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Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
RTM unveils mega-budget ‘Srikandi' drama based on classic Malay literature, airing on Merdeka night (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has produced the epic supertele entitled 'Srikandi' to be aired on Aug 31, in conjunction with the Independence Month celebrations. Its director-general (DG) of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said that the special feature inspired by the classic masterpiece 'Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China,' published by DBP with the support of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Pahang State Secretary's Office, successfully produced a quality script. 'After more than six months of hard work since last October, including over a month of filming at various locations around Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, this project is now in the final phase of production. This drama is the first special epic story by RTM produced on a mega scale and using a film format with the assistance of FINAS. 'The film set of 'Srikandi' highlights historical locations and natural beauty, especially in Pahang, such as Jerantut, Kuala Tahan, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan and Pulau Tioman,' he said during a special meet-and-greet session for the film at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. Also present at the event were the DBP DG Dr. Hazami Jahari, 'Srikandi' director Wan Mohd Afzam Wan Daud, and some of the film's cast. Suhaimi said this feature is not just entertainment but also an intellectual work that uses modern technology to create a cinematic impact. He said the 'Srikandi' script is targeted for competition in film festivals and to be marketed internationally. Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Afzam said the drama, which combines elements of reality and fiction from the pre-16th century era, highlights the spirit of struggle and wisdom of Malay women through the lead character Siti Zubaidah. 'This special tale narrates the determination of Siti Zubaidah as a resilient woman in saving her husband, Sultan Zainal Abidin, from being kidnapped by pirates despite being heavily pregnant,' he also said. Besides Farali Khan, who plays Siti Zubaidah, the drama is also supported by Datuk Fauziah Nawi, Fauziah Latiff, Luqman Hafidz, Catriona Ross, Che Kem and Khatijah Tan among others, and it will be aired on Aug 31 at 9 pm over TV2 and RTMKlik. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No proof of MCA being sidelined, say Umno leaders
MCA president Wee Ka Siong together with leaders from other BN partners at Umno's 79th anniversary celebration on May 11. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Several Umno leaders have denied claims that the party is now prioritising DAP, a long-time adversary of its Barisan Nasional coalition partner MCA. Umno Supreme Council member Shahaniza Shamsuddin said MCA continues to be involved in Umno programmes and even holds positions in BN-led state governments, such as in Pahang. She cited the appointment of Temerloh MCA chief Wong Tat Chee as an assemblyman in Pahang, as well as that of former MCA Youth chief Nicole Wong as a special officer to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president. 'What evidence is there of MCA being sidelined? Even MCA president Wee Ka Siong attended Umno's 79th anniversary celebration. 'MCA should focus on strengthening BN to win the 16th general election and move forward,' she told FMT, dismissing the allegations as merely the personal opinion of certain individuals. Yesterday, former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said the party must assert its own direction in view of the fact that members were increasingly feeling that they had been left in the lurch by BN lynchpin Umno. He said MCA members were of the view that Umno was favouring DAP, the party's bitter rival. Ti said that it would be 'irresponsible' for MCA to abandon BN in its current state, but felt the party should strive to win seats in the next general election without relying on its allies. Meanwhile, Puteri Umno chief Nurul Amal Fauzi urged MCA to work with Umno to rebuild BN, which has seen a steady decline since losing its grip on federal power after GE14. 'BN is the best coalition to represent all communities and was widely accepted until the rise of Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional. We should be thinking not just about our respective parties, but about the country,' she said, calling on MCA to join forces in attracting young voters. 'Together, we must help them understand the importance of politics in ensuring national stability for all.'
