye. He will face France's Victor Crouin (No. 14) in a tough second-round encounter. 'Matches against Crouin are always tight,' said Cross. 'He had to dig deep to beat him 20-18 in the fifth game at last year's Singapore Open.' Victory could set Eain Yow up for a quarter-final showdown with world No. 5 Joel Makin of Wales. Meanwhile, Rachel Arnold (No. 19), Aifa Azman (No. 39), and Ainaa Amani (No. 48) will also represent Malaysia in the women's main draw. Rachel will play Egypt's Kenzy Ayman (No. 38), Aifa meets Zeina Mickawy (No. 29), while Ainaa faces England's world No. 25 Sarah-Jane Perry in their opening matches.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Zizi Safira stamps her name on Sumandak hall of fame
RISING Sabahan singer Zizi Safira is often mistaken for Zizi Kirana (Nor Fazilah Mohamad Tahil) largely because they both hail from The Land Below The Wind. In a recent chat with the New Straits Times, 21-year-old Zizi said that even though many music lovers make that mistake, she admires her namesake who not only sings well but also acts and dances well too. AKADEMI FANTASIA "Truth be told, I hail from Tambunan and am of Kadazan-Dusun descent, while Zizi Kirana is from Semporna and she is of Bajau descent," said Zizi, who voted for her namesake during her days in 'Akademi Fantasia Season 7'. Zizi, the elder of two siblings, has been in the music industry for two years. She graduated with a business diploma in 2023 from Kosmopoint College, Kota Kinabalu. "I've always been surrounded by music as my family is musically inclined," said Zizi who lists Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Yuna, Jaclyn Victor, Marsha Londoh, Stacy Anam, Ayu Damit, Adira Suhaimi, Ernie Zakri and Aina Abdul as her favourite Malaysian singers. "Internationally, I'm a major fan of Celine Dion, Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars." BINTANG RTM Zizi won the 'Bintang RTM' crown in 2024. She subsequently participated in 'I Can See Your Voice Season 8'. "Last year I auditioned for Calpis Soda One In A Million (OIAM) but I did not make the grade." Nevertheless, Zizi is happy that one of her dear friends, Marygrace Jane Penserga won, and she has high hopes for Marygrace to become the "next big pop princess" from her home state. Zizi is a host, singer and dancer for the Information Department, and has been with them for almost a year. "I am a self-taught dancer, and I took singing lessons from a vocal coach in Tambunan," she said. Zizi has performed two Kadazan-Dusun songs namely 'Pinataam Ku' (2021) and 'Boros Ginavo' (2022). "My two Malay songs thus far are 'Hasrat Kerinduan' (2023) and 'Merana' (2024). I also have a new song in the pipeline, and I would love to release a full Malay album later," she said. Zizi has an interest in musical theatre and would be honoured to star in musicals produced by Istana Budaya or Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina's company Enfiniti Productions. "I am not that keen on acting, even though I'm a big fan of Malaysian dramas, and count Datuk Rosyam Nor as my all-time screen idol," said Zizi. Zizi is happy to be based in Malaysia, since she is close to her family and misses them easily. "But if I were to perform overseas, I would love to sing in Indonesia and record a duet with an Indonesian artiste such as Datuk Seri Rossa, who is my favourite regional diva." Zizi would love to sing in more languages, and right now she can sing in English, Malay and Kadazan-Dusun. She believes that being multi-lingual is a blessing for all Malaysians as this reflects the spirit of muhibbah and Bangsa Malaysia. 'MERANA' Zizi is busily promoting her latest single 'Merana' which is written and composed by Mas Dewangga and Jova Devito. It is an electronic dance music and pop song, and she hopes to record more songs in that genre. Zizi was active in singing contests during her schooldays and first performed on the big stage in 2018. "Reality talent shows have been a godsend, a great way to search for new talents, and without reality talent shows, Sabah's massive pool of talent would not have gone mainstream in Kuala Lumpur." Zizi has always followed reality talent shows since she was a kid but looking back, she prefers a lessening of the Short Messaging Servicevoting format. "There has to always be a balance between judges' marks and fans' votes because fans' votes often see truly talented singers getting eliminated early, especially those who are less gorgeous but more talented," she said.