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Durian farmers mull out-of-court settlement to shift focus on new land dispute
The Save Musang King Alliance said it is exploring the possibility of legal action against the new company which it alleges is encroaching the durian farmland. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) is considering an out-of-court settlement with Royal Pahang Durian Resources (RPD) to redirect its resources against a new company accused of taking over farmland. Samka president Wilson Chang claimed that a newly established firm has occupied farms without consent, evicted farmers, tagged trees, and refused to present any legal documents showing authorised operations. 'There is strong reason to believe that the firm intends to harvest durians during this season and profit from the hard work of local farmers, without any compensation,' he said in a statement. Chang said the group and its lawyers are exploring the possibility of legal action against the company to stop their actions and protect the farmers' rights. 'We reaffirm our core belief that the land is the lifeblood of our farmers, and that every tree represents years of hard labour and care. No corporation should be allowed to exploit this without consequence,' he said. He claimed that the new firm may be targeting control of some 2,400ha of farmland, exceeding the area previously contested with RPD. The trees and potential harvest involved are believed to be worth more than RM100 million. Chang said records from the Companies Commission of Malaysia showed that the company's directors are from Penang and Sarawak, and that the firm is less than a year old. He questioned how such a large tract of land could be granted to outsiders and called on the Pahang government to explain. He said that while talks with RPD have not fully met the farmers' demands, there has been 'meaningful progress' after five years of resistance by Musang King durian farmers in Raub. 'Among the gains are better pricing terms, including an increase in the price of Grade A durians from RM30 per kg in 2020 to RM35 today, and clearer grading standards to ensure fairer payments to farmers,' he said. He said negotiations with RPD are ongoing, and the alliance respects the decision of farmers who choose not to register with the firm. Last month, Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah emphasised that state land must not be arbitrarily encroached upon, and called for firm action against those involved. He also called for an amicable resolution, with all shortcomings addressed in a harmonious manner.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
How TNB is transforming rural communities
Tenaga Nasional Berhad is in the process of providing electricity supply to 25 villages located in Perak, Pahang and Johor. (TNB pic) PETALING JAYA : For many Malaysians living in cities, electricity is simply a given. But for thousands in remote and underserved areas, reliable access to power remains a challenge. To bridge this gap, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), in collaboration with the rural and regional development ministry, is driving the country's Rural Electrification Programme, aiming to bring sustainable, reliable electricity to every corner of Malaysia. Bringing power to remote villages TNB's initiative is currently focused on 25 villages across Perak, Pahang and Johor, with five villages already connected to the grid. A standout project is a micro-hydro system in Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, which will soon provide electricity to 210 houses and 10 community centres in 10 indigenous villages. This is part of a broader strategy to use a mix of grid extensions, off-grid solar technology, micro-hydro solutions, as well as hybrid energy systems to overcome the challenges of difficult terrain and dispersed populations. TNB's Rural Electrification Programme focuses on long-term sustainability and engagement with rural communities. (TNB pic) TNB employs modern technologies such as satellite mapping and drones to efficiently plan infrastructure deployment. By combining renewable energy options with community-based initiatives that involve training local residents, the programme aims to ensure long-term system maintenance and sustainability. Improving lives through reliable electricity Access to electricity transforms daily life – it enables children to study after dark, healthcare facilities can operate advanced equipment longer and businesses gain the tools to thrive. A micro-hydro powered village, for example, can sustain clinics, schools and small enterprises, opening doors to opportunities once beyond reach. In many parts of rural Malaysia, electricity also means better communication and connection to the wider world. With power, villagers access the internet, online education and digital marketplaces, narrowing the gap between urban and rural communities. A focus on sustainability and inclusivity Equipping rural communities with reliable electricity supply will provide residents with better access to helpful amenities and services. (TNB pic) In addition to immediate benefits, the programme is aligned with national goals to promote social equity and environmental responsibility. By integrating cleaner energy sources like solar and micro-hydro power, TNB is reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to Malaysia's climate targets. To address the high costs and geographic challenges of rural electrification, the programme adopts cost-effective renewable solutions tailored to each community's needs. Building a future powered by community Beyond infrastructure installation, TNB focuses on empowering communities through training and local engagement. This helps develop the capacity for system upkeep and repair, creating ownership and ensuring the long-term success of electrification projects. TNB's Rural Electrification Programme is an important driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Malaysia. By extending reliable and clean electricity to remote areas, the programme is empowering rural communities and supporting the nation's vision for equitable progress. To learn more about TNB's initiatives in rural Malaysia, visit the official website.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Body of 58-year-old man found in Sungai Pahang near Maran
KUANTAN, May 29 — A 58-year-old man was found drowned in Sungai Pahang at Kampung Paya Pasir, Maran yesterday afternoon. A Pahang Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said a fisherman found the victim's body floating at around 3 pm near the Kampung Paya Pasir sand pump. He said the department used an aluminium boat to retrieve the victim, whose floating body was caught among a pile of driftwood. The body was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation. 'The operation faced difficulties in launching the boat due to the soft, sandy terrain of the area,' he added. A total of seven personnel from the Maran Fire and Rescue Station were involved in the operation. Meanwhile, Maran police chief Supt Wong Kim Wai said the victim's body had been sent to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital's Forensics Unitfor a post-mortem. — Bernama
